Behind the Science: Staying Inspired in a Biodiversity Crisis

An Interview by Kellye Rosenheim, Publications Committee | August 27, 2026

Kellye Rosenheim sits down with Dr. Dustin Partridge, NYC Bird Alliance's senior director of conservation and science, to discuss how he stays optimistic on the frontlines of a biodiversity crisis. 
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Romeo and Juliet: Photographing Central Park's Coyote Pair

By Suzanne Charlé, Publications Committee | August 31, 2026 

For years, David Lei and Jacqueline Emery have been celebrated for their photos of Central Park birds. Now they're turning their lenses on the Central Park coyotes, Romeo and Juliet.
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Evolving Attitudes: Native Plants in the Urban Landscape

By Hillarie O’Toole, Publications Committee | August 27, 2026

It isn’t news that “native plants,” those which have evolved over millennia within a region, provide unique and often highly specialized resources and benefits to the ecosystem. Why then, do we continue to see rows of boxwoods, euonymus, barberry, and yews lining our city streets?
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Osprey: The Coastal Fish Hawk

By Don Riepe, NYC Bird Alliance Advisory Council Member and Former Board Member | August 27, 2026

Just like Red-tailed Hawks and Peregrine Falcons, the Osprey has a remarkable wildlife comeback story in New York City. But with threats like human disturbance and overfishing, their future could still be at risk.
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Bird's-Eye View: Fall 2026

By Board President Mike Yuan and Executive Director Jessica Wilson | August 27, 2026

As fall brings migrating birds back to the City, our opportunities for engagement and conservation action abound, including our annual Fall Roost gala. This year, we’re celebrating two honorees who help make New York City a vibrant biodiversity hub: Google and Dr. Eric W. Sanderson.
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Saving the Black-crowned Night Heron

Critical decline demands immediate action. The Black-crowned Night Heron (BCNH) has long been the most abundant wading bird in New York Harbor, but this is changing fast.
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Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)

By Olivia Liang, Senior Associate, Marketing and Communications | June 18, 2026

If you’ve ever visited the Rockaways, you may have noticed some local cele-bird-ies. They’re stocky, stubby-billed, and big-eyed with legs that dart so quickly they appear to vibrate. 
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With Gratitude: Honoring Five Extraordinary Leaders of NYC Bird Alliance’s Board of Directors

By Jessica Wilson, Executive Director, and Mike Yuan, Board President | June 1, 2026

This spring, we say thank you to five extraordinary members of our Board of Directors whose board service is coming to a close.
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Guess Who’s Starring On Broadway

By Carol Peace Robins, Publications Committee Member | April 1, 2026 

As part of Broadway Mall Association's Great Green Way Project, NYC Bird Alliance scientists assessed bird activity in these small – but impactful – green spaces.
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Spring 2026: Bird Book Roundup

By the NYC Bird Alliance Publications Committee | April 1, 2026

As bright warblers and warm weather come to New York, these three books are perfect for a shady read on a park bench.
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Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)

By Don Riepe, NYC Bird Alliance Advisory Council Member and Former Board Member | April 2, 2026 

Learn about the uncommon NYC visitor, the Redpoll: a small, lively finch with streaked brown plumage, a distinctive red cap on its crown (or poll), and black chin markings. 
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Remembering Elizabeth Norman

Jessica G. Wilson, Executive Director | March 26, 2026 

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our board member Elizabeth Norman on March 9, 2026. Since joining the NYC Bird Alliance board of directors in 2020, Elizabeth helped guide the organization through an important period of change and growth. 
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Aviary: The Bird in Contemporary Photography

In this collection of over 200 images, photographers pursue “their muse” in every part of the planet with shots of birds in the air, underwater, into cities, and in scenes devised by the artist.
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2025 Birdy Holiday Gift Guide

NYC Bird Alliance | December 8, 2025
Seeking nerdy, birdy gifts for nature-enthusiasts? Look no further! We're shopping local and supporting our community this holiday season. 
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Fall Book Roundup

NYC Bird Alliance Publications Committee | November 5, 2025 

As the last of our migrants fly south, we offer three new titles to help pass the time until colorful warblers and vibrant vireos return to our parks and gardens.
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Flyway of Life: From New York to Nanuk

Tomas Koeck, Documentary Filmmaker | September 4, 2025

Award-winning filmmaker and expeditionist Tomas Koeck gives a behind-the-scenes look at his latest documentary film, Flyway of Life, featuring NYC Bird Alliance. From the Cloud Forests of Costa Rica, to the subarctic tundra of northern Manitoba, Flyway of Life showcases how bird migrations connect all of these environments along the Atlantic Flyway, including here in New York City. 
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The Cooper's Hawk

Don Riepe, NYC Bird Alliance Advisory Council Member and Former Board Member | August 28, 2025 

This fall migration, know where to spot Cooper's Hawks both in New York City and along the flyway.
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Bird's Eye View: Summer 2025

Jessica G. Wilson, Executive Director | May 22, 2025

A message from NYC Bird Alliance Executive Director Jessica Wilson, reflecting on the challenges and beauty of the past spring season while looking ahead to our new strategic plan.
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The Double-crested Cormorant

Don Riepe, Publications Committee | June 3, 2025 

With their striking silhouettes, Double-Crested Cormorants are a familiar sight along New York City's waterfront.
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Birds, Pride, and the Need for Safe Spaces

Andrew Reiter, NYC Bird Alliance Bird Guide | June 2, 2025

June is a wonderful time for birding in NYC as we say farewell to spring migrants and hello to Pride Month. Although NYC Bird Alliance hosts “Let’s Go Birding Together (LGBT)” outings throughout the year, June is the pinnacle of this fun, inclusive programming. 
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Turning to Birds: Observant, Inquiring, a Future Classic

Ned Boyajian, Publications Committee | May 29, 2025

In twelve deftly written, thoughtful essays, Lili Taylor—actress, activist, and long-time board member for NYC Bird Alliance—reflects on her birding journey in her new book, Turning to Birds. With sly wit, she deftly weaves ornithology, psychology, acting techniques, etymology, philosophy, and much more.
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dBird at 10: Taking Flight as a National Community-Science Tool

Carol Peace Robins, Publications Committee | May 5, 2025

What began as a class project has grown into a national community-science platform. dBird, launched by NYC Bird Alliance in 2014, is an online crowd-sourcing tool that collects data on when and where collisions occur, now inspiring bird-safe actions across the country. 
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Bird-Friendly Davis Center Opens in Central Park

Suzanne Charlé, Publications Committee | May 5, 2025

In April 2025, Central Park Conservancy unveiled the new Davis Center by the North Woods and Harlem Meer. The new environmentally conscious community center features bird-safe glass, a native plant green roof, and year-round programming in partnership with local non-profits, including NYC Bird Alliance.
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What's behind the egg shortage? American Oystercatchers in the Rockaways

Matthew Kleiner, Contributing Writer | May 1, 2025

When Emilio Tobón, NYC Bird Alliance’s Conservation Field Biologist, began monitoring American Oystercatchers on the Rockaways in 2011, the colony was in good health. The next 10 years, however, brought concerning developments as nests began to fail. Now with a camera trap network of 25 cameras monitoring over 40 nests, NYC Bird Alliance has determined that predation is a critical threat.
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Spring Book Roundup

NYC Bird Alliance Publications Committee | April 7, 2025

What's a better way to enjoy spring than sitting on a park bench with a good book and pair of binoculars by your side? From magical stories of celebrity owls to how birds rest, roost, and sleep, this roundup has a “tail” for everyone.
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