Landcraft Garden in Mattituck has opened for the season and will host two bird-focused events: a guided birdwatching walk later this month and a raptor demonstration in June.
The first event, Birding with Ben, continues May 23 and May 30 at 8 a.m. It focuses on native and migrating birds that visit the garden, which includes a variety of vegetation planted to support wildlife.
The second event, Raptors (And a Groundhog!) in the Garden, will be held Saturday, June 21, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. It features live birds of prey and a groundhog and is open to all ages.
The guide for the May birding event is Long Island resident Ben Bolduc, who also works with the North Fork Audubon Society. Bolduc has traveled to the rainforests of Ecuador and the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas to observe birds in their natural habitats. He also leads birdwatching programs at Landcraft Garden, now in their second year.
In an interview with South Shore Press, Bolduc described the region’s importance for bird migration.
“Long Island sits along a major migration route called the Atlantic Flyway. It’s used by millions of birds moving north from Central and South America,” he said.
The 17-acre Landcraft Garden is designed to attract wildlife and supports many bird species, including nesting birds.
“The plant life and water features of the gardens can provide attractive habitat for both resting migrants and some of our local breeding birds,” Bolduc said.
According to Bolduc, May is a particularly active time for bird activity.
“May is the height of spring migration on Long Island, and last spring’s attendees enjoyed the newly arrived breeding birds that set up their territories in the garden, which included Orchard Orioles, Baltimore Orioles, Cedar Waxwings, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Warbling Vireos.”
Bolduc recommends that participants come prepared.
“Binoculars are strongly recommended for attendees along with sunscreen and just general outdoor apparel,” he said.
Registration for Birding with Ben is available at eventbrite.com. The cost is up to $15. Rain cancellations can be confirmed by calling 631-298-7216.
The June raptor event features four rehabilitated birds from the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, which now serve as wildlife ambassadors. According to the Landcraft website, species may include owls, hawks, vultures and/or falcons. No reservations are required. General admission is $20 for adults, $17 for students and seniors, and free for children. The event is weather-dependent; attendees are advised to call ahead if conditions are uncertain.
Landcraft Garden, located at 4342 Grand Ave. in Mattituck, is open Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are offered on both days at 10:30 a.m.
More information is available at the Landcraft Garden Foundation website.