Check out City Birder Tours, and Green-Wood sponsored tours on their calendar pages here.
Celebrate your inner nerd with my new t-shirt design! Available on my Spreadshirt shop in multiple colors and products.

Monday, October 31, 2022

18 Years Ago on this Blog

I thought it'd be interesting to look back at one of my early "Citybirder" posts. Despite my optimism in that update, this wasn't actually the final nest location for this local pair of Red-tailed Hawks. "Split-tail" was pushed out of the area by a more aggressive male. Eventually, Big Mama and her new mate moved their nest to Green-Wood Cemetery near the Hillside Mausoleum. A few years later that tree came down and they relocated a short distance away:


Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of November 5 - November 6, 2022:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 5, 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


First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, November 6, 2022, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Paul Keim
Description: Join naturalist and birder Paul Keim in search of dozens of species that visit the park through all seasons. Learn about the different habitats in Prospect Park and why they are important for all types of birds.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details


Gull Identification Workshop in Coney Island
Sunday, November 6, 2022, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik and Bobbi Manian
Description: Brush up on your Gull ID skills in time for the Christmas Bird Count! Join Bobbi Manian and Dennis Hrehowsik at Coney Island for a gull ID workshop.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details


**********

Great South Bay Audubon Society

Suffolk County Farm Nature Walk
Saturday, November 5, 2022, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: ____
Description: Join us for a wonderful nature walk as we head out to Suffolk County Farm for an early morning adventure.
Registration: Please let Eileen Schwinn you will be coming: Beachmed@optonline.net
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, November 6, 2022, 6:30am – 8:00am
Description: Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful early morning walking tours to discover the birds that make Green-Wood their home—at least temporarily. By September, offspring of nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Large numbers of blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows will also be passing through. By October, waterfowl are returning, and we’ll look for raptors heading south. November will bring back our overwintering feathered denizens from the north.
View Details


**********

New York City Audubon

Free: Van Cortlandt Park Walks with Richard Aracil
Saturday, November 5, 2022, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Richard Aracil
Description: 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. To celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists, join Bronx birders Joe McManus and Jack Rothman, who alternately guide these walks. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. These walks are held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


Free: Queens Botanical Garden Walks
Saturdays, October 1, 15, 29 and November 5, 19, 9:30-10:30am
Leader: Corey Finger
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the resources the Garden offers to birds and other wildlife. These walks are held in partnership with the Queens Botanical Garden.
Registration: RSVP required. Register Here..
View Details


Bird Walk at Jamaica Bay with Tod Winston
Saturday, November 5, 9:00am -1:00pm
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Enjoy a relaxed walk in Jamaica Bay to look for wading birds, raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl, warblers, and more.
Registration: RSVP required. Register Here..
View Details


Free: Intro to Birding in Marine Park with NYC Audubon
Saturday, November 5, 2022, 10:00am - 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest park, Marine Park. Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This walk series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance. Meet at the flagpole of the Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, located at 3301 Avenue U, Brooklyn.
Registration: Free. No registration required.
View Details


Prospect Park Drop-in Walk with Ryan Mandelbaum
Sunday, November 6, 2022, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Ryan Mandelbaum
Description: Beautiful Prospect Park has a wide variety of habitats that attracts a number of both breeding and passage migrant bird species, with even more recorded than in Central Park. We will explore the Park's meadows, forests, and waterways in search of migratory warblers, vireos, thrushes, tanagers, waterfowl, and more. Meet inside the North entrance of Prospect Park at Grand Army Plaza, at the James S.T. Stranahan Monument Stranahan Statue.
Registration: Free. No registration required.
View Details


**********

North Shore Audubon Society

Robert Moses SP, Field 2
Saturday, November 5, 2022, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Ralph - (516) 445-7846
Description:
Registration:
View Details


