Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, February 21 - Sunday, February 22, 2026:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory bird outing is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Gateway National Parks

Winter Wander Nature Walk at Jamaica Bay
Sunday, February 22, 2026, 11:00 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Wander with a park ranger at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge while it’s a winter wonderland! Explore how plants and animals at the park survive and adapt to the winter. Open to all ages. Please dress for the conditions.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, February 22, 2026, 6:45am – 8:15am
Description: Experience Green-Wood before our gates open to the public and discover some of the birds that call the Cemetery their winter home. For species that migrate south after breeding, Brooklyn is their Miami during the colder months. Led by birding expert Rob Jett, this winter tour offers the chance to spot waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and other birds that stick around for the season. By February, you may even catch the first north-bound birds beginning to return.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Pelham Bay Park – Orchard Beach Area
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Leader: Jack Rothman
Description: Pelham Bay Park is New York City’s largest park, covering 2,772 acres. Our winter walk starts at Orchard Beach and centers around the northern forested areas of Hunter Island and Bartow-Pell Woods. The waters off Orchard Beach and Twin Island are excellent spots to scan flocks of overwintering waterfowl, loons, and grebes and Harbor Seals. Sightings from prior walks included Red-necked Grebes, Purple Sandpipers, American Widgeons, and Razorbills in the water. Tree Sparrows and hawks were seen on the land and in the air.
Registration: Suzanne Zywicki — suzannezywicki@hotmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Birding in Central Park: Ramble to Reservoir
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8:00 am — 11:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Enjoy a winter trek through Central Park. We'll explore the Lake, Ramble, and Turtle Pond in search of wintering songbirds and owls, and then trek up to the Reservoir to look for ducks, gulls, and Peregrine Falcons.
Registration: Registration page
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Winter Birds with the Young Conservationists: Gulls
Sunday, February 22, 2026, 10:00 am — 11:30am
Leader: Ryan Mandelbaum
Description: Winter doesn’t mean the birding has to stop! Discover the birds that spend the colder months with us. Join Young Conservation Council member Ryan Mandelbaum this winter in a three part series: finches, gulls, and ducks.
Registration: Registration page
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Queens County Bird Club

Fort Totten Park
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8:00am - 12:30pm
Leader: Marcia Abrahams (917) 608-8832
Description: We will meet at the restrooms in the Little Neck Bay parking lot, which is before the entrance to Fort Totten Park. Then we will begin by visiting the pond on Duane Road and from there, walk through the north side of the park near the Visitors Center, Fort and the bay. A pair of Bald Eagles are frequently spotted flying through the park. The surrounding bird species this time of year include resident Red-tailed Hawks and other raptor species, including a pair PeregrineFalcons which are nesting close by. Bird enthusiasts congregate to observe migrating waterfowl which includes CommonGoldeneyes, Buffleheads, Scaup, Horned Grebes, Common Loons, Red-throatedLoons, Red-breasted Mergansers, Northern Shovelers, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal and if you are lucky, possibly American Wigeons and Ring-necked Ducks. The pine trees also attract Brown Creepers, White-breasted Nuthatch and I have also seenRed-breasted Nuthatches.
Registration: Call the trip leader to register for this mini trip and for more information.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, take Exit 18 (Eagle Avenue) south to Field 3 (use second park entrance and make an immediate left turn.)
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, February 21, 2026
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

Sunday, February 22, 2026
Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00pm–2:00pm
Winter is a great time to learn more about our migratory duck species! Join the Rangers on a walk around Orchard Beach Boardwalk to explore the unusual world of winter waterfowl!
Free
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Familiar Silhouette

Common Raven collecting nest material: bark stripped from the branches of an Eastern Cottonwood.

