Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, June 14 - Sunday, June 15, 2025:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip to Fahnestock State Park & Glynwood Farm
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 7:30am - 12:30pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Come on a Field Trip to Fahnestock State Park, a deciduous and mixed forests that support a diverse group of forest-dependent bird species bird community, with Naturalist Tait Johansson. We hope to see some of the breeders in this area including Acadian Flycatcher, Purple Martin, Blackburnian Warbler, Canada Warbler, and of course, Ruffed Grouse!
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

The Insect World of Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Leader: Matthew Wills
Description: Explore native pollinator meadows and stunning landscapes for insects, butterflies, and dragonflies in this haven along the East River.
Registration: Prosbird@gmail.com or prosbird@aol.com
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) and ELIAS join together for the Eric Salzman Memorial Walk
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Leader: _____
Description: Meet at 8:00 am, at the SoFo building, 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, for this annual walk around the open fields and bordering woods, in memory of Eric, a director of SoFo, and a long-time friend and mentor to many ELIAS members. The approximately 1.5 mile walk on wide and neatly mowed paths, we hope to encounter resident nesting warblers and song birds.
Registration: Please register directly with South Fork Natural History Museum – Go to the website SoFo.org/Calendar, and click on the listing of the walk to register.
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Gateway National Parks

Birding Atop Fort Tilden
June 14, 2025 to June 28, 2025, 10:30am - 11:30am
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Climb to the top of Battery Harris East at Fort Tilden for the chance to see birds of all kinds from one of the highest lookout points in the area. With a great view of the ocean, bay, and all five boroughs, any bird sighting is possible! Binoculars, field guides, and a scope will be provided. Rain will cancel this event. Meet on the observation deck of Battery Harris East.
Registration: No required.
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Ranger Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Every week on Saturday, June 7 - June 28, 2025, 11:00 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a guided walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge every Saturday!
Registration: No required.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

PollinaTours of Green-Wood
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am
Description: Take a summer stroll through Green-Wood and there’s one thing you’ll see (and hear) at every turn—the buzz of wild bees going about their daily routine. Bee biologist Sarah Kornbluth of the American Museum of Natural History leads this walking tour to highlight these noisy and industrious creatures, how they live, the resources they need, and where they make their homes across the Cemetery. Learn about the rich diversity of wild bee species (including bumble, carpenter, miner, leaf cutter, sweat, and more) and beecome more attune to small worlds around you.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Van Cortland Park Nature Walk: Birds, Butterflies, and Insects
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Leader: Ken Chaya
Description: Van Cortlandt Park is New York City’s third largest green space. It contains a variety of natural habitats within its 1,146 acres, including woodlands, marshes, meadows, and a lake. Here, we will search for Green Herons, Mute Swans, Red-winged Blackbirds, Tree Swallows, Eastern Wood-Pewees, Double-crested Cormorants, Great Egrets, Gray Catbirds, and Northern Flickers. We will also search for dragonflies and damselflies, including the Ebony Jewelwing, beetles such as the Net-winged Beetle, butterflies including the Banded Hairstreaks, and one of our prime target species, the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly. These species are only a fraction of the bird and insect species encountered during past Linnaean walks. Attendees should bring lunch, water, and insect and sun protection. There is a restroom at the beginning of our walk and another about halfway through the park with a water fountain.
Registration: Amanda Bielskas — bielskas@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Pigeon Fest at the High Line
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Leader: ____
Description: In celebration of Iván Argote’s Dinosaur—the striking 17-foot-tall aluminum pigeon sculpture at the Spur on the High Line—and National Pigeon Appreciation Day, the High Line presents Pigeon Fest, a full-day festival celebrating pigeons, urban ecology, and public art. Pigeon Fest brings together artists, musicians, scientists, horticulturists, activists, educators, and the public to play and learn together, while exploring the intersection of art, nature, and city life.
Registration:Registration not required.
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New York Botanical Garden Bird Tour
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: Join us and the New York Botanical Garden for Bird Tours throughout the year! 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. This tour is included in your admission to the Garden. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of binoculars will be available.
Registration: Learn more about this tour and see the entire schedule on the Garden's website
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Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 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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Breeding Birds of Inwood Hill Park
Sunday, June 14, 2025, 7:30am - 11:30am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Come explore the varied habitats of Northern Manhattan’s Inwood Hill Park on an early morning hike. This lovely park's mature forest and open meadows attract nesting species such as Wood Thrush, Hairy Woodpecker, and both Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, while its salt marsh and mudflats draw nesting ducks and foraging herons and shorebirds.
Registration: Registration page
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Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Sunday, June 15, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Russell Jacobs
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: No registration required.
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New York Botanical Garden Bird Tour
Sunday, June 15, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: Join us and the New York Botanical Garden for Bird Tours throughout the year! 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: While this NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) event is free, participants are still responsible for paying for Garden admission.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Preserve (followed by the SSAS Annual Picnic in Brady Park)
Saturday, June 14, 2025
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, June 14, 2025
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

