Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, December 20, 2019:
-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Dec. 19, 2019
* NYNY1912.19
- Birds Mentioned
BARNACLE GOOSE+
COMMON MURRE+
THICK-BILLED MURRE+
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Brant
EURASIAN WIGEON
KING EIDER
HARLEQUIN DUCK
Red-necked Grebe
American Oystercatcher
Long-billed Dowitcher
American Woodcock
Wilson’s Snipe
Razorbill
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Black Skimmer
Northern Gannet
GOLDEN EAGLE
Northern Goshawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
Eastern Phoebe
NORTHERN SHRIKE
House Wren
Marsh Wren
European Starling
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
Vesper Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
Eastern Meadowlark
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Wilson’s Warbler
If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy reports and photos or sketches are welcome. Hardcopy documentation should be mailed to:
Gary Chapin - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
125 Pine Springs Drive
Ticonderoga, NY 12883
Hotline: New York City Area Rare Bird Alert
Number: (212) 979-3070
Compiler: Tom Burke
Coverage: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
Transcriber: Gail Benson
[~BEGIN RBA TAPE~]
Greetings! This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Friday, December 19, 2019 at 9:00 pm.
The highlights of today’s tape are COMMON and THICK-BILLED MURRES, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, BARNACLE and GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, EURASIAN WIGEON, HARLEQUIN DUCK and KING EIDER, GOLDEN EAGLE, NORTHERN SHRIKE, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT and more.
Fortunately for the Captree Christmas Bird Count last Sunday, the weather conditions prompted a nice flight of large alcids offshore during the early morning; counters at Robert Moses State Park were treated to over 630 RAZORBILLS and were able to also identify single COMMON and THICK-BILLED MURRES as the birds moved westward just offshore.
Out in the Calverton area the female-type YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was still around to last Sunday, at least, in a large flock of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, COMMON GRACKLES, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS and EUROPEAN STARLINGS – the flock was usually found off Sound Avenue near the Lewin Farm, located at 812 Sound Avenue.
The BARNACLE GOOSE roosting at Belmont Lake State Park was noted there as recently as Wednesday, while a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE in lower Westchester was on its Rye Brook Pond recently but also visited Playland Lake in Rye yesterday.
A EURASIAN WIGEON appeared on Cooper’s Neck Pond in Southampton Sunday and Monday, and another was spotted Wednesday in Cold Spring Harbor north of Route 25.
Three HARLEQUIN DUCKS were still off Orient Point Wednesday, and a drake was seen at Shinnecock Inlet Sunday.
Unusual was a female KING EIDER on Sterling Lake in Orange County’s Sterling Forest State Park last weekend.
An immature GOLDEN EAGLE was seen being mobbed by RED-TAILED HAWKS over the Riverhead sod fields near Sound Avenue and Northville Turnpike last Sunday.
The adult NORTHERN SHRIKE at Heckscher State Park was seen last Saturday but did not appear for the Christmas Count Sunday.
An immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was still in Central Park’s north end Wednesday, and an adult found Monday at Pelham Bay Park was still at Hunter’s Island Wednesday.
An immature ICELAND GULL and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL were spotted along the East River Monday off 51st Street in Manhattan, and a RED-NECKED GREBE was off Breezy Point Wednesday.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was spotted in Prospect Park Sunday, while another was still at Marshlands Conservancy in Rye Wednesday.
Last Sunday the Brooklyn Christmas Count recorded a nice 129 species , with their highlights including ICELAND and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, BLACK SKIMMER, 11 AMERICAN WOODCOCKS, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, EASTERN PHOEBE, HOUSE WREN, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, LINCOLN’S and VESPER SPARROWS, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, and, among the WARBLERS, OVENBIRD, BLACK-AND-WHITE, ORANGE-CROWNED, NASHVILLE, and WILSON’S.