**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

The Richard Buegler 10-Mile Fall Greenbelt Hike
Saturday, November 5, 2022, 9:15am - 3:45pm
Leader: Dominick Durso
Description: Meet at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Avenue. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, dress appropriately for the weather and be sure to confirm that the walk is not cancelled due to forecasted storms.
Registration: To confirm a day prior, please call Dominick Durso at (917) 478-7607 or e-mail Protectors at PPOW@siprotectors.org.
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Preserve
Sunday, November 6, 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
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Birding: Evening Birding at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
Sunday, November 6, 2022, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an evening birding adventure around Brookfield Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common night species in our parks.
Free
...Read more

Saturday, October 29, 2022

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, October 28, 2022:

-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Oct. 28, 2022
* NYNY2210.28


- Birds Mentioned

MOTTLED DUCK+
TROPICAL KINGBIRD+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Canada Goose
Red-necked Grebe
Sora
SANDHILL CRANE
AMERICAN AVOCET
HUDSONIAN GODWIT
MARBLED GODWIT
BAIRD’S SANDPIPER
Long-billed Dowitcher
Parasitic Jaeger
BLACK-HEADED GULL
Caspian Tern
Royal Tern
Great Blue Heron (White form)
Red-headed Woodpecker
Evening Grosbeak
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW
LARK SPARROW
Vesper Sparrow
Yellow-breasted Chat
Tennessee Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Cape May Warbler
BLUE GROSBEAK
DICKCISSEL

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 nysarc44nybirdsorg

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, October 28, 2022 at 11:00 pm.

The highlights of today's tape are TROPICAL KINGBIRD, MOTTLED DUCK, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, SANDHILL CRANE, BLACK-HEADED GULL, AMERICAN AVOCET, HUDSONIAN and MARBLED GODWITS, BAIRD’S SANDPIPER, LARK and CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS, BLUE GROSBEAK, DICKCISSEL and more.

This morning out at the tip of Breezy Point in Queens a KINGBIRD with bright yellow underparts and a relatively large bill was also heard to call and as a result identified as a TROPICAL KINGBIRD, potentially a third for New York State pending NYSARC acceptance. The KINGBIRD spent the afternoon moving around the vegetation near the tip, but its likelihood of remaining overnight is anyone's guess.

The MOTTLED DUCK in Amityville was reported a few times during the week, mostly without photographs, but also missed during numerous searches along Ketchum's Creek Freshwater Wetland. The edge of the Creek on the west side of Lake Drive is very heavily vegetated, with just a few vantage points, including from a culvert just north of where Kenmore Avenue meets Lake Drive, a gap off Lake Drive and at the south end.

Photos of a small flock of GEESE flying over Fort Tilden on Thursday on analysis uncovered two GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE moving with some CANADAS.

Also on Thursday a SANDHILL CRANE was spotted late in the day flying in a northerly direction over the Trapp House on the east side of Wolfe's Pond Park on Staten Island.

At Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge both adult and immature BLACK-HEADED GULLS were still present last Sunday on the East Pond, where lingering shorebirds also featured an AMERICAN AVOCET and two HUDSONIAN GODWITS to Sunday as well as SORA Saturday and CASPIAN TERN Sunday.

At Jones Beach West End on Sunday 7 MARBLE GODWITS were counted on the bar across from the Coast Guard Station, and two PARASITIC JAEGERS were spotted on the ocean, while a late BAIRD’S SANDPIPER was noted there Monday.

A RED-NECKED GREBE was spotted off Plumb Beach in Brooklyn Monday, and on Thursday 54 ROYAL TERNS were counted there.

A small number of LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS continues to roost along Santapogue Creek in West Babylon, and a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER flew by the Fire Island Hawk Watch last Saturday.

The white form of GREAT BLUE HERON was still at Piermont Pier Thursday

At Staten Island's Trapp House on Thursday a female EVENING GROSBEAK stopped by briefly, this species now visiting several areas just to our north, and PINE SISKINS and PURPLE FINCHES are also occurring locally as well.

A LARK SPARROW visited Conference House Park on Staten Island last Saturday, and a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was spotted in Prospect Park Monday, while VESPER SPARROWS continue their decent numbers this Fall.

