Free Birding Walk

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of April 30-May 1, 2022:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Meet 7:30 am at the “Pergola” entrance on Ocean and Parkside Avenues.
Registration: No registration necessary; however, if more than 20 people show up we will split the group.
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 30, 2022
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, May 1, 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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Spring birding at the Cemetery of the Evergreens
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Leader: Paul Sweet
Description: Meeting Location is accessible by the “L” train to Bushwick Ave/Aberdeen Street station. Walk east (left from station) on Bushwick Avenue for the meeting spot. If you wish to come by car, parking is also available, but we will not be organizing car pools. Restrooms are available.
Registration: No registration required..
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Feminist Bird Club

NYC - Pugsley Creek with Haley
Sunday, May 1, 2022, 8:00am - 10:30am
Leaders: Haley Scott
Description: For the last few years, Haley Scott and her mom have dedicated hours to exploring Pugsley Creek Park, a very under-birded area of The Bronx. Haley introduced us to Pugsley Creek a couple of years ago and we’ve been obsessed ever since. It has so many different interesting habitats in a relatively small area, so we’re just as likely to see some cool gulls and shorebirds as we are thrushes, warblers, woodpeckers, and sparrows!
Registration: Register via Eventbrite
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Freshkills Park Alliance

City Nature Challenge Biodiversity Walk
Saturday, April 30, 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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Gateway National Parks

Fort Wadsworth Tour and Hike
Sunday, May 1, 2022, 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

Central Park Nature Walk
Saturday, May 1, 2022, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Leader: John Gluth, Mike Cooper
Description: Meet at 7:00am on Central Park West at 77th Street (opposite the Museum of Natural History). One of the best trips for our club!
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, May 1, 2022, 6:00am–7:30am
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.
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Hudson River Audubon Society

Tibbetts Brook Park, Yonkers
Saturday April 30, 2022, 7:30am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: This Westchester County Park consists of a stream running through two ponds. Early spring warblers, nesting Baltimore and Orchard Orioles are expected. Meet in the first parking lot, up on the right after entering.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Cerulean Warblers at Doodletown, Harriman State Park
Sunday, May 1, 2022, 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: Many people wish to see Cerulean Warblers. One trick is to visit this famous nesting site early in May before they set up their territories and sing from the top of 150-foot trees. We're likely to see Hooded Warbler and many other migrants as well. Moderate walk uphill, one part steep, no restrooms. Trip over by noon. Meet near the trail head on Route 9D.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

North Woods, Central Park
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Leader: Ursula Mitra
Description: Central Park is one of the world’s premier birding spots, especially during spring and fall migrations. On a good day we’ll see warblers, sparrows, vireos, and other migrants. On this walk we will explore numerous birding hotspots of Central Park’s North End with long time birder Ursula Mitra who knows these areas very well.
Registration: Evelyn Huang — evelynhuang1@yahoo.com
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New York City Audubon

Free: Van Cortlandt Park Bird Walks
Saturdays, April 16 - June 25, 9-10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park 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 forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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Free: Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walk
Saturday, April 30, 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).
Registration: Visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar to register. Each walk limited to 25. Free (with Garden admission)
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Spring Walk at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
Sunday, May 1, 2022, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Nadir Souirgi
Description: 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 salt marsh. Limited to 15. $36 (25).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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North Shore Audubon Society

Valley Stream State Park
Saturday, April 30, 2022, 7:45am
Leader: Bobby
Description: Charge at gate starts at 8 unless you have an Empire Pass.
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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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Conference House Park
Saturday, April 30, 2022, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Ray Matarazzo
Description: Enjoy a springtime birding tour of Staten Island’s southernmost woodland at Ward’s Point. Ray Matarazzo will share bird songs and behaviors used for identifying a gathering of migrating birds which rest and replenish in the trees, shrubs and grasses of Conference House Park. Participants will meet at the Conference House Park Visitors Center at 7455 Hylan Boulevard.
Registration: For more information call Ray Matarazzo at 718-317-7666.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sunday, May 1, 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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Sullivan County Audubon Society

