Photo: Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center
Island Hopping

Long Island sanctuary added to the state Birding Trail

The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Oyster Bay has been added to the New York State Birding Trail.

The Oyster Bay site at 134 Cove Road is one of 12 new locations just added to the state’s trail, bringing the number of birding trail locations to 344.

“We cannot wait to welcome more visitors to our 14-acre bird sanctuary in Oyster Bay, which boasts extensive native plant demonstration gardens, several small ponds, and a mile of hiking trails,” Roxana Saravia, public programs coordinator for the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center, said in a written statement. “During migration, many different songbirds will rest and refuel here as they make their way south. We have also just opened our brand-new, ADA-accessible Visitor Center. Our public programs this September include a bird-friendly coffee tasting and a session about Spotted Lanternfly. Our grounds are open from dawn to dusk for all to enjoy.”

Birdwatching has become one of New York’s fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities. The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation manages the New York State Birding Trail in collaboration with partners that include the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The statewide trail network includes promoted birding locations that can be accessed by car or public transportation, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors to enjoy birds amid beautiful natural settings with little or no cost or investment in equipment.

“The New York State Birding Trail is helping enhance access to nature for countless New Yorkers, from Long Island to Buffalo,” New York State DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in the statement. “The 12 new birding trail sites will help attract even more visitors to experience the outdoors close to home, particularly during key times of year for birders, like the current fall migration, and bring the total to more 340 diverse and unique birding opportunities available across New York State.”