Check out City Birder Tours, and Green-Wood sponsored tours on their calendar pages here.
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Monday, May 09, 2016

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for the weekend of Saturday, May 14, 2016 to Sunday, May 15, 2016:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, May 14, 2016, 12pm – 1pm
Introduction to Bird Watching
Look! Up in the sky, it’s a bird! But what kind of bird is it? Take a tour and learn about the magnificent array of birds that call Prospect Park home. Led by Brooklyn Bird Club.

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, May 14, 2016
“The Birdathon,” International Bird Migration Day (Teams version)
A global event celebrating the beauty of birds and habitats; this event encourages fundraising for conservation causes.
This year, the Birdathon IBMD theme is “Spread Your Wings for Bird Conservation.”
If you are interested in forming a team with club members or friends, and will fundraise for this year’s conservation cause, or if you would like more information, please contact the BBC Birdathon teams coordinator Bobbi Manian at Roberta.manian@yahoo.com.
The conservation cause will be posted on the BBC Facebook page and Prospect Sightings blog. Funds will be raised for the Jean Bourque Duck Blind habitat at Floyd Bennett Field’s North Forty section. Check the BBC Facebook and the Prospect Sightings blog in the near future.

Saturday, May 14, 2016
"The Birdathon Walk" in Prospect Park
Meet: 7:15 am at the Grand Army Plaza park entrance (Stranahan Statue)
Leader: Paul Keim
Note: Participants can elect to support the club theme (see above)

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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Wednesday, May 11 and Sunday, May 15, 2016 both at 7:30am
Hunters Garden
Leader: Eileen Schwinn (516)-662-7751 beachmed@optonline.net
Located on the west side of Route 51 in Northampton (border of Brookhaven and Southampton Townships, just north of Sunrise Highway), Hunters Garden is a DEC managed area which is truly unique. Vernal ponds and dirt trails lead us in a rather hilly section of the South Shore. Cuckoo, Scarlet Tanager, Vireos, Wood and Hermit Thrush, Gnat-catchers, as well as many different warblers, are likely to be seen. Dress for ticks, and bring a snack/ water. We will meet at the clearing at the end of the dirt road (which will have an open yellow gate), approximately one mile from the Route 51 “entrance”. No two days are the same - that’s why we’ve scheduled two trips here!

​Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 9am
Hallockville Farm and Hallock State Park
Leader: MaryLaura Lamont
The Hallockville Farm Museum and State Park is located at 163 Sound Ave, in Riverhead. During peak migration, we have a good chance to see thrushes, vireos, warblers and more, on this walk past farm fields, woods leading up to views of Long Island Sound. There is a $6 per person charge for this walk, which benefits the Hallockville Farm Museum Educational Program. Please call the Museum for information and a for a reservation at 631-298-5292.

Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 8am
Terrell River County Park
Leaders: Jay Kuhlman and Beth Gustin (631) 848-9883
Meet at the trail head, on the south side of Montauk Highway in Center Moriches. The parking area is directly across from Kaler’s Pond Nature Center. The forest, marshland and bay beach provide habitat for Indigo Bunting, Black and White Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Saltmarsh Sparrow and Great-crested Flycatcher.

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Gateway National Park
Saturday, May 14, 2016
International Migratory Bird Day
Celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act with a day of fun activities for the entire family, including bird walks, live bird demonstrations with Volunteers for Wildlife. Then join us to help replant the West Pond bird blind with native plants.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Time: 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Fee Information: Free

Sunday, May 15, 2016
Celebrate Beach Plums at Plumb Beach
American Littoral Society naturalist Mickey Cohen leads this nature walk. Enjoy the profusion of Beach Plum blossoms while learning about the ever-changing Plumb Beach.
Location: Plumb Beach Round House
Time: 10:00AM to 12:00PM
Fee Information: Free
Contact Phone Number: 718-338-3799

Sunday, May 15, 2016
Warblers for Beginners
For many birders spring means warblers. Identifying these fast and tiny birds can be quite a challenge and even intimidating. Join a Ranger for an intro to the warblers that can be found at the Wildlife Refuge. A brief slideshow will precede a walk on the West Pond Trail.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Time: 2:00PM to 3:00PM
Fee Information: Free

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Great South Bay Audubon Society
Saturday, May 14, 2016, 7:00am
Alley Pond Park
Leaders: Mike Cooper (516-523-2369), Steve D’Amato (631-264-8413)
Northern State Pkwy to Exit 23, which reads: Cross Island Parkway, Union Turnpike and Alley Pond Park. Go to Union Turnpike (NOT Alley Pond Park). At the signal light, turn right onto Union Turnpike. Proceed to the next signal light which is Springfield Blvd and turn right. Go about 4 blocks to 76th Ave. Turn right onto 76th Ave. and proceed to Alley Pond Parking lot on your left.

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Hudson River Audubon Society
Saturday, May 14, 2016 (rain date May 15)
Birdathon
Bird like crazy in Westchester County to raise money for our chapter. Details to follow.

