Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for the weekend of Saturday, April 25, 2015 to Sunday, April 26, 2015:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, April 25, 12–1 pm
Introduction to Bird Watching
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
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Celebrating 40 years birding: A Return to High Tor State Park
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Car fee: $25.00
Registrar: Peter Dorosh Prosbird@aol.com (preferred) or 347-622-3559 text
Registration Period: April 14th - April 23rd
Note: Peter Dorosh celebrates 40 years of birding in a symbolic and commemorative walk, to honor his first Brooklyn Bird Club trip at this locale led back then by Ron and Jean Bourque. Trip requires some upward gradual hiking from the trailhead. More details on the terrain at the time of registration. Other easier nearby locations will be visited-likely Stony Point Park or Mount Ivy County Park as options. High Tor State Park near Nyack is the club's first trip since the leader's debut as participant over 35 years ago.
Reference http://www.nynjtc.org/park/high-tor-state-park
http://tinyurl.com/HTSPApr25

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Linnaean Society of New York
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Great Swamp NWR and Scherman-Hoffman Sanctuary
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Registrar: Barbara Saunders – bsaunders002@nyc.rr.com or 646-872-4029
Registration opens: Monday, April 13
Ride: $30

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Littoral Society
Sunday, April 26, 2015, 11:00am - 02:00pm
Earth Day Cleanup at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Another opportunity to clean the planet comes from the American Littoral Society's Northeast chapter in Jamaica Bay. Join Chapter Director Don Riepe and his trusty helpers from 11 am until 2 pm to clean the refuge for migrating shorebirds and horseshoe crabs. Bring gloves and wear boots. Because we all know that cleaning the planet can sometimes be dirty work.

Please RSVP here: jamaicabayearthday.eventbrite.com
Location : Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, April 25, 2015
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, April 25, 2015, 8am – 2pm
Beginning Birding (trip)
Instructor: Tod Winston
Learn the keys to identifying the spectacular variety of birds that migrate northwards through New York City every spring. 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. Two fun and educational in-class sessions, paired with field trips to Jamaica Bay and Central Park (transport to Jamaica Bay included). Limited to 12. $179 (125)
Click here to register

Saturday, April 25, 2015, 8:00am – 9:30am
Van Cortlandt 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, April 25, 9am – Sun, April 26, 2015, 7pm
Cape May Spring Migration Weekend, NJ
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Come welcome the spring in lovely Cape May, NJ, the East's capital of birding. On good spring migration days, the area's forests and marshes are swarming with warblers in breeding plumage. We'll visit Cape May Point, Higbee Beach, Cape May Meadows, and more in search of returning songbirds, shorebirds, wading birds, and terns--as well as lingering winter visitors such as sea ducks and gannets.
Transport by passenger van included. Limited to 10. $330. $50 single supplement.
Click here to register

Sunday, April 26, 2015, 10am – 1pm
Birding Bonanza on Randall's Island
The Randall’s Island Park Alliance 's Natural Areas Team invites you for a free day of birdwatching and fun! We'll explore our wetlands and woodlands in search of resident and migratory birds. There will also be bird-themed arts & crafts and lemonade and light refreshments. Binoculars and birding guides will be provided.
This event is suitable for children ages 7-14 accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Registration is recommended. To register, email Christopher.Girgenti@parks.nyc.gov or call (212) 860-1899

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, April 25, 2015, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Poillon Beach Discovery
Discover the wonders of Poillon beach, the historical site of one of Staten Island’s premier recreational hotels. Search for horseshoe crabs and migrant birds which use the wave battered remains of the hotel to forage and feed. The beach in spring offers many made-made and natural wonders. The meeting location is at the intersection of Zephyr Street and Pollion Avenue. Parking is available along Zephyr Street.
For more information contact Jim Scarcella at 718-873-4291 or e-mail him at nrpa2@aol.com.

Saturday, April 25, 2015, 12 Noon to 2 p.m.
Herb or Weed? Walk at Conference House Park
Nothing says herb garden like the scents, colors, and tastes of plants. But which are weeds and which are herbs? Join herbalist Gert Coleman for a walk along the beach and through the paths and gardens at Conference House Park to identify edible, medicinal, and culinary plants. Meet in the parking lot at the end of Hylan Boulevard.
For more information e-mail Gert Coleman at gert.coleman@verizon.net.

Saturday, April 25, 2015, 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 and emergence of spring 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. Participants will meet at the corner of Eugene Street and Adelphi Avenue, one block from the intersection of Page Avenue and Amboy Road (http://goo.gl/maps/UCsFg). Parking is available along Eugene Street.
For more information call John Paul Learn at 718-619-5051 or e-mail at john.paul.learn@gmail.com.

Sunday, April 26, 2015, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Mount Loretto Unique Area
With its bluffs nestled 85 feet above sea level, Mount Loretto is home to beautiful vistas of the shore facing Prince’s Bay. The shoreline is home to some of Staten Island’s most unique natural artwork. Nestled in the meadow’s hills are a variety of plants and wildlife. Mount Loretto is a habitat for harbor seals, monarch butterflies, wild rabbits, muskrats, ospreys, and on occasion, bald eagles. Meet at the parking lot at Kenny Road and Hylan Boulevard. (https://goo.gl/maps/34Xd1).
For more information call John Paul Learn at 718-619-5051 or e-mail at john.paul.learn@gmail.com.

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Queens County Bird Club
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Lord Stirling Park and Great Swamp NWR, NJ
Leader: John Collins 908-581-4976

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, April 25, 2015
Birding: Ridgewood Reservoir at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.
Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Birding: Raptor Nests at East 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.
Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
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!

Sunday, April 26, 2015
Spring Bird Watching Around the Ridgewood Reservoir at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
8:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Celebrate John James Audubon's Birthday with a spring bird watching stroll led by Peter Dorosh,of the Brooklyn Bird Club. Binoculars recommended.
Free!

Birding Bonanza at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join us for a free, family friendly day of bird watching! Explore 18 acres of natural habitat with expert guides from RIPA and NYC Audubon…
Free!