Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, May 19, 2018 to Sunday, May 20, 2018:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, May 19, 2018, 12pm – 1pm
Introduction to Birdwatching
Join Prospect Park Alliance every Saturday for a birdwatching tour to learn about Prospect Park’s magnificent array of birds and how to identify them!

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Bedford Audubon Society
Saturday, May 19, 2018, 7:15am - 12:00pm
Doodletown
Doodletown Road is known as one of the best places in our area to find breeding Hooded and Cerulean Warblers as well as being a fine spot for many other songbirds, migrants and breeders alike. Join Tait in a search for these feathered gems! Enjoy the walk up the rugged trail past the ruins of a “lost civilization.” Depart Bylane Farm at 6:15am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous. Register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914.302.9713.
See more details

Sunday, May 20, 2018, 8:30am - 10:00am
Bedford Audubon’s Bylane Farm
35 Todd Road, Katonah, NY
In partnership with Lewisboro Land Trust. The shrub lands, wet meadows and woods around Bylane Farm hold Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-winged Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Orchard Oriole, and many other migrants and summer resident birds. Meet in parking lot. Coffee and donuts. Level of Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Let us know if you’d like to borrow binoculars. Register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914.302.9713.
See more details

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Ridgewood Reservoir Walk
Leaders: Steve Nanz Focus: Observing spring migrants and looking for early nesters. We will also bird Highland Park if time allows. Registrar: Heidi Steiner at heidi.steiner.bklyn@gmail.com if you would like to car pool. You may also use public transportation; meet at 8:00AM at the top of the stairs of the main entrance, directly across Vermont […]

Saturday, May 19, 2018, 7:00am - 3:00pm
Michele Dreger’s Prospect Park Bird Sit
Say farewell to long time Audubon Center bird walk leader Michele Dreger, who is retiring to Florida. Stop by and help Michele and her friends celebrate her festive day. There will be food served at noon with presentations shortly thereafter. Meet 7:00 am at the Boulder Bridge (south border of Rick's Place) Map site: https://tinyurl.com/MichellesBirdsit […]

Saturday, May 19, 2018, 7:15am
Prospect Park Saturday Walk
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik Meet at Ocean/Parkside Avenues, “The Pergola” at 7:15 am No registration necessary.

Please review our general trip information and guidelines on this page.

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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 9:00am
Birding the Fields, Woods and Bluffs of Hallockville Museum Farm and Hallock State Park
Leader: MaryLaura Lamont
This walk begins at Hallockville Museum Farm. Please park there. Diversity of habitats at the Hallockville Farm complex along Long Island Sound produces good bird sightings from warblers, swallows, vultures to kingbirds and Osprey. Program sponsored by Hallockville Museum Farm. There is an $8.00 fee which goes to their educational programs. Call (631) 298-5292 to register.

Sunday, May 20, 2018 at 7:30am
Quogue Wildlife Refuge
Leader: Eileen Schwinn
Beginning at 7:30 am, we will meet in the parking lot of the Refuge, and walk the approximately one mile loop around the Ice Pond. Various warbler-loving habitats — pine woods, open fields, and tangled understory — will be explored. In past years, this hidden gem has had Mourning Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and even Yellow-throated Warbler, along with the expected nesting warblers and song birds! Almost guaranteed to be tick-free (the Wildlife staff makes sure the trails are wide and brush-free), this spot is a real winner! Contact Eileen at beachmed@optonline.net for more information.

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Freshkills Park Alliance
Sunday, May 20, 2018, 8:00am
Birding Tour with NYC Audubon
Join local naturalist Cliff Hagen for “Birding Gems of Staten Island: Spring Migration at Freshkills Park,” organized by NYC Audubon.
Read More
Sign Up

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Gateway National Recreation Area
Saturday, May 19, 2018, 10:00am to 11:00am
Birding by the Bay
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fees: Free
Ranger-led nature walk.
View Details

Sunday, May 20, 2018, 10:00am to 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fees: free
Learn all about the amazing osprey on this guided walk of the West Pond Trail.
View Details

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Great South Bay Audubon
Saturday, May 19, 2018 to Sunday, May 20, 2018 - 7:00am
Sterling Forest and Bashakill
Leader(s): John Gluth (631-827-0120)
From Tappan Zee Bridge, take I-87 to Sloatsburg exit 15A, take the exit for Rte 72 (Sterling Mine Rd.), 1-mile up Rte 17. Continue west on Rte 72 for 3 Miles until you reach Rte 84, Long Meadow Rd. Continue up long Meadow Rd to Sterling Lake Rd (4 Mi). Turn left there and continue to Park Visitors Center parking lot on Old Forge Rd. Overnight at Wurtsboro Days Inn (845-888-8727).

