Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for the weekend of Saturday, March 19, 2016 to Sunday, March 20, 2016:

Brooklyn Bird Club
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Prospect Park’s First Day of Spring
Leader: Ed Crowne
Focus: Early spring migrants, transitional period species
Meet: 8:00am at Bartel-Pritchard Square park entrance
Note: Nearest subway: F train Prospect Park/15th St station
Equinox in New York City is on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 12:31am EDT

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Gateway National Recreation Area
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Spring Equinox and Spring Peepers
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Fee Information: Free
Contact Name: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Contact Email: e-mail us
Contact Phone Number: (718) 318-4340

Watch the last sunset of winter while exploring the folklore of the Vernal Equinox. Then, join a park ranger on the East Pond for a real spring treat- the evening chorus of amorous spring peepers. Discover more about these tiny but fascinating tree frogs on a stroll to Big John's Pond.

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11am to 12:30pm beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, March 19, 2016 @ 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Old Mill Road
Cost: Free
Contact: Clay Wollney 718-869-6327
Park at the end of Old Mill Road, behind the St. Andrew’s Church. Participants will 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 contact Clay Wollney at (718) 869-6327.

Sunday, March 20, 2016 @ 8:00am – 10:00am
Conference House Park
Cost: Free
Contact: Anthony Ciancimino
Join birder Anthony Ciancimino for a guided bird walk at Conference House Park, New York State’s southernmost park. Situated at the southern tip of Staten Island, Conference House Park is similar to Cape May and is a great location to see north bound birds in the spring. There should be a nice selection of remaining wintering songbirds as well as newly arrived migrant species, such as Eastern Phoebe. Waterfowl diversity should also be good on the bay. Meet in the parking lot at the very end of Hylan Boulevard. For more information contact Anthony Ciancimino at sibirdwatcher@yahoo.com.

Sunday, March 20, 2016 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm
Early Spring Walk Goodhue Woods / Allison Pond
Cost: Free
Contact: Mike Shanley 718-987-1576
Join naturalist and historian Mike Shanley to explore the recently preserved Goodhue Woods. Participants will be exploring one of NYC’s newest parks while searching for birds and herps. There will be discussion of the history of the site, including the local cemetery. Please bring sturdy shoes as the trails can be muddy this time of year during this moderate walk through the hills. Participants will meet at the corner of Brentwood Avenue and Springhill Avenue. For more information contact Mike Shanley at falecore@yahoo.com.

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Hempstead Lake State Park

Notes:
All walks start at 9:00am
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.