Birding for Beginners
Saturday, April 30, 2022, 8:00am
Leader: Scott Graber
Description: Experience the variety of birdlife that inhabits the Bashakill. Meet at the Haven Road DEC parking lot, on the left coming from Rt. 209.
Registration: Call Scott to register at 914-799-1313.
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, April 30, 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

Sunday, May 1, 2022

First Sunday Bird Walks in Prospect Park at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
8:00am - 10:00am
Join the Brooklyn Bird Club and Prospect Park Alliance on the first Sunday of each month as we explore Prospect Park for resident and migratory birds that visit throughout the different seasons.
Free

Birding: Spring Migration at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
9:00am - 10:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Highland Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free

Birding: Osprey Watch at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
10:00am - 11:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Marine Park to view ospreys.
Free

Birding: Spring Migration at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00am - 12:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Van Cortlandt Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free

...Read more

Best of the Fortnight

A small selection of some personal favs from the past 2 weeks:

Large-cupped daffodil, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Red-breasted Nuthatch, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Palm Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Mourning Cloak, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Great Egret, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Red-tailed Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Swamp Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Common Violet, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Yellow-throated Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Yellow-throated Vireo, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Savannah Sparrow, Shirley Chisholm SP, Brooklyn, NY

A Look Back

This year marks 18 years since I began this blog. Sorry if I haven't been able to keep up my level of creative writing output from a decade ago. Our urban nature still fascinates me, so will likely keep going for at least a few more years.

Looking over some of my early postings, I thought it might be interesting to compare a migration piece from this approximate date, 18 years ago. In early 2004 I didn't have a camera, so relied mostly on the written word for my blog. I considered adding some current pics for this "look back", but decided to leave it as originally posted. I hope you like it:

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April 20, 2004

Prospect Park (also a quick stop at Floyd Bennett Field) with Shane B.

We should be seeing signs of hatchlings at Big Mama and Split-tail's nest this week but I've decided to take a short break from monitoring them. On a couple of occasions Split-tail has seemed a little agitated (the growling incidents) so I thought that it might be a good idea to give them a little space. Also, Shane and I have been watching the wind direction and it looked like it might be a good morning for new migrants. Last night the wind changed to a south/southwest direction and by dawn it switched back around to north. Our thinking was that the wind shift would force some northbound birds down and, hopefully, into Prospect Park. It turned out to be a pretty good gamble.

I left my home just before dawn and walked to the park. I noticed that the layers of early morning bird songs shifted from resident species to "visitors" as I approached the center of the park. My block was noisy with House Sparrows chirping and pigeons cooing. At the very edge of the park the sounds changed mostly to starlings and cardinals. Entering the wooded section near the Litchfield Villa I began to hear choruses of robin's "cherrily, cherriup" and White-throated Sparrow's "pure sweet canada canada". The closer I got to the forested center of the park the more I heard the sounds of migrants. Following the edge of the ponds, one step behind a string of dimming street lamps, I heard the insect buzz of Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, the loose trill of dozens of Yellow-rumped Warblers and the nasal "ca-ha" of a flock of Fish Crows.

I continued walking across the Nethermead and out towards the woods on the Peninsula. I rendezvoused there with Shane where we found that large numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers seemed to have just dropped out of the sky. Through the course of our morning walk we found flocks of yellow-rumps on Lookout Hill, the Lullwater, the Ravine and pretty much anywhere that there were trees. Palm Warblers were seen in smaller numbers and we added several new species to the park's year list. On the Peninsula we listened to the singsong tune of a Warbling Vireo and flushed a Spotted Sandpiper at the edge of the "Thumb". Across the Lullwater, behind the rink, we patiently waited out a serenading Northern Waterthrush hidden in a multiflora rose bush. A bright splash of blue in the same bush turned out to be an Indigo Bunting.