The Captree Count Sunday netted 127 species; besides the alcids and BARNACLE GOOSE noted above, other notables featured LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, ICELAND GULL, the ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK recently along Ocean Parkway, EASTERN PHOEBE, MARSH WREN, AMERICAN REDSTART, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, 2 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS and 3 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS.
The Queens Count on Sunday totaled 118 species including AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, 5 WILSON’S SNIPES, 12 RAZORBILLS and HOUSE WREN. Unfortunately, the prior week’s Ash-throated Flycatcher was last seen on Friday the 13th and did not make the Count.
The Greenwich-Stamford Count, including parts of Westchester County, recorded 106 species Sunday, including 2 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, ICELAND and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, NORTHERN GANNET, 10 RAZORBILLS, EASTERN PHOEBE and HOUSE WREN, while among the Rockland Count’s 87 species Sunday were BRANT and a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.
To phone in reports please call Tom Burke at (914) 967-4922 and leave a message.
This service is sponsored by the Linnaean Society of New York and the National Audubon Society. Thank you for calling.
- End transcript
Contents
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Friday, December 20, 2019
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips
Below is a list of upcoming birding and nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, December 21, 2019 to Sunday, December 22, 2019:
Feminist Bird Club
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Prospect Park
All walks follow the ABA Code of Birding Ethics
**********
Gateway National Recreation Areas
Saturday, December 21, 2019, 3:30pm — 5:00pm
Jr. Ranger Owl Prowl
View Details
**********
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
**********
South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
From the Wantagh State Parkway, travel south. Upon entering Jones Beach State Park, exit at Bay Drive and continue west. Turn right (north) at entrance for Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin; turn right again for parking.
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.
**********
Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, December 21, 2019
New York City Naturalist Club: Bald Eagle Watch at Henshaw Street and Dyckman Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Winter is a great time to spot bald eagles. Our park rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots.
Free!
Winter Solstice Walk at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks arborists for a Winter Solstice Walk at New York's southernmost park. Explore and learn about the unique trees, natural habitats, and shoreline found within the park.
Free!
Feminist Bird Club
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Prospect Park
All walks follow the ABA Code of Birding Ethics
**********
Gateway National Recreation Areas
Saturday, December 21, 2019, 3:30pm — 5:00pm
Jr. Ranger Owl Prowl
View Details
**********
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
**********
South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
From the Wantagh State Parkway, travel south. Upon entering Jones Beach State Park, exit at Bay Drive and continue west. Turn right (north) at entrance for Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin; turn right again for parking.
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.
**********
Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, December 21, 2019
New York City Naturalist Club: Bald Eagle Watch at Henshaw Street and Dyckman Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Winter is a great time to spot bald eagles. Our park rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots.
Free!
Winter Solstice Walk at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks arborists for a Winter Solstice Walk at New York's southernmost park. Explore and learn about the unique trees, natural habitats, and shoreline found within the park.
Free!
Saturday, December 07, 2019
New York City Rare Bird Alert
Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, December 6, 2019:
- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Dec. 6, 2019
* NYNY1912.06
- Birds mentioned
BROWN PELICAN+
BARNACLE GOOSE+
ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)
Red-necked Grebe
Razorbill
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
EURASIAN WIGEON
HARLEQUIN DUCK
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Cackling Goose
SANDHILL CRANE
American Woodcock
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK
Red-headed Woodpecker
Baltimore Oriole
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
Lincoln's Sparrow
Nashville Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
Wilson's Warbler
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Wood Thrush
Veery
- Transcript
If followed by (+) please submit documentation of your report electronically and use the NYSARC online submission form found at http://www.nybirds.org/NYSARC/goodreport.htm
You can also send reports and digital image files via email to nysarc44 (at)nybirds{dot}org.
