Jamaica Bay, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the Northeast and a crucial stopover habitat for migrating shorebirds. Its 9,155 acres boast of richly diverse habitats including salt marsh, both brackish and freshwater ponds, upland fields and woods, and a constellation of islands stretching across the bay. Over 325 bird species have been sighted here in the past 25 years, and while migration time draws birds (and birders) in the greatest numbers, the refuge also provides valuable breeding territory for over 75 species: Osprey, barn owl, Forster’s tern, and many wading birds make their home here.

This year NYC Audubon has undertaken a number of projects to preserve, restore, and monitor this NYC wildlife haven. Our work in Jamaica Bay tackles environmental stewardship from multiple angles—by improving the habitat for the birds and other animals who call it home, and by helping New Yorkers learn more about this natural wonder in their own backyard.

Spring brings thousands of shorebirds to Jamaica Bay in search of sustenance, prior to their long journey to northern breeding grounds. Upon arrival, many rely on eggs of the horseshoe crab—an ancient species on the road to recovery from past over-harvesting. Jamaica Bay beaches serve as an important horseshoe crab spawning ground, and NYC Audubon scientist John Rowden has designed a project to improve breeding success. From April to July, local high school and public volunteer groups removed tons of man-made debris blocking access to spawning beaches, and counted over 2,000 horseshoe crabs and 19 shorebird species at selected ongoing monitoring sites. As part of NYC Audubon's TogetherGreen Volunteer Days program, volunteers also spent a day in April clearing invasive species such as Asian bittersweet from the refuge grounds.

Out beyond Jamaica Bay’s beaches, a series of islands provide a home to many of the refuge’s most spectacular breeding residents: egrets, herons, and ibis. NYC Audubon’s popular Harbor Herons project monitors the population of colonial wading birds on all of the New York harbor islands, which constitute a last refuge for many of these birds in the metropolitan area: In fact, our harbor colonies constitute a full one-third of the northeast’s entire breeding population. On Jamaica Bay’s islands, NYC Audubon Director of Conservation Susan Elbin reports a healthy population of 412 pairs in 2009, including great and snowy egrets, tricolored herons, and glossy ibis, along with many great black-backed gulls and Forster’s terns, among others.

2009 was also an active year for NYC Audubon’s Education and Outreach programs in Jamaica Bay. Local school groups participated in hands-on environmental study programs integrated into their school curriculums, and we raised awareness about Jamaica Bay’s conservation needs at dock parties with local boating groups. The annual Shorebird Festival (a joint project with the American Littoral Society and Gateway National Recreation Area) took place in August, featuring guided tours and an educational presentation. Finally, nature walks, birding workshops, butterfly counts, and even a sunset nature cruise took place throughout the year, in order to provide New Yorkers plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with Jamaica Bay’s varied wildlife.

Looking towards 2010, NYC Audubon continues with its conservation and education projects around the bay. Next summer’s Shorebird Festival will include more extensive tours and presentations, and is not to be missed—put it on your calendars!

To contribute to NYC Audubon’s efforts in Jamaica Bay and across NYC's five boroughs, please visit NYC Audubon's Secure Donation Page.

NYC Audubon's projects in Jamaica Bay are a collaborative effort with numerous non-profit organizations and government agencies including the American Littoral Society, Jamaica Bay Eco Watchers, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the National Park Service. NYC Audubon's conservation and education programs in Jamaica Bay are made possible by the support of NYC Audubon's members and individual contributors as well as National Audubon's TogetherGreen, funded by Toyota, and the Bodman Foundation.