Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of December 3rd - December 4th, 2011:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Introduction to Birdwatching
Every Saturday, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Sunday, December 4, 2011, 10 a.m.
Early Morning Bird Walk: Twelve Birds of Winter
Meet the amazing birds of Prospect Park on this expert-guided walk.
Free

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

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, December 3, 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

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Sunday, December 4, 2011
"Waterfowl on the Terminal Moraine"
Trip Leader: Peter Dorosh
Focus: Salt and Freshwater Waterfowl, in various locales in Brooklyn, Queens, & possibly Nassau County west.
Car pool fee: $15.00
Registrar: Peter Dorosh, Email: Prosbird [AT] aol.com or TEXT Message 347-622-3559
Registration period: Nov 22nd - Dec 1st

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban Park Rangers. With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and Urban Park Rangers. Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free.

Saturday, December 3, 2011, 9am – 3pm
Pelham Bay Park: Ducks and Raptors
Guide: Gabriel Willow Come explore the lovely coves and rocky outcroppings of Pelham Bay Park, looking for the wintering ducks that find shelter there, as well as migrating raptors and other winter visitors. Bring lunch, water, and binoculars. Transport by passenger van included. Limited to 12. $75 Click here to register!

Sunday, December 4, 2011, 9am – 12pm
Free Member Trip to Fort Tilden and Floyd Bennett Field
Guide: Gabriel Willow Free to Members at the Family and Supporter Levels Take a trip to Fort Tilden and Floyd Bennett Field to search for wintering raptors, ducks, and other waterfowl. Transport by passenger van is offered toa limited number of guests and will leave Manhattan at 8am, returning by 1pm. Please call 212-691-7483 to register. Van limited to 11 people; walk limited to 20. Free to members only at the Family and Supporter levels.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, December 3, 2011, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Old Mill Road
We’ll follow the multi-use trail overlooking Fresh Kills, pass the famous Hessian Spring as it crosses the path and view Fresh Kills estuary and work our way to the remains of Ketchum’s Mill. Along the way we’ll observe traces of the past, examine the present woodland ecosystems and search for evidence of present inhabitants especially deer and other mammals. Park at the start of Old Mill Road alongside the church.
For more information phone Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.

Sunday, December 4, 2011, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Wolfe’s Pond Park
Hurricane Irene has changed Wolfe’s Pond into a tidal creek, a new habitat attracting an assortment of new wildlife. Late migrating shorebirds and sparrows, as well as wintering waterfowl, will busy themselves feeding among this diverse ecosystem. Meet in the main parking lot beside the restrooms.
For more information call Howie Fischer at 718-981-4002.

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
All walks start at 9:30 A.M.
There is no walk if it rains or snows or temperature is below 25°F.
Any questions please Call Steve at (516) 987-8103.
For directions to our bird-watching locations, click here.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, December 3, 2011

Light Orienteering Hike
11:00 a.m.
Hiking is the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors and reduce stress. Regardless of the...
Location: Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
Cost: Free

Astronomy
5:00 p.m.
The wonders of the universe are ready to be discovered and New York City parks are the...
Location: Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Birding: Winter Waterfowl
11:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to...
Location: Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
Cost: Free

Birding
11:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to...
Location: Bloomingdale Park Playground (in Bloomingdale Park), Staten Island
Cost: Free