NOTE: THIS EVENT WAS POSTPONED FROM MONDAY, MAY 27 TO FRIDAY, JULY 26

Celebrate Black Birders Week 2024 (May 26-June 1) with NYC Audubon! Black Birders Week was created in 2020 by the BlackAFinSTEM Collective. Read more about the week and each day's theme on the BAFiS website.

Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon), Outdoor Afro, and NY State Parks for a special birding by boat tour around Shirley Chisholm State Park! This Brooklyn park was built on top of landfills and now supports a rich diversity of wildlife and habitat, including hawks, waterfowl, wetlands, and thousands of tree and native grass species.

We will paddle down Fresh Creek, during which we will use our binoculars to spot and ID birds. You will be provided with a kayak, paddles, a personal floatation device (PFD), and kayaking knowledge. The boats are all double sit-on-top kayaks and will be assigned based on group needs. Note: This program is for experienced paddlers ONLY. Participants must be at least 15 or older to participate in this program. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Shirley Chisholm staff will call to verify your paddling skill level once you have registered. 

Registration required here. Limited to 15. Free. 

Accessibility & Directions:

Kayak programs are held at the Penn Water Access Area, about a 5 to 10 minute walk from the parking lot along gravel trails. This program is NOT at the Penn Pier. Paddlers must be on time for their session or they will not be permitted on the water. For this event we will have to wade into the water to get into the kayaks, so please wear secure footwear that can get wet and muddy. You will not be allowed to paddle or walk on the shoreline barefoot, as there are sharp rocks and shells in the sand. There are NO restrooms near the Penn Water Access Area. For more details about Shirley Chisholm State Park's facilities and how to get there, please visit the New York State Parks website.

Photo: A Blue Jay stretches its wings and prepares for lift off. Credit: Jennifer Smith.