First Fridays: The Secret Life of Birds

First Fridays: The Secret Life of Birds
Friday, Aug. 7
10am – 11:30am
$25 per person. Ages 8+ welcome; Children must be accompanied by a paid adult.
All tickets final sale.
This tour begins at the Main House and check-in begins 15 minutes prior.

Discover the fascinating world of birds during this hands-on First Friday experience at Planting Fields! Designed for adults and curious young naturalists alike (ages 8+), this interactive program invites you into an engaging exploration of bird behavior, remarkable adaptations, and the surprising stories hidden in the natural world.

Birds have long been part of the story of Planting Fields – W.R. Coe was a passionate supporter of ornithology and believed deeply in preserving knowledge and discovery for future generations, ultimately donating his renowned ornithological collection to Yale University. Inspired by this legacy, you step into a landscape still shaped by that sense of curiosity — where birds continue to make Planting Fields their home!

The experience begins with a guided owl pellet dissection, uncovering hidden clues within and revealing the intricate relationships between predators, prey, and the ecosystems they inhabit. Part detective work, part science, this hands-on exploration offers a rare window into how naturalists and researchers piece together the stories of the natural world.

From there, the focus expands to the remarkable adaptations that allow birds to survive and thrive — from specialized beaks and feathers to hunting strategies, flight patterns, and unexpected behaviors. You’ll also explore the many species that can be found throughout Planting Fields and how they move through the landscape across the changing seasons.

Along the way, you’ll learn how to identify common birds and recognize the subtle signs and sounds that reveal wildlife all around you, carrying those observations beyond the day into your own backyard and local green spaces.

The journey continues on a guided walk through the grounds to the Wedell Garden and Costich Bird Sanctuary, home to Planting Fields Foundation’s inaugural Catalyst exhibition, The Great Bird Blind Debate by Mark Dion and David Brooks. As you move through the landscape, you’ll search for birds and traces of wildlife, experiencing the estate from a shifting perspective. The walk culminates with a rare opportunity to step inside The Posh Blind — an immersive installation that is often closed to the public.

Blending science, history, exploration, and outdoor discovery, this experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with both the natural world and the enduring legacy of curiosity at Planting Fields. Curious minds welcome!

More about First Fridays
This monthly series dives into the various themes that make up Planting Fields, with exclusive behind-the-scenes walking tours and workshops led by Planting Fields Foundation and New York State Parks staff, who are experts in their respective fields. From wellness and Olmsted landscape features to the life-stories of Coe family members and their unchallenged spectacular horticultural, historic and personal collections, participants of this series will see this site with a new lens. Each month a new theme is explored with at least one staff expert serving as your guide. This series will take place on the first Friday of each month.

For any additional information and questions, please contact Kayla Cheshire, Communications and Marketing Manager at kcheshire@plantingfields.org

All ticket sales final. Outside tours will continue in the case of light rain. Should weather become inclement, tour participants will be notified and the tour will be rescheduled.

48 Hour Cancellation Policy: Should you need to cancel; you will be credited the amount towards a future 2026 First Friday event.

By registering for this event, you consent to Planting Fields Foundation photographing and filming during the event. These images may be used for promotional purposes, including social media, on our website, newsletters, grant requests, reports. As it may not be feasible to identify individuals who may wish to opt out, your registration implies your consent to be photographed. By registering for this event, you are also you are agreeing to receive pre-registration emails, e-newsletters, and other communications from Planting Fields Foundation. If you have any concerns, please contact Kayla at kcheshire@plantingfields.org

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