Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, May 5, 2018 to Sunday, May 6, 2018:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, May 5, 2018, 12pm – 1pm
Introduction to Birdwatching
Join Prospect Park Alliance for a birdwatching walk and learn about Prospect magnificent array of birds and how to identify them!

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Bedford Audubon Society
Saturday, May 5, 2018, 8:00am - 11:00am
John Jay Homestead, Katonah
In partnership with Friends of John Jay Homestead. The woods, fields and shrublands of this State Historic Site should hold many migrant land birds on this prime date for migration. Meet at the main parking lot.
Cost: Free.
Level of Difficulty: Easy-moderate.
Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.
See more details

Sunday, May 6, 2018, 8:00am - 1:00pm
Garret Mountain Park
This truly excellent “migrant trap” in Paterson, New Jersey, provides sweeping views of northern New Jersey and the NYC skyline, and Naturalist Tait Johansson will lead the group on trails around a beautiful pond for migrating songbirds, especially warblers. Bring lunch. Depart Bylane Farm at 6:45am.
Cost: Free.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.
See more details

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 7:15am
Prospect Park Saturday Walk
Prospect Park Pergola, Ocean Avenue and Parkside Avenue
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik Meet at Ocean/Parkside Avenues, “The Pergola” at 7:15 am No registration necessary.

Sunday, May 6, 2018 @ 8:00am
Spring Migrants in Green-Wood Cemetery
Meet 8 am at the East gate, 20th Street and Prospect Park West Leader: Ed Crowne Focus: Early peak of Neotropical songbirds and migration Note: nearest trains are F and G lines to 15th Street /Prospect Park; walk 3 blocks west Please review our general trip information and guidelines on this page.

Please review our general trip information and guidelines on this page.

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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Central Park’s Ramble
Leader: Katie Kleinpeter
Located in the heart of Central Park, The Ramble is a destination not to be missed during spring migration! Join Katie on the LIRR train leaving from the HICKSVILLE train station at 6:11 a.m. or meet her in the city at West 72nd and Central Park West at 7:30 a.m. There will be opportunities for coffee, food and bathrooms at The Boathouse in the park. We can plan on taking a 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. train home, but you can leave earlier or stay longer if you wish! (There are no trains at Ronkonkoma due to track work.) In addition to buying a train ticket, you will need to purchase 2 rides for the MetroCard/Subway.
Please email Katie at katiekleinpeter@gmail.com so she knows to look out for you. She will provide her phone number for the day of the field trip and other last minute details.

Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 9:00am
Barrier Beach Birding at Smith Point, Fire Island
Leader: MaryLaura Lamont
We will observe various species of shorebirds and terns, find some pelagic Gannets and land birds as well during peak migration season on the barrier beach of Fire Island. We will walk down to the New Inlet and back so a round trip walk of 3 miles will occur. Bring binoculars and sunscreen! Call (631) 399-2030.

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Freshkills Park Alliance
Sunday, May 06, 2018, 8:00am
Birding Tour with NYC Audubon
Join local naturalist Cliff Hagen for “Birding Gems of Staten Island: Spring Migration at Freshkills Park,” organized by NYC Audubon.
Read More
Sign Up

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Gateway National Recreation Area
Saturday, May 5, 2018, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Global Big Day
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fees: Free
Join us in celebrating "The Year of the Bird" on Global Big Day.
View Details

Sunday, May 6, 2018, 10:00am to 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Learn all about the amazing osprey on this guided walk of the West Pond Trail.
View Details

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Great South Bay Audubon
Sunday, May 6, 2018 - 7:00am
Central Park
Leader(s): John Gluth (631-827-0120), Nick Laviola (631-678-7866)
Meet at 7:00am on Central Park West at 77th Street (opposite the Museum of Natural History). One of the best trips for our club!

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Green-Wood Cemetery
Saturday, May 5, 2018
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 active time of day for birds.

Sunday, May 6, 2018
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 active time of day for birds.

Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Saturday/Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home. Green-Wood’s official birding checklist is available to pick up from the security guard at the main entrance on 25th Street or to print here. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

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

Click here for our inclement weather policy.

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Hudson River Audubon Society
Friday to Sunday, May 4 – May 6, 2018
The Delmarva Peninsula
Drive down Thursday to Cambridge, MD
Friday – Blackwater NWR, MD
Saturday – Chincoteaue NWR, VA
Sunday – Milburn landing SP, MD and Bombay Hook NWR, DE
We’ll visit Delmarva – DELaware, MARyland and VirginiA to search for American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, Red-headed Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Prothonotary and Yellow-throated Warblers.
Details on accommodations, full itinerary and directions.

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, May 5, 2018, 7am – 11am
Bird Walk in the North Woods of Central Park
Guide: Tod Winston
Explore the peaceful North Woods and Loch at the height of spring songbird migration. We'll look (and listen) for warblers, vireos, tanagers, grosbeaks, and more. Limited to 15. $36 (25)
Click here to register

Saturday, May 5, 2018, 9:00am – 10:30am
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: NYC Audubon 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 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, call 212-691-7483. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Saturday, May 5, 2018, 2pm – 5pm
Afternoon Spring Walk at Inwood Hill Park
Guide: Nadir Souirgi
Inwood Hill Park is a jewel. Nestled between the Hudson River, Dyckman Street, and Seaman Avenue, this last tract of largely undeveloped oak and tulip forest transports you to another world and another time. Glacial "pot holes," towering trees, and stunning river views create an unrivaled backdrop for observing the many migratory and breeding avian species that are drawn to this hotspot. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Wood Thrush, and Yellow Warbler breed here, and the Park includes Manhattan's last remaining tidal saltmarsh. Limited to 15. $36 (25) per walk
Click here to register