If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy reports and photos or sketches are welcome. Hardcopy documentation should be mailed to:
Gary Chapin - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
125 Pine Springs Drive
Ticonderoga, NY 12883
Hotline: New York City Area Rare Bird Alert
Number: (212) 979-3070
Compiler: Tom Burke
Coverage: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
Transcriber: Ben Cacace
BEGIN TAPE
Greetings. This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Friday, December 6th 2019 at 9pm. The highlights of today's tape are BROWN PELICAN, SANDHILL CRANE, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, BARNACLE GOOSE, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, EURASIAN WIGEON, HARLEQUIN DUCK, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT and more.
Interestingly BROWN PELICANS continue locally. In Brooklyn an immature BROWN PELICAN was spotted last Saturday from Manhattan Beach Park and then on Sunday in the Narrows north of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Out in the Montauk area there have apparently been 3 young BROWN PELICANS recently. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, especially as regards to the continuing well being of these pelicans, local rehabilitators captured single pelicans on Tuesday and Wednesday. These banded birds, as it turns out, were both from Beacon Island in North Carolina's Ocracoke Inlet. A third immature pelican has so far apparently eluded capture near Lake Montauk.
Yesterday morning a SANDHILL CRANE was spotted at Mill Pond Park in Bellmore the bird seen flying off with a Great Blue Heron. This park has also recently hosted a COMMON GALLINULE at least to last Saturday and a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT still present today in the southwest portion of the park.
Two sightings of ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER last weekend involved one Saturday in the Riverhead area along Doctor's Path near Reeves Avenue and one Sunday at Conference House Park at the southern tip of Staten Island. Neither was reported thereafter.
Last Sunday's storm finally produced some rarer geese locally preceded on Saturday by thousands of SNOW GEESE moving overhead in large skeins. On Tuesday a BARNACLE GOOSE was spotted with Canada's on Belmont Lake State Park in Babylon and was there Wednesday as well. When not roosting here the BARNACLE historically has joined other geese feeding on golf courses or at St. Charles Cemetery to the west. Also on Tuesday a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was spotted on a pond off Bowman Avenue in Rye Brook this an historic site for this bird. Also present today these geese are usually off feeding on local golf courses. Another adult WHITE-FRONTED visited Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx yesterday and today in the Thomas Pelham Marsh area. Out at Schmidt's farm in Melville an adult GREATER WHITE-FRONTED and 2 accompanying apparent Canada X WHITE-FRONTED hybrids, presumably this adults offspring, had been present there for a few days. This site is east of Pine Lawn Road. Several CACKLING GEESE were reported this week.
A EURASIAN WIGEON was spotted Saturday at a traditional spot along Deep Hole Creek off New Suffolk Avenue in Mattituck and a HARLEQUIN DUCK was back off Shell Beach on Shelter Island as of Monday.
An ICELAND GULL on Staten Island Saturday was followed on Sunday by one at Battery Park on Manhattan and Brooklyn sightings at Coney Island Creek and Brooklyn Army Terminal Pier 4. Two LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were at Robert Moses State Park Monday when a RAZORBILL was also spotted offshore there. Single RED-NECKED GREBES were noted Saturday off Coney Island Creek and Plumb Beach in Brooklyn and off Staten Island was one seen Sunday off Battery Park.
This Thursday a light phased ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was photographed along Ocean Parkway just east of Zach's Bay. An influx of AMERICAN WOODCOCK has taken place recently due to the latest weather events. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was still in Central Park's north end today and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR was reported last Saturday near Icehouse Pond in the town of Montauk.
With Christmas Counts coming up rather soon more interest is turning to some lingering passerines these including recent VEERY and WOOD THRUSH, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, BALTIMORE ORIOLE and various warblers including ORANGE-CROWNED, NASHVILLE, BLACK-THROATED BLUE and WILSON'S.
To phone in reports call Tom Burke at (914) 967-4922.
This service is sponsored by the Linnaean Society of New York and the National Audubon Society. Thank you for calling.