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Green-Wood Cemetery
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Birding in Peace
Peak Spring Migration Birding
From Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to over 20 species of colorful wood-warblers, our peak migration tours will feature many of the 163 bird species that have been recorded at Green-Wood during the month of May. Beginning just after sunrise, we will experience spring’s dawn chorus at the active time of day for birds.

Sunday, May 20, 2018
Birding in Peace
Peak Spring Migration Birding
From Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to over 20 species of colorful wood-warblers, our peak migration tours will feature many of the 163 bird species that have been recorded at Green-Wood during the month of May. Beginning just after sunrise, we will experience spring’s dawn chorus at the active time of day for birds.

Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Saturday/Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home. Green-Wood’s official birding checklist is available to pick up from the security guard at the main entrance on 25th Street or to print here. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

$10 for members of Green-Wood and BHS / $15 for non-members

Click here for our inclement weather policy.

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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Sunday, May 20, 2018, 8:00am
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Jamaica Bay is known for its world-class shorebirding. We will walk around looking for shorebirds and other interesting migrants.
Registration: 631-885-1881
Directions: Meet at visitor center parking lot.

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Linnaean Society of New York
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Doodletown
Leader: Paul Keim
Registrar: Anne Lazarus — amlazarus47@gmail.com or 212-673-9059
Registration opens: Monday, May 7
Ride: $30

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 11:00 a.m.
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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, May 19, 2018, 9:00am – 10:30am
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: NYC Audubon 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 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, call 212-691-7483. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Saturday, May 19, 2018, 9:30am – 10:30am
Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walks
Saturdays, April 28, May 19, and June 9, and Sundays, May 6 and 27, 9:30-10:30am
Guide: NYC Audubon with Queens Botanical Garden
Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Register for one date or the whole series of five walks (walk-ins welcome). To register, email info@queensbotanical.org or visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar. Each walk limited to 25. Free (with Garden admission)

Saturday, May 19, 2018, 10am – 2pm
Horseshoe Crab Festival at Jamaica Bay
Join us for a day of celebrating the annual arrival of horseshoe crabs to our local shores. During the full and new moons of May and June, these prehistoric animals, which date back approximately 400 million years, come ashore to mate. The females lay billions of eggs at the high tide line each season. At the same time, thousands of migrating shorebirds arrive in the northeast bays to feed on the eggs, regaining the body weight they lost during their long journey north. At the festival you’ll see and hold live horseshoe crabs and learn about their important ecological and medicinal values. For more info on the festival contact the American Littoral Society at 718-474-0896 or email Don Riepe at donriepe@gmail.com. The program is free, but suggested donations of $20 for adults and $10 for children to NYC Audubon are suggested to offset the festival cost.
To inquire about van transportation from Manhattan, call NYC Audubon at 212-691-7483 x304.

Saturday, May 19, 2018, 1pm – 4pm
Nesting Peregrines and Red-Tails of the Upper West Side
Guide: Gabriel Willow
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. $36 (25)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 20, 2018
Shorebird Blitz
Contribute to NYC Audubon’s conservation efforts by helping us take a one-day snapshot of spring shorebird activity throughout New York City. Scheduled for May 20, the fifth NYC Shorebird Blitz is a citizen science initiative that aims to find the total number of shorebirds using our City during a 24-hour period, helping us answer important conservation questions such as how many shorebirds are coming through our area during peak spring migration, how they are distributed throughout the City, what they are doing while here, and what disturbances they face.

At last September’s NYC Fall Shorebird Blitz, 17 volunteers counted over 6,000 shorebirds in one day throughout all five boroughs (see Conservation Notes on page TK to learn what was found that day).

