Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of April 2-3, 2022:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 2, 2022, 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
Sunday, April 3, 2022
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: The Sunday walks will start at The Audubon Center at the Boathouse.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Freshkills Park Alliance

Family Nature Walk at Freshkills Park
Saturday, April 2, 2022, 1:00pm
Leader: Rangers
Description: Lace up your shoes for a nature walk at Freshkills Park! Freshkills Park staff will take you behind the scenes to visit areas that are currently closed to the public. On this one-mile walk, you’ll learn about the different plants and animals found in the woods, wetlands, and grasslands at Freshkills Park.
Registration: Register via Eventbrite.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, April 3, 2022, 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.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Staten Island, Conference House
Saturday, April 2, 2022
Leader: Seth Wollney
Description: This annual trip is led by a professor in the biology department at the College of Staten Island. It starts at Conference House Park, overlooking Raritan Bay at the southernmost point of New York State, where four historic buildings trace the history of the borough of Staten Island over the course of three centuries. We will hear about the history of the park while enjoying views of gulls, loons, hawks, and, as we walk the trails, woodland birds.
Registration: Alice McInerney - amcinerney@kmllp.com
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New York City Audubon

Winter Birds of Sandy Hook
Saturday, April 2, 2022, 9:00am - 04:00pm
Leader: Joe Giunta
Description: Sandy Hook, a spectacular barrier island at the northernmost point of the New Jersey coast, hosts a variety of species including Arctic-bound migrants and harbor seals that lie on the beach to warm up in the sun. Other possible sightings include loons, sea ducks, Snow Buntings, and Horned Larks. Transport by passenger van included. Limited to 12. $115 (80).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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Free: Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walk
Saturday, April 2, 2022, 9:30am - 10:30am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources that the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Register for one date or the whole series of five walks (walk-ins welcome).
Registration: Visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar to register. Each walk limited to 25. Free (with Garden admission).
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North Shore Audubon Society

Cow Meadow Park and Preserve
Saturday, April 2, 2022, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Bill
Description: Located South Main Street, Freeport. NY 11520.
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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Saw Mill River Audubon Society

Small Group Birding: Croton Point Park
Saturday, April 2, 2022, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Members of SMRA
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: Via Eventbrite
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South Shore Audubon Society

Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve
Sunday, April 3, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: 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.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Introduction to Birdwatching Walks at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00am – 12:00pm
Every Saturday, join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club and Prospect Park Alliance on an introductory walk to learn the basics of birding.
Free

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Birding: Beginner Birding at Cornelia Avenue and Chester Avenue (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00am – 12:00pm
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

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Friday's Foto

Unlike the white bearded wizard (who’s name come from the Welsh “Myrddin”), the small powerful, feathered “Merlin” gets its name from the French word esmerillon, meaning falcon. With a wingspan only slightly longer than the American Kestrel, they are, however, a much heavier, more robust raptor.

Ranging globally though the Northern Hemisphere, 3-9 subspecies are recognized. Feeding primarily on small birds, they also will prey on bats and large insects, such as dragonflies.

A common breeding species across the northern forests of North America and Eurasia, they take over the nests of other birds, rather than build their own. Their populations have increased significantly since the 1960s due to bans in the use of the pesticide DDT. Most will migrate south in Winter with some North America birds going as far south as South America.

Previously called the “Pigeon Hawk” due to their resemblance to Rock Pigeons in flight, the scientific name Falco “columbarius” is an homage to the humble pigeon.

The IUCN Red List lists their conservation status as “Least Concern”.

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of March 26-27, 2022:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Early Spring at Marine Park
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Leader: Heydi Lopes
Description: Welcoming spring’s early migrants; waterbirds, late ducks, raptors.
Registration: Peter Dorosh email prosbird@gmail.com and prosbird@aol.com.
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 26, 2022, 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

Fort Tour and Hike
Every week on Sunday until March 27, 2022, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
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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Hudson River Audubon Society

Point Lookout
Saturday, March 26, 2022, 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik Description: Late winter and early spring birds.
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New York City Audubon

Early Spring Walk in Central Park
Sunday, March 27, 2022, 7:30am - 10:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Celebrate spring with NYC Audubon! Explore Central Park's hotspots in search of lingering winter visitors and early spring migrants. Limited to 15. $36 (25).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Preserve
Sunday, March 27, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway, turn north onto Broadway, Massapequa. Travel under the Long Island Rail Road overpass, then make the first right onto Veterans Boulevard (headed east). Go past the Massapequa train station and into the parking lot at the east end of the station. The preserve is directly east of the parking lot.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Best of the Fortnight

Below are some of my favorite shots from over the past 2 weeks:

Immature Cooper's Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery

Eastern Meadowlark, Green-Wood Cemetery

Foliose lichen, Green-Wood Cemetery

Hellebore, Green-Wood Cemetery

Paperbush plant, Green-Wood Cemetery

Red-breasted Merganser, Coney Island

Purple Sandpiper, Coney Island

American Woodcock, Green-Wood Cemetery

Merlin, Green-Wood Cemetery

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of March 19-20, 2022:

Bedford Audubon Society

Nature Walk: Exploring Vernal Pools
Saturday, March 19, 2022, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Leader: Paul Lewis
Description: Vernal pools are seasonal pools of water that provide habitat for distinctive plants and animals. Under Paul’s leadership, you’ll visit these hidden treasures deep in the forest and learn about the vital importance of these seasonal wetlands as spawning grounds for salamanders and other amphibians.
Registration: Registration is required by emailing Susan at bedfordaudubonsociety@gmail.com or calling 914-302-9713.
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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 19, 2022, 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

Fort Tour and Hike
Every week on Sunday until March 27, 2022, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
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.
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, March 20, 2022, 7:00am – 8:30am
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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Linnaean Society of New York

Brooklyn Coastal Birding
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: March is a transition period when birds are preparing for migration, and some are migrating. The trip involves visits to multiple sites. Some of the highlights have included: Black-headed Gulls, Eurasian Wigeons, Snowy Owls, Horned Larks, American Pipits and Red-necked Grebes. Each site has its own special birds.
Registration: Amy Simmons - amynewyork@msn.com
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New York City Audubon

Winter Bird Tour at Inwood Hill Park
Saturday, March 19, 2022, 9:30am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon with Queens Botanical Garden
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources that the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Register for one date or the whole series of five walks (walk-ins welcome). Visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar to register. Each walk limited to 25. Free (with Garden admission).
Registration: Visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar to register.
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The Sky-Dance of the Woodcock
Saturday, March 19, 2022, 5:00pm - 9:30pm
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: The American Woodcock is a remarkable bird. It is in the sandpiper family but lives in woodlands, often far from beaches. The male performs an incredible crepuscular aerial display and song early in the spring, soon after the snow melts in the northern U.S. We’ll look for it (and bats, owls, and other critters) at Floyd Bennett Field. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and a snack. Transport by passenger van included. Limited to 12. $100 (70).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Sunday, March 20, 2022
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

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Birding: Beginner Birding at O'Brien Ave & Leland Ave (in Soundview Park), Bronx
1:00pm – 2:00pm
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
...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of March 12-13, 2022:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip: Wallkill Nat'l Wildlife Refuge/Black Dirt Region
Saturday, March 12, 8:30am - 2:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: This area often holds large numbers of waterfowl, including Snow Geese, Northern Pintails, and many open country birds like Rough-legged Hawk, American Kestrel, Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, and Eastern Meadowlark.
Registration: Registration is required by emailing Susan at bedfordaudubonsociety@gmail.com or calling 914-302-9713.
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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 12, 2022, 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


Doodle or Die, Nobody Leaves Till We See A Timberdoodle!”: A Green-Wood Cemetery Pursuit
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik, Bobbi Manian & Kristin Costello
Description: Search for the American Woodcock, also known as “Timberdoodle”; also early spring woodland songbirds and late winter species, raptors, perhaps eagles and vultures.
Registration: Dennis Hrehowsik email deepseagangster@gmail.com.
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Nature Walk at Elizabeth Morton NWR
Saturday, March 12, 2022, 8:30am
Leader: __
Description: This is always a special walk. You will be greeted by lots of hungry birds that eat right out of your hand. Frequently there are pockets of over-wintering birds. Great photo ops as you are close to the birds. Meet at the Refuge parking lot at 8:30 am. It is roughly a 2 mile walk to the beach and around the refuge. Dress warmly and appropriately. Bring binoculars! Bird seed will be provided. The entrance to the The Elizabeth Morton NWR on Noyac Road to the west of Sag Harbor.
Registration:
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Gateway National Parks

Fort Tour and Hike
Every week on Sunday until March 27, 2022, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
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.
View Details


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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Bob Laskowski Memorial Duck Walk
Saturday, March 12, 2022, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Bob Grover , Bob Labuski
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Brookwood Hall Park for an early morning adventure.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
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Linnaean Society of New York

Central Park Winter Bird Walk
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: Central Park is our bailiwick, and March is the beginning of migration for land and water birds. An early Pine or Palm Warbler or Owl is always possible. The Reservoir may have surprises, like a a Long-tailed Duck or Horned Grebe. The feeders in the Ramble will be active with birds, too. It is interesting to observe the transition.
Registration: Kathleen Matthews - redkatamat@gmail.com
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New York City Audubon

Winter Bird Tour at Inwood Hill Park
Sunday, March 13, 2022, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Nadir Souirgi
Description: Inwood Hill Park, simply put, 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 birding backdrop. Limited to 15 per walk. $36 (25).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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Saw Mill River Audubon Society

Small Group Birding: Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Sunday, March 13, 2022, 8:00am
Leader: Members of SMRA
Description: The meeting place & details in confirmation email sent after registration.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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South Shore Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sunday, March 13, 2022
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
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, March 12, 2022

Birding: Hawk Watch at West 72nd and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00pm – 2:00pm
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
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Woodcocks are Migrating

Whether you call them Timberdoodle, Doods, Mudbat, Whistledoodle, Bog Snipe, Labrador Twister, Air Flounder or Night Partridge, the American Woodcock is one of the more uniques species of birds that migrate through Brooklyn. Found these two in Brooklyn's Historic Green-Wood Cemetery yesterday: