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.