- End transcript
- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Dec. 6, 2019
* NYNY1912.06
- Birds mentioned
BROWN PELICAN+
BARNACLE GOOSE+
ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)
Red-necked Grebe
Razorbill
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
EURASIAN WIGEON
HARLEQUIN DUCK
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Cackling Goose
SANDHILL CRANE
American Woodcock
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK
Red-headed Woodpecker
Baltimore Oriole
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
Lincoln's Sparrow
Nashville Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
Wilson's Warbler
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Wood Thrush
Veery
- Transcript
If followed by (+) please submit documentation of your report electronically and use the NYSARC online submission form found at http://www.nybirds.org/NYSARC/goodreport.htm
You can also send reports and digital image files via email to nysarc44 (at)nybirds{dot}org.
If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy reports and photos or sketches are welcome. Hardcopy documentation should be mailed to:
Gary Chapin - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
125 Pine Springs Drive
Ticonderoga, NY 12883
Hotline: New York City Area Rare Bird Alert
Number: (212) 979-3070
Compiler: Tom Burke
Coverage: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
Transcriber: Ben Cacace
BEGIN TAPE
Greetings. This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Friday, December 6th 2019 at 9pm. The highlights of today's tape are BROWN PELICAN, SANDHILL CRANE, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, BARNACLE GOOSE, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, EURASIAN WIGEON, HARLEQUIN DUCK, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT and more.
Interestingly BROWN PELICANS continue locally. In Brooklyn an immature BROWN PELICAN was spotted last Saturday from Manhattan Beach Park and then on Sunday in the Narrows north of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Out in the Montauk area there have apparently been 3 young BROWN PELICANS recently. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, especially as regards to the continuing well being of these pelicans, local rehabilitators captured single pelicans on Tuesday and Wednesday. These banded birds, as it turns out, were both from Beacon Island in North Carolina's Ocracoke Inlet. A third immature pelican has so far apparently eluded capture near Lake Montauk.
Yesterday morning a SANDHILL CRANE was spotted at Mill Pond Park in Bellmore the bird seen flying off with a Great Blue Heron. This park has also recently hosted a COMMON GALLINULE at least to last Saturday and a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT still present today in the southwest portion of the park.
Two sightings of ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER last weekend involved one Saturday in the Riverhead area along Doctor's Path near Reeves Avenue and one Sunday at Conference House Park at the southern tip of Staten Island. Neither was reported thereafter.
Last Sunday's storm finally produced some rarer geese locally preceded on Saturday by thousands of SNOW GEESE moving overhead in large skeins. On Tuesday a BARNACLE GOOSE was spotted with Canada's on Belmont Lake State Park in Babylon and was there Wednesday as well. When not roosting here the BARNACLE historically has joined other geese feeding on golf courses or at St. Charles Cemetery to the west. Also on Tuesday a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was spotted on a pond off Bowman Avenue in Rye Brook this an historic site for this bird. Also present today these geese are usually off feeding on local golf courses. Another adult WHITE-FRONTED visited Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx yesterday and today in the Thomas Pelham Marsh area. Out at Schmidt's farm in Melville an adult GREATER WHITE-FRONTED and 2 accompanying apparent Canada X WHITE-FRONTED hybrids, presumably this adults offspring, had been present there for a few days. This site is east of Pine Lawn Road. Several CACKLING GEESE were reported this week.
A EURASIAN WIGEON was spotted Saturday at a traditional spot along Deep Hole Creek off New Suffolk Avenue in Mattituck and a HARLEQUIN DUCK was back off Shell Beach on Shelter Island as of Monday.
An ICELAND GULL on Staten Island Saturday was followed on Sunday by one at Battery Park on Manhattan and Brooklyn sightings at Coney Island Creek and Brooklyn Army Terminal Pier 4. Two LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were at Robert Moses State Park Monday when a RAZORBILL was also spotted offshore there. Single RED-NECKED GREBES were noted Saturday off Coney Island Creek and Plumb Beach in Brooklyn and off Staten Island was one seen Sunday off Battery Park.
