‘Big Sit’ birding planned October 12 at Liberty State Park

JERSEY CITY - New Jersey Conservation Foundation will team up with the Feminist Bird Club of Jersey City, Liberty State Park and Jersey City Birds for a "Big Sit" birding event at Liberty State Park on Saturday, October 12. The free event runs from 8 a.m. until noon, and is appropriate for both novice and experienced birders.

"We will attempt to identify as many species of birds as we can from within a 17-foot diameter circle," said Bill Lynch, New Jersey Conservation's director of engagement and communications, who is co-leading the event. "No experience is necessary, and we'll have a scope and extra binoculars for participants to borrow."

The Big Sit, a semi-competitive birding event, originated in 1992 by the New Haven Bird Club. Instead of racing around to different locations in order to see the greatest variety of species, participants are invited to bring a chair and bird more casually while conversing with others. Anyone is invited to drop-in (or out!) at any time during the morning.

For children and teens attending the event, there will also be a nature journaling session starting at 10 a.m. The program will help participants connect with the outdoors through mindful observation and creative expression. Plan to bring a sketchbook along with crayons, pencils, or other art supplies. There will also be some available for anyone who is unable to bring their own.

Advance registration is required. To register online, go to https://www.njconservation.org/event/liberty-state-park-big-sit/. For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

About New Jersey Conservation Foundation

New Jersey Conservation Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide organization devoted to preserving land and protecting nature throughout New Jersey's rural, suburban, and urban landscapes for the benefit of all. Since 1960, we have preserved more than 140,000 acres of open space, farmland, and parks. We also manage 17 nature preserves, conduct public outreach and education programs, and advocate for sensible land use and climate policies that will protect the health of New Jersey communities for generations to come. For more information, visit www.njconservation.org or email [email protected].

About the Feminist Bird Club of Jersey City

The Feminist Bird Club is dedicated to promoting inclusivity in birding while fundraising and providing a safe opportunity for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the BIPOC community, and women to connect with the natural world. The Feminist Bird Club was founded in New York City by Molly Adams in 2016 and later expanded to include new chapters, including one in Jersey City. For more information, go to www.feministbirdclub.org/.

About Liberty State Park

With the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island as a spectacular backdrop, Liberty State Park is one of the state's most dramatic parks - a green oasis in the heart of Metropolitan Northern New Jersey. It serves as the gateway to the region's rich natural, cultural, and historical resources. For more information, visit https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/libertystatepark.html.

About Jersey City Birds

Jersey City Birds is a nonprofit promoting awareness, appreciation, and protection of Jersey City's wild birds and their habitats. For more information, visit https://linktr.ee/jerseycitybirds.