Best of the Fortnight

We had a bit of inclement weather during the start of the month, so not as many pics as usual. I did manage to get out some, so here is a selection of pics from the first two weeks of September.

Immature Red-tailed Hawk

Great Blue Heron

Hibiscus in the rain

Immature Red-tailed Hawk

Prairie Warbler

Great Crested Flycatcher

Scarlet Tanager

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Monarch chrysalis

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Green Darner

Merlin

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, September 19 - Sunday, September 20, 2026:

Bedford Audubon Society

Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join our team for a Field Trip to the Hawkwatch Platform and see what’s moving through the skies above our area. Naturalist Tait Johansson and Hawkwatch Counter Christine Waas will be on hand to help identify and explain the birds we see and provide some context for our observations. We’ll be watching for kettles of migrating raptors, along with other birds passing overhead, from this high vantage point above I-684, with sweeping views across the Arthur Butler Sanctuary and beyond to Long Island Sound. Learn how hawk migration is monitored and why long-term observations like these are important for understanding raptor populations and migration patterns. Come see if we can top last year’s numbers!
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, September 19, 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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Prospect Park Fall Migration Saturday Walks
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 7:30am
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Walks typically go into early afternoon or later if the birding is great. Bring water, snacks and/or a sandwich if you plan to stay the whole duration–but feel free to leave whenever you want.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Terrell River County Park
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 8:00am (new date)
Leader: Brian Moldashel
Description: Meet at 8:00 am at the parking lot on the south side of Montauk Highway, opposite Kalers Pond in Center Moriches. We will walk the flat, wooded trails south to Moriches Bay and seek out migrating songbirds such as warblers and vireos, while also keeping our eyes out for all other kinds of wildlife in this rich and diverse park.
Registration: Please register with Brian Moldashel for this trip: brian.moldashel@gmail.com
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Freshkills Park Alliance

iNat Together at Freshkills Park
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Leader: Rangers
Description: iNaturalist Together is a global campaign to bring people together and explore local ecology. Join Bonnie Nygard, an AmeriCorps member at Freshkills Park and iNaturalist Ambassador, for a guided walk of North Park Phase One. Whether you are a lifelong naturalist or just getting started, this program is open to everyone.
Registration: Register via Eventbrite.
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Gateway National Parks

"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Every week on Sunday at 10:30am from June 07, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay. For more information about a week's tour, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Robert Moses Hawk Watch & Jones Beach WE
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 8:00am
Leader: Ken Thompson (631-612-8028) John Gluth (631-827-0120)
Description: Meet at Robert Moses State Park parking field #5 northeast corner. May require a parking fee.
Registration: Text or email to Vera Capogna 516-639-5430 vlvcap@yahoo.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

Central Park North End Fall Migration Walk
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Leader: Jeffrey Kimball
Description: Central Park is known as one of the best birding spots in the world, with the North Woods being its hidden gem. Join Jeffrey Kimball in exploring some of its hotspots, which could include the Great Hill, Children’s Glades, South and East Blowdown, Pool, Block House, Lily Ponds, Loch, Wildflower Meadow, Grassy Knoll, Nursery, Conservatory Garden or Harlem Meer (including the recently opened Davis Center). Jeff is the producer and director of Birders: The Central Park Effect, a documentary film that focuses on our beloved park. Jeff is also the former President of the Board of the NYC Bird Alliance.
Registration: Suzanne Zywicki — suzannezywicki@hotmail.com
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Sandy Hook Fall Migration
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Leader: Jason Denesevich
Description: Sandy Hook is one of New Jersey’s premier birding spots, with a wide variety of interesting habitats to explore, especially during spring and fall migrations. Three hundred sixty-five different species of birds have been reported here, 43 more than at New York state’s highest hotspot, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. The barrier spit is in a unique location separating lower New York Bay from the Atlantic Ocean and is an excellent location for shorebirds, terns, warblers, and flycatchers.
Registration: Matthew Fischer — matthewwfischer@gmail.com
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NYS State Young Birder’s Club Walk with LSNY on Governor’s Island
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Leader: https://www.govisland.com/
Description: Sponsoring NYSYBC Partner: The Linnaean Society of New York: 172-acre Governors Island is situated in the heart of New York Harbor. Just minutes from Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront and reachable only by ferry, this car-free and unique destination has a multitude of attractions including an award-winning park with dozens of historic buildings, year-round educational and cultural facilities, a rich arts and culture program, and a 22-acre National Monument managed by the National Park Service. A former Army and Coast Guard base, Governors Island is open to the public year-round.
Registration: Suzanne Zywicki — suzannezywicki@hotmail.com
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Beginners Birding Walk in Central Park’s North End
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Leader: Linda LaBella
Description: Central Park is one of the world’s premier birding spots, especially during spring and fall migrations, and we encourage first-time and beginning birders to join us on a fun, informative and casual field trip where you will learn the basics of birding: using binoculars, field guides, species ID, and birding etiquette. You will be introduced to simple identifying tools like field marks, bird behavior and birdsong. On a good day we’ll see migrating songbirds like warblers, sparrows, vireos and waterfowl. The walk begins and ends in the North End of Central Park at the Pool on the west side, one of the best birding habitats in the park, then typically proceeds along a stream called the Ravine with boardwalks and paved pathways. Appropriate shoes for walking on rass and dirt paths are strongly recommended. Remember to bring a pair of binoculars and your birding questions.
Registration: Catherine Ichord — catherine.ichord@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Birding in Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 8:00am — 10:00pm
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Uncover Clove Lakes Park, a hidden gem nestled in Staten Island, known for its scenic lakes, lush woodlands, and diverse wildlife. Numerous warblers, vireos, tanagers, and other migratory songbirds can be seen here. Clove Lakes Park is home to one of the largest and oldest trees in NYC.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding along the QueensWay
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9:30am — 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and The Trust for Public Land as we explore the QueensWay through birding! The QueensWay is an intiative to transform the LIRR Rockaway Beach Branch that cuts through Forest Park into a new green space.
Registration: Registration page
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New York Botanical Garden Birding Tour
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11:00am — 12:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance at New York Botanical Garden. Get to see some of NYBG’s diverse landscape and learn why this unique green space is such a vital haven for a great variety of species year-round. The tour will meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Native Plant Garden.
Registration: This tour is included in your admission to the Garden. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:15pm — 3:45pm
Leader: _____
Description: Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island? Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding.
Registration: Registration page
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NYCHA in Nature: Bushwick Houses
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00am — 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: NYCHA residents and nearby community members are invited to join NYC Bird Alliance for a morning of beginner-friendly birding to look and listen for birds! We'll slowly stroll through the Bushwick complex, focusing on easy ways to notice birds around us. No experience necessary! Binoculars are available to borrow. Snacks and water will be provided.
Registration: Registration page
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Fall Migration at Calvert Vaux Park
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 9:00am — 1:00pm
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance's Tod Winston on a hike around the wilds of Calvert Vaux Park, right at low tide, as we look for early fall migrants and lingering breeding birds. Cavert Vaux's combination of mudflats, scrubland and lovely vistas onto Coney and Staten Islands can provide a surprising assortment of birds—from waders to warblers to waterfowl.
Registration: Registration page
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Climate Week: Birding in Marine Park
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 9:00am — 10:30am
Leader: _____
Description: It's Climate Week! Come explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest green space, Marine Park! Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance.
Registration: Registration page
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Climate Week: Fall Birding in Van Cortlandt Park
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 9:00am — 10:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance on a bird tour in one of the Bronx's largest green spaces. Participants will look for various species of resident and migrant birds and discuss a wide range of avian topics. This outing is held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
Registration: Registration page
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North Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 7:45am – 11:00am
Leader: Bill C (516) 993-7340 & Bill B (516) 767-3454
Description: Hempstead Lake State Park, Meet at Field 3.
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
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Queens County Bird Club

Forest Park
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 8:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Nelson Pascuzzi (917) 676-8685
Description: Enjoy a jaunt through Forest Park, including a stop at the "Water Hole", which many returning warblers include in their itinerary.
Registration: You must contact the trip leader to register.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Point Lookout Town Park (and Lido Preserve afterwards)
Sunday, September 20, 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, September 19, 2026
Birding: Fall Migration at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
11:00am–12:30pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Highland Park to look for fall migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free

