Upcoming BIrding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, May 20, 2017 to Sunday, May 21, 2017:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 12pm – 1pm
Introduction to Bird Watching
Join Prospect Park Alliance for a birdwatching walk and learn about Prospect Park’s magnificent array of birds and how to identify them!

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Bedford Audubon Society
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 7am – 11am
Doodletown Road in Bear Mountain State Park
Leader: Naturalist Tait Johansson
Doodletown Road is known as one of the best places in our area to find Hooded and Cerulean Warblers as well as being a fine spot for many other songbirds. Join Tait in a search for these feathered gems! Enjoy the walk up the rugged trail past the ruins of a “lost civilization.” Depart Bylane Farm at 6:15am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous. Register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914.302.9713.
Map

Sunday, May 21, 2017, 7:30am – 9:30am
Explore Muscoot Farm
Leader: Naturalist Tait Johansson and the Friends of Muscoot Farm
Join Tait for a spring bird walk on the beautiful grounds of this county-owned property. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914.302.9713.
Map

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, May 20, 2017
“The Birdathon”, International Migratory Bird Day (raindate)
A global event celebrating the beauty of birds and habitats; this event encourages fundraising for conservation causes. For this year, the Brooklyn Bird Club’s Birdathon fundraising will support NYC’s Wild Bird Fund https://www.wildbirdfund.org/. For more information about the Birdathon and the history behind it, go to http://www.birdday.org/. If you are interested in forming a team with club members or friends, or if you need more information, please contact the BBC Birdathon teams’ coordinator Bobbi Manian at roberta.manian@gmail.com.

Saturday, May 20, 2017
Doodletown 1776 trail, Harriman State Park
Leader: Tom Stephenson
Focus: Peak of spring migrants and beginning breeding season
Car Fee: $25.00
Registrar: Marisa Wohl, marisaw@earthlink.net
Registration Period: May 13th - May 18th
Comments: This trip is capped at 16 people including the leader

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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Saturday, May 20, 2017 - Meet at 9am
Hallockville and Hallock State Park
Leader: MaryLaura Lamont
The Hallockville Farm Museum and State Park is located at 163 Sound Ave, in Riverhead. During peak migration, there is a good chance to see thrushes, vireos, warblers and more. We will walk past farm fields into the woods leading up to views of Long Island Sound. There is a $6 per person charge for this walk, which benefits the Hallockville Farm Museum Educational Program. Please call the Museum for information and a for a reservation at 631-298-5292

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Gateway National Recreation Area
Every Sunday Weekly from 03/12/2017 to 05/28/2017
Birding for Beginners
Join us for an introductory nature walk where you will learn the essentials of birdwatching.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fee Information: Free

Saturday, May 20, 2017, 10:00am to 11:30am
Warblers for Beginners
For many birders spring means warblers. Identifying these fast and tiny birds can be quite a challenge and even intimidating. Join a Ranger for an intro to the warblers that can be found at the Wildlife Refuge. A brief slideshow will precede a walk on the West Pond Trail.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fee Information: Free

Sunday, May 21, 2017, 11am
International Migratory Bird and Horseshoe Crab Celebration
Join experts for a bird walk to learn about migration. Along the way you'll also learn about horseshoe crabs. Dress appropriately. Reservations are required. Please call 718-354-4655 for reservations and information.
Location: Great Kills Park

Sunday, May 21, 2017, 10:00am to 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Learn all about the amazing Osprey on this guided walk of the West Pond Trail. We’ll talk about their incredible migration and the inspiring story of how conservation efforts were able to bring this species back from the brink of extinction.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fee Information: Free

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Great South Bay Audubon Society
Saturday, May 20, 2017 to Sunday, May 21, 2017 - 7:00am
Sterling Forest and Bashakill
Leader(s): John Gluth (631-827-0120)
From Tappan Zee Bridge, take I-87 to Sloatsburg exit 15A, take the exit for Rte 72 (Sterling Mine Rd.), 1- mile up Rte 17. Continue west on Rte 72 for 3 Miles until you reach Rte 84, Long Meadow Rd. Continue up long Meadow Rd to Sterling Lake Rd (4 Mi). Turn left there and continue to Park Visitors Center parking lot on Old Forge Rd. Overnight at Wurtsboro Days Inn (845-888-8727)