Following the waterway into the Ravine in search of a Louisiana Waterthrush we stumbled on a much more exciting find. We had been walking downstream along the gravel bridle path in the Ravine when Shane spotted something that wasn't "another yellow-rump". In his excitement he stumbled on the words so I blurted out, "Yellow-throated Warbler!" It was his find and he really had the honor of announcing it (to the only two birders in the park) but I couldn't help myself. This striking bird with the golden throat patch and black and white face pattern has a more southern range and is not observed in the park every year. As Shane followed the bird I made a few phone calls to alert other birders. We briefly lost the bird but relocated it as it foraged for insects in the shrubs and blackberry brambles edging the stream. As we stood watching the warbler I heard a Northern Parula singing in the woods along Quaker Ridge. We watched the yellow-throated for a few minutes then left the park via Wellhouse Drive.

As we were walking past the Wellhouse I heard another new song for the season. Perched above the building was a beautiful, chestnut plumed Orchard Oriole chattering and whistling. Earlier in the morning we stood and listened to the strange, gurgling calls of a Rusty Blackbird in the same area.

We ended our morning by making a quick run out to Floyd Bennett Field in search of Upland Sandpipers (hey, we can dream) but came up empty. We did get great views, though, of a ghostly male Northern Harrier.

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Prospect Park; FBF, 4/20/2004
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Horned Grebe (Floyd Bennett Field.)
Double-crested Cormorant (Several on flyovers.)
Great Egret (2.)
Green Heron (2.)
Brant (Floyd Bennett Field.)
Wood Duck (Lullwater.)
Northern Shoveler (2.)
Bufflehead (Female, Upper pool.)
Ruddy Duck (Several on lake.)
Northern Harrier ("Grey Ghost", Floyd Bennett Field.)
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel (6 or 8, Floyd Bennett Field.)
American Coot (3.)
Spotted Sandpiper (Peninsula "Thumb".)
Chimney Swift (3.)
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2, Ravine.)
Northern Flicker
Blue-headed Vireo (~5.)
Warbling Vireo (Peninsula.)
Fish Crow (7, flying over Nethermead.)
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow (Floyd Bennett Field.)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (2.)
Brown Creeper (Ravine.)
Winter Wren (Lookout Hill.)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3.)
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Common.)
Hermit Thrush (4 or 5.)
Northern Mockingbird (Floyd Bennett Field.)
Northern Parula (Heard singing in Ravine.)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Abundant.)
Yellow-throated Warbler (Ravine near Nethermead Arches.)
Pine Warbler (Female, Lookout Hill.)
Prairie Warbler (2, Lullwater. 1, Ravine.)
Palm Warbler (~20-30.)
Black-and-white Warbler (2.)
Northern Waterthrush (Singing in Lullwater near skating rink.)
Indigo Bunting (Lullwater near skating rink.)
Eastern Towhee (Several.)
Chipping Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow (3 or 4.)
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Rusty Blackbird (Lookout Hill above Wellhouse.)
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole (Singing from perch above Wellhouse.)

Other resident species seen (or heard):
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Black Duck, Mallard, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, American Robin, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Sparrow ...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of April 23-24, 2022:

Bedford Audubon Society

Pound Ridge Earth Day Everyday Festival
Saturday, April 23, 2022, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: __
Description: There’s no better way to celebrate Earth Day than participating in local festivals! Stop by with your family and friends to say hello and learn about our work, upcoming programs, membership. We’ll have swag and will be raffling off a beautiful bird feeder. We hope to see you at our booth!
Registration: No required.
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Bird Walk: Oakwood Cemetery
Sunday, April 24, 2022, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join Naturalist Tait Johansson on a Field Trip to Oakwood Cemetery for a peaceful exploration of open woodland habitat near a Red Maple swamp. We hope to discover late-April migrants such as Blue-headed Vireo, Black-and-White Warbler, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. What a perfect way to start your day!
Registration: Cost: Free. Levelof Difficulty: Easy. Email Susan to register or call914-302-9713.
View Details