A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was still being seen in Central Park to Thursday, and among the later WARBLERS were some ORANGE-CROWNEDS, including on Governors Island and at Croton Point Park, plus such species as TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE, CAPE MAY and several others.

A BLUE GROSBEAK was present in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn to Thursday, and DICKCISSELS continue to be encountered, often as flybys, especially early in the morning along the coast.

To phone in reports call Tom Burke at (914) 967-4922.
...Read more

Friday, October 28, 2022

Best of the Fortnight

Here's my latest fortnight installment for October 28th:

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

Savannah Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Young White-crowned Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Early morning dahlia, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Northern Parula missing its tail, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Fog on Hill of Graves, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Bejeweled grass, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Winter Wren, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Spider web, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

More dew, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Green hawthorn berries, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Young Cooper's Hawk in a hurry, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Female Eastern Towhee, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Blue Grosbeak, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Thornless Honeylocust, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Monday, October 24, 2022

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of October 29 - October 30, 2022:

Bedford Audubon Society

Show & Tell: Live Birds of Prey
Saturday, October 29, 2022, 10:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join us for a very special Show & Tell: Live Birds of Prey at Bylane Farm. Let us captivate you as a licensed specialist shows you several live raptors - usually an owl, hawk, and falcon - on a gloved hand and tells you all about them. You’ll have a birds-eye view of some of our region’s most interesting raptors.
Registration: Cost: Member $10; Non-members $15; Children are Free. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


**********

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, October 29, 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


A Green-Wood Cemetery Spooktacular Bird walk
Saturday, October 29, 2022
Leader: Ed Crowne
Description: Arrival of winter species, kinglets, sparrows, woodpeckers, finches, raptors, and maybe a timberdoodle or a raven if they are around. Happy Halloween!
Registration: Kathy Toomey email kathleentoomey@gmail.com
View Details


**********

Hudson River Audubon Society

Jones Beach
Saturday, October 29, 2022, 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: Late Fall Migrants. Meet at the Boat Basin/Coast Guard Station in West End II. This is a good time for a rarity or a western stray to show up. A variety of birds should be seen from seabirds, ducks, hawks, shorebirds and late land migrants.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
View Details


**********

Linnaean Society of New York

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, October 29, 2022
Leader: Joseph DiCostanzo
Description: Late October, when the ducks have transitioned from their eclipse plumage, is a lovely time to visit the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Snow Geese arrive at this time, and in 2019 we found a Blue Goose morph among them. Scoping the Bay, we often find Horned Grebes and sometimes a loon. Both migrating and local raptors are possible. A couple of years ago, we saw a Bald Eagle harassing the water birds on the East Pond. There are often lingering Greater Yellowlegs and other shorebirds. Wintering finches may have arrived; we have found both Purple Finch and Pine Siskin at the feeders. A few years ago we heard about Cave Swallows at the subway station, and off we zoomed to see them.
Registration: Evelyn Huang — evelynhuang1@yahoo.com
View Details


Shirley Chisholm State Park - Cancelled
Sunday, October 30, 2022
Leader: Adelia Honeywood
Description: Shirley Chisholm State Park is the site of two former landfills that were capped and then planted with more than 35,000 trees, shrubs, and native grasses, creating a diverse ecosystem of coastal meadows, wetlands, and woodlands. Rising 130 feet above sea level, the park provides panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay, and the Verrazano Bridge. On this walk we will look for late fall sparrows, Pipits, Meadowlarks, raptors, and early waterfowl. Bring lunch, snacks, water, and sunscreen.
Registration: Linda LaBella — lblabella@gmail.com
View Details



**********

New York City Audubon

Free: Van Cortlandt Park Walks with Woo Sung Park
Saturday, October 29, 2022, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Woo Sung Park
Description: 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. To celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists, join Bronx birders Joe McManus and Jack Rothman, who alternately guide these walks. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. These walks are held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


