Upcoming Virtual and In-store Programs
Silent Flyers: New York Owls Revealed
Stella Miller, WBU - Syosset
Virtual Program
October 16th at 7pm
Mysterious, charismatic, and masters of the night—owls have fascinated humans for centuries with their silent flight, eerie (and sometimes unearthly!) calls, and formidable hunting skills. Join Stella Miller for an illuminating journey into the secretive world of owls. We’ll explore the remarkable adaptations that make these nocturnal predators so unique, uncover their life histories, and meet the diverse species that call New York State home.
IN STORE PROGRAM!
Bird Feeding Master Class
Christine Burke, WBU - Syosset
Saturday, October 18th at 9am
New to bird feeding? Been doing it awhile, but want to up your game? Then this class is for you! Christine Burke, co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited Syosset, and a bird feeding expert, will show you the ropes in this comprehensive course. You’ll learn the best types of foods to feed, which feeders work best and how to be seasonally savvy. You’ll also learn how to thwart pesky critters and make your yard as welcoming as possible for birds!
625 Jericho Tpke
Syosset NY
Please register by calling 516-226-1780 or email [email protected]
IN STORE PROGRAM! JUST ADDED
Caching Cousins - Chickadees, Titmice and Nuthatches
Christine Burke, WBU - Syosset
Wednesday, October 29th at 2pm
You may already know that Blue Jays are famous for caching nuts but did you know that Chickadees, Titmice and Nuthatches do too? These can be the most fascinating and entertaining visitors to the feeders in your backyard…especially if you know all about their “secret” lives!
Please register by calling 516-226-1780 or email [email protected]
IN STORE PROGRAM!
Birds and Climate Change: Sentinels of a Warming World
Douglas Robinson, PhD
Friday, November 7th 2pm
Birds are some of nature’s most informative messengers, and right now, they’re sounding the alarm on climate change. Shifts in temperature and weather patterns are altering migration routes, breeding cycles, and the availability of food. Some species are moving north or to higher elevations in search of suitable habitat, while others are struggling to find food. From seabirds nesting on vulnerable atolls, to marsh nesting birds battling rising tides, to songbirds losing vital breeding and wintering grounds—birds are revealing the real-time impacts of our changing climate. Join us tonight as Doug discusses the impact climate change is having on birds - and by extension, on us.
625 Jericho Tpke
Syosset NY
Please register by calling 516-226-1780 or email [email protected]
Meet the Cool Birds of Winter
Stella Miller, WBU - Syosset
Virtual Program
November 13th at 7pm
While many birds fly south to winter destinations, ranging from the southern U.S to southern South America, to escape the cold, some species make Long Island their winter destination! Join us for an engaging look at some of the fascinating birds that migrate to our region when breeding season is over. From the familiar dark-eyed junco to the less known hermit thrush, you'll meet some of the birds that spend their winter vacations with us. We’ll also briefly dive into the fascinating adaptations that help these birds survive the coldest months—like specialized feeding strategies, cold-weather camouflage, and energy-saving behaviors.
Woodpeckers: Head Bangers of the Forest
Stella Miller, WBU - Syosset
Virtual Program
December 11th at 7pm
New York’s forests and woodlands provide ideal habitat for a fascinating variety of woodpeckers—some are year-round residents, others visit us during the winter, and one rare newcomer may be becoming more common. What makes these birds so unique? They literally slam their heads into trees—and thrive doing it. Beyond their impressive drumming skills, woodpeckers are keystone species, playing a critical role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. This program takes a deep dive into the high-impact lives of woodpeckers in lower New York State. Meet the local species, discover how they survive their head-banging lifestyle without missing a beat, and learn why these forest percussionists are essential members of our natural community.
Long Island in Winter: a Haven For Wintering Waterfowl
Stella Miller, WBU - Syosset
Virtual Program
January 15th, 2026 at 7pm
Winter is one of the best times to see ducks on Long Island. Our bays, ponds, and coastlines host a wide variety of species — from striking goldeneye and bufflehead to colorful mergansers and scoters.
This program offers an introduction to the ducks that spend the winter here and tips for identifying them in the field. Whether you’re new to birding or just want to sharpen your ID skills, you’ll come away ready to recognize the feathered visitors that brighten Long Island’s coldest months.
Birds in Folklore and Mythology: Exploring the Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Birds
Stella Miller, WBU - Syosset
Virtual Program
February 19th, 2026 at 7pm
Throughout history, birds have captured the human imagination. They appear in myths, legends, and spiritual traditions around the world — as symbols of wisdom, messengers between realms, harbingers of change, and even omens of mystery. From ancient folklore to modern storytelling, birds embody some of our most enduring cultural and spiritual ideas.
Join us for a journey through folklore and mythology to discover the many ways people have understood and celebrated birds. We’ll explore their symbolic roles across cultures and uncover how these timeless stories continue to shape our connection to the natural world today.