a bad month for living things
I try to start each month with at least one outing planned to see some wildlife, both out of my own desires and also so that I can recap what I saw in this newsletter. In January, I had two of these outings planned, but when the weekend came up there was a snowstorm and I was feeling extremely worn-down. So I didn’t go.
When I wracked my brain to think about the wildlife I did see this past month, only one individual creature comes to mind. I think about the cockroach that died sometime in my building’s stairwell in December and has remained there, elegantly sprawled on the tile, ever since. At first I refused to dispose of the roach because I thought it would be a good way of testing how often my building’s stairwell is cleaned (the answer appears to be never). Now, the cockroach has become a touchpoint of sorts—something I look out for as I ascend the steps. Oh, I think. We’re both still here.
The last two weeks, my mental state has continuously ricocheted between fear, fury, and grief. I hate it! I’m sure this is true for many of us, and I have no new insight to share about how bad it’s feeling now and how much worse it’s going to get.
To help steel myself for many more of these emotional troughs, I’ve been listening to Barry Lopez audiobooks and, unsurprisingly, found so much heart in his words. As Lopez writes in Embrace Fearlessly the Burning World, “If we are to manage the havoc—ocean acidification, corporate malfeasance and government corruption, endless war—we have to reimagine what it means to live lives that matter, or we will only continue to push on with the unwarranted hope that things will work out. We need to step into a deeper conversation about enchantment and agape, and to actively explore a greater capacity to love other humans. The old ideas—the crushing immorality of maintaining the nation-state, the life-destroying belief that to care for others is to be weak, and that to be generous is to be foolish—can have no future with us.” Barry!!! I do love a contemplative man whose prose is full of absolute heaters.
If you’re looking for a distraction from all of this turmoil, I did an very fun (and often gross) Q&A at Defector with researcher Elaine Powers, who explains how and why so many animals eat poop. This weekend, I’m going to get out this weekend with some people I love and try to see some seals. February has plenty of creatures in store for all of you, including the aforementioned seals and winter waterfowl, including a DIY commemorative USPS duck stamp event? How cool! And happy Lunar New Year to all of you. 🐍
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UPDATED FEB 9
February
🦅 Eaglefest at Wave Hill: Sat Feb 1 @ 10am. Join Hannah Kirshenbaum of NYC Queer Birders and other fellow birding enthusiasts on our Kate French Terrace where we'll keep our eyes on the skies for bald eagles and other birds of prey soaring along the river. Admission to Wave Hill is $10.
🌳 Coney Island Street Tree Care and Coastal Cleanup: Sat Feb 1 @ 10am. Come work with NYC Parks Stewardship to care for local street trees and coastline! Volunteers will learn how to aerate, cultivate, mulch, and identify street trees and help us remove the debris from the coastline creating a healthier ecosystem. Registration required.
🦆 Winter Birds in Silver Lake Park: Sat Feb 1 @ 11am. Join us on this Ranger led walk along the trails identifying various woodland birds and winter waterfowl.
❄️ Winter Sensory Perception Hike in Canarsie Park: Sat Feb 1 @ 11am. Explore the sights, sounds, smells and feel of winter on this exploratory hike. Connect with nature in fun and new ways while learning more about the season.
🐢 World Wetlands Day Celebration at Idlewild Park: Sat Feb 1 @ 12:30am. Come celebrate World Wetlands Day in Queens. Hear from fellows at the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and play EcoBingo: Wetlands for a chance to win a prize!
🐿️ Wildlife Viewing - Winter Wildlife at Riverside Park. Sat Feb 1 @ 1pm. Hundreds of animal species spend their winters in New York City parks. Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife viewing adventure.
🪵🐦 All About Woodpeckers: Sun Feb 2 @ 10am. Join the Urban Park Rangers as they guide you through the forest of Alley Pond Park while highlighting the signs and tracks of woodpeckers. There are many species that can be seen (and heard) on our trails.
🦫 Groundhog Day Hibernation Hike: Sun Feb 2 @ 10am. Did Staten Island Chuck see his shadow this morning? Find out on this hike while learning more about how other animal species spend their winters in New York City parks. Learn how birds, groundhogs, squirrels, chipmunks and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife viewing adventure, followed by games and activities.