Sunday, May 6, 2018, 7am – 3pm
Sterling Forest Warblers
Guides: Don Riepe, Tod Winston
Explore the woodland and pond habitat of the 20,000-acre Sterling Forest preserve during peak spring migration. Look for nesting warblers as well as spring wildflowers, reptiles, and amphibians. Trip involves four-mile hike and some rocky terrain. Bring lunch and water. Transport by passenger van included. Limited to 12. $115 (80)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 6, 2018, 8am – 12pm
Introduction to Bird Song Trip
Class: Friday, May 4, 6:30-8:30pm
Trip: Sunday, May 6, 8am-noon
Instructor: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
Do you ever wonder who is singing? Learn to identify the large variety of migrant and resident birds in New York City. Joe Giunta will first introduce you to the subtleties of bird-song identification in the classroom, followed by a field trip in Central Park to bird by eye and ear. Limited to 12. $72 (50)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 6, 2018, 9am – 2pm
Spring Migration on Randall's Island
Guides: Gabriel Willow, Randall’s Island Park Alliance Staff with Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc.
We’ll walk across the foot bridge to Randall’s Island, an under-explored location in the East River that hosts restored freshwater wetlands and saltmarsh. We’ll look for spring migrants (both waterbirds and land birds) as we explore the results of recent restoration efforts. Limited to 20. $40 (28)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 6, 2018, 9:30am – 10:30am
Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walks
Saturdays, April 28, May 19, and June 9, and Sundays, May 6 and 27, 9:30-10:30am
Guide: NYC Audubon with Queens Botanical Garden
Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Register for one date or the whole series of five walks (walk-ins welcome). To register, email info@queensbotanical.org or visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar. Each walk limited to 25. Free (with Garden admission)

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North Fork Audubon Society
Saturday, May 5, 2018, 8:00am
Warbler Field Trip
Meet at the Red House at Inlet Pond County Park (we will visit other sites)
65275 Route 48, Greenport, NY 11944 (map)

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North Shore Audubon
Saturday, May 5, 2018, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Muttontown Equestrian
Leader: Lindy home‭ (516) 628-1315 mobile (516) 343-4646‬
Where: 40.827359, -73.531127 (map)

Please inform walk leader that you are attending.
See "Walk Locations" for directions.
Park in the circle in front of the big house.
Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water. Wear long pants and socks so you do not touch poison ivy.
This walk is in conjunction with the North Shore Land Alliance.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Sunday, May 6, 2018, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Corson’s Brook Woods Wildflower Watch
Join us as we study the progress of wildflowers over the course of the spring in this unique and undisturbed natural area. Park at Jasper Street and For­est Hill Road and meet across the street at the corner of the entrance to the College of Staten Island. Bring field guides. Regis­tration is required. Please contact Hillel at 718-477-0545 or e-mail hillel5757@gmail.com. Please provide a cell phone contact.
Read More

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Hempstead Lake State Park
From the Southern State Parkway, take Exit 18 (Eagle Avenue) south to Field 3 (use second park entrance and make an immediate left turn.)
Directions via Google Maps

Bird walks led by a member of SSAS are conducted nearly every Sunday morning from late August through early June. Walks are open to the public and are free of charge. We especially encourage youngsters to attend.
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.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Excursion: Birding up the Hudson at Wave Hill, Bronx
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join Gabriel Willow for bird-watching and scenic hiking along the Hudson River near Bear Mountain, one of the most majestic spots in the Hudson Valley.

Ridgewood Reservoir Community Tour at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
The Ridgewood Reservoir in Highland Park is a 50+ acre natural oasis on the border of Brooklyn and Queens. Join us to explore this incredible natural resource in the heart of NYC.
Free!

Sunday, May 6, 2018
Bird Watching at Strack Pond 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!

Central Park Birding Basics: The North Woods at Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Central Park welcomes more than 270 bird species each year. Learn the basics of bird identification while exploring the North Woods, the largest woodland landscape in the Park.
Free!

Ridgewood Reservoir Community Tours at Ridgewood Reservoir, Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join us to explore this incredible natural resource in the heart of NYC.
Free!

Animal of the Month Club: Great Blue Heron Canoe Adventure at Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
On this program, enjoy a paddle in Clove Lakes Park and view the incredible Great Blue Heron and other birds of this habitat. Ages 8+.
Free!

Ridgewood Reservoir Community Tours at Ridgewood Reservoir, Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join us to explore this incredible natural resource in the heart of NYC.
Free!

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Young Birders Club
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Bashakill Wildlife Management Area (Sullivan County)
Sponsoring NYSYBC Partner: Sullivan County Audubon Society
Trip Leader: Lance Verderame
This outstanding birding area in southeastern Sullivan County attracts birders from all over the northeast. Most come in April and May to look for migrating birds that stop to rest and feed in the trees and shrubbery adjacent to the large wetlands, but the birding is excellent much of the year.

This BCA (Bird Conservation Area) is comprised of the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area. Habitat is primarily non-tidal emergent wetland through which the Bashakill River meanders. The wetlands are surrounded by deciduous woods and mixed woods, with some shrub lands. The area hosts a number of rare plants and animals (Spreading Globeflower, Ironcolor Shiner, Spotted Sunfish and Long-tailed Salamander). Limestone caves exist in the area as well. The area supports characteristic breeding wetland-dependent species (such as Great Blue Heron, Virginia Rail, Sora and Common Moorhen), abundant waterfowl, and several species at risk. And in May, WARBLERS!

Species at risk include: Pied-billed Grebe, American Bittern, Least Bittern, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Goshawk, and Red-shouldered Hawk.
Trail Map Link

Trip Registration Form due by FRIDAY 4/27/18. If you have not yet submitted a 2018 medical form (page 2 of the trip registration form) please submit it with your registration form. ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

From Mother Nature Network:

9 things you don't know about John Muir
On the anniversary of his birth, let's celebrate his love of nature.
Mary Jo DiLonardo
April 20, 2018, 8:22 a.m.