Free: Queens Botanical Garden Walks
Saturdays, October 1, 15, 29 and November 5, 19, 9:30-10:30am
Leader: Corey Finger
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the resources the Garden offers to birds and other wildlife. These walks are held in partnership with the Queens Botanical Garden.
Registration: RSVP required. Register Here.
View Details


Free: Governors Island Bird Walk with Annie Barry
Saturdays, May 7 through October 29, 2-3:30pm
Leader: Annie Barry
Description: Meet in front of Nolan Park #17 and see the birds of Governors Island with one of our expert guides! Over 220 bird species have been spotted on the island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the bird life the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Registration: No RSVP required. Limited to 15. Free.
View Details


Free: Intro to Birding in Marine Park with NYC Audubon
Sundays, October 2-30, 10:00am - 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest park, Marine Park. Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This walk series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance. Meet at the flagpole of the Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, located at 3301 Avenue U, Brooklyn.
Registration: Free. No registration required.
View Details


**********

North Shore Audubon Society

Oakland Lake, Cloverdale Entrance
Saturday, October 29, 2022, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Stephane P. - (516) 423-0947
Description:
Registration:
View Details


**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Greenbelt Nature Center to Seaview
Saturday, October 29, 2022, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: Meet at the Greenbelt Nature Center parking lot at Rockland Avenue and Brielle, (additional parking at the nearby Recreation Center). We will make a loop using the Nature, Blue and Yellow trails to pass the Dept. of Parks serpentine barrens restoration project, Paulo’s Peak (Moses’ Mountain), and the dam and Richmond Creek Bluebelt Pond at Meisner and Rockland.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036.
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Mill Pond Park
Sunday, October 30, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road. The park is four blocks west of the Wantagh State Parkway.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Birding: Hawk Watch at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
Sunday, October 30, 2022, 10:00am - 11:00am
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

...Read more

Monday, October 17, 2022

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of October 22 - October 23, 2022:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, October 22, 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


Floyd Bennett Field Autumn Treasures
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Leader: Heydi Lopes
Description: This trip focuses on late fall migrants, particularly sparrows, raptors in peak swing, and early winter species, namely arriving water fowl and perhaps late shorebirds. There will be concentration on grassland species and possibly a vagrant species.
Registration: Bobbi Manian email roberta.manian@gmail.com
View Details


**********

Feminist Bird Club

NYC - Marine Park Salt Marsh and Nature Center - Tots and Tweets - Birding and nature exploration for families!
Sunday, October 23, 2022, 10:00am - 11:00am
Leaders: Jen & Kestrel Kepler
Description: Join Jen & Kestrel Kepler for a nature exploration and birding outing for families with young children! Binoculars are optional, we will look for birds, plants, and other wildlife that can be easier to spy. We will go on a nature scavenger hunt as we go on our walk. Our exploration time will be around 45-60 minutes in length on the trails of the Salt Marsh Nature center. After our exploration time, there will be the option to extend your stay with a walk over to the Lenape Playground, located on Avenue U and E 38th street where we can keep eyes out for the local Monk Parakeets and other playground birds!
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details


**********

Linnaean Society of New York

Fort Tilden
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Leader: Gordon Lam
Description: Fort Tilden, on the Rockaway Peninsula in southern Queens, is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, which also includes the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. This trip is scheduled to coincide with sparrow migration. Every year we have seen a Nelson’s among the many other sparrow species, and Royal Terns never disappoint us. With the right winds we can expect good raptor sightings. Late warblers, vireos, and other passerines also visit this area.
Registration: Lori Lam — lamonthelam2@gmail.com
View Details


Beginners Walk, Teatown Lake Reservation
Sunday, October 23, 2022
Leader: Rochelle Thomas
Description: Teatown is a nonprofit nature preserve and environmental education center located in the Lower Hudson Valley, with 15 miles of hiking trails and a two-acre island refuge for over 230 species of native wildflowers. This walk is aimed at beginners, but more advanced birders are also welcome. We will be looking for fall migrants and resident bird species while enjoying a stunning autumn landscape that includes fields, mixed hardwood forests, laurel groves, lakes, streams, swamps, and farmland. Teatown also hosts non-releasable birds of prey, offering trip attendees an up-close chance to work on their raptor identification skills.

