Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of December 4-5, 2021:
Brooklyn Bird Club
“Splashy” Seafowl of Riis Beach and Fort Tilden, West Rockaway
Saturday, December 4, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: Primarily “beachcombing” for ocean waterfowl; dunes & open field species; potential rarity. Expect a good amount of walking on sand, then pavement (roughly 5 miles); dress appropriately for cold weather. Scopes recommended. There may be an option for birding elsewhere time permitting and our fatigue factor.
Registration: Peter Dorosh: email Prosbird@aol.com or Prosbird@gmail.com.
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, December 4, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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First Sunday Prospect Park Walks
Saturday, December 5, 2021, 8:00am - 11:00am
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Gateway National Parks
Fort Wadsworth Tour
Every week on Sunday until December 19, 2021, 2:00pm — 3:30pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately. Bring water, face mask required.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
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Great South Bay Audubon Society
Montauk Nature Walk
Saturday, December 4, 2021, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: John Gluth, Mike Cooper
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Montauk for an early morning adventure.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
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Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace
Sunday, December 5, 2021, 7:15am–8:45am
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.
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Linnaean Society of New York
Rye Playland and Environs
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Leader: Tom Burke
Description: Rye Playland is located on Long Island Sound in northeastern Westchester County, about 30 miles from New York City. We will start our walk at Playland Park & Read Sanctuary and move later to the Marshlands Conservancy; at both, the terrain is easy, and we’ll walk about a mile at each. We usually have lunch at Marshlands and finish up with a walk to the marsh in early afternoon. Birds will be whatever we can uncover on Long Island Sound, Playland Lake and Milton Harbor, as well as in the woods and fields at both locations. We also reserve the opportunity to chase any exceptional rarities in the region rather than completing the planned itinerary. Species seen during past detours have included Calliope Hummingbird, Gray Kingbird, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, and Hermit Warbler, but unfortunately these opportunities don’t come up often.
Registration: Alice McInerney — amcinerney@kmllp.com
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Richmondtown, Old Mill Road
Saturday, December 4, 2021, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Ray Matarazzo
Description: Enjoy a stroll along the multi-use trail overlooking Fresh Kills with Ray Matarazzo. Walk back in time as you pass the famous Hessian Spring as it crosses the path and view Fresh Kills estuary as you work your way toward the remains of Ketchum’s Mill. Along the way observe traces of the past, examine the present woodland ecosystems and search for evidence of present inhabitants especially deer and other mammals. Meet in the parking lot at the start of Old Mill Road, alongside St. Andrew’s Church.
Registration: For more information call Ray Matarazzo at 718-317-7666.
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Reed’s Basket Willow Swamp/Chapin Woods
Sunday, December 5, 2021, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Leader: Clay Wollney
Description: Discover this hidden natural park in Dongan Hills. Participants will visit the three bodies of water in the park and hike the steep slopes through these intriguing woodlands. Although none of the willows grown by the Reed family still exist, the woodlands and stream are still home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Meet at the Spring Street entrance in Dongan Hills.
Registration: For more information contact Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.
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South Shore Audubon Society
Hempstead Lake State Park
Sunday, December 5, 2021
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, take Exit 18 (Eagle Avenue) south to Field 3 (use second park entrance and make an immediate left turn.).
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free
Monday, November 29, 2021
Upcoming Trips
Monday, November 22, 2021
Upcoming Trips
Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of November 27-28, 2021:
Brooklyn Bird Club
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 27, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details
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Gateway National Parks
Fall Hike and Fort Tour at Fort Wadsworth
Every week on Sunday, November 14, 2021 to November 28, 2021, 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Hike the overlook loop, along the paths at Fort Wadsworth. Bring binoculars, and comfortable shoes. Call 718 354-4655 for questions.
Registration: Not registration required.
View Details
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New York City Audubon
Free: Van Cortlandt Park Bird Walks
Saturdays, September 4 - November 27, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various resident and migratory bird species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details
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North Shore Audubon Society
Stehli Beach
Saturday, November 27, 2021, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Lindy (516) 628-1315
Description: 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.
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
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Queens County Bird Club
Grand Jones Beach
Saturday, November 27, 2021, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
"Description: We will start this field trip at Jones Beach West End - the gazebo at the boat basin adjoining the Coast Guard Station - see map. We will proceed both on foot and by vehicle to other locales in the Jones Beach area.
Please bring lunch.
"
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location. Ask whether to pack a lunch or whether to plan on eating lunch out.
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South Shore Audubon Society
Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: 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.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, November 27, 2021
Birding: Beginner Birding at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
9:00am - 10:00am
Learn a new skill and take up a new hobby as we help you identify some of the most common birds found in our parks.