Sunday, September 20, 2026
Raptor Fest at Foch Boulevard and 155th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
12:00pm–3:00pm
Experience the thrill of viewing New York’s premier predators live and up close, including eagles, falcons, owls, hawks, and more!
Free
...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, September 12 - Sunday, September 13, 2026:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, September 12, 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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Prospect Park Fall Migration Saturday Walks
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 7:30am
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Walks typically go into early afternoon or later if the birding is great. Bring water, snacks and/or a sandwich if you plan to stay the whole duration–but feel free to leave whenever you want.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Celebrating Migration on the 250th Anniversary of the Staten Island Peace Conference in Tottenville
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: We’ll combine history and birding on this walk (held the day after the actual anniversary date) with a visit to Conference House Park (formerly Billopp House Park) at the southern tip of Staten Island—the southernmost point in New York State and a renowned hotspot for fall bird migration.
Registration: Peter Dorosh Prosbird@gmail.com
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Terrell River County Park
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 8:00am
Leader: Brian Moldashel
Description: Meet at 8:00 am at the parking lot on the south side of Montauk Highway, opposite Kalers Pond in Center Moriches. We will walk the flat, wooded trails south to Moriches Bay and seek out migrating songbirds such as warblers and vireos, while also keeping our eyes out for all other kinds of wildlife in this rich and diverse park.
Registration: Please register with Brian Moldashel for this trip: brian.moldashel@gmail.com
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Gateway National Parks

Big Sit Birding at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:00am
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Birding and enjoying the outdoors should be a welcoming and inclusive activity for all people, and for that reason we welcome you to join us while we sit, watch, and listen for as many bird species as possible. People of all experience levels are invited, particularly people who are blind, partially sighted, have low vision, and/or mobility issues. We will be sitting on benches near our pollinator garden, adjacent to the visitor center. Sunscreen and bug spray recommended; binoculars available to borrow.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
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"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Every week on Sunday at 10:30am from June 07, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay. For more information about a week's tour, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 6:30am – 8:30am
Description: Stop by this fall and you will see a variety of species passing through. By September, the offspring of summer’s nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Catch a glimpse of spot blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows on the move. By October, be on the lookout for returning waterfowl and raptors heading south. And by November, overwintering feathered denizens return from the north.
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Birding in Peace
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 6:30am – 8:30am
Description: Stop by this fall and you will see a variety of species passing through. By September, the offspring of summer’s nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Catch a glimpse of spot blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows on the move. By October, be on the lookout for returning waterfowl and raptors heading south. And by November, overwintering feathered denizens return from the north.
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Birding in Peace: Late-Risers Edition (Members Only)
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 10:00am – 11:30pm
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.
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Hudson River Audubon Society

Lenoir Nature Preserve
Saturday, September12, 2026, 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: Fall warblers and other migrants. Meet at the Lenoir Nature Center, 19 Dudley St, Yonkers.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

Green-Wood Cemetery
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: Situated along the Harbor Hill Terminal Moraine in Brooklyn, this 478-acre National Historic Landmark features hills, valleys, and kettle ponds. Green-Wood Cemetery is a magnet for migrating birds, which makes perfect sense given the more than 500 species of woody plants that qualify it for Class III Arboretum status—one of only 31 in the world. In addition to spotting numerous songbirds, we’ll visit the hawk-watch hill north of the Civil War Monument—a great vantage point to scan for migrating raptors. Thirteen species of raptor, plus both vultures, have been recorded at the cemetery.
Registration: Gillian Henry — gillian.henry@gmail.com
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Fall Migration in St. Nicholas and Jackie Robinson Parks
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Leader: Elijah Shiffer
Description: Expand your Manhattan birding range beyond Central Park and join trip leader, Elijah Shiffer, as we explore his local patch, St. Nicholas Park. The approximately 23-acre park is located in upper Manhattan at the intersection of St. Nicholas Avenue, 127th Street, St. Nicholas Terrace and 141st Street, bordering the neighborhoods of Hamilton Heights, Manhattanville, and Harlem. While relatively under-birded, eBird reports 115 species observed in the park, including a variety of warblers and sparrows. The park can also be a stopping point for Monarch butterflies during their Fall migration as they are attracted to the butterfly bushes which can be found there. We also plan to visit Jackie Robinson Park, one of four spaces designated an Historic Harlem Park, located four blocks north of St. Nicholas.
Registration: Suzanne Zywicki — suzannezywicki@hotmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9:00am — 10:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest green space, Marine Park! Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance.
Registration: Registration page
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Rockaway Community Bird Outing
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:00am — 11:30pm
Leader: Russell Jacobs
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance to explore the Rockaways, a vital habitat for shorebirds year-round, with our final FREE community bird outing. In the summer, these beaches provide crucial nesting grounds for shorebirds like Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers, while in the fall, becoming important foraging habitat for sandpipers and other shorebirds making their way south.
Registration: Registration page
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Intro to Birding in Crotona Park
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:00am — 11:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance this spring to explore beautiful Crotona Park. Its meadows, flowering trees, and sizable pool provide excellent habitats for a variety of birds, including woodpeckers, warblers, and wading birds.
Registration: Registration page
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New York Botanical Garden Birding Tour
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 11:00am — 12:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance at New York Botanical Garden. Get to see some of NYBG’s diverse landscape and learn why this unique green space is such a vital haven for a great variety of species year-round. The tour will meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Native Plant Garden.
Registration: This tour is included in your admission to the Garden. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 2:15pm — 3:45pm
Leader: _____
Description: Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island? Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding in East Harlem
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 10:00am — 11:00am
Leader: EsplanadeFriends
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and EsplanadeFriends to discover the East Harlem Esplanade and its adjacent green spaces. Expect to see many water birds right off the coast.
Registration: Registration page
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North Shore Audubon Society