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Brooklyn Bird Club

Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, April 23, 2022, 7:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Meet 7:30am at the “Pergola” entrance on Ocean and Parkside Avenues.
Registration: No registration necessary; however, if more than 20 people show up we will split the group.
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 23, 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 Wave at Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, April 24, 2022
Leader: Paul Keim
Description: The beginning or “first wave” period of neotropical migrants including early warblers, “overshoot southern species” potential, orioles, flycatchers, vireos and more.
Registration: Kathy Toomey email kathleentoomey@gmail.com. Registration period: April 17th – April 21st.
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Earth Day at Quogue Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, April 23 from Noon to 3pm
Leader: __
Description: All levels of naturalists, including beginners, are most welcome on Eastern Long Island Audubon field trips.
Registration: Not required.
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Freshkills Park Alliance

Freshkills Park Alliance Earth Day Festival
Saturday, April 23, 2022, 11:00am
Leader: Rangers
Description: Join us outdoors for our first annual Earth Day Festival marking the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day.
Registration: Register via Eventbrite.
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Gateway National Parks

The Big Floyd Bennett Field Hike
Sunday, April 24, 2022, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a ranger for a brisk 3.5 mile hike across the runways, forests, fields, and shorelines of Floyd Bennett Field's north side. After lunch gather again outside the Ryan Vistor Center to hike 3 miles of the south side. Dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, and bring snacks and water.
Registration: Reservations are required, please call (718) 785-3671 to make a reservation and for more information.
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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Valley Stream SP & Jones Beach West End
Saturday, April 23, 2022, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: John Gluth, Bob Grover
Description: Southern State Parkway to exit 15S, North Corona Ave. No Corona Ave to Hendrickson Ave (.07 mi) turn right at Hendrickson Ave. Hendrickson Ave. to Fletcher Ave (.3 mi) turn right on Fletcher Ave. Fletcher Ave North to Valley Stream State Park entrance on right (.2 mi). Park at far end of lot.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, April 24, 2022, 6:00am - 7:30am
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.
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Great Trees of Green-Wood
Sunday, April 24, 2022, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
It’s what we wait for all year: the explosion of colors from hundreds of flowering trees and plants across Green-Wood. This feast for the eyes only lasts for a few weeks, so don’t miss it!
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Linnaean Society of New York

Pine Barrens For Early Spring Butterflies and More
Saturday, April 23, 2022
Leader: Rick Cech
Description: The ephemeral magic of early spring is nowhere more marked than in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, where rare and local plant and butterfly species are on display for a short time each year, including up to seven species of elfins and “green” hairstreaks.
Registration: Lenore Swenson — lenoreswenson@gmail.com
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New York City Audubon

Van Cortlandt Park Bird Walks
Saturdays, April 16 - June 25, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park 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 forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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The Birds of Woodlawn Cemetery, The Bronx
Sunday, April 24, 2022, 8:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Tod Winston, Joseph McManus, Susan Olsen with the Woodlawn Conservancy
Description: Join us for a morning bird walk and tour of this beautiful cemetery: Tod Winston and Joseph McManus will look for spring migrants and year-round residents on the expansive grounds, while Woodlawn Cemetery's Director of Historical Services Susan Olsen will share fascinating stories about the cemetery’s history and the interesting mixture of individuals interred there. Limited to 20. $36 (25).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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North Shore Audubon Society

Planting Fields
Saturday, April 23, 2022 9:30am – 12:00pm
Leader: Shelly
Description: Take the LIE Exit 41 north or Northern State Parkway Exit 35 north (Route 106/107). Continue north until Routes 106 and 107 split. Take the left fork (Route 107 toward Glen Cove) and drive to the intersection with Route 25A. Turn right and follow Route 25A to the next traffic light (Wolver Hill Road and police station). Turn north until the road ends, then right on Chicken Valley Road. Pass the large gate of Planting Fields, and turn right at the next road, Planting Fields Road, which leads to the Arboretum. Parking Fee.
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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South Shore Audubon Society

Point Lookout Town Park (and Lido Preserve afterwards)
Sunday, April 24, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, exit onto the Meadowbrook State Parkway south. Exit from the Meadowbrook at Loop Parkway (just before the Jones Beach toll booths) toward Point Lookout. The Loop Parkway ends west of Point Lookout at Lido Boulevard. Continue straight across Lido Boulevard into Point Lookout Park. Travel past the ticket booths and curve left into the very large parking lot on the south side of the park. Park in the southeast corner, closest to the private homes of the village of Point Lookout and the beach. We will walk east along the beach toward Jones Inlet. After returning to the parking lot, we will drive west on Lido Boulevard to Lido Beach Passive Nature Preserve on the north side of Lido Boulevard to walk through the bay marsh.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, April 23, 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