Free
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Birding: Woodland Birds at Nevada Avenue Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
9:00am - 10:00am
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free
Birding: Winter Birds at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
10:00am - 11:00am
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free
Friday, November 19, 2021
Friday's Foto
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| Red-bellied Woodpecker, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
122nd Annual Christmas Bird Count
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Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Fall Foliage in Brooklyn
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| View from Hill of Graves looking West |
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| Maple tree |
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| Laceleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Ornatum') |
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| Red Maple (Acer rubrum) |
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| Ocean Hill looking southwest |
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| Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) |
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| Laceleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Ornatum') |
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| Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba) |
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| Sweetgum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) |
Monday, November 15, 2021
Upcoming Trips
Bedford Audubon Society
Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch
August 26, 2021 - November 24, 2021, 9:00am - 5:00 pm
Leader:
Description:It’s officially Hawkwatch Season! Spectacular flocks of Broad-winged Hawks pass through our area in mid-September, but Accipiters such as Sharp-shinned + Cooper’s Hawks provide the most consistent flight throughout the fall hawk-watching season. Join us for Science in Action: Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch to experience the miracle of raptor migration. Our data is combined with other Hawkwatch sites to create population and migration analyses that help us better protect raptors and their habitats. Hawkwatch takes place daily through November, 9:00am-5:00pm (weather permitting). Arthur Butler Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road in Bedford Corners. Registration not necessary, but please abide by current Covid-19 guidelines based on your vaccination status.
Registration: Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details
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Brooklyn Bird Club
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 20, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details
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Gateway National Parks
Fall Hike and Fort Tour at Fort Wadsworth
Every week on Sunday, November 14, 2021 to November 28, 2021, 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Hike the overlook loop, along the paths at Fort Wadsworth. Bring binoculars, and comfortable shoes. Call 718 354-4655 for questions.
Registration: Not registration required.
View Details
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Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace
Sunday, November 21, 2021, 6:30am - 8:00am
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.
View Details
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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Sea Watch: Crab Meadow Beach
Sunday, November 21, 2021 - 9:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Get ready to see winter waterfowl as well as many resident birds. There may be some surprises.
Registration: To register, call (585) 880-0915.
View Details
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Linnaean Society of New York
Shirley Chisholm State Park to Jamaica Bay NWR
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: This trip involves visits to many coastal sites ringing Jamaica Bay. It features water birds in the Bay and salt marshes, as well as woodland and brush-loving birds. Sixteen species of duck are usually seen, sometimes including an Eurasian Wigeon, and, more consistently, Redheads in the East Pond. In 2019, a Vesper and a Lincoln’s Sparrow where seen at Shirley Chisholm State Park. The most intriguing sighting included three Tundra Swans at the East Pond of Jamaica Bay. The itinerary for this trip often changes from year to year, and those changes add to the excitement and fun.
Registration: Debbie Mullins - deborramullins3@gmail.com
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Littoral Society
Winter Waterfowl Workshop
Saturday, November 20, 2021, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Don Riepe
Description: Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife refuge for a hike around the east and West Ponds to look for migrating and wintering waterfowl.
Registration: For more info contact: don@littoralsociety.org
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New York City Audubon
Free: Van Cortlandt Park Bird Walks
Saturdays, September 4 - November 27, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various resident and migratory bird species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details
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North Shore Audubon Society
"Duck Walk" starts at Whitney Pond
Saturday, November 20, 2021, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Leader: Jennifer (516) 767-3454
Description: 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.
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
View Details
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Discovery at Richmond Terrace Waterfront Park (the proposed Kill Van Kull wildlife sanctuary)
Sunday, November 21, 2021, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Leader: Jim Scarcella
Description: Participants will gather across from 2800 Richmond Terrace at the western entrance to this newly created park space. We will look for ducks and geese, an assortment of gulls, black crown night herons, killifish and fiddler crabs with a hike down Richmond Terrace to another hidden salt marsh.
Registration: For more information contact Jim Scarcella, 718-873-4291.
View Details
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Queens County Bird Club
South Shore Potpourri
Saturday, November 20, 2021, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: Explore various duck ponds of the South Shore, starting with Lofts Pond in Baldwin - see map for this location - and heading east to Milburn Creek, Cow Meadow, Cammanns Pond, Mill Pond Park Bellmore, and any other nearby locations that have reported interesting sightings on that day.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location. Ask whether to pack a lunch or whether to plan on eating lunch out.
View Details
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South Shore Audubon Society
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: 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.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details
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Urban Park Rangers
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
1:00am - 2:00pm
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free
Friday, November 12, 2021
Friday's Foto
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| Winter Wren, Brooklyn, NY |
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Timberdoodles
Michael and I unknowingly walked up on a pair sleeping under a yew tree. Whistling wings startled us and we followed with our eyes the slow, chunky outline of a woodcock as it zigzagged around the tree, some headstones and out of sight. I took one step forward then signaled to Michael to stop moving. There, on the ground a few feet to my left, sat another one of these plump, camouflaged shorebirds. I wondered, was its heart pounding hoping that we hadn't noticed it? We slowly sat down on the grass then snapped a few photos. My reflection is visible in its eye, giving this small bird's perspective of a giant staring down at it. I feel bad for woodcocks as it seems like everything is either trying to eat them or chase them down for social media likes.
