Upcoming Virtual and In-store Programs
Leggy Locals: Wading Birds of Our Wetlands
Stella Miller, WBU- Syosset
Virtual Program
August 14th at 7pm
From the statuesque Great Blue Heron to the secretive American Bittern, New York’s wetlands are home to an elegant array of wading birds. Join us for an engaging exploration of these long-legged hunters as we delve into their identification, behaviors, habitats of our most common wading birds. This program is ideal for birders of all levels, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the avian life hidden in our marshes and shores. Whether you’re preparing for your next visit to Montezuma NWR, Jamaica Bay, or your local pond, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for these striking and often overlooked birds.
About the speaker: Stella Miller is the Communication, Education, and Outreach Manager at Wild Birds Unlimited of Syosset and the former president of Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon. Since 2006, she has led numerous conservation advocacy efforts, including co-founding the Preserve Plum Island Coalition, coordinating habitat restoration projects, mentoring youth, and launching a national campaign to protect raptors at landfills. Stella currently serves as a member of the Palisades Interstate Parks League of Naturalists and is a founding board member of Reel Earth Films, a nonprofit focused on wildlife filmmaking. She is an experienced public speaker who presents on a wide range of bird-related topics and is currently conducting bird surveys for a forthcoming guide to the birds of Harriman State Park.
JUST ADDED - In Person!
American Goldfinches (and more!)
Christine Burke, WBU- Syosset
In-store Program
August 27th at 2pm
Attendees will get 20% off any Finch Feeder and be entered to win a 5lb bag of Finch Blend!!
Get ready to go wild for Goldfinches! These bright yellow charmers are more than just pretty feathers – they are fascinating, fun and full of surprises! Join us for a delightful presentation where we’ll dive into the life, habits, and favorite snacks of these backyard favorites.
Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher of just goldfinch-curious, you’ll leave with a newfound love (and maybe a few new birding tips)!
Please register for this in-store event by calling 516-226-1780 or visiting the store.
Jays, Crows and Raven: Meet the Corvids of NY
Stella Miller, WBU - Syosset
Virtual Program
September 11th at 7pm
The Corvidae is a cosmopolitan family of passerine birds (also known as perching birds) that includes crows, ravens, rooks, magpies, jackdaws, jays, treepies, choughs, and nutcrackers.
Commonly referred to as the crow family or corvids, there are approximately 135 members of this family, including the largest, the Common Raven. Corvids are famous for their remarkable intelligence for animals of their size, and are among the most intelligent birds thus far studied. Stella will discuss the family as a whole, as well as species accounts of the various family members that call New York home.
Silent Flyers: New York Owls Revealed
Stella Miller, WBU
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.
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
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.