Best of the Fortnight

Here's my first fortnight installment for February 2026. I hope you enjoy:

American Kestrel

White-throated Sparrow leaping into the void

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Fox Sparrow

Immature Cooper's Hawk

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

A pandemonium of Monk Parakeets

Dark-eyed Junco

Young Red-tailed Hawk

Hungry Canada Goose

Young Red-tailed Hawk

Brooklyn iceberg

Young Herring Gulls

More Brooklyn icebergs

Black Scoters

Gadwall

Christmas Bird Count

It has been nearly two months since the New York State 2025-2026 Christmas Bird Count wrapped up. It's taken me a while, but I've finally gotten around to posting a brief summary of my experience leading the team again at Floyd Bennett Field.

Every year during the Christmas Bird Count, our sunrise strategy at Floyd Bennett Field is to walk all the grasslands. It is a huge area and I like to get that part of the survey done as early as possible. We break into three teams and walk across pre-assigned fields. Eastern Meadowlark is our main target, but other species occasionally encountered include Ring-necked Pheasant, Wilson's Snipe, Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Snowy Owl, Horned Lark, American Pipit, Snow Bunting and Savannah Sparrow.

Sunrise on the runways

Our teams split up just after dawn and headed to our starting fields. HJ Kim, Kenelma Perez, Bob Washburn and I spread out across the small triangle of grassland that lies between the airport's main roadway and the southwestern runway. I was still walking to the far end of the field when I heard Bob yelling something. He had been walking a route closest to the runway and had only progressed a few yards. He waved us over.

From a distance I saw something bright white hunkered down in the vegetation. I thought, "Snowy Owl?" My heart jumped. As I approached the large, white mass of feathers and got a clearer view of the large bird, my brain nearly broke. Gannet?! What the heck was a gannet doing sitting in the grass?

Gannets have short legs set very far back on their bodies. They are similar in design to loons in that they are built for pursuing prey underwater, not walking on land. In order to take off from water, they require a running start, flapping heavily while kicking with their feet. We weren't sure how it ended up at the edge of this tangled vegetation, but we needed to get it out and to the water's edge.

Gannets are large seabirds with a nearly 6' wingspan. Their bill is long and dagger-like with a serrated edge. Standing close to this bird as it made deep, guttural growls and grunts with that weapon agape was, well, terrifying. So I did what any brave, adult male would do, I called over Michelle.

I was aware that Michelle has had extensive experience rescuing wildlife in distress, but was still in total awe as she almost effortlessly corralled then grabbed this snarling monster of a bird. As luck would have it, Mark Iantosca, another team member, had a perfect, gannet-sized Rubbermaid container in his car. With the bird loaded into the car, Michelle and her other teammates drove to the water at the edge of the boat launch and released it.

I think that the previous day's weather played a major role in the gannet's grounding. Winds were gusting up to 45mph. In fact, on the day of the count, we were seeing an unprecedented number of gannets flying around Jamaica Bay. They are normally seen out over the ocean, so surmise that the strong winds had pushed many of them into the bay. In addition, we had been experiencing extensive amounts of rain. When scouting Floyd Bennett Field the day before the count, much of the runways were flooded. I suspect the bird saw the water and landed in it, not realizing it was merely a very large, shallow puddle. When it attempted to takeoff, it ended up at the edge of the field, which is full of thorny vines.

I’ve been participating in the annual Christmas Bird Count since the 1990s and can say, with no hesitation, that this was my most memorable count experience.

When Michelle drove off with the gannet to the boat launch, the rest of us continued our walk across the grassland. My small group was about halfway across the first field when an Eastern Meadowlark flushed up from the grass. Meadowlarks have a distinctive, stuttering wing beat, and very noticeable white outer tail feathers. It was a very easy identification. I only managed to get a few, not-so-great, flight photos.

Eastern Meadowlark

The remnant evergreen stands within our covered areas held a few Red-breasted Nuthatches and the expected abundance of Yellow-rumped Warblers.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Another nice surprise for the day was finding a small flock of Eastern Bluebirds at the picnic area adjacent to the community gardens. I've seen bluebirds on the CBC in the past, but it has been quite a long time since the last sighting.

