S2S hosts Migratory Bird Count and Nest Box Building at Tilly Farm Reforestation Project in New York!

S2S was back at Tilly Foster Farm and Reforestation Study Area for an early season migratory bird count. We are systematically surveying the study area at strategic seasonal points to build the baseline we’ll need to track changes as the native replantings are introduced. We added over 30 new species to our inventory and saw almost a hundred individual birds over several hours in the morning.

Volunteers Gathering for the Count!

We also had several local Putnam County veterans and first responders come out to help set up the Nestbox network on the property. Together we installed 2 kestrel, 1 screech owl, 1 wood duck, 1 wren, and 2 bluebird boxes! Over the last two years, S2S has become an expert at constructing different types of nest boxes in addition to knowing where to install them to ensure they become homes! If you are interested in getting involved with some of our nest box work in Virginia or New York, or you would like to learn more about how to build your own nest box, contact us today!

A Geomap of where nest boxes were established at Tilly Farm!

It was another successful event with the local Brewster community and the study area is ready for the 2026 field season! S2S is working hard to build a volunteer community around its projects at Tilly Farm, and we were excited see new faces at the Bird Count! If you know a veteran who is looking to spend some time outdoors while participating in meaningful conservation work, don’t hesitate to contact us at soldiers2scientists@gmail.com! We would love to see you at our next event at Tilly Farm in Brewster, New York!