“Friends of a Feather” invites families to learn about local birds

If you’ve been lucky to cross paths with local educator and naturalist, Jennifer Murray you know that she shares her love and knowledge of birds with a passion like no other. Her ability to excite people of all ages about our feathered friends is also unparalleled. That’s why each time we at Petite see a workshop or walk led by Jennifer and her Turtleback Environmental Education Center we immediately add it to our family calendar certain that each member of our family will enjoy and learn.

Lucky for North Fork families, Jennifer just announced a new monthly program where families can learn about local birds, and how to protect them, including through community science projects.

“It brings participants closer to the lives of birds, towards an understanding of why we should protect them, and how to help our local bird populations,” Jennifer shared. “We will focus on a different bird or group of birds each month and together learn basic bird identification and the role the bird(s) play in our ecological environment.”

Developed with families in mind, these monthly programs, which will begin mid-October and run through the spring of next year, will also include a hike to seek out specific birds, and possibly a craft or other hands-on workshop.

Each program will take place at one of the North Fork’s State Parks: Hallock State Park Preserve in Riverhead or Orient Beach State Park in Orient. Be sure to check the full program lineup here for specific details such as location and timing for each event.

The “Friends of a Feather” program kicks off on Saturday, October 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Orient Beach State Park with the topic of migration.

At the program opener, attendees will “Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by observing raptors and other migrating birds at Orient Beach State Park,” said Jennifer. “We will learn how to use binoculars and guidebooks, identify birds, learn how to protect birds during migration and make a simple bird craft. Participants will receive a bird decal to help prevent window collisions at home, a raptor identification guide, stickers, and more.”

Program attendees of every age should dress in layers as the weather temperatures can fluctuate drastically within a couple of hours. Shoes appropriate for hiking uneven terrain should also be worn.

“We often visit the shoreline which can easily be ten degrees or more cooler than weather apps predict,” Jennifer added. “An additional windbreaker or extra layer and hat are always recommended in autumn. As for gear, binoculars and field guides are recommended but optional, plus we also have a few sets to borrow.”

There is no cost to attend this program but be sure to register for each month’s session by emailing jennifer.murray@parks.ny.gov so that you may be notified of cancellations due to inclement weather or a change of location due to unforeseen circumstances such as trail closures.

While “Friends of a Feather” is a free program, supporting our state parks is crucial. 

“The North Fork state parks offer free bird walks and other programs to connect the community to their state parks, to learn more about the rare and diverse habitats of the North Fork, and to appreciate why it is important to preserve our wild spaces that remain,” explained Jennifer. “By paying park fees and contributing directly to the state parks, you directly support future programs and the maintenance of your state parks.”

Through this program and her wider environmental education, Jennifer hopes that families will develop a broader appreciation for birds, a deeper understanding of the roles birds play in our local environment, and become active participants in community science and recovery efforts, including habitat restoration. 

View all of Turtleback Environmental Education Center’s upcoming programs by visiting turtlebackconservationcenter.com.