We always wrap up our day by meeting all the teams at the boat launch parking lot at the edge of the bay. There is a large congregation of assorted gulls that assemble here as the sun goes down. The dominant species (by a large margin) is always Ring-billed Gull, but a rare species or two is in the back of everyone's minds. As luck would have it, we were able to add Iceland Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull to our list. Both species are scarce, but likely observed by teams covering the ocean terrains.

Iceland Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

We finished our day with a very respectable 75 species. This is two more species than last year and a new record for Floyd Bennett Field (last year was the previous record!). We also managed two saves for the entire Brooklyn borough. If you are new to Christmans Bird Count lingo, a "save" is a species that no other team observed that day. In all, I was extremely happy with the results and feel incredibly lucky to have such great people each year on Team Floyd Bennett Field.

Here's our final species list for the day. Highlighted species are our team's saves.

Brant	Red-throated Loon	Red-breasted Nuthatch
Canada Goose	Common Loon	Brown Creeper
Mute Swan	Northern Gannet	Carolina Wren
Gadwall	Great Cormorant	European Starling
American Wigeon	Double-crested Cormorant	Northern Mockingbird
Mallard	Great Blue Heron	Eastern Bluebird
American Black Duck	Sharp-shinned Hawk	Hermit Thrush
Greater Scaup	Cooper's Hawk	American Robin
Lesser Scaup	Northern Harrier	Cedar Waxwing
Surf Scoter	Bald Eagle	House Sparrow
Black Scoter	Red-shouldered Hawk	American Pipit
Long-tailed Duck	Red-tailed Hawk	House Finch
Bufflehead	American Barn Owl	American Goldfinch
Red-breasted Merganser	Red-bellied Woodpecker	Field Sparrow
Rock Pigeon	Downy Woodpecker	American Tree Sparrow
Mourning Dove	Northern Flicker	Fox Sparrow
American Oystercatcher	American Kestrel	Dark-eyed Junco
Black-bellied Plover	Merlin	White-throated Sparrow
American Woodcock	Peregrine Falcon	Savannah Sparrow
Ring-billed Gull	Blue Jay	Song Sparrow
American Herring Gull	American Crow	Swamp Sparrow
Great Black-backed Gull	Common Raven	Eastern Meadowlark
Lesser Black-backed Gull	Black-capped Chickadee	Red-winged Blackbird
Iceland Gull	Tufted Titmouse	Yellow-rumped Warbler
Horned Grebe	Horned Lark	Northern Cardinal

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for Saturday, February 14 - Sunday, February 15, 2026:

Bedford Audubon Society

Hudson River Eagle Walk
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 2:00 pm - 5:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join naturalist Tait Johansson for one of our Hudson River Eagle Field Trips along the Hudson River to seek out these iconic raptors as they hunt, scavenge, and interact in their winter habitat. Watching eagles navigate the challenges of winter along the river offers a compelling glimpse into the behavior and ecology of a top avian predator.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory bird outing is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Croton Point Park: Memorial walk for Paul Keim
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: We continue to celebrate the memory of our late President emeritus Paul Keim in this second commemoration, at one of Paul’s favorite locations: Croton Point Park. In winter, Bald Eagles are seen passing through, even perching in this park’s trees. On the Hudson River, ducks abound and the landfill mound produces surprises. The leader has spent many walks with Paul to this lovely park in the quiet solitude of winter.
Registration: Peter Dorosh, email Prosbird@gmail.com
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Gateway National Parks