Registration: Via Web Form
View Details


**********

New York City Audubon

Free: Van Cortlandt Park Walks with Haley Scott
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Haley Scott
Description: 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. To celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists, join Bronx birders Joe McManus and Jack Rothman, who alternately guide these walks. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. These walks are held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


Free: Queens Botanical Garden Walks
Saturday, October 2, 2022, 9:30am - 10:30am
Leader: Corey Finger
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the resources the Garden offers to birds and other wildlife. These walks are held in partnership with the Queens Botanical Garden.
Registration: RSVP required. Register Here.
View Details


Free: Saturday Morning Drop-In Walks in Prospect Park with Gabriel Willow
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 8:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: Join Gabriel Willow for a leisurely walk to get to know the fall migrants of “Brooklyn's Backyard,” beautiful Prospect Park. Prospect Park's meadows, forests, and waterways attract a dazzling variety of migratory birds on their way south, including warblers, tanagers, cuckoos, and more. Meet directly under the Memorial Arch at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn.
Registration: Registration encouraged but not required.
View Details


Free: Governors Island Bird Walk with Annie Barry
Saturdays, May through October 2022, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Leader: Annie Barry
Description: Meet in front of Nolan Park #17 and see the birds of Governors Island with one of our expert guides! Over 220 bird species have been spotted on the island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the bird life the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Registration: No RSVP required. Limited to 15. Free.
View Details


5th Annual Raptorama! Part 2: Marine Park
Saturday, October 22, 10:00am-3:00pm
Leader: American Littoral Society, with NYC Audubon, Marine Park Alliance, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, and Gateway National Recreation Area
Description: Meet in Marine Park, Brooklyn, to learn all about the hawks and owls of New York City. See some of these amazing raptors during a live demonstration, and go on walks with experts to get a look at hawk species flying south for the winter.
Registration: Register Here..
View Details


Free: Intro to Birding in Marine Park with NYC Audubon
Sundays, October 2-30, 10:00am - 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest park, Marine Park. Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This walk series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance. Meet at the flagpole of the Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, located at 3301 Avenue U, Brooklyn.
Registration: Free. No registration required.
View Details


Free: “For the Birds” Brooklyn Botanic Garden walk with Gabriel Willow
Sundays, August 14; September 18; October 2, 9, 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: Join Gabriel Willow on October 23 for this special hour-long tour through the Garden to look for resident and visiting birds. Learn how to spot hawks, woodpeckers, Mallards, American Robins, Blue Jays, Cedar Waxwings, and more. Before or after the walk, enjoy the Garden’s special “For the Birds” exhibit. All ages welcome.
Registration: Free with Garden admission.
View Details


**********

North Shore Audubon Society

Shu Swamp
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Stacy - (516) 426-6281
Description:
Registration:
View Details


**********

Queens County Bird Club

Shirley Chisholm SP
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 8:30am - 1:00pm
Leader: Joe Schiavone - (203) 640-2927
Description: Rising up 130 feet above sea level, this new park occupies some of the highest ground in New York City and offers spectacular panoramic views of the Empire State Building to the northwest, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and New York Harbor to the west, and Jamaica Bay to the south.
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


**********

Saw Mill River Audubon Society

Rockefeller SPP/Sleepy Hollow Rd
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Members of SMRA
Description: Saw Mill River Audubon Small Group Birding Walk -- limited to 25 people, COVID vaccination required.
Registration: Form on this page.
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Point Lookout Town Park (and Lido Preserve afterwards)
Sunday, October 23, 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
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Birding: Hawk Watch at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 9:00am - 11:00am
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

Birding: Hawk Watch at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Join the Rangers as they hike up the hills of the Bronx-Pelham Landfill, a site closed off to the public.
Free