🌾 Volunteer Landscaping and Cleanup at the Ridgewood Reservoir: Sun Feb 2 @ 10am. Join NYC H2O and the NYC Parks Department as we remove invasive plants and plant native plants at Ridgewood Reservoir! Registration required.
🦆 Winter Waterfowl at Van Cortlandt Park: Sun Feb 2 @ 1pm. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots in New York City to see winter waterfowl. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
🦆 Birding at Freshkills North Park with Anthony Ciancimino: Sat Feb 8 @ 8am. Join Staten Island resident Anthony Ciancimino for a tour of Freshkills Park’s North Park. This park is a beautiful oasis of wetlands and grasslands, where you can expect to see a wide variety of wintering waterfowl, raptors, and sparrows. Registration encouraged.
🦅 Winter Birding at Shirley Chisholm State Park with Outdoor Afro: Sat Feb 8 @ 10am. Join NYC Bird Alliance and Outdoor Afro to explore the largest state park in New York City, Shirley Chisholm State Park! Built on what was once a landfill, the park is now a thriving spot full of wildlife, including hawks, waterfowl, wetlands, and native plants. Registration encouraged.
🐦⬛ Park Pals at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: Sat Feb 8 @ 10:30am. This month, we will explore how animals stay warm and cozy through the winter at Jamaica Bay, including wintering waterfowl paddling through icy waters, birds and butterflies migrating south, and the special fur and feathers of our animal friends who stay behind. **Register here. This event is for kids.
🐝 Pre-Valentines Day "Bee Mine" Exploration and Craft in Staten Island: Sat Feb 8 @ 11am. Join the Urban Park Rangers in learning more about bees while creating a buzz with a craft for a loved one.
🦭 Seal Exploration in Pelham Bay Park: Sat Feb 8 @ 2pm. New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Winter is an amazing time of year to observe seals in the Long Island Sound. You may be surprised by what looks like a rock in the distance, is actually a healthy seal.
🐦 Bilingual Birding / Observación de aves bilingüe con Latino Outdoors: Sun Feb 9 @ 10am. Latino Outdoors NYC and NYC Bird Alliance are teaming up for a bilingual birding and Black history walk at Van Cortlandt Park! Coffee, hot coco, and empanadas will be provided at the start. We'll have binoculars to borrow and a few prizes to raffle off to participants!
🐞 Bug Buddies at the Queens County Farm Museum: Sun Feb 9 @ 11am. Calling all bug enthusiasts for a monthly Bug Buddies program with our STEM Coordinator and resident bug expert, Keith McManus! All classes are hands-on, exploratory, and include a related activity. This month focuses on edible insects, benefits and history. Best for kids.
🦆 Winter Waterfowl Stamp Art in Kissen Park, Queens: Every year, the Federal Duck Stamp Contest draws thousands of entries for the chance to design the stamp that serves as both a pass for national wildlife refuges and a migratory bird hunting license. Join the Rangers to learn more about the history of bird conservation in the United States, a walk around Kissena Lake to find inspiration, and to design your very own duck stamp.
🌱 Community Ecology Reading Group in Central Park: Thurs Feb 13 @ 6pm. The Community Ecology Reading Group has been meeting for over a year, exploring trees, wildlife, waterways and more, and compiling a reading list on community ecology. In this meet-up, we'll make community ecology zines with the texts and images that have inspired us the most. Bring excerpts, and other crafting materials will be provided.
🦅 Bald Eagle Watch in Inwood Hill Park: Sat Feb 15 @ 10am. Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers.
🐦 Gullentines Day with Feminist Bird Club NYC: Sat Feb 15 @ 10am. Ease a broken heart or celebrate your sweeties with Ryan, Jen, and Martha on February 15, 2025 for our annual frenzy of gull appreciation! Join waitlist.
🦅 Bald Eagle Watch in Riverdale Park: Sat Feb 15 @ 11am. Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers.