Winter Wander Nature Walk at Jamaica Bay
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 11:00 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Wander with a park ranger at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge while it’s a winter wonderland! Explore how plants and animals at the park survive and adapt to the winter. Open to all ages. Please dress for the conditions.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 6:45am – 8:15am
Description: Experience Green-Wood before our gates open to the public and discover some of the birds that call the Cemetery their winter home. For species that migrate south after breeding, Brooklyn is their Miami during the colder months. Led by birding expert Rob Jett, this winter tour offers the chance to spot waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and other birds that stick around for the season. By February, you may even catch the first north-bound birds beginning to return.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Coney Island Pier to Coney Island Creek
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: This casual four-mile loop begins by exploring the shore, water, and jetties of the lower bay along Coney Island Beach. Walking west towards the border between Coney Island and the private community of Seagate, we expect to observe Common and Red-throated Loons, Horned Grebes, Long-tailed Ducks, scoters, and several other species of waterfowl. The overwintering Purple Sandpipers along the rock jetties are always a delight. We may find a rare Lesser Black-backed Gull or an Iceland Gull among the abundant common gulls. The second half of the loop takes us to the tranquil Gravesend Bay and Coney Island Creek.
Registration: Gillian Henry — gillian.henry@gmail.com
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Staten Island
Sunday, February 15, 2026 (New Date)
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: Staten Island’s habitats include woodlands, coastal beaches, marshes, parks, and more. We have seen shorebirds, Bonaparte’s Gulls, Horned Grebes, and other grebe species. Many rare birds may make surprise appearances. One year, a Summer Tanager stayed throughout the winter, eating bees found in a tree hole. Hairy Woodpeckers are not uncommon. The itinerary may evolve based on sightings or rare bird species.
Registration: Ursula Mitra — ursula.mitra@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Birding at Floyd Bennett Field with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 9:30 am — 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy at Floyd Bennett Field, one of NYC's top spots for spotting winter wildlife! This former airfield-turned-natural haven offers a variety of habitats, from marshes to meadows, making it the perfect place to spot winter visitors like shovelers, scoters, and mergansers. “Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars or a scope if they have them.
Registration: Registration page
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Winter Birding at Pelham Bay Park
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 9:00 am — 10:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance to explore New York City's largest park! Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat for a variety of migrating birds.
Registration: Registration page
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Queens County Bird Club

NJ Shore/Barnegat
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: This is a full-day trip that starts early and ends with dining out in central New Jersey. Of course, you may leave at any time that your schedule requires. We are planning on having lunch at a restaurant, so there is no need to pack a lunch.
Registration: Call the trip leader to register for this mini trip and for more information.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Mill Pond Park
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road. The park is four blocks west of the Wantagh State Parkway. Meet at the gazebo.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, February 14, 2026
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

Birding: You've Gotta Love Birds at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00am–11:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn about mating and courtship behaviors of our feathered friends at Pelham Bay Park during this season of love!
Free

Birding: You Gotta Love Birds at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
12:00pm–1:00pm
Learn about courtship rituals, nest-building, parenting and other things birds do to attract and keep their mates.
Free

Sunday, February 15, 2026
For the Love of Birds at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
10:30am–11:30am
Learn about the most common birds you might find in the Greenbelt- or in your own backyard.
Free

Birding: Bald Eagle Watch at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
11:00am–12:00pm
Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers. Please dress warmly.
Free

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Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, February 7th - Sunday, February 8th, 2026:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory bird outing is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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A Winter Amble for Gullophiles: Bush Terminal Pier Park to Veterans Pier
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: A delightful morning search for quality gulls, winter’ s reliable icons, along the west shore of the Brooklyn waterfront. We will also look for waterfowl in mid-winter numbers.
Registration: Peter Dorosh, email Prosbird@gmail.com
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Dune Road in Winter
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 8:15am
Leader: __
Description: Usually, Dune Road is a Summer Destination, but the Winter time can be exciting as well - and much less worry about traffic! Or Permits to Park!!!! We will start our approximate 2 hour drive and stop at the Shinnecock Inlet. The tide will be rising, and food for the winter visiting ducks and water-fowl will be heading toward the ocean. We can watch them in the Bay as well as the area around the rock jetty. Next stop: The Old Bridge and then the Ponquouge Pavillion, which usually hosts Snow Bunting and maybe a surprise Pipit?? Watch for wintering Yellow-rumped Warblers and perhaps a rare gull among the “regulars”. Traveling along, keep your eyes out for hawk and owls (?!?) with luck. We will be stopping at Tiana Bayside as well as the Ocean parking lot.
Registration: Please register with Eileen Schwinn (beachmed@optonline.net)
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Gateway National Parks

