Upcoming Trips

Below is a list of upcoming, local trips for the weekend of April 17th-18th, 2010:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Introduction to Birdwatching
Every Saturday, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Discover Tours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.

Sunday, April 18, 2010
Discover Tours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.


New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center.


Brooklyn Bird Club
Sunday, April 18th, 2010
Prospect Park
Meet 7 am at Grand Army Plaza entrance (Stranahan Statue)
Trip Leader: TBA
Cost: Free


Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Prospect Park
Leader: Rob Jett (a.k.a. "The City Birder")
No registration.
Meet at Grand Army Plaza (Stranahan Statue) at 7:30 a.m.
Public transportation.


Littoral Society
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Exploring the Trails at Dead Horse Bay
Hike the trails and beach at New York's best kept natural secret -- Dead Horse Bay, along the edge of Jamaica Bay. Join naturalist Mickey Maxwell Cohen, author of Exploring the Trails of Dead Horse Bay and discover little known woodlands, coastal thickets, and a treasure-laden beach. Wear sensible footwear; no sandals. Meet at 2 PM at the main entrance parking lot at Floyd Bennett Field.
Reservations required; call Gateway NRA at (718) 338-3799


New York City Audubon Society

Saturday, April 17, 10am-1pm
Peregrines of Lower Manhattan
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Meet on the east side of City Hall Park near the Brooklyn Bridge on-ramp. The peregrine falcon is a bird of myth and legend. This charismatic animal is the fastest flyer in the world. Incredibly, New York City now boasts the world’s highest population densities of this formerly endangered species; roughly 15 pairs nest on buildings and bridges around the city. We will learn more about this species as we visit some of their favorite haunts, and may even glimpse them on the nest. Limited to 15.
Members: $18, Non-members: $20 (non-member registration available on Wednesday, January 13)

Saturday, April 17, 10am-1pm
Songbirds & Insects: Prospect Park Photography
Instructor: Steve Nanz
Meet at Grand Army Plaza at the corner of the park nearest the Brooklyn Library. Prospect Park is one of the most important places for migratory birds in New York City. The park’s varied landscapes provide habitat for multiple species. Shoot spring songbirds and learn insect macro photography, using conservation friendly field photography techniques. Bring your digital camera and long and short lens if you have one. Limited to 8.
Cost: $50


Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, April 17, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
High Rock Park and Greenbelt
Join naturalist and educator Howie Fischer to search out the early spring birds that frequent the parks woodlands this time of year. Listen to the early sounds of spring as migrant birds begin to sing for mates. If the weather conditions and wind direction blow in our favor, we may be able to identify some singing warblers, thrushes, sapsuckers, flickers, sparrows and other migratory specialties that are likely in mid-spring.
Call Howie at 718-981-4002 for more information.

Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Restoration Workshop at Great Kills Wildflower Garden
Enter Great Kills Park by the Buffalo Road entrance from Hylan Boulevard and meet in the 2nd Buffalo Road parking lot (across from the ranger station). From there we will go to the wildflower plot at the Education Center to prepare for this year’s planting. Protectors will supply gloves and tools (& refreshments). After a two hour work session (our 166th consecutive monthly workshop), we will take a short walk over nearby trails. If there is demand we will walk to Crooke’s Point and return.
For more information call Don Recklies at (718)768-9036 or Chuck Perry at (718)667-1393.

Sunday, April 18, 12 noon to 2 p.m.
Miller Field Beach
We will walk the beach area looking for plants and animals. We might see some migrating ducks, geese and hawks. Bring water and dress for the weather. Meet at the new parking lot next to the picnic area and ranger station. Go to the end of New Dorp Lane and make a left into the park. Drive on the main road toward the administration building. We will meet in the new parking lot beside the building.
For more information call Cathy at 1-917-596-4198.


Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, April 17, 2010

Early Morning Birding
8:00 a.m.
A weekly Ranger-led birding walk of the Salt Marsh Nature Trail.
Location: Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Litter Critters
10:00 a.m.
Take a walk through the park, pick up some natural and man-made litter, and use it to make…
Location: Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park Preserve), Staten Island
Cost: Free

Living Fabric
11:00 a.m.
With the arrival of spring, Van Corlandt Park has been draped in a cloak of vibrant…
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

Understories: Secrets of the Forest Floor
12:00 p.m.
Life abounds in the soil beneath our feet! Uncover a world of mosses, ferns, fungi, and…
Location: Belvedere Castle (in Central Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Happy Birthday Salt Marsh Nature Center
10:00 a.m.; 2:00 p.m.
The Salt Marsh Nature Center is celebrating ten years as Brooklyn's premier nature center!…
Location: Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Spring Migration
10:00 a.m.
Along with the temperatures, migration season is heating up! Welcome back our fine,…
Location: Albert H. Mauro Playground (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
Cost: Free

Park to Park: Heyerdahl Hill
11:00 a.m.
Journey on the Greenbelt’s Red Trail to explore the haunted hill of Heyerdahl and the…
Location: High Rock Ranger Station (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
Cost: Free

Earth Day Eco-Treck
12:00 p.m.
Pay your respects to Mother Earth on an extended hike through Pelham Bay Park. …
Location: Pelham Bay Ranger Station (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

Arbor Day Celebration
2:00 p.m.
Arbor Day is April 30, but we can get an early start appreciating all things trees. Learn…
Location: Clove Lakes Park Playground (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
Cost: Free