🦴 Fossil Exploration in Staten Island: Sat Feb 15 @ 11am. Join the Urban Park Rangers on a trek in Wolfe’s Pond Park to observe the fossiliferous stones at the edge of the ocean. Learn about fossil identification and put your skills to the test!
🌱 Plants and Architecture Exploration in Fort Greene Park: Sat Feb 15 @ 11am. Follow the Urban Park Rangers in finding parallels between city architecture and plants! Take a plant ID walk and compare plant structures to their man-made counterparts. Finish with a diagram/drawing activity.
🦆 Winter Birding on Governors Island: Sat Feb 15 @ 2pm. Meet the winter birds of Governors Island! Nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on the island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. The group will meet at 2:00 PM on Governors Island at the Soissons Ferry Landing. Registration required. Limited to 20.
🐦 All About Pigeons in Staten Island: Sun Feb 16 @ 11pm. Pigeons are among some of the most abundant species of birds in our city. Learn more about what makes these birds so unique and interesting. With hands-on activities, birdwatching tips, and historic insights, you'll gain a new appreciation for the pigeons that share our parks and streets.
🌊 Coastal Ecology and Resilience Walk in Rockaway Beach: Sun Feb 16 @ 11am. Join the Urban Park Rangers as we explore the urban coastal ecosystem of Rockaway Beach. We will discuss the importance of our disappearing coral reefs and building artificial reefs.
🐦 You Gotta Love Birds in Marine Park: Sun Feb 16 @ 12pm. With Valentines Day in our rear view mirror, let's take a deeper look into the love lives of birds. Learn about courtship rituals, nest-building, parenting and other things birds do to attract and keep their mates.
🌳 Nature Exploration Hike in Central Park: Sun Feb 16 @ 1pm. On Nature Exploration hikes, we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest.
🐦⬛ Black History Month - Science Fiction and the Natural World: Sun Feb 16 @ 4:30pm. Explore the connection between the natural world and science fiction with this storytelling hike and fire-side chat. Listen to the works of Octavia Butler while walking the trails at dusk. Afterwards, cozy up to the fire and share your thoughts!
🐿️ Kids' Nature Scavenger Hunt in Brooklyn Bridge Park: Tues Feb 18 @ 11am. Set sail through Brooklyn’s winter flora and fauna on a wild scavenger hunt! For kids.
🦅 Kids’ Birds of Play in Crotona Park: Weds Feb 19 @ 1pm. Join the Rangers and learn how birds fly, design your own paper “bird-plane,” and compete to see who rules the skies! For kids.
🦫 Kids’ Hibernation Staycation in Fort Greene Park: Fri Feb 21 @ 11am. Join the Urban Park Rangers at the Fort Greene Visitor Center for an afternoon by a nice warm fire. Check out some of the furs that keep our native animals warm in winter and learn all about hibernation. Blankets encouraged. For kids.
🐍 Kids Week - Meet the Critters in Staten Island: Fri Feb 21 @ 1pm. kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way. From stick bugs to snakes, meet the animals that call the Blue Heron Nature Center their home. For kids.
🦭 Seal Exploration at Pelham Bay Park: Sat Feb 22 @ 12pm. Winter is an amazing time of year to observe seals in the Long Island Sound. You may be surprised by what looks like a rock in the distance, is actually a healthy seal.
🐦 Winter Birding at Pelham Bay Park with Richard Aracil: Sun Feb 23 @ 9am. Join NYC Bird Alliance to explore New York City's largest park! Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadow.
🦆 Winter Waterfowl at Manhattan Beach Park: Sun Feb 23 @ 11am. Join us as we spot some of the migratory waterfowl that spend the winter with us.
🦆 Birding in the Midtown Greenway with EsplanadeFriends: Sun Feb 23 @ 11am. Join NYC Bird Alliance and EsplanadeFriends to discover the East River Esplanade through the newly opened East Midtown Greenway! This green corridor spans from 53rd to 61st Street. Join us as we explore this new public space in search of water birds swimming in and flying over the East River.
🦉 Owls in Van Cortlandt Park: Sun Feb 23 @ 4pm. Learn more about the various species of owls found in our parks and hopefully be lucky enough to spot them.