Birding for Beginners at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sunday, February 8, 2026, 10:30 am — 11:30am
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Even though it's winter, there are still birds to be seen! Join a ranger on this birding walk around West Pond. All skill levels welcomed; binoculars provided. Dress for the conditions.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace: Late-Risers Edition (Members Only)
Sunday, February 8, 2026, 10:00am – 11:30am
Description: If you’ve always wanted to go on a birding tour at Green-Wood but aren’t much of a morning person, this tour is for you! The early bird-er might get the worm, but you can birdwatch at any hour. Join birding expert Rob Jett and a small group of fellow members to roam the grounds while hearing and seeing the many feathered friends of Green-Wood. Winter at Green-Wood brings plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, with fascinating species to spot even in the colder months. For some migratory birds, Brooklyn serves as their warm-weather getaway during winter. Explore the Cemetery and keep an eye out for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and other birds that choose to stick around for the season. By March, we’ll see some of the early northbound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Montauk Weekend
Saturday, February 7, 2026, to Sunday, February 8, 2026
Leader: Joseph DiCostanzo
Description: Montauk is the easternmost point of New York State and is known for the high numbers of ducks and pelagic birds that concentrate there in winter. On our way to and from Montauk, we will make several stops, including Point Lookout, Jones Beach, and various freshwater ponds. We will spend the night at Daunt’s Albatross Motel.
Registration: Kristin Ellington — krs10ellington@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Birding in Central Park: Ramble to Reservoir
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 8:00 am — 11:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Enjoy a winter trek through Central Park. We'll explore the Lake, Ramble, and Turtle Pond in search of wintering songbirds and owls, and then trek up to the Reservoir to look for ducks, gulls, and Peregrine Falcons.
Registration: Registration page
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Winter Birds with the Young Conservationists: Gulls
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10:00 am — 11:30am
Leader: Ryan Mandelbaum
Description: Winter doesn’t mean the birding has to stop! Discover the birds that spend the colder months with us. Join Young Conservation Council member Ryan Mandelbaum this winter in a three part series: finches, gulls, and ducks.
Registration: Registration page
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Winter Birding at Brookfield Park, Staten Island
Sunday, February 8, 2026, 8:00 am — 9:30am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Discover a diversity of wintering birds with longtime birder and Staten Island resident Anthony Ciancimino. Expect to see a variety of species of waterfowl and raptors that utilize the important marsh habitat found at the park.
Registration: Registration page
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Intro to Birding at Prospect Park with NYC Bird Alliance
Sunday, February 8, 2026, 9:00 am — 11:00am
Leader: ______
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance in Brooklyn's Backyard, Prospect Park. You’ll learn the basics and spot the residents and wintering species calling NYC home.
Registration: Registration page
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South Shore Audubon Society

Point Lookout Town Park (and Lido Preserve afterwards)
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, exit onto the Meadowbrook State Parkway south. Exit from the Meadowbrook at Loop Parkway (just before the Jones Beach toll booths) toward Point Lookout. The Loop Parkway ends west of Point Lookout at Lido Boulevard. Continue straight across Lido Boulevard into Point Lookout Park. Travel past the ticket booths and curve left into the very large parking lot on the south side of the park. Park in the southeast corner, closest to the private homes of the village of Point Lookout and the beach. We will walk east along the beach toward Jones Inlet. After returning to the parking lot, we will drive west on Lido Boulevard to Lido Beach Passive Nature Preserve on the north side of Lido Boulevard to walk through the bay marsh.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, February 7, 2026
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
10:00am–11:30am
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free

Hudson River EagleFest Eagle Spotting Station at Wave Hill, Bronx
10:00am–3:00pm
Winter migration is upon us! Learn all about the bald eagle and its winter migration as we celebrate Teatown Hudson River EagleFest®, an annual celebration of bald eagle winter migration along the Hudson River.
Free