Sunday, April 24, 2022

Birding: Spring Migration at West 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
10:00am - 11:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Riverside Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free
...Read more

Best of the Fortnight

Here are some of my favorite shots from over the past two weeks:

Cedar Waxwing, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Yulan Magnolia, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Ghost Egrets, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

American Kestrel, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

Golden-crowned Kinglet, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Wood Ducks, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Louisiana Waterthrush, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

American Bittern, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Spring Beauty, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of April 9-10, 2022:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 9, 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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Journey to the Wild South Shore of Staten Island
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Leader: Peter Dorosh and Ryan Goldberg
Description: Celebrate the opening of the new New York State birding trail from its beginning, at Mount Loretto Unique Area on the south shore of Staten Island. Mount Loretto is a migration hotspot that includes more than 200 acres of state-protected forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal shorelines, with great views of Raritan Bay. Target species include raptors, bluebirds, snipe and woodcock, ducks and grebes, grassland specialists like meadowlarks, and early migrant songbirds.
Registration: Ryan Goldberg, email: ryan.goldberg@gmail.com
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, April 10, 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.
View Details


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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society

Avalon Nature Preserve
Sunday, April 10, 2022, 9:00am
Leader: _____
Description: From its inception, Avalon Nature Preserve has sought to protect and restore the ecological heritage of this special landscape. Since 1997, the preserve has flourished into a thriving 216 acres of fields, forest, and wetlands, 140 of which are open to the public.
Registration: To register, call (585) 880-0915.
Directions: Take the Northern State Parkway east to NY 347. Keep right to NY 111 then continue east on NY 25A. Then turn left on Saddle Rd. The preserve is on the left.


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Linnaean Society of New York

Photography Focused Walk in Prospect Park
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Leader: Tom Stephenson
Description: Birds make beautiful pictures. And photos can be useful in making tough IDs and also serve as memories of great experiences. But birds can be very difficult to photograph well. During this workshop/field trip we’ll talk about how to take great, sharp photos. We’ll begin by covering camera basics, how to set up for different conditions, and even some advanced tips and tricks including settings for flight shots, dark areas and backlit birds.
Registration: Renee Lucier - reneelucier145@gmail.com
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New York City Audubon

Spring Migration in Pelham Bay Park, The Bronx
Saturday, April 9, 2022, 9:00am - 04:00pm
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: Explore the lovely coves and rocky outcroppings of the City’s largest park, Pelham Bay Park, seeking out migrating songbirds, late wintering birds, ducks, and a breeding pair of Great Horned Owls. The rich and diverse habitat makes this park an urban gem and a great home for wildlife. Past rarities include a Northern Goshawk and a Purple Sandpiper. Bring lunch and water. Transport by passenger van from NYC Audubon's office included. Limited to 12. $100 (70).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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North Shore Audubon Society

Garvies Point Museum and Preserve
Saturday, April 9, 2022, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Lindy 628-1315
Description: 50 Barry Dr, Glen Cove, NY 11542
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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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Ambling through Arden
Saturday, April 9, 2022, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: Take a walk in New York City’s largest freshwater wetlands. Early in the year, we hope to avoid summer swarms of mosquitoes while we walk some of the areas in the park slated for bluebelt improvement (but you still might want to bring bug spray). We’ll meet at the north end of Carlton Boulevard (off Woodrow Road). There will be slopes and streams to cross.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway in Rockville Centre, turn onto Long Beach Road, traveling south. Proceed to Waukena Avenue and turn left. From this point onward, there are brown signs directing visitors to the sanctuary. Turn right onto Park Avenue (at a traffic light), then turn left onto Golf Drive. Continue on Golf Drive to Slice Drive, turn right, and proceed one short block into the sanctuary.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, April 9, 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

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