Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of December 29, 2012 - December 30, 2012, including New Year's Day, January 1, 2013:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturdays, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Sunday, December 30, 2012, 8 a.m.
Discover Tour
Sundays, 3 p.m.
Free! Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
A Marathon New Year's Day along Brooklyn's Bay and Bight
PLEASE REGISTER to receive update on latest weather reports. Provide your cell phone #'s for Text messages
Meet 8:30 am at 4th Ave and Bay Ridge Avenue west corner (Rite Aid Store) by "R" train exit (Bay Ridge Ave Station)
Trip Leader: Peter Dorosh, Prosbird [AT] aol.com or 347-622-3559 (text message)
Focus: winter waterfowl, ducks, gulls species, some passerines, Purple Sandpiper
NOTE: This approximate 11- mile walk is challenging, not for the foot weary or timid of harsh winter elements. From the first birding location along Gravesend Bay, Owl's Head Park, and ending at Coney Island Pier, the casual pace will focus on water birds and gulls and occasionally for passerines along Shore Road Park. It is possible to drop out near the Verrazano Bridge for the R train at the last stop at 95th Street and 4th Avenue, the half way point on this winter hike. Dress warmly but not heavy layered due to expected exertion. Blizzard or dangerous ice conditions cancels. The leader will text message regarding dangerous weather conditions, otherwise email earlier if other questions. We likely will eat lunch at a diner in the Dreier-Offerman/Vaux Park area, on Cropsey Avenue.

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, December 29, 2012
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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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, December 29, 2012, 8am – 9:30pm
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban Park Rangers (first Saturday of the month) With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy and NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank learned their craft on Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds, and these walks celebrate the tradition set by them. Participants will look for resident and migrant species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Tuesday, January 1, 2013, 11am – 1pm
New Year's Day Beachwalk at Breezy Point
Guides: Mickey Cohen, Don Riepe With Gateway National Recreation Area Meet at Building #1 in Fort Tilden, Breezy Point, Queens. Keep up the 30-year tradition by joining us for a brisk hike along the beach at Fort Tilden to celebrate the New Year. At noon, we'll signal across the bay to a group at Sandy Hook, then hike up to the hawk watch platform for a great view of the ocean and New York Harbor. Afterwards, we'll visit the Rockaway Artist's Alliance building for coffee, cake and free champagne. No reservation necessary. For more information contact Don Riepe at 917-371-8577 or donriepe [AT] gmail.com.
No limit. Free

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Tuesday, January 1, 2013, 12 noon to 3:00 p.m.
23rd Annual New Year’s Day Walk with NRPA
Welcome another new year of possibilities with a brisk walk to Crooke’s Point. Along the way take part in conversation with fellow environmentalists, share ideas and set your own course for the months to come. Enjoy a wide assortment of waterfowl, sparrows and other wintering birds from the North. Bring along a light refreshment to share among friends during a scheduled stop at Crooke’s Point. We will meet in the parking lot at the corner of Buffalo Street and Hylan Boulevard.
For more information call Cliff Hagen at 1718-313-8591.

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, December 30, 2012
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 29, 2012
Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
8:00 a.m.
Bird Walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park and are led by NYC Audubon experts or the Urban Park Rangers. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water & a light snack.
Free!

Woodland Discovery Kit in Central Park at Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Visit The Wild Garden: Discovering Central Park Woodlands exhibit and start exploring the North Woods on your own by borrowing a North Woods Discovery Kit stocked with binoculars, a hand…
Free!

Bird Walks at The New York Botanical Garden at New York Botanical Garden (in Bronx Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of species of birds throughout the year. Bring your binoculars and walk the Garden grounds with an expert.

Birding at Parking Lot on Hoyt Avenue and 19 Street (in Astoria Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.
We offer birding programs throughout the year and our Exploration series focuses on unique wildlife viewing opportunities during particular seasons.
Free!

Sunday, December 30, 2012
Woodland Discovery Kit in Central Park at Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Visit The Wild Garden: Discovering Central Park Woodlands exhibit and start exploring the North Woods on your own by borrowing a North Woods Discovery Kit stocked with binoculars, a hand…
Free!

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.
We offer birding programs throughout the year and our Exploration series focuses on unique wildlife viewing opportunities during particular seasons.
Free!

Discover Tours at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Talk a walk with one of our naturalists to watch for animals, and investigate little-known facts about the park and its animal residents.
Free!