Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for the weekend of Saturday, March 7, 2015 to Sunday, March 8, 2015:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, March 7, 2015, 12 PM – 1 PM
Introduction to Birdwatching
Look! Up in the sky, it’s a bird! But what kind of bird is it? Join the Prospect Park Alliance to learn about the magnificent array of birds that call Prospect Park home. Led by the Brooklyn Bird Club.

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Prospect Park
Leader: Rafael Campos
Focus: winter passerines migrants, early Spring migrants, waterfowl, raptors
Meet: 7:30 AM at Grand Army Plaza Park entrance "Stranahan Statue"
Note: Daylight Savings Time begins

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Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, March 7, 2015
New Jersey Hotspots
Leader: Robert Machover
Registrar: Kathleen Howley – kathleenhowley@gmail.com or 212-877-3170
Registration opens: Monday, February 23
Ride: $40

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, March 7, 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, March 7, 2015, 10am – 5pm
Winter Birds of Sandy Hook, NJ
Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
Sandy Hook, a spectacular barrier island at the northernmost point of the NJ coast, hosts a variety of species including Arctic-bound migrants and harbor seals that lie on the beach to warm up in the sun. Other possible sightings: loons, sea ducks, snow buntings, and horned larks. Bring lunch, water, and binoculars. Transport by passenger van included.
Limited to 12. $96 (67) Click here to register

Saturday, March 7, 2015, 10am – 1pm
Central Park Winter Walk II
Guide: Gabriel Willow Meet at Central Park West and 72nd Street.
Some of the best sightings await hardy nature-lovers willing to venture out in winter! Several species of owls can be seen in Central Park for example, but generally only in the colder months. "Winter finches" such as Pine Siskins, Redpolls, and Crossbills have also been found at the feeders or in conifers in the park. Observing the adaptations for cold-weather survival among Blue Jays, Titmice, and other resident species is fascinating as well. Warm up after the walk with a hot chocolate by the fireplace at the Loeb Boathouse.
Limited to 15. $36 (25) Click here to register

Sunday, March 8, 2015, 9:30am – 11:30am
Winter 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. Advanced registration is recommended, either online at www.wavehill.org, at the Perkins Visitor Center, or by calling 718-549-3200 x251. (Walks run rain or shine; in case of severe weather call the number above for updates.) Ages 10 and up welcome with an adult. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission

Sunday, March 8, 2015, 12pm – 2pm
Winter EcoCruise
Guide: NYC Audubon Guide Meet at South Street Seaport’s Pier 17 and come aboard NY Water Taxi’s eco-friendly vessel for a winter adventure in New York Harbor! Look for harbor seals on the rocky shores of Governor’s Island and the more remote Hoffman and Swinburne Islands. Learn about the surprisingly diverse winter birds of New York City, including ducks, geese, loons, and sandpipers, many of which migrate south from the Arctic. See the Statue of Liberty and pass under the Verrazano Bridge.
Dress warmly! . Limited to 90. To register, contact New York Water Taxi at 212-742-1969 or www.nywatertaxi.com. $35 for adults; $25 for children under 12; $105 for family pack for 2 adults and 2 children

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, March 7, 2015, noon to 2 p.m.
Conference House Park (Herb and Weed Walk at Conference House Park)
Herbs, weeds, and other plants are greening up as the sun grows stronger. Join herbalist Gert Coleman for a walk along the beach and through the paths and gardens at Conference House Park to identify wild, edible, and cultivated medicinal and culinary plants. Meet in the parking lot at the end of Hylan Boulevard.
E-mail gert.coleman@verizon.net for more information.

Sunday, March 8, 2015, 10 a.m. to noon
Black Horse Ravine/Buck’s Hollow
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a unique, natural ravine with mature woods and streams. One of the few places Sugar Maples are found on Staten Island. Easy, level terrain. Meet at the top of Roanoke Street at Brielle Avenue.
For more information, e-mail Hillel Lofaso at hillel5757@gmail.com or call 718-477-0545.

Sunday, March 8, 2015, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Old Mill Road
Participants will gather at the end of Old Mill Road behind the Church of St. Andrew located at 40 Old Mill Road. We’ll stroll along the multi-use trail next to Fresh Kills, below the hills of LaTourette Golf Course and return along the Blue Trail. From the remains of colonial structures to the Hessian Spring and the remains of Ketchum’s Mill we will take a look into the influence of man and nature on the ecosystems bordering the Fresh Kills estuary.
For more information call Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327

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Queens County Bird Club
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Queens County Quack Attack!
Leader: Corey Finger 518-445-5829
Meet 8:00am at South end of Baisley Pond - parking lot across from August Martin High School

MINI TRIPS: Break after lunch +/-
ALL DAY TRIPS: BYO lunch, dinner out. {optl}
WEEKEND TRIPS: Two + days / Overnight

Trip Etiquette
Please register for trips

- Register. Let leaders know you're coming!
- Car pooling or skipping requires planning
- Be advised if there are last minute changes or cancellations. These cannot be communicated to unknown persons.
- Be on time! Most trips begin birding by 8am!
- Please arrive before the starting time so we do not waste precious early morning bird activity.
- Plan your travel time.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Birding: Winter Birds at Park Drive and Clove Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.
We offer birding programs throughout the year, but now is a great time of year to observe species which live in NYC Parks during the winter.
Free!

Introduction to Bird Watching at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Look! Up in the sky, it’s a bird! But what kind of bird is it? Join the Prospect Park Alliance to learn about the magnificent array of birds that call Prospect Park home.
Free!