This Thursday a light phased ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was photographed along Ocean Parkway just east of Zach's Bay. An influx of AMERICAN WOODCOCK has taken place recently due to the latest weather events. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was still in Central Park's north end today and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR was reported last Saturday near Icehouse Pond in the town of Montauk.
With Christmas Counts coming up rather soon more interest is turning to some lingering passerines these including recent VEERY and WOOD THRUSH, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, BALTIMORE ORIOLE and various warblers including ORANGE-CROWNED, NASHVILLE, BLACK-THROATED BLUE and WILSON'S.
To phone in reports call Tom Burke at (914) 967-4922.
This service is sponsored by the Linnaean Society of New York and the National Audubon Society. Thank you for calling.
- End transcript
Wednesday, December 04, 2019
Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips
Below is a list of upcoming birding and nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, December 7, 2019 to Sunday, December 8, 2019:
Bedford Audubon Society
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 8:00am - 12:30pm
Read Sanctuary/Marshlands Conservancy
How would you like to polish your birdwatching skills with birds thatactually cooperate?
If this sounds good,then you won’t want to miss our Field Trip to ReadSanctuary/Marshlands Conservancy. We’re sure to see waterfowl which often stayput and allow for sustained observation. This is a favorite birding trip amongmembers – main targets are waterfowl and loons on the Sound, Great Horned Owls,and lingering songbirds.
Depart Bylane at 7:15am or meet us at the boathouse on Playland Lake at 8:00am.
Cost: Free
Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.
See more details
**********
Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Waterfowl and Waterways of Southern Nassau County
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Focus: Ducks, geese and seabirds
Car fee: $20.00
Registrar: Peter Dorosh Prosbird@aol.com (or backup Prosbird@gmail.com)
Registration Period: Nov 30th Dec 5th
Please review our trip guidelines here: http://brooklynbirdclub.org/information-registration
Saturday, December 7, 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.
**********
Gateway National Recreation Areas
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 10:00am - 11:30am
Late Fall Nature Hike - Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Where do they go? Have you ever won-dered where all the animals go in the win-ter? Search for cardinals, yellow-rumped warblers, white-throated sparrows, and more. Learn about the birds that make their winter home here and the techniques they use to survive the cold.
View Details
**********
Great South Bay Audubon Society
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 9:00am
Montauk
Leader(s): Bob Grover (516-318-8536) Ken Thompson (631-612-8028)
Meet at Lighthouse parking lot. Latecomers can still join in the vicinity of the restaurant overlook.
Directions: Route 27 to 27A to end.
(Nature walks will be cancelled if it is raining or snowing.)
**********
Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, December 8, 7:15 am - 8:45 am
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the birds that make Green-Wood their home – some at least temporarily.
Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that there aren’t interesting birds to discover in Green-Wood. For some bird species that migrate south after the breeding season, Brooklyn is their Miami during the cold months. Spend the early morning exploring the cemetery, looking for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches and any half-hardy birds that decided to stick around. By February we’ll see some of the early north-bound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
All walks are at a slow pace on easy to moderate terrain, but proper, close toed footwear is suggested.
$10 for members of Green-Wood and BHS / $15 for non-members
Click here for our inclement weather policy.
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.
**********
Hudson River Audubon Society
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Westchester Winter Waterfowl Potpouri
Meet at 8 AM at Five-Island Park in New Rochelle. Then work our way north to other productive Westchester waterfowl locations. Look for arriving winter ducks. Gadwalls, northern shovelers, canvasback, wigeon, ring necks, scaups, mergansers, long tailed, goldeneye, bufflehead, ruddy ducks and grebes.