Tackapausha Preserve
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Kris Long (631) 921-1880
Description
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
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Queens County Bird Club

Alley Pond Park
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 7:45am - 12:15pm
Leader: Eric Miller (917) 279-7530
Description: This min-trip includes the forested areas of Alley Pond Park south of the Long Island Expressway. Meet at the east end of the 76th Ave. parking lot - see map.
Registration: You must contact the trip leader to register.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Sunday, September 13, 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

Sunday, September 13, 2026
Fall Birding at Wave Hill, Bronx
9:30am–11:00am
Fall is peak migration time along the Hudson River, and we have a front seat!
Free

...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, September 5 - Monday, September 7, 2026:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, September 5, 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.
View Details

Prospect Park Fall Migration Saturday Walks
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 7:30am
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Walks typically go into early afternoon or later if the birding is great. Bring water, snacks and/or a sandwich if you plan to stay the whole duration–but feel free to leave whenever you want.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Sunday Bird Outing
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to explore Prospect Park in search of the many bird species found throughout the year. Along the way, you’ll learn about the park’s diverse habitats, the birds that depend on them, and seasonal highlights.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Gateway National Parks
"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Every week on Sunday at 10:30am from June 07, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay. For more information about a week's tour, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
View Details


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Linnaean Society of New York

Mushroom Exploration Walk in Van Cortlandt Park
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Leader: Paul Sadowski
Description: Van Cortlandt Park offers various habitats for mushroom exploration. We will walk along marshy areas, fens, lawns, woodlands, and ponds, searching for several types of fungi. We recommend that you bring a hand lens with about 10X magnification. However, you may be able to borrow one from our leader, an instructor in mycology, and a longtime member of the New York Mycological Society.
Registration: Debbie Mullins — deborramullins3@gmail.com
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Staten Island Early Fall Migrants and Sea Watch
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Join longtime birder and Staten Island resident Anthony Ciancimino for a tour around the south and east shores of the island. We will start at the Great Kills Park bathhouse, where we will have a seawatch (conditions permitting). Here, we can see a variety of waterbirds, such as gulls, terns, and possibly even Brown Pelicans. From there, we will explore the nearby trails for migrating warblers and other songbirds. Depending on activity, we will then move on to check the marshes, where we can see a great variety of wading birds, such as egrets and ibis, as well as shorebirds. There are a plethora of locations on the island we can check, so Anthony will discern which areas will be best on the day of the event. Please wear comfortable shoes, as we will walk on beaches and rocky terrain at times, totalling a few miles or so.
Registration: Matthew Fischer — matthewwfischer@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Accessible Birding in Fort Tryon Park
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 11:00am — 12:00pm
Leader: Alex Wang
Description: Fort Tryon Park offers stunning views of the Palisades and Hudson River from its soaring cliffs of bedrock. Spanning 67 acres, the park features many well-paved walkways designed to accommodate a wide range of mobility needs for birders with stroller, wheelchair, walker, cane, and other mobility aids.
Registration: Registration page
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Governors Island Bird Tour
Sunday, September 5, 2026, 2:15pm — 3:45pm
Leader: _____
Description: Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island? Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding.
Registration: Registration page
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Intro to Birding in Prospect Park
Sunday, September 6, 2026, 8:30am — 10:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Are you curious about birding but don’t have much (or any) experience? Join NYC Bird Alliance in Prospect Park, Brooklyn's backyard! This is the perfect time to learn the basics, at the start of fall migration. Binoculars available upon request.
Registration: Registration page
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South Shore Audubon Society

Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway in Rockville Centre, turn onto Long Beach Road, traveling south. Proceed to Waukena Avenue and turn left. From this point onward, there are brown signs directing visitors to the sanctuary. Turn right onto Park Avenue (at a traffic light), then turn left onto Golf Drive. Continue on Golf Drive to Slice Drive, turn right, and proceed one short block into the sanctuary.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Wantagh State Parkway, travel south. Upon entering Jones Beach State Park, exit at Bay Drive and continue west. Turn right (north) at entrance for Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin; turn right again for parking.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Sunday, September 6, 2026
Birding: Urban Birds and Fall Migration at Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary (in Grant Park), Bronx
1:00pm–2:30pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an introduction to urban birds at the beginning of the fall migration! We’ll explore the recently renovated Grant Park and the Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary.
Free
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Best of the Fortnight

Another selection of my favorite shots. These were taken during the second two weeks of August, 2026:

Twelve-spotted Skimmer

Osprey

Young Gray Catbird

Dog Day Cicada

Young Brown Thrasher

Red-tailed Hawk

Monarch caterpillar eating Butterfly Weed

Clouded Sulphur ('alba' form)

Common Buckeye

Memorial for a young child

Young Wood Ducks

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Chinese Mantis

Spot-winged Glider

Solitary Sandpiper stalking dragonfly

Painted Lady butterfly

Bald Eagle

Young Red-tailed Hawk with pigeon

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Spotted Sandpiper

Groundhog dining

Striped Skunk

Cooper's Hawk

American Goldfinch

Sleeping Black-and-white Warbler

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, August 29 - Sunday, August 30, 2026:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Late Summer’s Nature Bounty in Green-wood Cemetery
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Leader: Matthew Wills
Description: An early fall migration outing focusing on warblers, flycatchers, orioles, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, late breeders, and other early migrant passerines, while also observing insects, butterflies, and other natural highlights.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Gateway National Parks
"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Every week on Sunday at 10:30 AM from June 07, 2026 to August 30, 2026
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay. For more information about a week's tour, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, August 30, 2026, 6:30am – 8:00am
Description: Stop by this fall and you will see a variety of species passing through. By September, the offspring of summer’s nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Catch a glimpse of spot blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows on the move. By October, be on the lookout for returning waterfowl and raptors heading south. And by November, overwintering feathered denizens return from the north.
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Bee the Solution: Community Science with The Bee Conservancy at Green-Wood
Sunday, August 30, 2026, 10:00am – 11:00am
Description: We invite you to join The Bee Conservancy at the Green-Wood Cemetery for an adventure in community science. During this hands-on event, you will capture images of wild bees and other insects, then edit and upload them to the iNaturalist app using your smartphone.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge includes over 12,600 acres of salt marshes, freshwater and brackish-water ponds, upland fields and woods, an open bay, and islands. It is one of the most significant bird habitats in the northeastern United States and a great place to observe seasonal bird migration and resident species. This walk will likely include visiting the East Pond, which may require mud boots to navigate comfortably.
Registration: Christina Black — christina.black50@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 2:15pm — 3:45pm
Leader: _____
Description: Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island? Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding.
Registration: Registration page
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South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Preserve
Sunday, August 30, 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, August 29, 2026
Summer on the Hudson: Birding Tour at 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
8:00am–10:00am
Monthly walks through birding hotspots in Riverside Park, led by Riverside Park Conservancy Field Staff.
Free
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Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, August 22 - Sunday, August 23, 2026:

Gateway National Parks
"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Every week on Sunday at 10:30 AM from June 07, 2026 to August 30, 2026
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay. For more information about a week's tour, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
View Details


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Hudson River Audubon Society

Butterfly Walk - Lenoir Nature Preserve
Sunday, August 22, 2026, 10:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: Meet at the Nature Center at 10 AM. 19 Dudley Street, Yonkers. We will walk to the Beverly Smith Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden and search for caterpillars and butterflies. Learn about their life cycle and other interesting facts.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Rockaway Community Bird Outing
Saturday, August 22, 2026, 10:00am — 11:30am
Leader: Russell Jacobs
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance to explore the Rockaways, a vital habitat for shorebirds year-round, with a FREE community bird outing. In the summer, these beaches provide crucial nesting grounds for shorebirds like Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers, while in the fall, becoming important foraging habitat for sandpipers and other shorebirds making their way south.
Registration: Registration page
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Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, August 22, 2026, 2:15pm — 3:45pm
Leader: _____
Description: Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island? Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding.
Registration: Registration page
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South Shore Audubon Society

Mill Pond Park
Sunday, August 23, 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, August 22, 2026
Birding: Shorebird Migration at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
10:00am–11:30am
Learn more about plovers, terns, oystercatchers and other shorebirds that migrate to Rockaway Beach every year.
Free

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