Winter Bird Walk at Starlight Park, Bronx
10:00am–12:00pm
Join us from 10am – 12pm on Saturday, February 7th for our winter bird walk at Starlight Park. Meeting spot will be at Bronx River House. Experience Starlight Park in winter on a 2–3 hour guided bird walk. We’ll observe year-round resident species and scan the water for wintering waterfowl that migrate south to escape harsher northern conditions. *Binoculars and birding field guides will be provided* Please dress accordingly.
Free

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at West 90th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00pm–2:30pm
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free

Family Birding at Wave Hill, Bronx
1:00pm–1:30pm
Embark on an avian adventure with Hannah Kirshenbaum from NYC Queer Birders on this special family bird walk during our EagleFest® celebrations.
Free

Sunday, February 8, 2026
Winter Birding at Wave Hill, Bronx
9:30am–11:00am
Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands and observe birds in their winter habitat.
Free

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at American Veterans Memorial Pier, Brooklyn
11:00am–12:00pm
Come see the birds and boats of Gravesend Bay with the Urban Park Rangers. Learn about the wildlife that visit the waters of New York every winter and the ships that ply the waters.
Free

Birding: All About Woodpeckers at Yellow Trail Head (in Forest Park), Queens
1:00pm–2:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they guide you through the trails of Forest Park while highlighting the signs and tracks of woodpeckers.
Free

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Best of the Fortnight

Here is a selection of my photos that I took over the second two weeks of January, 2026. Enjoy.

Immature Cooper's Hawk

American Kestrel

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

American Robin

Blue Jay

Dark-eyed Junco

White-throated Sparrow

Tufted Titmouse

Great Blue Heron

Merlin

Peregrine Falcon

Red-tailed Hawk with prey

Fresh snowfall

Fox Sparrow

Snow mirror

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, January 31 - Sunday, February 1, 2026:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory bird outing is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Boogie Down Birding: The Bronx’s Pelham Bay Park
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Leader: Tim Graves and Ryan Goldberg
Description: Visit the city’s largest park, Pelham Bay, in the only borough that’s part of the North American continent. (The rest is an archipelago.) We’ll look for a range of species, from waterfowl on Long Island Sound to overwintering shorebirds on Twin Island. We’ll also explore the peaceful woods of Hunter Island and its famous pine grove.
Registration: Ryan Goldberg, email: ryangoldberg@gmail.com
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First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club in search of dozens of species that visit the park through all seasons. Learn about the different habitats in Prospect Park and why they are important for all types of birds.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, February 1, 2026, 7:00am – 8:30am
Description: Experience Green-Wood before our gates open to the public and discover some of the birds that call the Cemetery their winter home. For species that migrate south after breeding, Brooklyn is their Miami during the colder months. Led by birding expert Rob Jett, this winter tour offers the chance to spot waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and other birds that stick around for the season. By February, you may even catch the first north-bound birds beginning to return.
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Hudson River Audubon Society

Edith G. Read Natural Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: In winter months, the 85-acre lake, a mixture of salt and fresh water, hosts over 5,000 ducks. The sanctuary has been recognized by the National Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its significant habitats and flyway.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

Coney Island Pier to Coney Island Creek
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: This casual four-mile loop begins by exploring the shore, water, and jetties of the lower bay along Coney Island Beach. Walking west towards the border between Coney Island and the private community of Seagate, we expect to observe Common and Red-throated Loons, Horned Grebes, Long-tailed Ducks, scoters, and several other species of waterfowl. The overwintering Purple Sandpipers along the rock jetties are always a delight. We may find a rare Lesser Black-backed Gull or an Iceland Gull among the abundant common gulls. The second half of the loop takes us to the tranquil Gravesend Bay and Coney Island Creek. Returning towards Stillwell Avenue, the group may choose to lunch at the charming NYC landmark Totonno’s pizzeria or stop in for a cold one at Coney Island Brewery.
Registration: Gillian Henry — gillian.henry@gmail.com
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Staten Island
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: Staten Island’s habitats include woodlands, coastal beaches, marshes, parks, and more. We have seen shorebirds, Bonaparte’s Gulls, Horned Grebes, and other grebe species. Many rare birds may make surprise appearances. One year, a Summer Tanager stayed throughout the winter, eating bees found in a tree hole. Hairy Woodpeckers are not uncommon. The itinerary may evolve based on sightings or rare bird species.
Registration: Matthew Fischer — matthewwfischer@gmail.com
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Queens County Bird Club