Hudson River Audubon Society field trips are free. Non-members/ newcomers are welcome and are encouraged to join us as members ($20 introductory offer). Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Some are available for loan for those who need them. Dress appropriately for the weather. For more information call Michael Bochnik at (914) 237-9331
**********
Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Rye Playland & Environs
Leader: Tom Burke
Registrar: Louise Fraza — louisefraza@yahoo.com or 212-534-6182
Registration opens: Monday, November 25
Ride: $20
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Jones Beach and Point Lookout
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Registrar: Kathleen Howley — kathleenhowley@gmail.com or 212-877-3170
Registration opens: Monday, November 25
Ride: $20
**********
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, December 7, 2019, 8am – 3pm
The Freshwater Ponds of Long Island's South Shore, NY
Guide: Tod Winston
Visit up to seven South Shore freshwater ponds that provide refuge to a surprising variety of wintering waterfowl—and great viewing opportunities to birders. Possible sightings include Hooded Mergansers, Green-winged Teals, Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Pintails, and Redheads. We’ll also make a short stop or two by the bay to look for loons, grebes, and sea ducks. Transport by passenger van included. Limited to 12. $100 (70) per trip
Click here to register
Sunday, December 8, 2019, 8am – 3pm
Birding Gems of Staten Island: Freshkills Park
Guide: Cliff Hagen
Come with NYC Audubon for a special opportunity to see Freshkills Park, in transition from what was once the world’s largest landfill into an expansive park. Currently closed to the general public, the Park is home to rolling grasslands, tidal marshes, successional woodlands and a freshwater pond system that host an array of breeding birds, butterflies, mammals, frogs, and turtles. Each autumn, migrant species abound as they travel along the Atlantic Flyway. Sparrows, Osprey, a collection of waterfowl, and lingering warblers seek refuge in the park. Overhead, raptors soar along the terminal moraine as they make their way south for the impending winter. Late-blooming flowers attract an assortment of butterflies and dragonflies. Transport by passenger van from Staten Island St. George Terminal included. Limited to 12 per walk. $57 (40) per walk
Click here to register
Sunday, December 8, 2019, 9:00am – 10:30am
Pelham Bay Park Bird Walks
Guide: NYC Audubon with Pelham Bay Park
September 8: Meets at Rodman’s Neck Parking Lot
September 15-December 8: Meet at Orchard Beach 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 fall migrants. No registration necessary. No limit. Free
**********
North Fork Audubon Society
Saturday, December 7, 2019 8:00am
Dune Road Open!
Since we couldn't do Dune Road last month due to storm damage, let's give a try in December.
Should see ducks, winter shorebirds and other good stuff!
Meet at the Riverhead Staples parking lot at 8 am. We'll carpool from there.
Please register for this trip by calling or texting Tom at 631 275-3202 or email tdamiani3@optimum.net. There is a $4 suggested donation for nonmembers
**********
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 9:00am-11:00am
Fort Wadsworth
The Lower New York Bay and its surrounding waterways are quickly being recognized for their importance to wintering waterfowl, particularly sea ducks. As climate changes, these species may spend their winter months in the area, in larger numbers than they ever have before. Join us for a walk at Fort Wadsworth where we will look for waterfowl, gannets, and other winter specialties.
Warm clothes and gloves highly recommended as we will mostly be at a coastal locality where the wind chill can be significant.
Meet at the National Park Service Visitor Center at 220 New York Ave.
For more information email Jose Ramirez-Garofalo at jose.ramirez.garofalo@gmail.com.
Sunday, December 8, 2019, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Seaside Wildlife Nature Park
Though only 21 acres in size, the Seaside Wildlife Nature Park includes a natural beach, an open field, playgrounds and an overall relaxing environment for humans and wildlife. The walk is scheduled for an incoming tide, so participants will be able to sample the fish and invertebrate life as well as observe the potential for expansion during this hour-long stroll.
Meet at the park entrance at the end of Nelson Avenue.
For more information phone Clay Wollney at (718) 869-6327.