Family Friendly Bird Walk at Pier 1 Entrance (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
10:00am–11:00am
Join for a free, English/Spanish bilingual family bird walk for all ages at Brooklyn Bridge Park!
Free

Park Tours: Nature Walks at Christopher St. Fountain, Manhattan
10:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

Sunday, June 15, 2025
Intro to Birding Walk at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–10:30am
Learn how to use binoculars and spot the fascinating birds that live in Marine Park's salt marsh together with an expert from NYC Bird Alliance. Families are welcome. Meet outside the Salt Marsh Nature Center.
Free

Sobelsohn Sundays - Birds of Prey at Sobelsohn Playground (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00am–12:00pm
Join Bobby Horvath of Wildlife in Need of Rescue & Rehabilitation (WINORR) as he teaches about various birds of prey.
Free
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Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, June 7 - Sunday, June 8, 2025:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip to Bashakill Marsh & Shawangunk Grasslands
Sunday, June 8, 2025, 7:30am - 3:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: It’s a two-fer! Grab your binoculars and join Naturalist Tait Johansson to observe a diverse array of breeding birds across two contrasting habitats on his Field Trip to Bashakill Wildlife Management Area and Shawangunk Grasslands. Bashakill is home to one of the largest freshwater marshes in our area and supports Virginia Rail, bitterns, cuckoos, and many songbirds. In contrast, the open grasslands at Shawangunk are ideal for Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, and Grasshopper Sparrow. Don’t miss this beautiful day of birding!
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

Exploring NYC’s Natural Oasis: The sights and Sounds of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Leader: Tom Stephenson
Description: Join NYC’s top birding by ear expert as they explore the best wildlife refuge in the city for breeding bird diversity and their songs, while also spotting colonial waterbirds, late migrants, and shorebirds. Historically, in June, JBWR has recorded an impressive 205 species.
Registration: Prosbird@gmail.com or prosbird@aol.com
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Gateway National Parks

Ranger Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Every week on Saturday, June 7 - June 28, 2025, 11:00 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a guided walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge every Saturday!
Registration: No required.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, June 8, 2025, 6:00am - 7:30am
Description: Throughout the season, you'll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
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Birding in Peace: Parakeet Edition
Sunday, June 8, 2025, 10:00am - 11:00pm
Description: Join us for a late-morning walk through Green-Wood’s historic landscape, with eyes (and ears) tuned to the Cemetery’s most colorful avian residents—the monk parakeets. These bright-green, chatty birds have made a home in the Gothic Arch, forming a rare and vibrant colony in New York City. Led by Green-Wood’s resident birder Rob Jett, in partnership with Shanzhai Lyric, Green-Wood’s 2025 Artists in Residence, this special tour blends quiet birdwatching with reflections on language, migration, and shared habitat.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Leader: Rick Cech
Description: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, in Westchester County, New York, is a perennial destination for butterfly aficionados, and this is a peak date for early summer species when nectar-rich dogbane and milkweed come into bloom. Targets include many skippers and showy “true” butterflies, which are hard to find in significant numbers elsewhere. Ward Pound Ridge is also a top site for odonates, invertebrates, reptiles, and many birds.
Registration: Jill Appel — Jill.appel@nyu.edu
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NYC Bird Alliance

Bilingual Birding at Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Oliver Lopez
Description: Join naturalist Oliver Lopez along Flushing Meadows Corona Park's Willow Lake. Willow Lake is the perfect place to spot both local and migratory birds - attracting a diverse array of bird species, including Northern shovelers, Yellow warblers, Black-throated green warblers, and various sparrows.
Registration: Registration page
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New York Botanical Garden Bird Tour
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: Join us and the New York Botanical Garden for Bird Tours throughout the year! 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. This tour is included in your admission to the Garden. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of binoculars will be available.
Registration: Learn more about this tour and see the entire schedule on the Garden's website
View Details

Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 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 Pelham Bay Park
Sunday, June 8, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Jack Rothman
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance to explore New York City's largest park this spring. 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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Kissena Park Birding
Sunday, June 8, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Woo Sung Park
Description: Join Woo Sung Park to explore the beautiful Kissena Park in Queens! This green space contains a wide variety of trees as well as a lake that make great habitat for migrating and resident birds alike.
Registration: Registration page
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, June 7, 2025
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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Best of the Fortnight

Here is my second installment of favorite photos for the month of May. Enjoy:

Savannah Sparrow

Emerging Purple Iris

Brown Thrasher

Yellow and Purple Iris

Great Egret

Wood Thrush

Angry Wilson's Warblers

Mourning Warbler

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Meadow Rue

Bay-breasted Warbler

Red-tailed Hawk on Angel's Wing

Willow Flycatcher spies a fly

Groundhog kits with mom

Wild Peony

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, May 31 - Sunday, June 1, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club. These outings will start at The Audubon Center at the Boathouse.
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk 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. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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On the Rich Birding trails of Bear Mountain State Park and Seven Lake Drive
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 7:30am - 1:00pm
Leader: Max Epstein
Description: You’ll spend the morning along the trails of Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks, seeking out the local breeders of the Lower Hudson Valley; With Doodletown road trail closed for the season, we’ll find a productive alternative. Expect 6-7 miles of walking on wide and mostly flat trails. Depending on weather and timing, perhaps a walk through Iona Island or other spots in the vicinity.
Registration: Danielle Khalife email daniellek97@gmail.com
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First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 8:00am - 12:00pm
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: All are welcome. No registration necessary.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 6:00am - 7:30am
Description: Throughout the season, you'll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
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Meet Your Green Neighbors
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Description: Whether you’re a budding botanist or simply enjoy wandering through Green-Wood, you’ve likely noticed a remarkable diversity of plants and flora at every turn. Learning how to identify them can seem daunting, but with a little guidance and close observation, you can make connections in no time!
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Linnaean Society of New York

Central Park Botany Walk in the North End
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Leader: Regina Alvarez
Description: Be prepared for a fascinating journey into botany and the symbiotic relationships between the different organisms, from the majestic Tulip Tree to the tiny flowers of Duckweed covering The Pond. We begin by examining the reproductive parts of flowering plants and learning how they are designed for pollination and seed dispersal. We will also learn which plants are native and which are non-native. Along our route, we will look at ferns that produce spores on the backs of their fronds and non-plants, such as lichens, fungi, and more.
Registration: Anne Lazarus — amlazarus47@gmail.com
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Great Swamp N.W.R.
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a 12-square-mile natural oasis of varied habitats and diverse wildlife only 26 miles from New York City, surrounded by the suburbs of Morris County, New Jersey. A haven for nesting heron species, the site ranges from open marshes to woodlands. The refuge is an outstanding area for migrating waterfowl to stop, rest, and feed on their travels. A variety of raptors, including Bald Eagles, can be seen soaring overhead. Not to be outdone, passerines, such as several swallow species, including Purple Martins, can be found within its borders.
Registration: Lisa Kroop — lisakroop2@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Black Birders Week: Birding at the Bronx River Forest
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and Bronx River Alliance for a bird outing in the Bronx River Forest! Extending south into the New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx River Forest is a remnant of the original forests and floodplains that once blanketed the Bronx River corridor. Recent projects led by NYC Parks and the Bronx River Alliance to restore the river's corridor and increase habitat have made it a perfect place to spot birds and other wildlife!
Registration: Registration page
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NYCHA in Nature: Yellow-Crowned Night Heron Surveying at Hammel
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Join us for a special and fun event that combines both NYC Bird Alliance's NYCHA in Nature and Harbor Herons programs. In recent years, Yellow-Crowned Night Herons have built their nests in the Rockaways, specifically at the Hammel and Redfern NYCHA housing complexes. We invite local residents to join NYC Bird Alliance scientists to learn about these rare birds and help us count heron nests and chicks. Counting of these nests and chicks helps us keep track of their population and protect them.
Registration: Registration page
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NYCHA in Nature: Yellow-Crowned Night Heron Surveying at Redfern
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Leader: ______
Description: Join us for a special and fun event that combines both NYC Bird Alliance's NYCHA in Nature and Harbor Herons programs. In recent years, Yellow-Crowned Night Herons have built their nests in the Rockaways, specifically at the Hammel and Redfern NYCHA housing complexes. We invite local residents to join NYC Bird Alliance scientists to learn about these rare birds and help us count heron nests and chicks. Counting of these nests and chicks helps us keep track of their population and protect them.
Registration: Registration page
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Breeding Birds of Calvert Vaux Park
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 7:30am - 11:30am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Meet at Calvert Vaux Park and explore this Brooklyn waterside site on an early morning stroll. We'll arrive just after low tide and look for foraging Osprey, waders, and terns in Coney Island Creek. A surprising variety of nesting landbirds have also been found at Calvert Vaux Park in recent years, including Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Baltimore Oriole, and Indigo Bunting.
Registration: Registration page
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LGBTQ+ History and Birding in the Vale
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 10:00am - 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: In partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Community Pride Center, join NYC Bird Alliance for a history and birdwatching tour of the Prospect Park Vale. This nature walk explores the Vale’s significance as a queer gathering space and important wildlife habitat. Learn more about its history, current restoration efforts, and the impact of queer placemaking in Brooklyn.
Registration: Registration page
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LGBTQ+ History and Birding in the Vale
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: In partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Community Pride Center, join NYC Bird Alliance for a history and birdwatching tour of the Prospect Park Vale. This nature walk explores the Vale’s significance as a queer gathering space and important wildlife habitat. Learn more about its history, current restoration efforts, and the impact of queer placemaking in Brooklyn.
Registration: Registration page
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North Shore Audubon Society

