On a snowy winter’s day in late December, bird enthusiasts from Tuckahoe, Chappaqua, Croton, and as far away as Long Island converged on Rye’s Edith Read Sanctuary.
They weren’t just looking for a walk in the woods; these visitors were members of the Saw Mill River Audubon Society who gather regularly at the nature preserve to identify and count as many birds as possible.
Saw Mill River Audubon Director Anne Swaim leads the monthly outings. She is a scientist by training and president of the New York State Ornithological Association, and her 30-plus years of birding experience makes her an able guide as she leads the group on a morning trek across the sanctuary’s diverse habitats. Armed with extra birding tools like a digiscope for precision views from a distance, she shared her knowledge with the group.
“Edith Read is considered an Important Bird Area because it serves as a critical stopover for birds migrating south from the Arctic Circle,” Swaim said. “Its range of habitats — from woodlands to estuary and intertidal zones — attracts a remarkable variety of bird species.”
In December, the group identified more than 50 species in just two hours, starting with nine Great Blue Herons and a flock of floating black, white, and cinnamon-colored Hooded Mergansers. More than 200 waterfowl busily dove in Playland Lake, while a Peregrine Falcon kept watch from a nearby tree. A sharp-eyed birder spotted a young Bald Eagle soaring overhead, and a pair of Red-Tailed Hawks added to the tally.
Long Island Sound is a vital pitstop on the Atlantic Flyway, a migratory route stretching from Greenland to South America. Each winter, more than 5,000 ducks stop at the sanctuary, some en route from Canada to warmer regions and many spending the winter in the Sound off Rye.
Some birds, previously absent in winter, are now appearing regularly, a sign that the climate is changing. “Climate change is disrupting birds’ migratory patterns,” Swaim said, pointing to the growing hashtag #BirdsTellUs, which raises awareness about the environmental impacts on avian species.
Cary Andrews, also on the walk, serves as bird commissioner for the Village of Croton-on-Hudson and is a Saw Mill River Audubon board member. “Birds are a bellwether for the environment,” she said. “If birds aren’t thriving, it signals deeper problems for all of us.”
But there’s hope. Everyone can take simple actions to protect vulnerable bird species and their habitats.
“Most people don’t intentionally harm birds,” Andrews said. “But many don’t realize that decorative netting, excessive use of herbicides like Roundup, or leaving porch lights on all night can endanger them.” She suggests easy solutions like turning off lights at night, growing native plants, and keeping pets indoors or leashed.
Encouraging local lawmakers to adopt bird-friendly policies can also make a difference. While many areas require advisory councils on environmental issues, awareness of bird-specific policies remains low.
The Saw Mill River Audubon runs various programs to raise awareness and appreciation for birds, like the monthly walks in Edith Read. Its more than 1,100 members enjoy getting together to explore the outdoors and learn more about preserving and protecting wildlife habitats.
For birders, the passion often begins with a “spark bird” — a species that ignites their interest in birding. Andrews’ Spark Bird was a wren. “I love observing how industrious common birds are in my backyard,” she said.
As a light snow began to fall, the birders continued undeterred. Swaim imitated bird calls near the bamboo forest, coaxing Song Sparrows from the reeds. The list grew steadily, with sightings of a Downy Woodpecker, a Merlin, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Goldfinch, and more.
“Birding can be profoundly spiritual,” Andrews said. “It connects us to the intricate web of life and reminds us of our ancient bond with nature. It’s a powerful way to rediscover our place in the natural world.”