...Read more

Saturday, October 15, 2022

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, October 14, 2022:

- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Oct. 14, 2022
* NYNY2210.14


- Birds mentioned
COMMON GROUND DOVE+
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT+ (Orange County)
SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER+
WESTERN TANAGER+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

Sora
AMERICAN AVOCET
American Golden-Plover
Hudsonian Godwit
Marbled Godwit
Long-billed Dowitcher
BLACK-HEADED GULL
Caspian Tern
Royal Tern
Great Blue Heron
Red-headed Woodpecker
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
Grasshopper Sparrow
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW
LARK SPARROW
Vesper Sparrow
Nelson's Sparrow
Yellow-breasted Chat
Orange-crowned Warbler
Connecticut Warbler
SUMMER TANAGER
BLUE GROSBEAK
DICKCISSEL

- 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, October 14th 2022* at 11pm. The highlights of today's tape are SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER, COMMON GROUND DOVE, NEOTROPIC CORMORANT, BLACK-HEADED GULL, AMERICAN AVOCET, WESTERN and SUMMER TANAGERS, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, LARK and CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS, BLUE GROSBEAK, DICKCISSEL and more.

But first we sadly mention the recent passing of Putnam resident Ralph O'Dell. An influential motivator on regional birding and environmental matters and a mentor to many. Ralph will be deeply missed.

Last Saturday morning a SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was spotted and photographed at the Wave Hill Public Garden and Cultural Center in the Bronx. The bird subsequently teased birders with brief appearances in the neighborhood just north of the park. Spotted a few times but never for long this first New York State record, if approved by NYSARC, was not encountered after later afternoon. Matters however were complicated by a persistent tape player with subsequent inconclusive reports of a singing bird. Nonetheless searches on Sunday were unsuccessful and no further sightings are known.

Late Thursday afternoon a COMMON GROUND DOVE was found on the ground at the Kings Point Academy, a restricted site in northern Nassau County. Despite better weather today the dove could not be relocated.

To correct last week's tape the NEOTROPIC CORMORANT in Orange County was last seen on Sunday the 9th along the Newburgh waterfront.

At Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge the lingering adult BLACK-HEADED GULL was on Monday joined on the East Pond by an immature BLACK-HEADED. Also still present on the pond were an AMERICAN AVOCET at least to Tuesday, 3 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS to Sunday and Monday, 3 HUDSONIAN GODWITS to Sunday, 2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS Saturday and 2 SORAS Sunday. Another AMERICAN AVOCET visited the Wading River Marsh Preserve Thursday and 2 or 3 GOLDEN-PLOVERS were present at Floyd Bennett Field Monday to Thursday. Three or four MARBLED GODWITS continued at least to Wednesday at the Jones Beach West End.

Single CASPIAN TERNS visited sites from Coney Island and Fort Tilden out to Napeague while good numbers of ROYAL TERNS coastally included counts Thursday of up to 45 at Plumb Beach in Brooklyn.

A white form of GREAT BLUE HERON was still present at Piermont Pier today and a SORA at Turtle Pond in Central Park was seen today.

RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were noted during the week in Central Park and at Robert Moses State Park and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR was at Jones Beach West End Tuesday.

Sparrows this week included a GRASSHOPPER near Central Park’s Turtle Pond to today and another at Randall's Island Thursday with 2 LARK SPARROWS seen together in Prospect Park Tuesday. Several VESPER and NELSON'S SPARROWS have been present and several CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS have included birds at Prospect and Brooklyn Bridge Parks, Green-wood Cemetery, Floyd Bennett Field and Jones Beach West End.

Today single YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS were seen at Sunken Meadow State Park and the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center off Yaphank Avenue with another yesterday at Brooklyn Bridge Park while warblers featured a few ORANGE-CROWNED and CONNECTICUT.

A WESTERN TANAGER briefly stopped near the Fire Island Hawkwatch platform last Sunday morning and a SUMMER TANAGER visited Green-wood Cemetery the day before.