John Muir was a naturalist, writer and conservationist perhaps best known as the founder of the Sierra Club. The man called the father of our national park system helped establish Yosemite and Sequoia national parks at a time when we didn’t have the extensive system we enjoy today. He loved nature from his earliest days, and it was a theme that would define his life.

There are so many interesting stories about this famed explorer whose 180th birthday is April 21 — fittingly, right before Earth Day. Here's just a sampling of facts about his fascinating life.

His roots were in Scotland

Muir was born on April 21, 1838, in Dunbar, Scotland and was one of eight children. He was active and adventurous and loved playing outside. Until he was 11, Muir attended the local schools of that small coastal town, according to the Sierra Club. But in 1849, the Muir family emigrated to the U.S., moving to Wisconsin. They first lived in Fountain Lake, and then settled in Hickory Hill Farm near Portage. Where ever he lived as a child, Muir loved to explore farms.

His dad was tough

Muir's father was a strict disciplinarian who treated Muir harshly, sometimes physically abusing him, reports the National Park Service. Muir's father was a Presbyterian minister who insisted the boy memorize the Bible, a practice that later influenced his writing.

He was an inventor

Even though his dad wasn't a fan of his craftiness, Muir honed his mechanical skills and crafted a few small inventions. According to Biography, he created a horse feeder, a table saw, a wooden thermometer and a twist on an alarm clock: a device that pushed him out of bed early in the morning. In his early 20s, Muir took some of his inventions to the state fair in Madison where he won prizes and some local fame for his skills.

The outdoors lured him away from medical school

Muir studied science, philosophy and literature at the University of Wisconsin with plans to eventually go to medical school. But in college, he realized his true love was botany as he was influenced by the works of naturalist philosophers Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. After spending a summer hiking in the wilderness with friends, he gave up school to study botany and explore the natural world.

An injury changed his life

Muir took odd jobs to support himself, including working at a carriage parts factory in Indianapolis. There he suffered an injury that left him temporarily blind. When he regained his sight, he was determined to devote the rest of his life to seeing nature. He said of the accident, "God has to nearly kill us sometimes, to teach us lessons."

He had years of wanderlust

After regaining his vision, Muir began traveling the world. At one point he walked 1,000 miles from Indianapolis to the Gulf of Mexico. He sailed to Cuba, planning to eventually head to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. But Muir became sick and decided he should go somewhere temperate to recover. He traveled to New York City, then traveled by boat to Panama, then took a train and a boat all the way to San Francisco, landing there in March 1868. Smithsonian magazine details this moment beautifully:

Muir would later famously, and perhaps apocryphally, recall that after hopping off the boat in San Francisco on March 28, 1868, he asked a carpenter on the street the quickest way out of the chaotic city. "Where do you want to go?" the carpenter replied, and Muir responded, “Anywhere that is wild.” Muir started walking east.

Though he would continue traveling, California became his home.

He was enthralled with Yosemite

Muir first became captivated with Yosemite while working as a shepherd, taking his flock to the mountains. According to the NPS, "In his excitement, he even climbed a very dangerous ridge by a waterfall and clung onto the rock face just so he could get closer to the water. He later recollected that he believed the experience was completely worth the risk." He hiked for weeks around the area and journaled about every wonderful thing he encountered. While leading geologists believed that earthquakes formed the valley, Muir developed a then-controversial theory that the valley had been carved by glaciers.

He wrote about nature

It wasn't enough for Muir to experience the beauty of nature; he wanted to share his appreciation for such natural wonders with the world. He began writing articles and articles for publications like the New York Tribune, Scribner's and Harper's magazine. His work focused on nature, the environment and conversation, developing a reputation in the scientific community and a popular public following, reports PBS. Later on in life, he eventually published 300 articles and 10 major books recounting all his travels.

He's the 'father of national parks'

In 1890, Yellowstone was the only national park in existence. Muir, however, wanted the area of Yosemite that was a state park at the time to get national park status. Because he wrote so many passionate articles about his beliefs, many people wrote letters and some groups lobbied Congress in favor of establishing a new national park. Despite protests from loggers and some who viewed a park as a waste of resources, an act of Congress created both Yosemite and Sequoia national parks. Muir was later involved in the creation of Mount Rainier, Petrified Forest and Grand Canyon national parks. In 1892, Muir founded the Sierra Club to "do something for wildness and make the mountains glad" as he so eloquently put it.

When Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901, Muir was happy to have a conservationist ally in the Oval Office. In 1903, Muir and Roosevelt went camping above Yosemite Valley, where Muir asked for Roosevelt's help to preserve the beauty of the area. Roosevelt was impressed with Muir's plea. During his administration, Roosevelt set aside 148 million acres of forest reserves and the number of national parks doubled. ...Read more

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, April 28, 2018 to Sunday, April 29, 2018:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, April 28, 2018, 12pm – 1pm
Introduction to Birdwatching
Join Prospect Park Alliance for a birdwatching walk and learn about Prospect magnificent array of birds and how to identify them!

