Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming, local trips for the weekend of August 14th - 15th, 2010:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, August 14, 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, August 15, 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, August 14, 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.


Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, August 14, 2010
17th Annual Tom Davis Memorial Shorebird Walk at Jamaica Bay
Leader & Registrar: Sean Sime (sean [AT] seansime.com)
Registration opens Monday, 8/2
Public transportation


New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, August 14 (rain date Sunday, August 15), starting at 9am
Annual Shorebird Festival (see my previous post)
Guide: Don Riepe, Andrew Baksh, Lloyd Spitalnik, Kevin Karlson
In partnership with the American Littoral Society and Gateway National Recreation Area
An all-day event during peak fall shorebird migration in Jamaica Bay. The day will start with guided walks around the ponds and after lunch experts will give presentations on shorebird identification and nature photography. Limited to 75, suggested donation $20.
For more information or to register, contact Don Riepe at 718-318-9344 or driepe [AT] nyc.rr.com

Sunday, August 15th, 8:30 - 11:30am
Shorebird Identification Workshop
Guides: Kevin Karison and Lloyd Spitalnik
This hands-on workshop emphasizes a more complete approach to shorebird identification using both non-changeable physical impressions and details of plumage and feather patterns. Kevin Karlson and Lloyd Spitalnik will explain how to build a solid foundation for shorebird ID using basic impressions of size, shape and body language, and then combine detailed study of plumage and feather patterns to fine tune your ID conclusion. This workshop is suitable for birders of all levels, but sometimes includes advanced tips. Kevin’s book “The Shorebird Guide” will be available for sale and a personal inscription. The small class size allows for personal instruction and one-on-one interaction with both instructors that is not possible with larger workshops. Limited to 15.
Cost: $40


Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, August 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Old Mill Road
We’ll stroll along Old Mill Road, a newly designed multi-use trail, next to Freshkills, below the hills of Latourette Golf Course, and return along the Blue Trail. This area has not been accessible for many years and is now open. We are surrounded by beautiful, old woodlands as well as newly grown stands of cottonwoods and other pioneer plants. We’ll see the flow of the famous Hessian Spring as it crosses the road and view Freshkills estuary. Park behind St. Andrew’s Church at the base of Snake Hill.
For more information call Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.

Saturday, August 14, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Mt. Loretto Butterfly Walk
Join naturalist/photographer Sandra Mechanic for an exciting day searching for Spicebush and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Pearl Crescent and Monarch Butterflies and the many wildflowers they feed upon. Bring binoculars, field guides and camera if you wish. Meet at the Mt. Loretto Unique Area parking lot south of Sharrott Avenue off Hylan Blvd. We hope to see many children for this exciting pleasant rural scenic stroll. We will walk along the beach to the stone art statues created by Doug Schwartz.
For more information contact Sandra at (718) 967-1037.


Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, August 14, 2010

Van Cortlandt Bird Club: Hummingbirds
9:00 a.m.
Who beats its wings in a figure-8 so fast that you can’t even see them? Hint: You...
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

New York City's Wildlife
11:00 a.m.
We are not talking about New York City’s party scene, but the variety of animals that...
Location: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Birding by Boat
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Explore the Lullwater by canoe as we go in search of the birds that live along the shore...
Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Canoeing Basics
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Explore the tranquility of Wolfe's Pond while getting to know nature. Let's look for...
Location: Wolfes Pond Park, Staten Island
Cost: Free

Harbor Herons
11:00 a.m.
Long Island Sound provides plentiful food for the elegant herons that nest in this area....
Location: Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

Birding on the Hill
11:00 a.m.
Hike to the top of Look Out Hill for a trip to a bird watchers’ wonderland.
Location: Lookout Hill (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Butterflies and Bees
2:00 p.m.
Learn about their basic biology and their importance to humans. We’ll journey through...
Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Orienteering
2:00 p.m.
Learn navigation with a map and compass. You’ll never get lost in the woods!...
Location: Parking Lot (in Cunningham Park), Queens
Cost: Free