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Green-Wood Cemetery
Saturday, May 20, 2017
"Birding in Peace" - Peak Spring Migration Birding

Sunday, May 21, 2017
"Birding in Peace" - Peak Spring Migration Birding

From Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to over 20 species of colorful wood-warblers, our peak migration tours will feature many of the 163 bird species that have been recorded at Green-Wood during the month of May. Beginning just after sunrise, we will experience spring’s dawn chorus at the most active time of day for birds.

$10 for members of Green‑Wood and BHS/$15 for non-members.

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Hudson River Audubon Society
Saturday, May 20 - Sunday May 21, 2017
Bashakill Marsh
Drive up Saturday afternoon and stay overnight for Whip-poor-wills, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, and Alder Flycatchers.
http://hras.org/wtobird/bashakill.html

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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Saturday, May 20, 2017 - 7:30am
The Birds of Doodletown Road
Doodletown is a haven for breeding warblers including hooded and the coveted cerulean. Kentucky warblers are very possible.
Registration: 516-695-0763 or hobaudubon@gmail.com.
Directions: Travel west over the Tappan Zee Bridge to exit 13. Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway north. Go north to Route 6 to the Bear Mountain traffic circle. Leave the circle at the first exit, the Bear Mountain State Park exit. At the light, follow the left fork south along 9W. Within less than 1 mile there will be several small parking areas near two, white concrete abutments indicating the bridge over Doodletown Brook. Park along the road.
Stay overnight and join us on our Sterling Forest trip the next day for a Sterdoodle of a weekend! Field trip participants are responsible for locating their own overnight accommodations

Sunday, May 21, 2017 - 8:00am
Sterling Forest Exploration
Golden winged warblers are the attraction here, along with many species of breeding birds.
Registration: 585-880-0915.
Directions: Take Exit 15 off of NY 87 and head north. Make a left onto 17A. In about 2 miles make a left onto State Route 84 (Long Meadow Road). Follow this about 4 miles to HQ Building/Visitor Center where we will meet.

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Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, May 20, 2017 (Rain date, May 21)
Doodletown
Leader: Paul Keim
Registrar: Anne Lazarus — amlazarus47@gmail.com or 212-673-9059
Registration opens: Monday, May 8
Ride: $30

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 9/3/2016 - 6/24/2017: 11:00 a.m.
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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New York City Audubon Society
Saturdays April 29, May 13, and June 3, and Sundays, May 7 and May 21, 9:30-10:30am
Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walks
Guide: NYC Audubon with Queens Botanical Garden
We are happy to announce a new series of spring migration bird walks in partnership with Queens Botanical Garden. Register for one date or the whole series of five free walks (walk-ins welcome!). Explore the Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources that the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Limited to 25. Appropriate for all ages. To register, email info@queensbotanical.org or visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar. Free with Garden admission

Weekly on Saturdays, until Jul 29, 2017
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, May 20, 2017, 8:30am – 11:00am
Spring Migrants at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
Guide: Annie Barry
Meet at the entrance to Inwood Hill Park at the corner of Isham Street and Seaman Avenue. Join Annie Barry for a hike through a mature forest in search of kinglets, warblers, flycatchers, sparrows, Baltimore orioles, and other migrants and residents. We will then move to the shores of the Inwood Hill Park saltmarsh, the last natural saltmarsh in Manhattan, to search for herons and ducks, and will explore Muscota Marsh, a recently restored habitat within the park. Some hilly walking required. Limited to 15. $36 (25)
Click here to register

Saturday, May 20, 2017, 10am – 1pm
Birding Bonanza - Randalls Island
Randall’s Island is home to over 180 species of birds. Join us for a day of free, family-friendly bird watching! Learn about the amazing adaptations of birds as they thrive in the Island's restored habitats.

