The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development hosts an annual birding conference called Taking Flight: Birding in the Catskills. This year it had to be postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, however staff members at Catskill Center are plotting and planning for the next one, currently scheduled for May 2022. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this video and information about birds.

In case you missed the conversation and Q&A on Thursday, December 3rd 2020, Ryan Mandelbaum who writes science articles and leads bird walks, sat down to talk all about birds (virtually) with Olivia Bernard who is a Visitor Experience Coordinator for the Catskill Center.

The video from that conversation is posted below and here are a few birding lists and resources that came from the discussion!

Birdmodo - a section of the Gizmodo website devoted to articles about birds and conservation that Ryan created and contributes articles to

Finch Research Network - Fall 2020/Winter 2021 has proven to be an irruption year for winter finches in New York State and other areas. These finches are normally found further north in boreal forests this time of year, but sometimes make their way to this region due to availability of food. Species that can be seen in New York this year are Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, Red Crossbills, and others. The Finch Research Network is a website that Ryan contributes to and talks about why finches are important to protect.

The Sibley eGuide to Birds App - 810 species of birds that you can take with you on your smart device, bird calls included and help with identifying in the field

The Audubon Bird Guide App - A free app with over 800 bird species that connects with eBird to report sightings and plays calls

The Feminist Bird Club - An active birding organization with chapters in North America and the Netherlands that helps to make birding and the outdoors more inclusive to all

The Audubon Society - Find a chapter near you for upcoming events and bird walks! Here is the link to all of the NY chapters.

How to See the Winter Finches this Year

"Look for towns near you that have feeders and ornamental fruit trees.” -Ryan

Towns with feeders, areas near you that have a lot of ornamental fruit trees, and possibly Christmas tree farms can all be easy ways to see the most recent irruption of winter finches because they provide a consistent food source.

When is it safe to put out bird feeders in bear country?

If you’re in the Catskills Region or another active bear area in NY, the NYSDEC suggests putting feeders out from November 30th through March 31st. More information about that can be found here on the DEC’s website.

Gift Ideas for the Bird Lover in Your Life

—Decorative bird holiday tree ornaments (search eBay for specific species!)

—Birding patches on BirdCollective.com

—Binocular harness for comfort in the field

—Bird friendly (often shade grown) coffee beans

What does Ryan bring to go birding?

—Celestron binoculars 8x42

—Canon 7D Mark II camera

—Camera lens with 100-400mm focal length

—Feminist Bird Club binocular harness

—Comfortable clothing