March
🐦🏳️🌈 Queer Birders 5th Bird-iversary: Sat March 1 @ 8pm. This is a celebration (no actual birds here) of Queer Birders, ft. drag show and live DJ. Tickets sliding scale, $15-30.
🌾 Volunteer Landscaping and Cleanup at the Ridgewood Reservoir: Sun March 2 @ 10am. Join NYC H2O and the NYC Parks Department as we remove invasive plants and plant native plants at Ridgewood Reservoir! Registration required.
🐦 Spring Migration in Central Park: Sun March 2 @ 1pm. Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Central Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
🦆 Winter Birding at Floyd Bennett Field with Heydi Lopes: Sat March 8 @ 9am. Join NYC Bird Alliance at Floyd Bennett Field, one of NYC's top spots for spotting winter wildlife. This former airfield-turned-natural haven offers a variety of habitats, making it the perfect place to spot winter visitors like shovelers, scoters, and mergansers. Registration required, capped at 30.
🐦 Beginner Birding at Van Cortlandt Nature Center: Sat March 8 @ 10am. Come explore Van Cortlandt Park and learn how to ID common birds found throughout the city.
🏖️ Canarsie Beach Cleanup: Sat March 8 @ 10am. Join NYC H2O for a volunteer cleanup at Canarsie Beach in Brooklyn. Located within the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area, Canarsie Beach and salt marsh also remain hotspots for marine wildlife and birds.
🦉 Park Pals at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: Sat March 8 @ 10:30am. In light of the upcoming equinox, when day and night become the same length, we will learn about nocturnal animals at Jamaica Bay, such as bats, owls, moths, and horseshoe crabs. Registration details TBD. This event is for kids.
🐦 Beginner Birding in Springfield Park: Sat March 8 @ 12am. Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Springfield Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
🦆 Winter Birding at Alley Pond Park with Woo Sung Park: Sun March 9 @ 8am. Alley Pond Park is an ecological treasure. Containing both fresh and saltwater wetlands, forests, tidal flats, meadows, and glacier-formed landscape, it's a prime spot for winter visitors like waterfowl, sparrows, and hawks. Join NYC Bird to discover this green space for yourself!
🐦 Winter Birding at Pelham Bay Park with Jack Rothman: Sun March 9 @ 9am. Join NYC Bird Alliance to explore New York City's largest park! Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat for a variety of migrating birds.
🐞 Bug Buddies at the Queens County Farm Museum: Sun March 9 @ 11am. Calling all bug enthusiasts for a monthly Bug Buddies program with our STEM Coordinator and resident bug expert, Keith McManus! All classes are hands-on, exploratory, and include a related activity. This month focuses on silkworms and metamorphosis. Best for kids.
Ongoing:
🦭 Urban Naturalist Tour: Seals, Seabirds and Winter Wildlife: Join host Russell Jacobs in a 2.75-hour sunset cruise exploring the NYC winter wildlife and history of Lower NY harbor, the NYC skyline, and the obscure islands of Hoffman and Swinburne Islands just beyond the Verrazzano Bridge! Seal sightings are not guaranteed on this NYC wildlife boat tour, but they have been a constant inhabitant of Swinburne and Hoffman during winter for the past several years. $124 Adult, $86 Child.
🪼 Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center at Brooklyn Bridge Park: Get to know Brooklyn Bridge Park with monthly educational themes, a 250 gallon aquarium filled with critters from the East River, a 10’ scale model of Brooklyn Bridge Park, crafts, a reading corner, and much more. Open weekly on Thursdays 3-5 PM, Fridays 3-5 PM, and Saturdays 1-5 PM.
🦪 Shoreline Cleanup with the Billion Oyster Project: On Thursdays at 2pm, loin us in collecting debris from New York City's shorelines to prevent it from re-entering the waterways when the tide returns. This is important in achieving our goal of protecting the biodiversity that lives near our reef sites.
🌹 New York Restoration Project: Everyone deserves access to high-quality public green space. If you’re interested in forest stewardship, volunteer with the NYRP in the parks of northern Manhattan clearing invasive plants, mulching, and clearing litter. Volunteer dates listed in the link above. Registration required.