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Bedford Audubon Society
Saturday, April 28, 2018 @ 8:00am - 12:30pm
Marshlands Conservancy/Rye Nature Center, Rye
Join Naturalist Tait Johansson at these fine migration hotspots to look for warblers and other newly arrived spring migrants.
Meet at Bylane at 7:15am or Marshlands at 8.
Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.
See more details

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Bernardsville, NJ
Leader: Ryan Goldberg
Focus: peak migration, swamp and marsh species, raptors; first breeding birds
Car fee: $25.00
Registrar: Donna Evans email devansny@earthlink.net
Registration Period: April 21st - April 26th
Note: nearby Lord Stirling County Park may be an optional visit, time permitting

Saturday, April 28, 2018
Ridgewood Reservoir Walk
Leaders: Steve Nanz and Heidi Steiner
Focus: Observing spring migrants and looking for early nesters. We will also bird Highland Park if time allows.
Registrar: Heidi Steiner at heidi.steiner.bklyn@gmail.com if you would like to car pool. You may also use public transportation; meet at 8:00AM at the top of the stairs of the main entrance, […]

Saturday, April 28, 2018 @ 7:15am
Prospect Park Saturday Walk
Prospect Park Pergola, Ocean Avenue and Parkside Avenue
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik Meet at Ocean/Parkside Avenues, “The Pergola” at 7:15 am No registration necessary.

Sunday, April 29, 2018 @ 9:00am - 11:00am
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Leader: Heather Wolf 347-217-4579
Focus: Migrating songbirds, water birds
Meet 9 am at Pier 1 park entrance where Old Fulton Street ends/intersects with Furman St. (Barge Music);To the left (south) of Barge Music there is an NYC Ferry ticket machine (near the Lizzmonade kiosk). The walk starts by the benches right next to the ticket machine. This […]

Please review our general trip information and guidelines on this page.

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Gateway National Recreation Area
Saturday, April 28, 2018, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Peak Spring Migration Bird Walk
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fees: Free
Spring Naturalist Series: Each week through the spring, join us to learn more about the ecology of Jamaica Bay.
View Details

Sunday, April 29, 2018, 10:00am to 12:30pm
A Springtime Hike at Breezy Point
Location: Fort Tilden Building 1 (carpool to Breezy Point)
Fees: Free
View Details

Sunday, April 29, 2018, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Woodcock Moon Prowl
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fees: Free
View Details

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Great South Bay Audubon
Saturday, April 28, 2018 - 8:00am
Valley Stream SP and Jones Beach West End
Leader(s): John Gluth (631-827-0120), Bob Grover (516-318-8536)

Southern State Parkway to exit 15S, North Corona Ave. No Corona Ave to Hendrickson Ave (.07 mi) turn right at Hendrickson Ave. Hendrickson Ave. to Fletcher Ave (.3 mi) turn right on Fletcher Ave. Fletcher Ave. North to Valley Stream State Park entrance on right (.2 mi). Park at far end of lot.

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Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Birding in Peace
Our April tours will be a feast for the ears and eyes with the trilling song of Pine Warblers and drumming pronouncements of Woodpeckers on newly blossoming trees (including magnolias, maples, quinces, and dogwoods). We’ll discover thousands of songbirds resting before their trip north as well as arriving herons and egrets at Green-Wood’s glacial ponds.

Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home. Green-Wood’s official birding checklist is available to pick up from the security guard at the main entrance on 25th Street or to print here. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

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

Click here for our inclement weather policy.

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Hudson River Audubon Society
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Nature Study Woods
Meet at 8am at entrance along Webster Avenue at Flandreau Ave at 8:00 a.m. (~ 806 Webster Ave)
Local early spring migrants

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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Sunday, April 29, 2018 - 8:00am
Muttontown Preserve
The wet woods and hilly fields of Muttontown create a unique preserve that attracts a perhaps the widest variety of breeding bird species in northern Nassau county. Some of them will just be arriving!
Registration: 585-880-0915

Directions: Take 25A one block west of the intersection of 25A and 106. Go south along Muttontown Lane just past the last houses and enter the dirt parking area.

Directions: Meet in the parking lot off of Muttontown Lane, which is on the south side of Route 25A, just west of Route 106 in East Norwich. Follow Muttontown Lane to the end.

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, April 28 – Sunday, April 29, 2018
Cape May Spring Migration Weekend
Guide: Gabriel Willow
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. $340 ($50)
Click here to register

Saturday, April 28, 2018, 9:00am – 10:30am
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks
Guide: NYC Audubon 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 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, call 212-691-7483. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Saturday, April 28, 2018, 9:30am – 10:30am
Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walks
Saturdays, April 28, May 19, and June 9, and Sundays, May 6 and 27, 9:30-10:30am
Guide: NYC Audubon with Queens Botanical Garden
Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Register for one date or the whole series of five walks (walk-ins welcome). To register, email info@queensbotanical.org or visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar. Each walk limited to 25. Free (with Garden admission)

Saturday, April 28, 2018, 10am – 1pm
Spring Migration at Jamaica Bay
Guide: Don Riepe with American Littoral Society and Gateway National Recreation Area
Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge during peak spring migration for a slide program and hike around the reserve to look for many species of migratory birds. For reservations, contact Don Riepe at 718-474-0896 or donriepe@gmail.com. No limit. Free

Saturday, April 28, 2018, 2pm – 5pm
Afternoon Spring Walk at Inwood Hill Park
Guide: Nadir Souirgi
Inwood Hill Park is a jewel. Nestled between the Hudson River, Dyckman Street, and Seaman Avenue, this last tract of largely undeveloped oak and tulip forest transports you to another world and another time. Glacial "pot holes," towering trees, and stunning river views create an unrivaled backdrop for observing the many migratory and breeding avian species that are drawn to this hotspot. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Wood Thrush, and Yellow Warbler breed here, and the Park includes Manhattan's last remaining tidal saltmarsh. Limited to 15. $36 (25) per walk
Click here to register

Sunday, April 29, 2018, 9:30am – 3:00pm
Birding Gems of Staten Island: Spring Hike in the Greenbelt
Guide: Cliff Hagen with NYC Parks and the Greenbelt Conservancy
Explore trails in the 3,000-acre Staten Island Greenbelt with Cliff Hagen and visit High Rock Park, Walker Pond, and the Pouch Camp property: 143 acres of unspoiled woods and wetlands. Look for spring migrants and learn about the Greenbelt’s ecology. Trip involves approximately three and half miles of hiking. Van transportation from the Staten Island St. George Terminal included. Limited to 19. $43 (30)
Click here to register

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North Shore Audubon
Saturday, April 28, 2018, 8:00am – 11:30am
Humes property (map)
Leader: Barbara - (516) 628-9022

***NOTE: EARLY START TIME 8 am***
Please inform walk leader that you are attending.
See "Walk Locations" for directions.
Park in the circle in front of the big house.
Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water. Wear long pants and socks so you do not touch poison ivy.
This walk is in conjunction with the North Shore Land Alliance.

