Rain date: August 3

Join us at the DOAS Sanctuary for a beginner-led and beginner-friendly “slow birding” bird walk along the sanctuary trails geared towards adults and seniors. During our walk we will prioritize mindful observation of all of the species that we see around us, taking time to focus on bird behaviors and the significance of how they belong within an environment.

Register online at doas.us/summer2024/

An accessible Porta-Potty is available on site. Sanctuary trails may have uneven terrain as well as some uphill sections that may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues.

Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes for the hike. Be sure to bring water and sun protection. Everyone is encouraged to bring binoculars and field guides if they have them, as well as a comfortable camp chair for observation while sitting!

Our Presenters:

Camille Robinson-Parisi is a rising junior at Mount Holyoke College pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish. This is their first year with DOAS, though they have been a part of many outdoor education summer programs in the past. Cami enjoys spending time outdoors and sharing their knowledge on all things birds!

Kaylee Haig is a graduating senior from SUNY Oneonta who is studying Human Development and Family Studies. This is her first year with DOAS. She has had experience with children of all ages through many different educational programs.

Barred Owl – Photo credit: Anthony Goldman/Audubon Photography Awards

Rain date: August 9

Families (with children ages 5 and up) will gather for a nighttime activity to explore the wonders about what really happens while we are asleep. Escape those fears of the dark as we step out to learn about some of our local nocturnal species. 

Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Be sure to also bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Several benches and an accessible Porta-Potty are available on site.

Register online at doas.us/summer2024/

Our Presenters:

Camille Robinson-Parisi is a rising junior at Mount Holyoke College pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish. This is their first year with DOAS, though they have been a part of many outdoor education summer programs in the past. Cami enjoys spending time outdoors and sharing their knowledge on all things birds!

Kaylee Haig is a graduating senior from SUNY Oneonta who is studying Human Development and Family Studies. This is her first year with DOAS. She has had experience with children of all ages through many different educational programs.

(For children entering grades 1 & 2 in the Fall.)
August 5, 6, 7 & 8 – 9:30am – 1:30pm at Oneonta World of Learning, Fortin Park

View Full details at the link below:

(For children entering grades 1 & 2 in the Fall.)
August 5, 6, 7 & 8 – 9:30am – 1:30pm at Oneonta World of Learning, Fortin Park

View Full details at the link below:

(For children entering grades 1 & 2 in the Fall.)
August 5, 6, 7 & 8 – 9:30am – 1:30pm at Oneonta World of Learning, Fortin Park

View Full details at the link below:

(For children entering grades 1 & 2 in the Fall.)
August 5, 6, 7 & 8 – 9:30am – 1:30pm at Oneonta World of Learning, Fortin Park

View Full details at the link below:

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Andy Mason will present a program on the Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch, one of NY State’s premier fall raptor migration sites. He will discuss the data gathered at the site as part of a largely citizen science effort to monitor hawk and eagle populations and movements in North America.

Franklin Mt. is noted for late season flights of Red-tailed Hawks and Golden Eagles. In 2018, 323 Goldens were tallied at the site, the highest total in the 35 year history of the hawkwatch. He will also give a brief overview of the Audubon Chapter’s other citizen science efforts.

In conjunction with the program, OCCA will sponsor a visit to the Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 9:30 a.m. This time period coincides with the peak movement of Broad-winged Hawks, a species that can travel in flocks of up to a hundred birds under the right conditions.

Trip participants can carpool from the Price Chopper parking lot in Emmons for the 15 minute drive to the hawk watch. The lookout is a 10-minute uphill walk through a field from parking. An accessible toilet is available at the site. An extra layer of clothing is suggested, along with binoculars if possible. Participants who want to go directly to the site can find directions to the Audubon Sanctuary at Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch – Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (doas.us). For information on the trip, contact Andy Mason, (607) 267-8491, AndyMason@earthling.net.

Andy Mason is co-president of the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society and a founder of the Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch. He is past chair of the Audubon Council of NY State, and past president of the NY State Ornithological Association. Andy has been an active birder for over 35 years, participated in the NY State Breeding Bird Atlases, and has lead bird workshops for the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Be Informed-Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch and Citizen Science with DOAS — Otsego County Conservation Association (occainfo.org)

(Image above: nature journal page from James Van Gelder)

An illustrated nature journal is a combination of art, nature and science. It combines writing with images as a means of recording observations and stimulating inquiry. On Saturday, September 14, 2024, artist and naturalist James Van Gelder will lead a Nature Journaling workshop hosted by the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society in Oneonta.

The workshop will introduce participants to this unique way to experience the natural world. During this program—geared for all levels of ability, from novice to artist—attendees will use illustration as a tool for exploration. 

Paper, water brushes, and pens will be provided. All that is needed is interest. Students will be exposed to the materials and techniques especially useful for journaling, as well as books and other references.

Location & Requirements
The workshop will be held at Hartwick College’s Pine Lake Environmental Campus, Lakeside Classroom, located at 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, NY 13820. The workshop will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

The workshop is limited to 15 maximum attendees. Suggested for ages 14 and up. Registration is required for $25 per person. Attendees can register below.

About the Presenter
James Van Gelder is an artist and naturalist and has been keeping a journal regularly since 2006. He lives in Warwick, NY and is currently active with the Orange County Audubon Society as a field trip leader, educator, and board member.