Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Friday, May 3, 2019 to Sunday, May 5, 2019:

Bedford Audubon Society
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 8:00am - 9:30am
John Jay Homestead
John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St, Katonah, NY 10536
Come “Jay Walking” with us… we promise you’ll see more than jays!
In partnership with Friends of John Jay Homestead, Naturalist Tait Johansson will lead you on a Bird Walk at the beautiful John Jay Homestead in Katonah. 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 to moderate.
Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.
See more details

Sunday, May 5, 2019, 8:00am - 1:00pm
Field Trip to Garrett Mountain Park
Garret Mountain Reservation, Woodland Park, NJ 07424
How would you like to flock with us to a migrant trap that is an “oasis of woodland surrounded by urbanity?”
If that sounds good, you won’t want to miss our Field Trip to Garrett Mountain Park in Paterson, NJ. Naturalist Tait Johansson will lead the group on trails around a beautiful pond in search of migrating songbirds, especially warblers. The reservation is comprised of 568-acres and provides sweeping views of northern New Jersey and the NYC skyline.
Cost: Free.
Level of physical difficulty: Moderate.
Register with Susan Fisher at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914.302.9713.
See more details

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 7:15am - 12:00pm
Prospect Park Saturday Walk
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Meet at Ocean/Parkside Avenues, “The Pergola” at 7:15 am No registration necessary.
Please review our trip guidelines here: http://brooklynbirdclub.org/information-registration

Saturday, May 4, 2019, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Prospect Park: Birdwatching for Beginners
Leader: Cyrus Baty
Birdwatching for Beginners meets at the Prospect Park Audubon Center at The Boathouse at 12 noon.
Bring binoculars if you have them; otherwise, binoculars are available for loan.

Sunday, May 5, 2019
Tribute to Ridgewood Reservoir: “Class One Freshwater Wetland”
Leader: Steve Nanz
Focus: Peak migration of Neotropical songbirds
Registrar: Heidi Steiner email heidi.steiner.bklyn@gmail.com or call before 8 pm 718- 369-2116
Registration Period: April 27th - May 2nd
Synopsis: This walk celebrates an important grassroots victory, the long hope for New York State Department of Conservation “Wetland Class One” protection status after an eleven year battle of […]

Sunday, May 5, 2019, 8:00am - 11:00am
Prospect Park First Sunday Walk
Meets at the Prospect Park Audubon Center at The Boathouse, the first Sunday of every month except July and August.
Leaders are members of the Brooklyn Bird Club. Bring binoculars.

Sunday, May 5, 2019, 9:00am - 10:30am
Fort Greene Park, North Brooklyn
Meet 9 am at the Urban Park Rangers Visitors Center https://tinyurl.com/FtGreeneVCtr
Leader: August Davidson-Onsgard AugustDavidsonOnsgard.com
Focus: Spring migration of songbirds at a historical park. The park’s May list is 78 species to date. No registration necessary. Nearest train stations: DeKalb Avenue station; exit and walk 5 blocks east on DeKalb Avenue; Also Fulton Ave A and […]

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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 7:30am
Rocky Point DEC Property (Area 26)
Leader: Bob Adamo
Join Bob Adamo who will lead this quest for some of our “Flying Friends” on The Global Big Day. Meet at the east most parking lot for the DEC property located on the south side of the Route 25A Bypass, about 1/8 mile west of the fork you would take to get to the Route 25A Business district. Traveling from the east, this turnoff is just after the intersections of first, Randall Rd. and then, Ridge Rd. Coming from the west, the parking lot is the 2nd one you come to after having turned onto the bypass from Route 25A just a tad past McDonalds.
Any questions, call or email Bob at radamao4691@gmail.com or call (631) 905-7360 cell, (631) 369-1958 home.
Rain date is Sunday, May 5.

Sunday, May 5, 2019, 9:00am
Barrier Beach Birding (Smith Point to the new Old Inlet)
Leader: MaryLaura Lamont
Shorebirds, sea ducks, loons, cormorants, terns, gulls, hummingbirds and an occasional warbler all pass through and along the shores of the old Great South Beach, today known as Fire Island. This will be a 3 mile round-trip walk on sand down to the New Inlet where the Old Inlet used to be. Park on the County side of Smith Pt. as far west in the parking lot as you can, then walk through the fence opening over to the federal side of Smith Pt., and meet at the top of the 2-story visitor center.
Call MaryLaura Lamont at (631) 399-2030 for details.

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Gateway National Park
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 10:00am - 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
View Details

Sunday, May 5, 2019, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Celebrate Beach Plum Blossoms at Plumb Beach
View Details

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Great South Bay Audubon Society
Sunday, May 5, 2019, 7:00am
Central Park
Leader(s): John Gluth (631-827-0120), Nick Laviola (631-678-7866)
Meet at 7 a.m. on Central Park West at 77th Street (opposite the Museum of Natural History). One of the best trips for our club!

(Nature walks will be cancelled if it is raining or snowing.)

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Green-Wood Cemetery
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 6:00am - 7:30am
Birding in Peace
Peak Spring Migration 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 5, 2019, 6:00am - 7:30am
Birding in Peace
Peak Spring Migration 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.

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

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.

For this program you will check in at the Gothic Arches, right at the main entrance. Click here for our inclement weather policy.