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Queens County Bird Club
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Forest Park
Leader: Jean Loscalzo 917-575-6824
Where: Park Lane South and Mayfair Road Queens, NY 11418 (map)

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Mill Pond Park
Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road. The park is four blocks west of the Wantagh State Parkway.
Directions via Google Maps

Bird walks led by a member of SSAS are conducted nearly every Sunday morning from late August through early June. Walks are open to the public and are free of charge. We especially encourage youngsters to attend.
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.

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Sullivan County Audubon
Saturday, April 28, 2018, 8:00am
Birding for Beginners with naturalist Scott Graber
Experience the variety of bird life that inhabits the Bashakill. Binoculars are required and wear sturdy walking shoes. We’ll meet at the Haven Road DEC parking lot near Rt. 209.
Call Scott to register and for additional information at (914) 799-1313.
This is a joint field trip with the Bashakill Area Association.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Bird Watching at the Reservoir at Ridgewood Reservoir, Queens
8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Catch the warbler wave and welcome them back to Forest Park!
Free!

Bird Walks with New York City Audubon at Queens Botanical Garden, Queens
9:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
Spot and identify creatures of flight in this nature walk with NYC Audubon.

Sunday, April 29, 2018
Central Park Birding Basics: Hallett Nature Sanctuary and the Pond at Chess and Checkers House (in Central Park), Manhattan
8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Central Park welcomes more than 270 bird species each year. Learn the basics of bird identification while exploring the North Woods, the largest woodland landscape in the Park.
Free!

City Nature Challenge Hike at Flushing Meadows Corona Park
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Over 60 cities will be competing to see who can make the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people in the worldwide 2018 City Nature Challenge.
Free!

Central Park Birding Basics: Hallett Nature Sanctuary and the Pond at Chess and Checkers House (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Central Park welcomes more than 270 bird species each year. Learn the basics of bird identification while exploring the North Woods, the largest woodland landscape in the Park.
Free! ...Read more

Spring Comes to Green-Wood Cemetery

We are still experiences mostly north winds and chilly days, nonetheless, flowers have started to bloom and northbound migrants are arriving. Here are some photo highlights from my recent walks in Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery from my friends Jim Demers, Sean Sime and Mike Yuan. The most exciting finds were Blue Grosbeak and Summer Tanager at the Sylvan Water:

Treehugger Tuesday

From "Mother Nature Network":

This accidental discovery could help solve our plastic pollution crisis
Mary Jo DiLonardo
April 17, 2018, 2:11 p.m.

Scientists have developed an enzyme that can break down plastic bottles — and the creation was a happy accident.

An international team of researchers made the discovery while studying a natural enzyme that was believed to have evolved to eat plastic in a waste recycling center in Japan.

The researchers modified the enzyme to analyze its structure, but instead accidentally engineered an enzyme that was even better at breaking down the plastic used for soft drink bottles, polyethylene terephthalate or PET.

"Serendipity often plays a significant role in fundamental scientific research and our discovery here is no exception," said lead researcher, professor John McGeehan of the University of Portsmouth in the U.K., in a statement.

"Although the improvement is modest, this unanticipated discovery suggests that there is room to further improve these enzymes, moving us closer to a recycling solution for the ever-growing mountain of discarded plastics."

The new enzyme starts breaking down the plastic in just a few days. But the researchers are working to improve the enzyme so it breaks down plastics even more quickly. They say the discovery could offer a solution for millions of tons of plastic bottles made of PET that linger in the environment. Plastic takes more than 400 years to degrade.

Read the entire article here.

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, April 21, 2018 to Sunday, April 22, 2018:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, April 21, 2018, 12pm – 1pm
Introduction to Birdwatching
Join Prospect Park Alliance for a birdwatching walk and learn about Prospect magnificent array of birds and how to identify them!

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, April 21, 2018 @ 7:15am
Prospect Park Saturday Walk
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Meet at Ocean/Parkside Avenues, “The Pergola” at 7:15am
No registration necessary.

Please review our general trip information and guidelines on this page.

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Great South Bay Audubon
Saturday, April 21, 2018 - 8:30am
Connetquot River SPP
Leader(s): Bob Grover (516-318-8536) Ken Thompson (631-612-8028, John Gluth (631-827-01208)
Meet in parking field. Entrance is on the westbound side of Sunrise Highway (Rte. 27) west of Pond Road. If coming from west to east, Take exit 47A and go to the next overpass, Oakdale Bohemia Rd. to cross over bridge, then head westbound and stay in right lane to entrance.
(Nature walks will be cancelled if it is raining or snowing.)

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Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Birding in Peace
Our April tours will be a feast for the ears and eyes with the trilling song of Pine Warblers and drumming pronouncements of Woodpeckers on newly blossoming trees (including magnolias, maples, quinces, and dogwoods). We’ll discover thousands of songbirds resting before their trip north as well as arriving herons and egrets at Green-Wood’s glacial ponds.

Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home. Green-Wood’s official birding checklist is available to pick up from the security guard at the main entrance on 25th Street or to print here. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

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

Click here for our inclement weather policy.

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Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, April 21, 2018 - Rain Date April 22
Pine Barrens for Early Spring Butterflies and More
Leader: Rick Cech
Registrar: Sandra Maury — sandramaury39@gmail.com or 212-874-4881
Registration opens: Monday, April 9
Ride: $45

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, April 21, 2018, 8:00am – 10:30am
Beginning Birding Series Trip
Classes: Wednesdays, April 4, 11, and 18, 6:30-8:30pm
Trips: Saturday, April 14, 8am-2:30pm (Jamaica Bay) and Saturday, April 21, 8-10:30am (Central Park)
Instructor: Tod Winston
Learn the keys to identifying the spectacular variety of birds that migrate 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. Three fun and educational in-class sessions and field trips to both Central Park and Jamaica Bay (transport to Jamaica Bay included). Limited to 12. $179 (125)
Click here to register

Saturday, April 21, 2018, 10am – 2pm
Explore, Learn, and Protect: Junior Ranger Day at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Center
With American Littoral Society and Gateway National Recreation Area
Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to celebrate New York City’s national park. Join Gateway National Recreation Area staff in special activities to help children and families connect with parks and engage in exploring, learning, and practicing stewardship. No limit. Free

Sunday, April 22, 2018, 8am – 11am
Prospect Park Bird Walk
Guide: Heather Wolf
Join Heather Wolf for a leisurely walk to see spring migrants and breeding bird residents of “Brooklyn's Backyard.” Beautiful Prospect Park’s wide variety of habitats attract a large number of migrants and breeding bird species—significantly more than Central Park, in fact. We will explore the Park's meadows, forests, and waterways in search of waterfowl, warblers, tanagers, and more. Limited to 15. $36 (25) per walk
Click here to register

Sunday, April 22, 2018, 8:00am – 10:30am
The Birds of Woodlawn Cemetery
Guides: Tod Winston, Joseph McManus, Susan Olsen with the Woodlawn Conservancy
Join us for a morning bird walk and tour of this beautiful cemetery: Tod Winston and Joseph McManus will look for spring migrants and year-round residents on the expansive grounds, while Woodlawn Cemetery's Director of Historical Services Susan Olsen will share fascinating stories about the cemetery’s history and the interesting mixture of individuals interred there. Limited to 15. $35 (24)
Click here to register

Sunday, April 22, 2018, 10am – 1pm
Birds and Plants: New York Botanical Garden in Springtime
Guides: Gabriel Willow
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) per walk
Click here to register

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North Shore Audubon
Saturday, April 21, 2018, 8:00am – 11:30am
Hempstead Lake SP
Leader: Steve S. - ‭(516) 987-8103‬
(map)

Please inform walk leader that you are attending.
See "Walk Locations" for directions.
Meet in westernmost parking lot.
Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water. Wear long pants and socks so you do not touch poison ivy.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Sunday, April 22, 2018 @ 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Earth Day at Buck’s Hollow @ Latourette House Golf Course
Enjoy a spring hike through the heart of the Greenbelt. Participants will discuss the diversity of flora and fauna in this rich woodland along the Red Trail. Fresh blooms and early spring bird song will welcome park visitors. Meet at the LaTourette House Golf Course parking lot. Call Ray Matarazzo at 718-317-7666 for more information.
Read More

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
From the Southern State Parkway, travel west to the Belt Parkway. Exit at Cross Bay Boulevard (Exit 17) south. Continue south on Cross Bay Blvd. through Howard Beach and over the North Channel Bridge (also known as the Congressman Joseph P. Addabbo Bridge). The entrance to the refuge parking lot is on the right side of the road, at a traffic light approximately one and a half miles past the bridge.
Directions via Google Maps

Bird walks led by a member of SSAS are conducted nearly every Sunday morning from late August through early June. Walks are open to the public and are free of charge. We especially encourage youngsters to attend.
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.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Cabrini Woods Migration Walk at Cabrini Woods (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Urban forests like Fort Tryon’s Cabrini Woods are critical links for migratory birds during their arduous thousand-mile journey along the Atlantic Flyway.
Free!

Animal of the Month Club: Northern Gannet at Wolfe's Pond Park Comfort Station (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join our park rangers at Wolfe's Pond for a chance to view and learn more about Northern Gannets, a little known resident species of Staten Island.
Free! ...Read more

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, April 14, 2018 to Sunday, April 15, 2018:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, April 14, 12pm – 1pm
Introduction to Birdwatching
Join Prospect Park Alliance for a birdwatching walk and learn about Prospect magnificent array of birds and how to identify them!

**********

Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Massapequa Preserve, Massapequa, Long Island
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Focus: Marsh species, pond ducks and waterfowl, early passerines, raptors.
Registrar: Peter Dorosh Prosbird@aol.com or text only cell 347-622-3559
Registration Period: April 7th - April 12th
Site info: http://massapequapreserve.com/ Note: If no cars are available, the trip will travel by LIRR train. There will be extensive walking at the preserve.

Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 7:15am
Prospect Park Saturday Walk
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Meet at Ocean/Parkside Avenues, “The Pergola” at 7:15am
No registration necessary.

Please review our general trip information and guidelines on this page.

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Feminist Bird Club
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Cemetery of the Evergreens w/Earth Arts Initiative

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Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Birding in Peace
Our April tours will be a feast for the ears and eyes with the trilling song of Pine Warblers and drumming pronouncements of Woodpeckers on newly blossoming trees (including magnolias, maples, quinces, and dogwoods). We’ll discover thousands of songbirds resting before their trip north as well as arriving herons and egrets at Green-Wood’s glacial ponds.

Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home. Green-Wood’s official birding checklist is available to pick up from the security guard at the main entrance on 25th Street or to print here. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

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

Click here for our inclement weather policy.

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Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Prospect Park in April
Leader: John Suggs
Registrar: Dale Dancis — ddancis@gmail.com or 212-724-3269
Registration opens: Monday, April 2
Public transportation

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

**********

New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, April 14, 2018, 8:00am – 2:30pm
Beginning Birding Series Trip
Classes: Wednesdays, April 4, 11, and 18, 6:30-8:30pm
Trips: Saturday, April 14, 8am-2:30pm (Jamaica Bay) and Saturday, April 21, 8-10:30am (Central Park)
Instructor: Tod Winston
Learn the keys to identifying the spectacular variety of birds that migrate 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. Three fun and educational in-class sessions and field trips to both Central Park and Jamaica Bay (transport to Jamaica Bay included). Limited to 12. $179 (125)
Click here to register

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North Shore Audubon
Saturday, April 14, 2018, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Jamaica Bay
Leader: Lenore 718-343-1391 mobile 917-837-2922
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Broad Channel, NY 11693, USA (map)

Please inform walk leader that you are attending.
See "Walk Locations" for directions.
Meet in westernmost parking lot.
Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water. Wear long pants and socks so you do not touch poison ivy.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Sunday, April 15, 2018 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm
Corson’s Brook Woods Wildflower Watch
Join us as we study the progress of wildflowers over the course of the spring in this unique and undisturbed natural area. Park at Jasper Street and For­est Hill Road and meet across the street at the corner of the entrance to the College of Staten Island. Bring field guides. Regis­tration is required. Please contact Hillel at 718-477-0545 or e-mail hillel5757@gmail.com. Please provide a cell phone contact.
Read More

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Massapequa Preserve

From Sunrise Highway, turn north onto Broadway, Massapequa. Travel under the Long Island Rail Road overpass, then make the first right onto Veterans Boulevard (headed east). Go past the Massapequa train station and into the parking lot at the east end of the station. The preserve is directly east of the parking lot.
Directions via Google Maps

Bird walks led by a member of SSAS are conducted nearly every Sunday morning from late August through early June. Walks are open to the public and are free of charge. We especially encourage youngsters to attend.
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.

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Sullivan County Audubon Society
Saturday, April 14, 2018, 7:00pm
Field Trip to see displaying Woodcocks
Meet leaders Kate and Charles Hyden at the Youngsville School parking lot on Shandelee Road. We will carpool from there.
Call Kate at (845) 439-4325 for more information or if weather is questionable.

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Urban Park Rangers
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Spring Migration at Prospect Park Picnic House (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free! ...Read more

Friday's Foto

The Common Grackle is a medium-sized, lanky songbird of the "Blackbird and Oriole family". This widespread resident east of the Rockies in southern Canada and the United States has been expanding its range westward in recent decades. It is one of three grackle species found in North America, the other two being Boat-tailed and Great-tailed. Adult males are entirely black with conspicuous iridescence when seen in good light. The widespread form shows bronze gloss to body, blue head, and purple or blue iridescence on wings and tail. The iridescence of the head is different from that of the body. Females are smaller and duller. There are three recognized subspecies. The bronzed grackle is found northwest of the Appalachians and has bronze iridescence on body, a blue head, and purplish tail and wings. The purple grackle is found southeast of the Appalachians and has a purplish body and head, with a blue or greenish glossed tail. The Florida grackle, which ranges from Florida to southern Louisiana and South Carolina, has a greenish iridescence on its back.

This omnivore feeds mainly on insects, but also crayfish, frogs, lizards, minnows, eggs and young of other birds and small rodents. During the winter their diet includes acorns, berries, seeds and waste grain.

The Common Grackle’s conservation status according to the IUCN Red List is “Least Concern”. While abundant and widespread, however, populations declined by almost 2% per year between 1966 and 2014, resulting in a cumulative decline of 58%, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. The 2014 State of the Birds Report lists them as a Common Bird in Steep Decline.

Their scientific name, Quiscalus quiscula, means Purple Grackle.

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, April 7, 2018 to Sunday, April 8, 2018:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, April 7, 12pm – 1pm
Introduction to Birdwatching
Join Prospect Park Alliance for a birdwatching walk and learn about Prospect magnificent array of birds and how to identify them!

Sunday, April 8, 2018, 8am – 9am
Early Morning Bird Walk: Changing Seasons, Changing Birds
Join Prospect Park Alliance to welcome the earliest migrants of the year, and to say goodbye to some of our winter residents. This birdwatching tour is led by the Brooklyn Bird Club and leaves promptly at 8am.

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Bedford Audubon Society
Saturday, April 7, 2018 @ 7:15pm - 8:30pm
Dance of the Woodcock at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Join Naturalist Tait Johansson to see this extraordinary ritual, where the male American Woodcock “peents”, struts, hurls himself into the evening sky, and glides back down to the ground again, all in hopes of attracting a mate.
Meet Naturalist Tait Johansson in the parking area just before the toll booth, and bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Cost: Free. Level of difficulty: Easy-moderate. Please register with Susan Fisher at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.
See more details

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Croton Point Park
Leader: Paul Keim
Focus: Grassland and open space species, early spring passerines, sparrows, raptors
Registrar: Paul Keim phone (landline) 718-875-1151
Registration Period: March 31st h - April 5th
Note: This trip may travel by Metro North train if we don't get enough cars.

Please review our general trip information and guidelines on this page.

