Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for the weekend of November 8, 2014 to November 9, 2014:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Family Bird Watching Tour
Saturday, September 13, October 11 and November 8, 10-11 a.m.
Free
Geared towards families with children ages 8 and older, the Prospect Park Alliance will help young naturalists learn how to observe and identify some of the 200 species of birds that pass through Prospect Park or make it their home.

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturdays, 12 – 1 p.m.
Free Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Pop-Up Audubon
Saturdays and Sundays, April 5 – October 19, 12 – 5 p.m. / November – December, 12 – 4 p.m.
Free
The Prospect Park Alliance presents Pop-Up Audubon, now in its second season, invites families to directly engage with nature through outdoor learning in locations around the Park.

Sunday, November 9, 2014
Pop-Up Audubon
Saturdays and Sundays, April 5 – October 19, 12 – 5 p.m. / November – December, 12 – 4 p.m.
Free
The Prospect Park Alliance presents Pop-Up Audubon, now in its second season, invites families to directly engage with nature through outdoor learning in locations around the Park.

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Jones Beach, Long Island
Leader: Joe Giunta
Focus: Coastal winter birds and waterfowl, gulls, raptors
Car fee: $25.00
Registrar: Peter Dorosh, Email Prosbird@aol.com or TEXT Message 347-622-3559
Registration Period: Oct 23th - Nov 6th

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Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Sandy Hook
Leader: Rick Wright
Registrar: Sandra Maury – sandramaury39@gmail.com or 212-874-4881
Registration opens: Monday, October 27
Ride: $30

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, November 8, 2014
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, November 8, 2014, 8:00am – 9:30am
Van Cortlandt Park Bird Walks, The Bronx
Guides: NYC Audubon, Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy 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 residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
For more information, please call 212-691-7483. No registration necessary. No limit. Free.

Saturday, November 8, 2014, 9am – 3pm
Beginning Birding - Jamaica Bay Trip
BEGINNING BIRDING Classes: Thursdays, October 23, October 30, and November 6, 6:30-8:30pm Trips: Saturdays, November 1 and 8, time TBA Instructor: Tod Winston Learn the keys to identifying the spectacular variety of birds that migrate southwards through New York City every fall. Even if you've never picked up a pair of binoculars, you’ll soon be identifying warblers, thrushes, waterbirds, and more—both by sight and by ear. Three fun and educational in-class sessions and two field trips to Central Park and Jamaica bay (transport to Jamaica bay included).
Limited to 12. $160 (112.50) Click here to register

Sunday, November 9, 2014, 9:30am – 7:00pm
Snow Geese and Tundra Swans of Brigantine, NJ
Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC Brigantine, part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, is one of the East Coast's premier sites for waterbirds, offering a diversity of species and panoramic views. Bring lunch and water. Transport by passenger van included.
Limited to 12. $109 (76.50) Click here to register

Sunday, November 9, 2014, 9:30am – 11:30am
Fall Birding at Wave Hill, The Bronx
Guide: Gabriel Willow With Wave Hill Meet at the Perkins Visitor Center. Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River flyway provides the perfect habitat for resident and migrating birds. Ages 10 and up welcome with an adult. Reservations recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718-549-3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Severe weather cancels; for updates call 718-549-3200 x245 by 8am the day of the walk. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission

Sunday, November 9, 2014, 10am – 11am
Birding for Families in Central Park
Guide: NYC Audubon Offered by the Central Park Conservancy Meet at the Dana Discovery Center (inside the park at 110th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues). Bring the kids and visit one of New York City’s richest bird habitats. As a family, learn how to spot and identify our feathered neighbors in their natural surroundings. Binoculars can be borrowed from the Dana Center. For weather cancellation information, call 212-860-1370.
Limited to 20. Age 5 and up. Free

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, November 8, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Mount Loretto Unique Area
Protectors is proud of our efforts to have Mt. Loretto preserved. Join birder Anthony Ciancimino for a guided birding tour through this truly “unique” area. The property encompasses a diverse, grassland habitat, woodland, freshwater ponds and a marsh, as well as a nice look at the bay. There should be waterfowl present in the ponds and in the bay, as well as a variety of sparrows in the grassland areas. Meet in the parking lot along Hylan Boulevard, across from the CYO center, near Page Avenue.
For more information, call Anthony Ciancimino at 347-401-3619.

Saturday, November 8, 2014, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Blazing Star Revisited
Meet with Protectors of Pine Oak Woods and Natural Resources Protective Association for a clean up of marsh habitat along the Arthur Kill. We will clean up the marsh for one hour and then drive approximately one mile to another open view of the Arthur Kill. We plan to see Northern Harriers, Turkey Vultures and a variety of other migrating raptors that pass over Staten Island this time of year. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes fit for cleaning. Participants will gather at the corner of Rossville Avenue and Arthur Kill Road.
For more information, call James Scarcella at 718-873-4291.

Saturday, November 8, 2014, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Long Pond Park
We’ll explore Long Pond Park, keeping an eye out for the local White-tailed deer population, bird nests, and wintering bird species. It is an uncommon mixture of woodland and wetland, providing a peaceful home to a diverse range of wildlife. Its beauty is easily appreciated and is one of the most pristine natural areas in all of New York, covering over 100 acres. Meet for the walk at the corner of Eugene Street and Adelphi Avenue, right by the intersection of Page Avenue and Amboy Road – http://goo.gl/maps/UCsFg. Parking is available on Eugene Street.
For more information, call John Paul Learn at 718-619-5051 or e-mail john.paul.learn@gmail.com.

Sunday, November 9, 2014, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Greenbelt Loop and Lunch
We’ll walk 4.3 moderate miles starting and ending at the Greenbelt Nature Center with a stop for lunch at High Rock. This walk includes a gradual climb up Moses’ Mountain. Bring ample water and lunch. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, comfortable pants and a hat. Meet at 10:30 a.m. sharp at the Greenbelt Nature Center on Rockland and Brielle Avenues. Rain postpones the event to the same time on Sunday, November 16.
For more information, e-mail Hillel Lofaso at hillel5757@gmail.com or call 718-477-0545.

Sunday, November 9, 2014, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Arbutus Woods / Huguenot Ponds Walk
Kingdom Pond Park, Arbutus Woods, Bunker Pond and the Huguenot Pond Park are small parks in the lower Huguenot area. Though trailing arbutus is long gone, the area still is home to a number of plant and animal species. Evidence of the work done by the WPA as well as the influence of nature will be observed as we traverse the parks. Meet along Eylandt Street near the intersection with Kingdom Avenue.
For more information, call Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.

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Queens County Bird Club
Saturday, November 8, 2014
APEC and Douglaston Marsh
Leader: Eric Miller 917-279-7530
Meet at APEC lot 7:45am

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Bird Walk at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
8:00 a.m.
NYC Audubon experts lead the way as we marvel at quirky but logical bird behavior and delicate feathers in exquisite patterns. Bring binoculars if you have them and wear sturdy…
Free!

Sunday, November 9, 2014
Fall Birding at Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx
9:30 a.m.
Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. Wave Hill’s…

Birding for Families at Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Experience the coming of fall in Central Park when it becomes a precious bird habitat and migration hot spot!
Free!

Fall Family Bird Walk at Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
After joining the Family Art Project, continue exploring the theme—or take your artwork in new directions—with a naturalist on a family-friendly walk through the gardens…
Free!