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Hudson River Audubon Society
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Richard W DeKorte Park
1 DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, NJ
Meet at 8:00am
Part of the New Jersey Meadowlands. This 640-acre park features a landscaped capped landfill and trails that take visitors out into wildlife observation areas and bird blinds. It also includes the Meadowlands Environment Center, which contains informative exhibits on the Meadowlands and its ecology.

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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Sunday, May 5, 2019, 8:00am
Central Park
One of the finest spots around the metropolitan area for warblers and other spring migrants.
Registration: 631-885-1881
Directions: Meet at the Boathouse, easily accessed from the pedestrian entrance on Fifth Ave near 76th St. Walk downhill veering left past the Alice in Wonderland statues, by the right side of the sailboat pond toward the right, up the hill, cross the roadway and to the Boathouse

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Linnaean Society of New York
Friday, May 3, 2019
7th Annual Starr Saphir Memorial Spring Migration Walk
Leader: Lenore Swenson — information only lenoreswenson@gmail.com or 212-533-9567
No registration. Public transportation
Meet at 81st Street and Central Park West at 7:30 am

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New York City Audubon
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 9am – 2pm
Spring Migration on Randall's Island
Guides: Gabriel Willow, Randall’s Island Park Alliance Staff
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

Saturday, May 4, 2019, 9:00am - 11:00am
Morning 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)
Click here to register

Saturday, May 4, 2019, 9:00am – 10:30am
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks, The Bronx
Saturdays, April 27-July 20, 9-10:30am
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

Sunday, May 5, 2019, 6:00am - 10:00am
Dawn Birdsong in Central Park's North Woods
Guide: Tod Winston
Get up early to enjoy the chorus of early morning birdsong, right after dawn, in a small group. We'll explore the peaceful and beautiful Great Hill, North Woods, and Loch, listening for warblers, vireos, tanagers, orioles, and more. Limited to 12. $40 (28)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 5, 2019, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Introduction to Bird Song Field Trip
Class: Friday, May 3, 6:30-8:30pm
Trip: Sunday, May 5, 8am-12pm
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 5, 2019, 9:00am – 10:30am
Pelham Bay Park Bird Walk Series
Sundays, March 24-June 30 9-10:30am
Guide: NYC Audubon with Pelham Bay Park
Before May 20th: Meet at Orchard Beach Parking Lot
May 20th-June 30th: Meet at Rodman's Neck Parking Lot
Join us to explore some of the best birding NYC has to offer. Come discover Pelham Bay Park's diverse habitat that attracts a variety of spring migrants. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

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Northshore Audubon Society
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Muttontown Equestrian
Leader: Jennifer (516) 941-7434
Where: 40.827359, -73.531127 (map)

Please inform walk leader that you are attending.
See "Walk Locations" for directions.
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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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 WILD!
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 10:00am
Queens: Flushing Cemetery and Kissena Park Photography and Nature Walk

Sunday, May 5, 2019, 9:30am
Old Croton Aqueduct - Part 2 (of 8) Ossining to Sleepy Hollow

For the full information about each walk click HERE

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 9:15am - 3:15pm
The Richard Buegler 10-Mile Spring Walk
Following in the steps of founder and friend, Richard Buegler, participants will enjoy a pleasant walk through the woods of the Greenbelt, a woodland which defines the life’s work of Richard Buegler. Beginning at Staten Island Boulevard, behind Petrides High School, we plan to walk the trails in search of Pinkster Azaleas, trout lilies and a colorful collection of migrating spring birds and emerging butterflies.
For more information contact Dominick Durso at (917) 478-7607, Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036 or Chuck Perry at (718) 667-1393.

Sunday, May 5, 2019, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
The Intertidal Zone at the Page Avenue Beach
Page Avenue and Ottavio Promenade, Staten Island
We’ll begin with a look at the local geology then move to examining the flotsam and jetsam accumulated at the high tide lines to see what nature’s debris has to tell us. As the water recedes with the tide we’ll move into the intertidal zone to find out what sorts of living things survive in this challenging environment. A variety of crabs, snails, clams, worms and small fish are likely to be discovered. It’s going to be muddy so dress appropriately. Meet at the parking lot at the bottom of Page Avenue below Hylan Boulevard.
For more information contact Clay Wollney at (718) 869-6327.

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Queens County Bird Club
Sunday, May 5, 2019
Forest Park
Leader: Jean Loscalzo (917) 575-6824
Where: 40.699024, -73.857291 (map)
Please park in the bandshell parking lot and meet by the visitor center/bathrooms/chess tables.
This is a mini-walk that will end before 11am.
Please contact trip leader for start time.

Trip Etiquette
• Non members are welcome on our trips and we would appreciate a nominal $5 (or more!) voluntary donation for non-member participation. We prefer if you offer instead of being asked.
• All persons (member or not) are required to offer contribution if they get a ride with another.
• All persons are requested to Notify the leader at least 2 days in advance if they want to go on a trip.
• Be on time. We depart promptly.

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, May 5, 2019
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 9:00 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
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Muscota Marsh Spring Migration Walk with Expert Naturalist Mike Feller at Muscota Marsh Park (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
We will meet at Muscota Marsh to look for water birds and then walk to the Clove to look and listen for birds in the forest.
Free!

Sunday, May 5, 2019
Bird Watching Tour 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 and catch the Warbler Wave!
Free!