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Queens County Bird Club
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 7:30am – 4:30pm
Montauk
Leader: Arie Gilbert (917) 693-7178
Where: Georges Lighthouse Cafe, 1999 Montauk Point State Pkwy, Montauk, NY 11954 (map)
We will start the trip viewing from the back of the restaurant specified by the map. If you have a scope, it will be useful here. Razorbills and gannets are possible here, and you will definitely see Common Eider and scoters.
We will proceed to various birding spots in the Montauk area.
We usually end the trip with a visit to the Shinnecock Inlet and dinner at a restaurant near there.
Bring lunch.
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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, December 8, 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
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Bald Eagle Watch at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!
Bedford Audubon Society
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 8:00am - 12:30pm
Read Sanctuary/Marshlands Conservancy
How would you like to polish your birdwatching skills with birds thatactually cooperate?
If this sounds good,then you won’t want to miss our Field Trip to ReadSanctuary/Marshlands Conservancy. We’re sure to see waterfowl which often stayput and allow for sustained observation. This is a favorite birding trip amongmembers – main targets are waterfowl and loons on the Sound, Great Horned Owls,and lingering songbirds.
Depart Bylane at 7:15am or meet us at the boathouse on Playland Lake at 8:00am.
Cost: Free
Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713.
See more details
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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Waterfowl and Waterways of Southern Nassau County
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Focus: Ducks, geese and seabirds
Car fee: $20.00
Registrar: Peter Dorosh Prosbird@aol.com (or backup Prosbird@gmail.com)
Registration Period: Nov 30th Dec 5th
Please review our trip guidelines here: http://brooklynbirdclub.org/information-registration
Saturday, December 7, 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.
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Gateway National Recreation Areas
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 10:00am - 11:30am
Late Fall Nature Hike - Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Where do they go? Have you ever won-dered where all the animals go in the win-ter? Search for cardinals, yellow-rumped warblers, white-throated sparrows, and more. Learn about the birds that make their winter home here and the techniques they use to survive the cold.
View Details
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Great South Bay Audubon Society
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 9:00am
Montauk
Leader(s): Bob Grover (516-318-8536) Ken Thompson (631-612-8028)
Meet at Lighthouse parking lot. Latecomers can still join in the vicinity of the restaurant overlook.
Directions: Route 27 to 27A to end.
(Nature walks will be cancelled if it is raining or snowing.)
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Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, December 8, 7:15 am - 8:45 am
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the birds that make Green-Wood their home – some at least temporarily.
Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that there aren’t interesting birds to discover in Green-Wood. For some bird species that migrate south after the breeding season, Brooklyn is their Miami during the cold months. Spend the early morning exploring the cemetery, looking for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches and any half-hardy birds that decided to stick around. By February we’ll see some of the early north-bound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
All walks are at a slow pace on easy to moderate terrain, but proper, close toed footwear is suggested.
$10 for members of Green-Wood and BHS / $15 for non-members
Click here for our inclement weather policy.
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.
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Hudson River Audubon Society
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Westchester Winter Waterfowl Potpouri
Meet at 8 AM at Five-Island Park in New Rochelle. Then work our way north to other productive Westchester waterfowl locations. Look for arriving winter ducks. Gadwalls, northern shovelers, canvasback, wigeon, ring necks, scaups, mergansers, long tailed, goldeneye, bufflehead, ruddy ducks and grebes.