Marine Nature Study Area (Oceanside)
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Alissa (516) 578-3058
Description: Marine Nature Study Area, 500 Slice Dr, Oceanside, NY 11572
Registration: Contact leader for more information.
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Queens County Bird Club

Ward Pound Ridge
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Leader: Eric Miller (917) 279-7530
Description: QCBC's annual trip to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in northern Westchester County.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Mill Pond Park
Sunday, June 1, 2025
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.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, May 31, 2025
Black Birders Week: Birding at the Bronx River Forest at Burke Bridge (in Bronx Park), Bronx
9:00am–11:00am
Black Birders Week - Birding in Bronx River Forest.
Free

Idlewild Park Black Birders Week Bird Walk at Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Science Learning Center (in Idlewild Park)
9:00am–11:00am
Celebrate inclusivity in outdoor spaces! Join New York City Bird Alliance educator Ronnie Almonte and Parks staff for a Black Birders Week bird and plant walk in Idlewild Park.
Free

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

Riverside Park Birding Club at 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
9:00am–10:30am
Monthly walks through birding hotspots in Riverside Park, led by Riverside Park Conservancy Field Staff.
Free

Summer on the Hudson: Uptown Birding Walks at West 157th Street and Broadway, Manhattan, NY
9:00am–10:30am
Explore Fort Washington Park on family-friendly birding tours suitable for all ages. Celebrate Black Birders Week in May, and observe the fall migration in October!
Free

Black Birders Week Celebration: Birds & Bites at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
10:00am–1:00pm
Celebrate #BlackBirdersWeek at Randall’s Island Park with a day of bird-themed fun and activities!
Free

Rockaway's Black Birders Week Celebration at The Garden by the Bay, Queens
10:00am–4:00pm
Join the garden group by celebrating Black Birders and Nature Enthusiasts who enjoy the outdoors with a guided Bird Walk Tour, Botanical Making, Bird Feeder Crafting, and more!
Free