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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Sunday, May 15, 2016 - 9:00AM
Sterling Forest, Orange County
Among spectacular scenery, an excellent place to look for spring migrants such as Hooded, Cerulean, Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warblers, and Yellow-breasted Chat.
Registration: 585-880-0915
Directions: Take Exit 15 off of NY 87 and head north. Make a left onto 17A. In about 2 miles make a left onto State Route 84 (Long Meadow Road). Follow this about 4 miles to HQ Building/Visitor Center where we will meet.

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Littoral Society
Saturday, May 14, 2016
International Bird Migration Day
Meet at the Jamaica Bay Refuge for a series of walks and talks about bird migration in NYC.
Leader: Don Riepe. (times TBA). For more info call the refuge at (718) 318-4340. With Gateway NRA
Location: Jamaica Bay Refuge
Contact: 718-318-4340

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11am to 12:30pm beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, May 14, 2016, 8am-Noon
Birding Gems of Queens: Forest Hills Gardens and Forest Park
Guide: Tod Winston
Meet near the 71 Ave E/F subway station – specific location to be announced. Join Tod Winston as we tour the lovely green neighborhood of Forest Hills Gardens--often rich with songbirds--on our way to Forest Park. There we'll hike through the park's native woodland habitat in search of tanagers, orioles, and warblers, and visit the famous "watering hole," popular with thirsty migrants and eager birders alike.
Limited to 15. $36 (25)
Click here to register

Saturdays, May 7-July 30, 8-9:30am
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks, The Bronx
Guides: NYC Audubon, Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy with the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy
Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 212-691-7483. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Saturdays, April 30–May 28, 10-11am
Birding Basics For Families: The Ramble, Central Park
Guides: NYC Audubon, Conservancy Discovery Guides
Offered by the Central Park Conservancy
Meet at the Belvedere Castle (inside the Park, mid-Park just north of the 79th Street transverse). Experience Central Park’s precious bird habitat and migration hot spot with Conservancy Discovery Guides and NYC Audubon. Witness firsthand how the Conservancy’s work has made the Park a sanctuary for birds. Binoculars available. Free: pre-registration is recommended as space is limited. Ages 5+. Families only: maximum of three children per parent or guardian; no groups For weather cancellation updates and pre-registration information, call 212-772-0288.

Saturday, May 14, 2016, 11am-2pm
Birds and Plants II: New York Botanical Garden In Springtime, The Bronx
Guides: Gabriel Willow
Meet by the ticket booth just inside the Garden’s Mosholu Gate on Southern Boulevard. The New York Botanical Garden is home to a large tract of East Coast old-growth forest. During the peak of spring migration, the beautiful gardens come alive with migrating songbirds. Limited to 15. Entrance fee to NYBG not included. $39 (27)
Click here to register

Class: Friday, May 13, 6:30-8:30pm
Trip: Sunday, May 15, 8am-noon

Introduction To Bird Song (trip)
Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
Do you ever wonder who is singing? Learn to identify the large variety of migrant and resident birds in New York City. Joe Giunta will first introduce you to the subtleties of bird-song identification in the classroom followed by a field trip in Central Park to bird by eye and ear. Limited to 12. $72 (50)
Click here to register

Sundays, May 1–May 29, 10-11am
Birding Basics for Families: North Woods, Central Park
Guides: NYC Audubon, Conservancy Discovery Guides
Offered by the Central Park Conservancy
Meet at the Dana Discovery Center (inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues). Experience Central Park’s precious bird habitat and migration hot spot with Conservancy Discovery Guides and NYC Audubon. Witness firsthand how the Conservancy’s work has made the Park a sanctuary for birds. Binoculars available. Limited to 20. Age 5 and up. Free: pre-registration is recommended as space is limited. Ages 5+. Families only: maximum of three children per parent or guardian; no groups. For weather cancellation updates and pre-registration information, call 212-860-1370

Sunday, May 15, 2016 11am – 4pm
Freshkills Park Discovery Day
Join NYC Audubon in a celebration of the birds of Freshkills Park! From wetlands to woodlands to rich, rolling grasslands, the diverse habitats of Freshkills Park host a wide variety of migratory and resident songbirds, waterbirds, and birds of prey. Come along on a free guided bird walk with an NYC Audubon naturalist to experience the benefits that the restoration of Freshkills Park is having on local wildlife. Walks start at the NYC Audubon table at noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.

Sunday, May 15, 2016, 1-4pm
Nesting Peregrines and Red-Tails of the Upper West Side
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Meet in front of Riverside Church. Many New Yorkers are astonished to discover that their city of steel and glass is home to a diverse population of large birds of prey: The City boasts the world’s highest densities of the peregrine falcon, the world’s fastest flyer, and a growing population of red-tailed hawks (several pairs of which have reached celebrity status). We’ll visit the nesting site of a pair of each of these fascinating species, and may glimpse parents feeding their chicks. Limited to 15. $39 (27)
Click here to register

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North Fork Audubon Society
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Bird Watching Field Trip to Central Park
We will take a bus to NYC for a bird trip to Central Park with Pat Hanly and will be meeting at the Central Park Boathouse Cafe at 8:00am. We will bird together in the Ramble until 11am and then walk over to the New York Historical Society to view the currently displayed Audubon paintings (the museum shows 4-5 at a time on a rotational basis). Participants are responsible for their own travel and food. Pat will be taking the Jitney and you can call him in advance if you desire to book your trip on that same bus or to arrange a meeting place on the day of the event. His cell number is 631-312-0824.

