Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for the weekend of Saturday, February 13, 2016 to Sunday, February 14, 2016:

Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday February 13, 2016
Bush Terminal Park
Leader: Chris Laskowski cell #646-236-6167; celaskowski@yahoo.com
Focus: a morning tour that may also include at leader's discretion and afterwards Greenwood Cemetery or otherwise another coastal location for waterbirds, gulls, and winter passerines. Site profile http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/bush-terminal-park
No registration necessary. Meet: 9:00 am outside on the west corner above the R train stop "45th Street". (Brooklyn) http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/rline.htm

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Hudson River Audubon Society
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Eagle Viewing on the Hudson
Meet at Georges Island Park 7:00am
http://hras.org/wtobird/george.html

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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Sunday, February 14, 2016 - 9:00am
Massapequa Preserve and South Shore Ponds Bird and Waterfowl Walk
We will bird the ponds at Massapequa Preserve, then head east in search of variety of wintering ducks and land birds. Bring a scope if you have one!
Registration: 631 885 1881 or aveblue@gmail.com
Directions: Meet at the Massapequa Preserve entrance at Pittsburgh Avenue and Parkside Blvd.

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, February 13, 2016
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, February 13, 2016, 10:30am – 4:00pm
Snow Birds of Floyd Bennett Field and Fort Tilden, Queens
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Winter brings many rare birds to NYC that can’t be found here at any other time! Perhaps most exciting are the “snow birds”, such as snow buntings and snowy owls, of the Arctic tundra that can occasionally be found in tundra-like habitats further south, . We will travel to the abandoned runways of Floyd Bennett Field (America's first municipal airport) in search of these and other winter visitors (such as horned lark, American tree sparrow, and rough-legged hawk). We will then head to Fort Tilden and Breezy Point to look for wintering ducks, grebes, loons, and other seabirds along the beaches. Transport by passenger van included. Limited to 12. $86 (60)
Click here to register

Saturday, February 13, 2016, 12pm – 7pm
Soaring Raptors: Eagles and Owls of the Hudson River Valley, NY
Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
You don’t have to travel to Alaska to see our country’s emblem, the American bald eagle. Thanks to one of the most successful reintroduction programs on record, many eagles now soar over the nearby Hudson Valley. Travel with us to see this spectacular raptor, as well as possibly spot the secretive short-eared owl. Part of the Hudson River EagleFest at Croton Point. Bring lunch, water, and binoculars. Transport by passenger van is included. Limited to 12. $102 (72)
Click here to register

Sunday, February 14, 2016, 9:30am – 11:30am
Winter Birding Along the Hudson: Wave Hill
Guide: Gabriel Willow with Wave Hill
Meet at the Perkins Visitor Center. The Hudson River valley hosts an impressive diversity of bird species, even during the winter months. Come explore the beautiful gardens and woodlands of Wave Hill and observe the hardy birds that spend the winter in this urban oasis. Advanced registration is recommended, either online, 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, February 14, 2016, 12pm – 2pm
Winter Seals and Waterbirds of NY Harbor
Guide: NYC Audubon guide
Meet at South Street Seaport’s Pier 16 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/audubon-winter. $35 for adults; $25 for children under 12; $105 for family pack for 2 adults and 2 children

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North Fork Audubon Society
Saturday, February 13, 2016, 10:00am
Orient Beach State Park
Love is for the Birds. Winter Bird Walk with Tom Damiani
Beginners welcome and binoculars available.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, February 13, 2016, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Acme Pond
Cost: Free
Contact: Clay Wollney 718-869-6327
The woodlands and ponds of this little known area will be explored during an approximately two mile hike. The Acme Pond area has developed into a nicely wooded forest over the past 150 years with sweetgum, white oaks and hickories as the dominant trees. The pond is reputed to be the home of large bass and provides a secluded location for many birds as well as birds and turtles. Meet at the corner of Hylan Boulevard and Holten Avenue. For more information contact Clay Wollney at (718) 869-6327.

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Massapequa Preserve

Notes:
All walks start at 9:00 A.M.
There is no walk if it rains or snows or temperature is below 25°F.
For more information or in case of questionable weather conditions, please phone Joe at 516 467-9498
For directions to our bird-watching locations, click here.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Birding: Winter Birds at Ridgewood Reservoir, Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. This program will focus on the different bird species which spend their winters in our NYC Parks.
Free!

Great Backyard Bird Count at Queens Botanical Garden, Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join QBG for this 19th annual bird counting event and add your results to the world totals.
Free!

Sunday, February 14, 2016
Winter Birding at Wave Hill at Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx
9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
The Hudson River valley hosts an impressive diversity of bird species, even during the winter months. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands with naturalist Gabriel...