Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge will turn a September Sunday into a welcoming day of birding, learning and family time. The refuge’s ninth annual Raptorama is set for Sunday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the visitor center in Queens. The free National Park Service program brings together park rangers and local conservation partners for guided walks, live raptor education and activities designed for young birders.
A Sunday for looking up
Jamaica Bay sits along an important Atlantic flyway, and Raptorama invites visitors to notice the birds of prey moving through the season. The National Park Service says the day will include a Birding for Beginners walk with NYC Bird Alliance at 10 a.m., followed by a Hawk Walk with the park at 11:45 a.m.
The program also includes three raptor education demonstrations led by the Wildlife Center of Long Island. These sessions give families a chance to learn about birds of prey alongside the people who care for and study them.
Space for new birders
For children who are ready to make a first field observation, the schedule includes Junior Birder Ranger programs at noon and 1:30 p.m. Partner organizations will host family-friendly activities outside the visitor center throughout the event.
That mix gives the gathering an easy rhythm: take a walk, learn about a raptor, compare notes with a ranger or neighbor, then spend a little more time watching the marsh. The listed activities are free, and the event is open to the public.
Plan the visit
Raptorama takes place at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can find the complete schedule and park information through the National Park Service. A pair of binoculars can be useful, though the most important thing to bring is a little time to look closely.
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