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North Shore Audubon Society
Saturday, May 14, 2016
BIG DAY - Alley Pond Park 76th Ave.
**6:30 am start time meet in parking lot.
After lunch, you can choose to continue to Jamaica Bay.
QCBC Leader Ian Resnick 917-626-9562

Walks are for beginners and experienced birders alike.
Weather permitting, walks start at 9:30am unless indicated.
BIG DAY starts at 6:30am.
Please note: all phone numbers are area code 516 unless otherwise indicated. In most cases, the contacts are also leaders for the respective walks. We would like to encourage carpooling, where possible.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, May 14, 2016 @ 12:00pm – 2:00pm
High Rock Park – Pouch Camp
Cost: Free
Contact: Ray Matarazzo 718-317-7666
Feathers, ferns and flowers abound throughout the Spring woodlands of High Rock Park. Participants will enjoy an exploration with Ray Matarazzo of birds, botany and more during an afternoon walk around Loosestrife Swamp and along the shores of Lake Orbach at Pouch Camp. Meet in the parking lot at 200 Nevada Avenue. For more information contact Ray Matarazzo at 718-317-7666.

Saturday, May 14, 2016 @ 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Spring Ten Mile Hike
Cost: Free
Join with veteran hike leaders, Dominick Durso, Charles Perry and Don Recklies as they explore the white trail through Willowbrook Park, Corson Brook Woods, Hyerdall Hill and on through the Greenbelt during this year’s Spring Ten Mile Hike. The spicebush and woodland flowers should lend to the fresh colors of Spring. Overhead birds abound and sing continuously as they feed in the branches above. The walk requires some endurance. Wear appropriate clothing and bring fluid, food and protection from insects and sun. Meet in the parking lot directly behind the Carousel For All Children located at 2 Eton Place. For more information contact Dominick Durso at 917-478-7607, Don Recklies at 718-768-9036 or Chuck Perry at 718-667-1393.

Sunday, May 15, 2016 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
Cost: Free
Come enjoy the fruits of Protector’s first conservation victory with a guided walk through this ecologically unique, 265-acre Preserve. Underlain by a layer of sand and clay that was deposited during the Cretaceous Period, the site underwent clay mining operations during the mid-19th century to early 20th century that marked the landscape with numerous ponds and wetlands. We will tour these wetlands as well as sandy uplands that support some of the rarest tree species in all of New York! Meet at the parking lot at 83 Nielson Avenue. For more information contact Will Lenihan at wleni5584@gmail.com.

Sunday, May 15, 2016 @ 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Crooke’s Point
Cost: Free
Contact: Paul Lederer 718-354-9200
Maritime spits such as Crooke’s Point are dynamic typographical features which were formed and sculpted by water and wind action. Join naturalist Paul T. Lederer in a talk and walk where he will discuss the geology and human history of the site as well as the plants and animals that call this place home. Meet at the Beach Center Parking Lot in Great Kills Park near the dirt road leading out to Crooke’s Point. To get to the Beach Center Parking Lot, follow Buffalo Street to just before it turns into the dirt permit road. For more information or directions contact Paul at 718-354-9200.

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Queens County Bird Club
Sunday, May 15, 2016, 7:30am – 1pm
Forest Park
Leader: Jean Loscalzo 917-575-6824

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Hempstead Plains
(See www.friendsofhp.org/site/index.php?id=9 for directions)

All walks start at 9:00 A.M.
There is no walk if it rains or snows or temperature is below 25°F.
For more information or in case of questionable weather conditions, please phone Joe at 516 467-9498
For directions to our bird-watching locations, click here.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Discovery Hike: Spring Birding at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Early spring signals the migration of birds from their winter homes. Observe and identify birds with binoculars.
Free!

Birding: Spring Migration at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Songbird Migration Walk with Expert Naturalist Mike Feller at 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Join expert naturalist Mike Feller for a nature walk in Inwood Hill Park and Muscota Marsh to learn about the migratory birds of the season in the new wetlands and the ancient forest.
Free!

Summer on the Hudson: The Art of Birding A Walk through Forever Wild Bird Sanctuary at Riverside Park Bird Sanctuary (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join Jeff Nulle, long-time volunteer park tender and past president of the Linnaean Society of New York, on National Migratory Bird Day.
Free!

Birding: Ridgewood Reservoir at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Introduction to Bird Watching at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Look! Up in the sky, it’s a bird! But what kind of bird is it? Take a tour and learn about the magnificent array of birds that call Prospect Park home.
Free!

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