Whether you have been shorebirding for years or are a beginner, there are plenty of areas that need to be covered, so mark your calendars and start practicing your shorebird identification. For more information or to get involved, email citizenscience@nycaudubon.org.

Sunday, May 20, 2018, 8am – 3pm
Birding Gems of Staten Island: Spring Migration at Freshkills Park
Sundays, May 6 and May 20, 8am-3pm
Guide: Cliff Hagen with NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
Meet at the Staten Island Ferry and start your trip with a journey across the Upper Bay. From wetlands to woodlands to rich, rolling grasslands, Freshkills Park offers a diverse collection of habitats and wildlife. On a spring day, over 100 species of birds and a variety of butterflies can be seen here. Join local naturalist Cliff Hagen and NYC Parks Department staff on this special opportunity to explore the deep, secret places of the City's latest, greatest park. Transport by passenger van on S.I.from the Staten Island St. George Terminal included. Limited to 12. $50 (35)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 20, 2018, 9am – 10am
The Evergreens Cemetery Bird Walk
Guide: Corey Finger with Cemetery of the Evergreens
Meet inside the cemetery entrance at 1629 Bushwick Avenue and Conway Street. Explore the delights of this hidden gem by taking a tour of historic Evergreens Cemetery and its spring migrants. Moderately strenuous with many hills and stairs. Please click here to register. No limit. Free ($5 suggested donation)

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North Shore Audubon
Saturday, May 19, 2018, 8am – 12pm
NYIT de Seversky Center
Leader: Liz (516) 404-1984‬
NOTE: EARLY START TIME
Enter from Northern Blvd and West Rd - head south on West Rd. Proceed up the hill, and follow sign to the NYIT de Seversky Mansion on right. Park in big lot across from mansion.
Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water.

Please inform walk leader that you are attending.
See "Walk Locations" for directions.
Park in the circle in front of the big house.
Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water. Wear long pants and socks so you do not touch poison ivy.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Sunday, May 20, 2018, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Weed and Herb Walk at Conference House Park
Join herbal­ist Gert Coleman for a walk through the colonial paths and gar­dens at Conference House Park to identify both wild and cultivat­ed medicinal and culinary plants. Learn through discussion the benefits of such herbs and weeds and maybe find a new apprecia­tion for the “weeds” which take root in our own gardens. Meet in the parking lot at the end of Hylan Boulevard. E-mail Gert Cole­man at gert.coleman@verizon.net for more information.
Read More

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Queens County Bird Club
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Doodletown and Sterling Forest
Leader: Arie Gilbert 917-693-7178
Description: We'll meet at Doodletown at 7:30am. BRING LUNCH/DRINKS. then bird Sterling Forest.
more details»

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Hempstead Plains
Take Meadowbrook Parkway Exit M4, west towards Nassau Coliseum and Charles Lindbergh Blvd. Follow Charles Lindbergh Blvd. a short distance to first exit on right, East Parking Area for Nassau Community College. Turn right into East Parking Area and see entrance to Hempstead Plains ahead to the right. There is parking at the Entrance.
Directions via Google Maps

Bird walks led by a member of SSAS are conducted nearly every Sunday morning from late August through early June. Walks are open to the public and are free of charge. We especially encourage youngsters to attend.
All walks start at 9:00am
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.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Bird Watching at the Reservoir at Ridgewood Reservoir, Queens
8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Start your day with an early morning bird watching walk led by the Brooklyn Bird Club.
Free!

Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Join NYC Audubon on a walk through the park to observe the many species of birds in Van Cortlandt Park.
Free!

Sunday, May 20, 2018
Bird Watching at the Reservoir at Ridgewood Reservoir, Queens
8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Start your day with an early morning bird watching walk led by Jean Loscalzo of the Queens County Bird Club.
Free!

Neighborhood Ecology Walk at Wave Hill, Bronx
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join a revealing exploration through the Raoul Wallenberg Forest and Abrons Woodland to see firsthand how human activity, invasive plants, and other factors have shaped the local ecology.

Family Walk: Avian Adventures at Wave Hill House (in Wave Hill), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
On this special family walk focused on birds, families will go bird-watching, using binoculars to closely observe birds in their natural habitat, with Wave Hill Environmental…