Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, Gateway National Recreation Area, American Littoral Society, New York City Bird Alliance, and New York City Plover Project for the 21st Annual Shorebird Festival. August is the perfect time to explore the diversity of New York City’s shorebirds!

Shorebird Festival attendees will have the opportunity to spot and learn about the scores of shorebird species and their natural habitat of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, filled with marshland, fresh and brackish water ponds, and grassy fields.

Attendees will meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

This festival is kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Program Schedule

All programs meet outside the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Programs are free and subject to changes or cancellation.

Tabling, Crafts & Activities 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Led by the National Park Service, American Littoral Society, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, NYC Bird Alliance, NYC Plover Project and more!

East Pond Walk 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Led by Don Riepe (American Littoral Society) and Tom Burke (New York State Ornithological Association)

Spanish Bilingual Birding East Pond Walk 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Led by NYC Bird Alliance

Birding for Beginners West Pond Walk 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Led by National Park Service rangers

Shorebird History and Management Presentation 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Led by Don Riepe (American Littoral Society)