Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, December 15, 2018 to Sunday, December 16, 2018:

City Island Bird Walks
Sunday, December 16, 2018, 8:30am
Hunter Island for Waterfowl and other Surprises
Meet at the Orchard Beach Parking Lot, in the NE Corner
I’m hoping for some sun and a beautiful morning. We’ll loop through Hunter Island for whatever we can find. By this time there should be some ducks. If you have a scope, please bring it.
If you have any questions, email me, jack@cityislandbirds.com
Please be aware that there is public transportation, but I cannot pick up anyone at the station. If you want to come by subway, email me, and I will give you 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, December 15, 2018, 9am – 3pm
Van Trip to Winter Birds at Jamaica Bay
Register for our van trip to American Littoral Society's Winter Birds at Jamaica Bay (see description above) and get to Jamaica Bay the easy way—by passenger van! Bring lunch and water. Limited to 12. $68 (48)
Click here to register

Saturday, December 15, 2018, 10am – 1pm
American Littoral Society: Winter Birds at Jamaica Bay
Guide: Don Riepe with American Littoral Society and Gateway National Recreation Area
Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center for a slide program on winter birds and wildlife followed by a walk around the ponds and gardens to look for late fall migrants and early winter birds. Learn about bird migration, survival, and adaptation to cold temperatures and look for owls, hawks, finches, and waterfowl.
For information and reservations, contact Don Riepe at 718-474-0896 or donriepe@gmail.com. No limit. Free

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, December 15, 2018, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
Explore the unique pine-oak woodlands and wetlands of this iconic park and wildlife adapted to this pine barren ecosystem. As a child this was one of my favorite places on the South Shore. In those days, Clay Pits Preserve was hidden away among the surrounding woodlands. Over time, human development has closed in making the preservation of this park even more essential.
Meet at the parking lot for the park located at 2351 Veteran’s Road West.
For more information call Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Jones Beach West End 2

From the Southern State Parkway, exit onto the Meadowbrook State Parkway south. After entering Jones Beach State Park, exit right (west) into the West End. Continue west to West End 2 parking lot; we meet in the northeast corner of the lot.

From the Wantagh State Parkway, travel south. Upon entering Jones Beach State Park, exit at Bay Drive and continue west to West End 2 parking lot; we meet in the northeast corner of the 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 9:00 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.

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Urban Park Rangers
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Animal of the Month Club: Northern Cardinal at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we discuss the Northern Cardinal. This vibrant bird can be seen and heard in our parks throughout the winter season.
Free!