President's Perch: Our work is more critical than ever
category: CONSERVATIONGENERALURBAN BIRD CALL
Michael Yuan (left), Tod Winston (center), and Dr. Shannon Curley (right) conduct a Harbor Herons survey on South Brother Island in New York Harbor.
This column appears in the spring 2025 issue of The Urban Bird Call.
Mike Yuan, NYC Bird Alliance Board President | February 25, 2025
During my frequent visits to Brooklyn Bridge Park—my cherished birding patch—I’ve watched countless visitors pause along the Long Pond on Pier 1 to spot Black-crowned Night Herons in late summer and fall. One can make a game of counting the stocky, hunched wading birds, as more reveal themselves in the trees and around the edges of the pond. Whether people seek them or stumble upon them by chance, these herons are a source of delight, but their presence is not guaranteed.
Protecting birds like the Black-crowned Night Heron is central to NYC Bird Alliance’s mission. This year, we are updating our strategic plan around the organization’s three pillars—conservation, engagement, and advocacy—to strengthen our bird and habitat protection efforts. Through science, advocacy for effective solutions, and public engagement that connects New Yorkers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds with the magic of birding, we are committed to making the City a safer, more welcoming place for birds and people.
In the face of headwinds, protecting birds is more critical than ever as we confront climate change and biodiversity crises. Without action, the bird populations we count today may not be there tomorrow. But with thoughtful planning and conservation, we can ensure that Black-crowned Night Herons—and all the birds that make our city special— continue to thrive.
I invite NYC Bird Alliance members to provide input that will guide our mission forward. And as always, I hope you connect with our work this spring: join us for a bird outing to experience migration firsthand, volunteer to protect birds from building collisions, or use your voice to support bird-friendly policies. I hope to see you in the field.
This column appears in the spring 2025 issue of The Urban Bird Call.
Mike Yuan, NYC Bird Alliance Board President | February 25, 2025
During my frequent visits to Brooklyn Bridge Park—my cherished birding patch—I’ve watched countless visitors pause along the Long Pond on Pier 1 to spot Black-crowned Night Herons in late summer and fall. One can make a game of counting the stocky, hunched wading birds, as more reveal themselves in the trees and around the edges of the pond. Whether people seek them or stumble upon them by chance, these herons are a source of delight, but their presence is not guaranteed.
Protecting birds like the Black-crowned Night Heron is central to NYC Bird Alliance’s mission. This year, we are updating our strategic plan around the organization’s three pillars—conservation, engagement, and advocacy—to strengthen our bird and habitat protection efforts. Through science, advocacy for effective solutions, and public engagement that connects New Yorkers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds with the magic of birding, we are committed to making the City a safer, more welcoming place for birds and people.
In the face of headwinds, protecting birds is more critical than ever as we confront climate change and biodiversity crises. Without action, the bird populations we count today may not be there tomorrow. But with thoughtful planning and conservation, we can ensure that Black-crowned Night Herons—and all the birds that make our city special— continue to thrive.
I invite NYC Bird Alliance members to provide input that will guide our mission forward. And as always, I hope you connect with our work this spring: join us for a bird outing to experience migration firsthand, volunteer to protect birds from building collisions, or use your voice to support bird-friendly policies. I hope to see you in the field.