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Gateway National Recreation Area
Sunday, April 8, 2018, 10:00am to 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Learn all about the amazing osprey on this guided walk of the West Pond Trail.
View Details

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Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Birding in Peace
Our April tours will be a feast for the ears and eyes with the trilling song of Pine Warblers and drumming pronouncements of Woodpeckers on newly blossoming trees (including magnolias, maples, quinces, and dogwoods). We’ll discover thousands of songbirds resting before their trip north as well as arriving herons and egrets at Green-Wood’s glacial ponds.

Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home. Green-Wood’s official birding checklist is available to pick up from the security guard at the main entrance on 25th Street or to print here. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

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

Click here for our inclement weather policy.

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Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Staten Island Greenbelt
Leader: Seth Wollney
Registrar: Miriam Rakowski — miriamrakowski@hotmail.com or 212-749-7376
Registration opens: Monday, March 26
Ride: $20

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

**********

New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, April 7, 2018, 9am – 4pm
Spring Migration in Pelham Bay Park, the Bronx
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Explore the lovely coves and rocky outcroppings of the City’s largest park, Pelham Bay Park, seeking out migrating songbirds, late wintering birds, ducks, and a breeding pair of Great Horned Owls. The rich and diverse habitat makes this park an urban gem and a great home for wildlife. Past rarities include a Northern Goshawk and a Purple Sandpiper. Bring lunch and water. Transport by passenger van included. Limited to 12. $90 (63)
Click here to register

Sunday, April 8, 2018, 9:30am – 11:30am
Spring Birding Along the Hudson: Wave Hill
Sundays, March 11, April 8, May 13, and June 10, 9:30-11:30am
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. Ages 10 and up welcome with an adult. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission (see www.wavehill.org for more information)

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North Shore Audubon
Saturday, April 7, 2018, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Marine Nature Oceanside
Leader: Ralph (516) 785-3375‬
Marine Nature Study Area, 500 Slice Dr, Oceanside, NY 11572 (map)

Please inform walk leader that you are attending.
See "Walk Locations" for directions.
Meet in westernmost parking lot.
Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water. Wear long pants and socks so you do not touch poison ivy.

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve

From the Meadowbrook Parkway, use the Merrick Road M9 east exit. Enter the Department of Sanitation entrance immediately on right (if you’re driving west on Merrick Road, make a U-turn after Central Boulevard and before the Meadowbrook Parkway). Look for signs to Levy Park and Preserve parking lot.
Directions via Google Maps

Bird walks led by a member of SSAS are conducted nearly every Sunday morning from late August through early June. Walks are open to the public and are free of charge. We especially encourage youngsters to attend.
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.

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Spring Birding at Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx
9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Explore the gardens and woodlands with an expert on a quest to spot both resident and rare birds as they pass through on their northern journey or settle down for the season.
Free!

Birding: Hawk Watch at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Registration is required.
Free!

Animal of the Month Club: Northern Gannet at Ocean Breeze Pier, Seaview Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard (in Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join our park rangers at Ocean Breeze for a chance to view and learn more about Northern Gannets, a little known resident species of Staten Island.
Free! ...Read more

Time to Tune Up Your Ears

The annual Spring migration is not just an explosion of colors, but also a huge surge of sounds. The millions of songbirds that pass through (or stay to nest) in the NYC area create a short-lived landscape of warbles, whistles, chips and trills. We won't hear this dawn chorus again until next year's northbound migration. To help appreciate these serenades, and make locating the songster a bit easier all you need to do is spend about a half an hour a day for 7 to 10 days with the right teaching tools.

There are several sources available to help you learn how to identify birds by ear, but the best one for my money is the Peterson Field Guides series of CDs (as far as I am aware, they are not available as digital downloads). These discs are not reference recordings, but rather well organized lessons that use groups of similar sounding species, repetition and mnemonics to help you quickly learn sounds. Here on the east coast of North America you should purchase "Birding by Ear: Eastern/Central" and "More Birding by Ear Eastern and Central North America". There are discs available for the west coast, as well.

Below is a list of recommended tracks to study. Obviously, there are many more common species in our area which you could add as you feel needed.

The colorful wood-warblers are the most important songbirds to learn. Once you've purchased the discs, use iTunes (or similar software) to import the following tracks:

Name	Album	Disc #	Track #
Sing-songers	Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	1	4
Warbling Songsters	Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	2	6
Wood Warblers and a Warbling Wren	Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	3	1
Warblers: Buzzy	More Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	2	1
Warblers: Simple	More Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	2	2
Warblers: Two-Parted	More Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	2	3
Warblers: Complex	More Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	2	4
Empidonax Flycatchers	More Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	1	4

Note that I included the empidonax flycatchers on the list as they are notoriously difficult to separate visually, but each have very distinctive vocalizations.

The woodland thrushes are also incredible songsters, so I recommend the following tracks:

Name	Album	Disc #	Track #
Thrushes	Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	3	2
Thrushes	More Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	1	7

One family of bird vocalizations that I tend to neglect are the shorebirds. More often than not, during spring migration a group of calling shorebirds passing overhead are noted only as "flock of unidentified peeps". While their calls and songs may not be nearly as melodic as the wood-warblers, they are each unique and easily identifiable if you take a few minutes each day to study the recommended "Birding by Ear" tracks.

Name	Album	Disc #	Track #
Shorebirds: Pairs	More Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	3	1
Shorebirds: Plovers	More Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	3	2
Shorebirds: Whistlers	More Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	3	3
Shorebirds: Peepers	More Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	3	4
Shorebirds: Other	More Birding by Ear, Eastern/Central	3	5

Please note that I don't make any money promoting the Peterson Field Guide series. I only do this because I have found that their systematic approach to learning bird-song to be the most effective available. If you have recommendations for other learning tools, feel free to email me or put something in the comments section. Spend 15 - 20 minutes a day listening during your commute, so that by the time all the songbirds begin streaming through NYC I guarantee you'll be able to find a lot more birds and add a whole other dimension to the experience of birding.