Sunday, June 1, 2025
Birding: Fascinating Feathers at Hanover Avenue and Palma Drive (in Eibs Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00am–12:30pm
Rangers will lead a hike that will highlight the unique adaptations that birds have developed for flight, insulation, camouflage, and display.
Free
Birding: Shorebird Families at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
1:00pm–2:30pm
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Learn more about plovers, terns, oystercatchers and other shorebirds that nest on the beach shoreline.
Free
...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Wednesday, May 21 - Sunday, May 25, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, May 24, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club. These outings will start at The Audubon Center at the Boathouse.
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk 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. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, May 24, 2025, 7:30am - 1:00pm
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Meet 7:30 am at the “Pergola” entrance on Ocean and Parkside Avenues.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Manorville Hills
Saturday, May 24, 2025, 8:00am
Leader: Tom Moran
Description: Meet at 8:00 am in the first parking area from the main entrance off Rt 111. There is an overflow lot past this lot if needed. Primarily forested habitat where we’ll find local residents and migrants. Distance covered is about 2.5 miles and should take about 3 hours.
Registration: Tom Moran, tjmoran101@gmail.com
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Connectquot County Park
Sunday, May 25, 2025, 8:00am
Leader:
Description: More information to come.
Registration: Please register with Eileen Schwinn for this trip (beachmed@optonline.net)
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6:00am - 7:30am
Description: Throughout the season, you'll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
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Birding in Peace
Sunday, May 25, 2025, 6:00am - 8:30am
Description: Throughout the season, you'll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Shawangunk Grasslands N.W.R.
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, which protects 597 acres in Ulster County, NY, was established in July 1999 to support grassland-dependent migratory birds and wintering raptors. With views of the majestic Shawangunk Ridge, the refuge is among a dwindling number of sites in NY State (one of only two in the Hudson Valley) large enough to support the entire assemblage of northeastern grassland birds. This spring trip will search for migratory and grassland-dependent breeding birds, butterflies, and odonates. We will likely see and hear Grasshopper Sparrows, Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Eastern Bluebirds, and more. To the delight of many, the Henslow’s Sparrow was found singing here a few years ago.
Registration: Christina Black — christina.black50@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Spring Birding in Van Cortlandt Park
Saturday, May 24, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Joe McManus
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 event is held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
Registration: Registration page
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Bilingual Birding at Kissena Park: Mandarin-English
Saturday, May 24, 2025, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Xinyi Zhang
Description: Join Xinyi Zhang as we explore the beautiful Kissena Park in Queens. This green space contains a wide variety of trees as well as a lake that make great habitat for migrating and resident birds alike. This outing will be held in both Mandarin-English.
Registration: Registration page
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Accessible Birding in Fort Tryon Park
Saturday, May 24, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Alex Wang
Description: Birding guide and educator Alexandra Wang (Avian Alex), M.S. Ed., leads an inclusive tour, offering specialized resources such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) pamphlets, Braille guides, and plush bird replicas, ensuring an enjoyable and enriching birdwatching experience for everyone. Further accommodations can be requested in advance by emailing Alex at alexmwang1992@gmail.com.
Registration: Registration page
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Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, May 24, 2025, 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 at Great Kills Park
Sunday, May 25, 2025, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: If you love nature, you’ll love Great Kills Park. This park has everything: sandy beaches, green woodlands, wet saltmarshes, trails for biking and hiking, and more. Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area's Staten Island unit, this park offers much-needed habitat for a diverse array of bird species.
Registration: Registration page
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Black Birders Week: Beginner Birding at Shirley Chisholm State Park
Sunday, May 25, 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and NYS Department of Parks as we kick off the week with a morning outing in Shirley Chisholm State Park. The largest state park in New York City, it is named after the trailblazing Shirley Chisholm—Brooklyn native, first African American Congresswoman, and the first woman and African American to run for President. Built on what was once a landfill, the park is now a thriving spot full of wildlife, including hawks, waterfowl, wetlands, and native plants. Come out and enjoy the beauty of this amazing space while honoring Shirley Chisholm’s incredible legacy! This outing will be beginner-focused, but all levels are welcome!
Registration: Registration page
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Queens Botanical Garden Birding at Dusk
Sunday, May 25, 2025, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Leader: _____
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the resources the Garden offers to birds and other wildlife. These outings are held in partnership with the Queens Botanical Garden.
Registration: Registration page
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North Shore Audubon Society

Muttontown (Bill Patterson Nature Center
Saturday, May 24, 2025, 9:00am – 11:00am
Leader: Ellen (917) 683-7101
Description: 34 Muttontown Ln, Syosset, NY 11791
Registration: Contact leader for more information.
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Queens County Bird Club