Hudson River Audubon Society field trips are free. Non-members/ newcomers are welcome and are encouraged to join us as members ($20 introductory offer). Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Some are available for loan for those who need them. Dress appropriately for the weather. For more information call Michael Bochnik at (914) 237-9331
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Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Rye Playland & Environs
Leader: Tom Burke
Registrar: Louise Fraza — louisefraza@yahoo.com or 212-534-6182
Registration opens: Monday, November 25
Ride: $20
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Jones Beach and Point Lookout
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Registrar: Kathleen Howley — kathleenhowley@gmail.com or 212-877-3170
Registration opens: Monday, November 25
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
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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 8am – 3pm
The Freshwater Ponds of Long Island's South Shore, NY
Guide: Tod Winston
Visit up to seven South Shore freshwater ponds that provide refuge to a surprising variety of wintering waterfowl—and great viewing opportunities to birders. Possible sightings include Hooded Mergansers, Green-winged Teals, Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Pintails, and Redheads. We’ll also make a short stop or two by the bay to look for loons, grebes, and sea ducks. Transport by passenger van included. Limited to 12. $100 (70) per trip
Click here to register
Sunday, December 8, 2019, 8am – 3pm
Birding Gems of Staten Island: Freshkills Park
Guide: Cliff Hagen
Come with NYC Audubon for a special opportunity to see Freshkills Park, in transition from what was once the world’s largest landfill into an expansive park. Currently closed to the general public, the Park is home to rolling grasslands, tidal marshes, successional woodlands and a freshwater pond system that host an array of breeding birds, butterflies, mammals, frogs, and turtles. Each autumn, migrant species abound as they travel along the Atlantic Flyway. Sparrows, Osprey, a collection of waterfowl, and lingering warblers seek refuge in the park. Overhead, raptors soar along the terminal moraine as they make their way south for the impending winter. Late-blooming flowers attract an assortment of butterflies and dragonflies. Transport by passenger van from Staten Island St. George Terminal included. Limited to 12 per walk. $57 (40) per walk
Click here to register
Sunday, December 8, 2019, 9:00am – 10:30am
Pelham Bay Park Bird Walks
Guide: NYC Audubon with Pelham Bay Park
September 8: Meets at Rodman’s Neck Parking Lot
September 15-December 8: Meet at Orchard Beach 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 fall migrants. No registration necessary. No limit. Free
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North Fork Audubon Society
Saturday, December 7, 2019 8:00am
Dune Road Open!
Since we couldn't do Dune Road last month due to storm damage, let's give a try in December.
Should see ducks, winter shorebirds and other good stuff!
Meet at the Riverhead Staples parking lot at 8 am. We'll carpool from there.
Please register for this trip by calling or texting Tom at 631 275-3202 or email tdamiani3@optimum.net. There is a $4 suggested donation for nonmembers
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 9:00am-11:00am
Fort Wadsworth
The Lower New York Bay and its surrounding waterways are quickly being recognized for their importance to wintering waterfowl, particularly sea ducks. As climate changes, these species may spend their winter months in the area, in larger numbers than they ever have before. Join us for a walk at Fort Wadsworth where we will look for waterfowl, gannets, and other winter specialties.
Warm clothes and gloves highly recommended as we will mostly be at a coastal locality where the wind chill can be significant.
Meet at the National Park Service Visitor Center at 220 New York Ave.
For more information email Jose Ramirez-Garofalo at jose.ramirez.garofalo@gmail.com.
Sunday, December 8, 2019, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Seaside Wildlife Nature Park
Though only 21 acres in size, the Seaside Wildlife Nature Park includes a natural beach, an open field, playgrounds and an overall relaxing environment for humans and wildlife. The walk is scheduled for an incoming tide, so participants will be able to sample the fish and invertebrate life as well as observe the potential for expansion during this hour-long stroll.
Meet at the park entrance at the end of Nelson Avenue.
For more information phone Clay Wollney at (718) 869-6327.
**********
Queens County Bird Club
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 7:30am – 4:30pm
Montauk
Leader: Arie Gilbert (917) 693-7178
Where: Georges Lighthouse Cafe, 1999 Montauk Point State Pkwy, Montauk, NY 11954 (map)
We will start the trip viewing from the back of the restaurant specified by the map. If you have a scope, it will be useful here. Razorbills and gannets are possible here, and you will definitely see Common Eider and scoters.
We will proceed to various birding spots in the Montauk area.
We usually end the trip with a visit to the Shinnecock Inlet and dinner at a restaurant near there.
Bring lunch.
**********
South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, December 8, 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.
**********
Urban Park Rangers
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Bald Eagle Watch at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!