Articles From The July Newsletter

Presidents’s Message 

by Jody Banaszak

Hello, my little birding friends! Hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the birds and the nice weather, although it’s been a bit hotand muggy. The birds probably don’t care. I was watching a mother starling feeding her baby, who looked like an adult, suet from my feeder. I felt he could have eaten it himself, but I’m not a bird! I saw a lot of osprey nests with babies this summer. It’s amazing how they build their nests, and they go back to the same ones every year after coming back from another state. The eagles took over the osprey nest this year in Sayville and had what looked like 2 babies. The eagles never win the fight for the nest but this year they did! We had some good bird walks this spring and part of the summer. Thank you to our leaders, Ken, Mike, Jack, Vera and John. They sure know their birds.

We’ll start having our speakers and walks in September. I can’t wait. I wish we could find someone to speak on how birds make their nests and why they are all different. If you know anyone let me know.

You all know how I feel about litter bugs. Well, I was reading an article in the paper about people fishing and how it affects the birds. An osprey got tangled in a fishing line that was in the lake and drowned. A swan had a fishing line with a hook wrapped around its neck and had to be saved. The article said there are hundreds of calls about birds being tangled in fishing lines and hooks every year by kids and adults who go fishing in these lakes. Some people get their lines with hooks tangled in trees and are left hanging in the air or water. The birds don’t see these lines. Fishermen should take responsibility for these things and their children should learn about the rules before they go fishing so these birds aren’t hurt or killed.

If you see an injured bird in a lake, pond or bay call the DEC regional wildlife office. 631-444-0200. Call them during the week, as they are closed on weekends. Karen is also a rehab person, and you can call her at 631-848-9112. Hopefully you don’t need to!

Enjoy the rest of the summer and happy birding!!!

Become A Member

Hello Great South Bay Audubon members and friends: We are ready to start a wonderful birding season with many activities. We are planning hikes, a dinner, a festival, and presentations related to birding, nature and the environment.

In order to present these activities, we depend on the dues and donations of membersand others. In the past people paid dues when they joined. This will still be the case. However, in order to better have members know whether they paid or not, all dues are now due in February. I understand that members for the most part have been unaware of this new policy.

We encourage our participants and former members to please send in your membership dues at this time. You can access a membership application or pay through Pay Pal by going to our website www.greatsouthbayaudubon.org

Thank you and have a wonderful birding season!

Wild Bird Unlimited Oakdale Presentation

On May 23rd, Wild Birds Unlimited in Oakdale hosted a special presentation at its store located at 911 Montauk Hwy. The event was centered around creating a backyard bird habitat, with expert Brooke guiding attendees through the five essential components needed to transform their yards into bird-friendly sanctuaries. Attendees learned how to use native plants and strategically placed feeders to create a relaxing haven for both birds and humans.

In addition to the educational aspect, Wild Birds Unlimited dedicated a portion of its sales from that day to support the Great South Bay Audubon Society (GSBAS). Thank you to everyone who joined Wild Birds Unlimited and contributed to our cause. Together, we are making a difference for our feathered friends and enjoying the beauty of nature right in our backyards.

The GSBAS is so grateful to Wild Birds Unlimited for their amazing support.