Bashakill and Shawangunk
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Leader: Ian Resnick (917-626-9562)
Description: All day trip. Explore the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area in Sullivan County, NY, featuring extensive marsh and forested areas between two mountain ranges. Plus a side trip to Shawangunk Grasslands NWR.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Sunday, May 25, 2025
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, May 24, 2025
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, May 25, 2025
Birding: Black Birders Week at Manhattan Avenue and West 110th Street (in Morningside Park), Manhattan
1:00pm–2:30pm
Learn about prominent Black naturalists who have helped shape the field of ornithology while identifying some local bird species in Morningside Park.
Free

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Best of the Fortnight

Here is a selection of my photographs taken during the first two weeks of May 2025, arranged in chronological order from oldest to most recent:

Red-headed Woodpecker

Green Heron

Scarlet Tanager

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Common Grackle

Northern Waterthrush

Merlin with Baltimore Oriole prey

Red-tailed Hawk

Possum and skunk carcass

Horsechestnut bloom

Italian Wall Lizard

Ovenbird

Purple Irises in the rain

Spotted Sandpiper

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Wednesday, May 14 - Sunday, May 18, 2025:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip to Sterling Forest
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 7:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Follow the madness north with us. Migration Madness continues with Naturalist Tait Johansson’s Field Trip to Sterling Forest, an unbroken deep-forest habitat important for the survival of many resident and migratory bird species. On this trip last year, Tait recorded sightings of Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Double-crested Cormorant, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Ovenbird, and too many warblers to count!
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