Tuesday, November 09, 2021
Best of the Fortnight
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| Hermit Thrush, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| Merlin, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| Song Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| Palm Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| Red-tailed Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| Northern Mockingbird, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| Immature Cooper's Hawk, Floyd Bennett Field |
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| Blue-headed Vireo, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| Wood Blewit, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| Sharp-shinned Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| Eastern Bluebird, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| Common Raven, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| Green Darner, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| American Woodcock, Green-Wood Cemetery |
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| American Kestrel, Green-Wood Cemetery |
Monday, November 08, 2021
Upcoming Trips
Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of November 13-14, 2021:
Bedford Audubon Society
Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch
August 26, 2021 - November 24, 2021, 9:00am - 5:00 pm
Leader:
Description:It’s officially Hawkwatch Season! Spectacular flocks of Broad-winged Hawks pass through our area in mid-September, but Accipiters such as Sharp-shinned + Cooper’s Hawks provide the most consistent flight throughout the fall hawk-watching season. Join us for Science in Action: Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch to experience the miracle of raptor migration. Our data is combined with other Hawkwatch sites to create population and migration analyses that help us better protect raptors and their habitats. Hawkwatch takes place daily through November, 9:00am-5:00pm (weather permitting). Arthur Butler Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road in Bedford Corners. Registration not necessary, but please abide by current Covid-19 guidelines based on your vaccination status.
Registration: Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details
Field Trip: Milford Point + Silver Sands State Park
Sunday, November 14, 2021, 8:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Milford Point is one of Connecticut’s most-visited bird viewing areas as the marsh, sandbars, and barrier beach are some of the most important shorebird migratory stopover areas on Long Island Sound, providing foraging areas and resting areas for tens of thousands of shorebirds each year. Among many possibilities, we should see Brant, Northern Harrier, hundreds of Dunlins and Sanderlings, and probably Horned Larks and Snow Buntings here. Silver Sands is comprised of woodland edge, grassland, beach and restored salt marsh and dune areas. It is also an IBA for wintering and nesting birds. Its areas of dense cover provide good habitat for songbirds, especially sparrows.
Registration: Registration is limited and required. Email Susan to register or call 914-302-9713.
View Details
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Brooklyn Bird Club
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, October 30, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details
Governors Island, NYC Harbor
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Leader: Matthew Wills
Description: Grassland and open space species, late sparrows, raptors, winter species, waterfowl, potential rarity. Reference : https://www.govisland.com/.
Registration: Peter Dorosh: email Prosbird@aol.com or Prosbird@gmail.com.
View Details
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Gateway National Parks
Fall Hike and Fort Tour at Fort Wadsworth
Every week on Sunday, November 14, 2021 to November 28, 2021, 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Hike the overlook loop, along the paths at Fort Wadsworth. Bring binoculars, and comfortable shoes. Call 718 354-4655 for questions.
Registration: Not registration required.
View Details
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Linnaean Society of New York
Gull Identification at Coney Island
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Leader: Roberta Manian
Description: Brush up on your basic gull ID skills in time for the Christmas Bird Counts (CBC)! Join us at Coney Island to learn how to identify the basic winter gulls in all their cycles. Bring a scope if you have one and be prepared for standing still for long periods on a windy beach (ie, dress warmly), as well as trekking two-three miles, depending on what we are seeing.
Registration: Mary Beth Kooper - marybeth@nyc.rr.com
View Details
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New York City Audubon
Free: Van Cortlandt Park Bird Walks
Saturdays, September 4 - November 27, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various resident and migratory bird species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details
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North Shore Audubon Society
Nassau County Museum of Art
Saturday, November 13, 2021, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Joyce (516) 621-6678
Description: 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.
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
View Details
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
High Rock Park and Pouch Camp
Saturday, November 13, 2021, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Ray Matarazzo
Description: Join Ray Matarazzo for a fall foliage hike to Stump Pond. Investigate this unique corner of the Greenbelt with one of Staten Island’s finest environmental educators. The walk will focus on the identification of trees, some of the most colorful species, Hickory, Maple, Sweetgum and Tupelo. Participants will meet in the parking lot at 200 Nevada Avenue.
Registration: For more information call Ray Matarazzo at 718-317-7666.
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A Walk at Blue Heron Park
Sunday, November 14, 2021, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: Participants will meet in the Blue Heron Nature Center parking lot, 222 Pollion Avenue, then cross the street to visit Butterfly Pond and loop the Blue Trail back to the Nature Center. If time permits, we will also loop Spring Pond. Though the fall leaves will most likely be “past peak” the colors and fresh air of autumn will make for an enjoyably relaxing walk.
Registration: For more information contact Don Recklies at 718-768-9036.
View Details
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South Shore Audubon Society
Massapequa Lake
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road. Massapequa Lake is at the south end of Massapequa Preserve, between Lakeshore Boulevard and Ocean Avenue.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details
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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Kaiser Park Bird Walk & Coastal Cleanup at Kaiser Park Entrance (in Kaiser Park), Brooklyn
9:30am - 12:00pm
Start the day on an hour-long bird walk led by Audubon NY, then join a wetland cleanup project with our Stewardship Team!
Free
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Family Birding at Wave Hill House (in Wave Hill), Bronx
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Embark on an avian adventure with naturalist and birder Gabriel Willow. Explore the gardens looking for birds, nests, food sources, and other evidence of our feathered friends.
Free