Upcoming Nature trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of April 30th - May 1st, 2011:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Best of Birding: NYC Hotspot
Saturday, April 30, 2011, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Discover how to identify common bird species in Brooklyn, then go on a naturalist-led tour to hone these skills.

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 Tour
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, May 1, 2011

Discover Tour
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 30, 2011
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
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Prospect Park
Meet 7 am at Grand Army Plaza entrance (Stranahan Statue)
Trip Leader: Tom Stephenson
Focus: peaking Spring passerines migration

Sunday, May 1, 2011
Central Park - "North and South"
Meet 7:30 AM at the park entrance at Central Park West Avenue and 103rd Street.
Trip Leader: Sandy Paci 917-207-6691 (in case of inclement weather or for directions )
Nearest train: "C" train to 103rd Street unless "A" is running local
Note: An all day trip with morning in Central park's North End; break for lunch at a local spot, then take public transportation downtown, for an afternoon tour of the famous Ramble
Focus: peaking Spring passerines migration
http://www.centralpark2000.com/database/birdwatching.htm


Littoral Society
Sunday, May 1, 2011. (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
The Glory of Beach Plumb Blossoms at Plum Beach
The shifting dunes, classic salt marsh and extensive mudflats at Plumb Beach are dynamic, ever-changing maritime habitats for myriad seashore species. During early May, hundreds of native Beach Plums are in full blossom and put forth a spectacular display of pink and white. Explore this fascinating area with American Littoral Society naturalist Mickey Maxwell Cohen. Binoculars and a magnifying glass will be helpful.
Reservations required: (718) 338-3799.


New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, April 30, 2011, 8am – 12pm
Best of Birding: NYC's Top Hotspots
Prospect Park Audubon Center, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Guide: Gabriel Willow With Prospect Park Audubon Center Welcome spring migration with this last of a series of three trips to NYC’s best birding hot spots: Central Park, Prospect Park, and Jamaica Bay NWR. These three Important Bird Areas host an abundance of songbirds, shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl. Come see the best nature the city has to offer! Limited to 20. Prospect Park Alliance members, call NYC Audubon at 212-691-7483 to receive a member discount. $55 for series of three trips. Click here to register

Sunday, May 1, 2011, 9am – 1pm
Biking and Birding to Prospect Park and Green-Wood Cemetery
Guide: Gabriel Willow With Prospect Park Audubon Center Meet at the Grand Army Plaza Arch. May is Bike Month. To celebrate, get back on your bike! Tour Prospect Park, an Important Bird Area, and Green-Wood Cemetery, home to nesting parrots. A gentle ride of moderate distance with some hills. Bring binoculars, water, and your bicycle. Limited to 15. Prospect Park Alliance members, call NYC Audubon at 212-691-7483 to receive a member discount.
$30 Click here to register!


Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Sunday, May 1, 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nature Center to Egbertville Ravine
Meet at the Nature Center at the intersection of Rockland and Brielle. We will follow the White Trail south to Nevada Avenue and back. Those interested in a shorter walk can meet us at 12:00 noon at the side of Meisner Road (toward the Eger Home) close to the intersection of Meisner and Rockland.
For more information, contact Hillel Lofaso at (781)751-6629


Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Early Birding Walk at Van Cortlandt Park
8:00 a.m.
Spring is back and so are our fine-feathered friends! Let's search for birds on a...
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

On a Wing: Dragonflies, Ladybeetles, and Butterflies
1:00 p.m.
Part 1 of this series focuses on Central Park's winged insects and then a search for them.
Location: Belvedere Castle (in Central Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Hallet Nature Sanctuary Unlocked!
11:00 a.m.
Discover what lies behind the usually closed gates of the Hallet Nature Sanctuary.
Location: Gapstow Bridge (in Central Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Vigorous Hiking in Inwood Hill Park
12:00 p.m.
Visit the red-tailed hawk nest, explore the Indian caves, and enjoy the beautiful views of...
Location: Inwood Hill Nature Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free