- Guided walks
- Crafts and games
- Refreshments
- Suitable for ages 7+ (with an adult)

Saturday, May 20, 2017, 10am – 1pm
Birds and Plants: New York Botanical Garden in Springtime
Guides: Gabriel Willow
Meet by the ticket booth just inside the Garden’s Mosholu Gate on Southern Boulevard. The New York Botanical Garden is home to a large tract of East Coast old-growth forest. During the peak of spring migration, the beautiful gardens come alive with migrating songbirds. Limited to 15. Entrance fee to NYBG not included. $39 (27)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 21, 2017, 9:30am – 10:30am
Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walks
Saturdays April 29, May 13, and June 3, and Sundays, May 7 and May 21, 9:30-10:30am
Guide: NYC Audubon with Queens Botanical Garden
We are happy to announce a new series of spring migration bird walks in partnership with Queens Botanical Garden. Register for one date or the whole series of five free walks (walk-ins welcome!). Explore the Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources that the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Limited to 25. Appropriate for all ages. To register, email info@queensbotanical.org or visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar. Free with Garden admission

Sunday, May 21, 2017, 1pm – 4pm
Nesting Peregrines and Red-Tails of the Upper West Side, Manhattan
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Meet in front of Riverside Church. Many New Yorkers are astonished to discover that their city of steel and glass is home to a diverse population of large birds of prey: The City boasts the world’s highest densities of the peregrine falcon, the world’s fastest flyer, and a growing population of red-tailed hawks (several pairs of which have reached celebrity status). We’ll visit the nesting site of a pair of each of these fascinating species, and may glimpse parents feeding their chicks. Limited to 15. $36 (25)
Click here to register

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North Shore Audubon Society
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 8am – 12pm
NYIT de Seversky Center
Where: NYIT de Seversky Mansion, 1 Northern Blvd, Glen Head, NY 11545
Leader: Liz 516-404-1984
Enter from Northern Blvd and West Rd - head south on West Rd. Proceed up the hill, and follow sign to the NYIT de Seversky Mansion on right. Park in big lot across from mansion.
Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water.

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NYC H2O
Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 6:30pm
Horseshoe Crab Discovery Walks
Location: Plumb Beach

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Queens County Bird Club
Saturday, May 20 – Sunday, May 21, 2017
Doodle-ing Bash!
Leader: Arie Gilbert (917) 693-7178
Trips of this nature require reservations **well in advance.**
Please contact leaders at least 2 days before trip to let them know you are attending

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Hempstead Plains

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, May 20, 2017
Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Head to the park to join bird walks led by experts from the NYC Audubon! Bird walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park.
Free!

Rangers Choice: Calvert Vaux Park Discovery Hike at Calvert Vaux Park, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
This beautifully-restored parkland holds remnants of sunken barges that have been taken over by nature.
Free!

Discovery Walks for Families: Beginning Birders at Belvedere Castle (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Bring your family for a guided walk and discover why Central Park is a sanctuary for plants, animals, and humans alike. Learn about the architecture, landscapes, and ecosystems of the…
Free!

Birding Bonanza at Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
At our Birding Bonanza event, expert guides from both the Randall's Island Park Alliance and NYC Audubon help you explore the park while you seek and discover our feathered island residents.
Free!

For The Birds Festival: A Celebration of All Things Avian at Conference House Park Visitor Center (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Come discover and celebrate NYC's avian residents at Conference House Park's For The Birds Festival.
Free!

Art Exhibition: Flora/Fauna/Feathers of Richmond County at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Flora/Fauna/Feathers of Richmond County sponsored by Protectors of Pine Oak Woods, Staten Island’s land conservation organization. Come view original artwork celebrating nature…
Free!

Sunday, May 21, 2017
Bird Watching at Forest Park Visitor Center (in Forest Park), Queens
8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Start your day with an early morning bird-watching walk led by Jean Loscalzo of the Queens County Bird Club. Binoculars recommended.
Free!

Birding: Hawk Watch at Parking Area (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will teach you how to use your eyes and ears to find these birds of prey in this enchanting woodland.
Free!

Bird Walks with New York City Audubon at Queens Botanical Garden, Queens
9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Spot and identify creatures of flight and learn how Queens Botanical Garden provides important resources for birds—like water, shelter, and insects to eat.