This Year’s for the Birds

On Tuesday October 9, Village Trustee Lena Crandall presented a proclamation to representatives of the Bronx River Sound Shore Audubon Society, which marked the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and declared that 2018 is the “Year of the Bird” in Scarsdale.

The migratory bird act, “the most powerful and important bird-protection law ever passed,” was enacted to prevent the extinction of a variety of bird species that were being hunted for sport or their feathers. The village resolution states that over 200 bird species continue to frequent the New York City area, “including threatened or endangered species, such as the peregrine falcon, and more frequently observed neighborhood birds, such as robins.” Since Scarsdale is located within the Atlantic Flyway bird migration route and serves as a nesting location for a number of species, it’s fitting for the village to recognize this legislation and promote the importance of habit preservation and stewardship.

The Bronx River-Sound Shore Audubon Society will host a special celebration of the “Year of the Bird” on Saturday, October 20, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at the Greenburg Nature Center. The event will feature educational and hands-on activities, a mini birdwalk and a presentation with birds of prey. The program is free, but the society asks you to email brssaudubon@gmail.com if planning to attend.

Laura Halligan is a local writer, editor and marketing consultant. She is principal of Pinch Hit Prose and provides communications services to entrepreneurs, small businesses and nonprofits.