Golden-Winged Warblers on their Breeding Grounds of Sterling Forest
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: For Peter’s 50th birding anniversary, a search for Golden-winged warblers and hybrids along with the avian dwellers of beautiful Sterling Forest during the long day.
Registration: Peter Dorosh Prosbird@gmail.com or Prosbird@aol.com
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club. These outings will start at The Audubon Center at the Boathouse.
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk 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. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 7:30am - 1:00pm
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Meet 7:30 am at the “Pergola” entrance on Ocean and Parkside Avenues.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Shoreham Beach, Brookhaven Town Park
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 8:00am
Leader: Tom Moran
Description: Park along the road inside the gate. We’ll walk along the road to the beach looking for spring migrants. We’ll have a very good chance of hearing the beautiful song of the Wood Thrush. The road is bounded on each side by forest with low shrubs. At the end of the road is a view of the Long Island Sound. The walk is approximately 1.8 miles.
Registration: Tom Moran, tjmoran101@gmail.com
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Fire Island – Watch Hill
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 8:00am
Leader: Debra Swamback and Paul Sweet
Description: Certainly off the beaten path! At the end of the ferry trip across Great South Bay, we will walk a boardwalk to see/hear rails, vireos, wrens, and warblers. This field trip is limited to 15 participants. Details on ferry times will be provided as we get closer to the trip date. This field trip will be a little longer than most, and involve a fee for transportation.
Registration: Please register with Eileen Schwinn for this trip (beachmed@optonline.net)
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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Sterling Forest & Bashakill
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 7:00am
Leader: Vera Capogna, John Gluth
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Sterling Forest & Bashakill for an early morning adventure.
Registration: You must register for this trip. Text or email to Vera Capogna 516-639-5430 vlvcap@yahoo.com
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 6:00am - 7:30am
Description: Throughout the season, you'll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
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Birding in Peace
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 6:00am - 7:30am
Description: Throughout the season, you'll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
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Birding in Peace
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 6:00am - 8:30am
Description: Throughout the season, you'll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
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Wings & Wonders: Family Birding
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am
Description: Gather your flock and join us for a one-of-a-kind adventure! We’re teaming up with Jeana Fucello of The Feminist Bird Club for an unforgettable exploration of the feathered wonders that grace the grounds of Green-Wood.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Sterling Forest State Park
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Sterling Forest State Park is part of New York State’s Bird Conservation Area Program, having “considerable biodiversity including a diversity of bird species.” On our visit we can expect to see and hear the lovely songs of the birds that nest there, including Golden-winged Warblers, Blue-winged Warblers, Prairie Warblers, Cerulean Warblers, Indigo Buntings, Acadian Flycatchers, and Yellow-billed Cuckoos, as well as Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks.
Registration: Lisa Kroop — lisakroop2@gmail.com
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Inwood Hill Park
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Leader: Joseph DiCostanzo
Description: Inwood Hill Park is the northernmost point in Manhattan. Bounded on the north by the Spuyten Duyvil Creek and on the west by the Hudson River, the 196-acre park comprises a hilly forest, a tidal estuary, rock formations, and ball fields. According to eBird, 249 bird species have been listed, including waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds in the estuary, Spuyten Duyvil Creek, and along the Hudson River. Songbirds and owls frequent the forest, with several species nesting there. The upper ridge trail on the park’s western side affords magnificent views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades. Raptors are often seen soaring over the cliffs.
Registration: Amanda Bielskas — bielskas@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Birding in Clove Lakes Park
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 8:00am - 10:00am
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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NYCHA in Nature: Birding in Wyckoff Gardens and Gowanus
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 9:00am - 10:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance, Gowanus Canal Conservancy, and the Public Housing Community Fund to look and listen for birds! We'll stroll through the Gowanus and Wyckoff Gardens NYCHA complexes, which are full of large trees and lush vegetation, perfect habitat for song birds. The group will meet in front of the Wyckoff Gardens Community Center at 280 Wyckoff Street.
Registration: Registration page
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NYCHA in Nature: Yellow-Crowned Night Heron Surveying at Hammel
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Join us for a special and fun event that combines both NYC Bird Alliance's NYCHA in Nature and Harbor Herons programs. In recent years, Yellow-Crowned Night Herons have built their nests in the Rockaways, specifically at the Hammel and Redfern NYCHA housing complexes. We invite local residents to join NYC Bird Alliance scientists to learn about these rare birds and help us count heron nests and chicks. Counting of these nests and chicks helps us keep track of their population and protect them.
Registration: Registration page
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NYCHA in Nature: Yellow-Crowned Night Heron Surveying at Redfern
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Leader: _____
Description: Join us for a special and fun event that combines both NYC Bird Alliance's NYCHA in Nature and Harbor Herons programs. In recent years, Yellow-Crowned Night Herons have built their nests in the Rockaways, specifically at the Hammel and Redfern NYCHA housing complexes. We invite local residents to join NYC Bird Alliance scientists to learn about these rare birds and help us count heron nests and chicks. Counting of these nests and chicks helps us keep track of their population and protect them.
Registration: Registration page
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Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 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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The Birds of Woodlawn Cemetery
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 8:00am - 13:00am
Leader: Tod Winston, Joe McManus, and Susan Olsen
Description: Join us for a morning bird outing and tour of this beautiful cemetery. Tod Winston and Joseph McManus will look for spring migrants and year-round residents on the expansive grounds, while Woodlawn Cemetery Director of Historical Services Susan Olsen will share fascinating stories about the cemetery’s history and the interesting mixture of individuals interred there. This event is held in partnership with the Woodlawn Conservancy.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding on the QueensWay
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Woo Sung Park
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance's Woo Sung Park and The Trust for Public Land and explore The QueensWay! The QueensWay is an intiative to transform the LIRR Rockaway Beach Branch that cuts through Forest Park into a new green space. This blossoming new park is sure to attract many bird species this fall.
Registration: Registration page
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9th Annual Horseshoe Crab Festival
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: We're back with the 9th Annual Jamaica Bay Horseshoe Crab Festival! This festival celebrates the ancient mating ritual of these charismatic "living dinosaurs" that come to our shores each year, helping provide a vital food source for migrating shorebirds like the endangered Red Knot!
Registration: Registration information coming soon
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North Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 7:45am – 11:00am
Leader: Bill B. (516) 993-7340 & Bill C. (516) 631-682-7404
Description: Tranquil park with playgrounds, equestrian, biking & hiking trails & an old-school wooden carousel.
Registration: Contact leader for more information.
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Queens County Bird Club

Doodletown/Sterling Forest
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 6:30am - 4:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: All day trip. Historic, scenic Doodletown is a magnet for warblers, including Hooded and Cerulean. Involves some easy hiking on hilly paths. Please pack your own lunch. Contact trip leader for meeting time. Use link above for trailhead parking location.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Lake
Sunday, May 18, 2025
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, May 17, 2025
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, May 18, 2025
Wings Over Wave Hill at Wave Hill, Bronx
9:00am–5:30pm
Join us for a full day of amazing bird encounters!
Free
Birding: Hawk Watch at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
10:00am–11:30am
Experience the majesty of NYC’s top aerial predator. Join us to learn about Red-Tailed Hawks and other raptors of NYC and hopefully catch a glimpse of a nesting pair.
Free

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