Montauk (Rescheduled from 1/24)
Sunday, February 1, 2026, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Leader: Joe Schiavone (203) 640-2927
Description: We will start the trip viewing from the back of the restaurant specified by the map. Parking is in the lot on the opposite side of Montauk Hwy. If you have a scope, it will be useful here. Razorbills and gannets are possible here, and you will definitely see Common Eider and scoters.
Registration: Call the trip leader to register for this mini trip and for more information.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Lake
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road. Massapequa Lake is at the south end of Massapequa Preserve, between Lakeshore Boulevard and Ocean Avenue.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, January 31, 2026
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free
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Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, January 24 - Sunday, January 25, 2026:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip to Greenwich Point
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description:Greenwich Point is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and due to the park’s peninsular geography and the variety of habitats available it is an important migrant stopover for many species of birds. Good numbers of waterfowl winter offshore and in Eagle Pond so we’ll be looking for Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Great Cormorant, Horned Grebe, both Common and Red-throated Loons, Ruddy Turnstone, and of course Brant. On land, we might be lucky enough to encounter Hermit Thrush, Fox Sparrow, and Snow Bunting.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory bird outing is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Gateway National Parks

Winter Wander Nature Walk at Jamaica Bay
Sunday, January 25, 2026, 11:00 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Wander with a park ranger at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge while it’s a winter wonderland! Explore how plants and animals at the park survive and adapt to the winter. Open to all ages. Please dress for the conditions.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace: Late-Risers Edition (Members Only)
Sunday, January 25, 2026, 10:00am – 11:30am
Description: If you’ve always wanted to go on a birding tour at Green-Wood but aren’t much of a morning person, this tour is for you! The early bird-er might get the worm, but you can birdwatch at any hour. Led by birding expert Rob Jett, this winter tour offers the chance to spot waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and other birds that stick around for the season. By February, you may even catch the first north-bound birds beginning to return.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Breezy Point
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Leader: David Spawn
Description: Breezy Point, Queens, is located on the western end of the Rockaway peninsula, between Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. It is part of Gateway National Recreation Area, which the National Park Service manages. This isolated, 200-acre area includes an ocean-facing beach, a shoreline on Jamaica Bay, dunes, and marshland.
Registration: Matthew Fischer — matthewwfischer@gmail.com
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Queens County Bird Club

Montauk
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Leader: Joe Schiavone (203) 640-2927
Description: We will start the trip viewing from the back of the restaurant specified by the map. Parking is in the lot on the opposite side of Montauk Hwy. If you have a scope, it will be useful here. Razorbills and gannets are possible here, and you will definitely see Common Eider and scoters.
Registration: Call the trip leader to register for this mini trip and for more information.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Preserve
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway, turn north onto Broadway, Massapequa. Travel under the Long Island Rail Road overpass, then make the first right onto Veterans Boulevard (headed east). Go past the Massapequa train station and into the parking lot at the east end of the station. The preserve is directly east of the parking lot.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, January 24, 2026
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

Birding: Winter Birds at Beach 54th and Almeda Avenue (in Rockaway Community Park), Queens
10:00am–11:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an exclusive tour of the closed Edgemere Landfill to find bird species in this grassland ecosystem. Registration required. Registration begins on Jan 12.
Free

Birding: Bald Eagle Watch at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00am–11:30am
Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers. Please dress warmly.
Free

Sunday, January 25, 2026
Birding: Winter Birds at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
11:00am–12:30pm
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots in New York City to see migratory winter birds.
Free

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at West 90th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00pm–2:30pm
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free
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