A BLUE GROSBEAK has stayed around Sunken Meadow State Park for several days through today with another in Green-wood Cemetery Sunday. Multiple DICKCISSELS recently included 2 at Sunken Meadow State Park yesterday when 2 were also at Croton Point Park.

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
...Read more

Friday, October 14, 2022

Best of the Fortnight

Autumn changes are coming fast and furious in recent days. Less southbound warbler variety, but more nuthatches, sparrows, thrushes and finches. Even bats have been seen moving through the area. Here are a selection of my fav photos from the past 2 weeks:

Eastern Wood Pewee, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY


Ovenbird, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY


Gray-cheeked Thrush, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY


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


Eastern Phoebe & yellow jacket, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY


Red-eyed Vireo, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY


Hooded Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY


Silver-haired Bat, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY


Winter Wren, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY


Northern Flicker, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY


Common Nighthawk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY


Blue Atlas Cedar pollen, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY


Purple Queen Ann's Lace, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Monday, October 10, 2022

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of October 15 - October 16, 2022:

Bedford Audubon Society

Breakfast with the Hawks
Sunday, October 16, 2022, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join Naturalist Tait Johansson and Board Member Steve Ricker for a complimentary Breakfast with the Hawks during this fall’s Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch. This much-loved event is timed to take advantage of peak Red-shouldered Hawk migration and is perfect for families. (All children must be accompanied by an adult.) It’s also the time of year for a better chance of seeing a Golden Eagle! Bedford Audubon Counter and Spotter will also be on hand to “show and tell” what they are seeing.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


**********

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, October 15, 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


Prospect Park Saturday Fall Migration Walks
Saturday, October 15, 2022, 7:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Walks typically go into early afternoon or later if the birding is great. Bring water, snacks and/or a sandwich if you plan to stay the whole duration–but feel free to leave whenever you want.
Registration: No registration necessary
View Details


**********

Gateway National Parks

Jamaica Bay Rapt-o-Rama
Saturday, October 15, 2022, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join Gateway, the American Littoral Society, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, and NYC Audubon for the 5th annual Rapt-o-rama. Learn all about the hawks and owls of Jamaica Bay. See some of these amazing raptors during a live demonstration, and go on walks with experts to get a look at hawk species flying south for the winter.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
View Details


**********

Great South Bay Audubon Society

Caumsett SPP Nature Walk
Saturday, October 15, 2022, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: ____
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Caumsett State Park Preserve for an early morning adventure.
Registration: Please let Eileen Schwinn you will be coming: Beachmed@optonline.net
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Wednesday, October 12, 2022, 7:15am – 8:45am
(*Note this is a rare midweek walk)
Description: Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful early morning walking tours to discover the birds that make Green-Wood their home—at least temporarily. By September, offspring of nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Large numbers of blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows will also be passing through.
View Details


Birding in Peace
Sunday, October 16, 2022, 7:15am – 8:45am
Description: Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful early morning walking tours to discover the birds that make Green-Wood their home—at least temporarily. By September, offspring of nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Large numbers of blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows will also be passing through.
View Details


**********

Hudson River Audubon Society

Tibbetts Brook Park
Saturday, October 15, 2022, 7:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: An easy walk around both lakes for fall migrants. The Hawk Watch at 10am follows the trip, in the field behind the Mansion.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
View Details


**********

Linnaean Society of New York

Floyd Bennett Field
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places for its historic significance, Floyd Bennett Field’s 1,280 acres feature one of the few remaining grasslands within New York City. Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and located in southwestern Brooklyn, it is a major birding destination, with a freshwater pond, successive upland areas, wooded campgrounds, and extensive coastal views of Jamaica Bay. The number of bird species recorded at Floyd Bennett Field totals over 280. October is sparrow season, and on a good day we should expect to observe anywhere from 10-14 different species. Over the grasslands expect to see American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and more.
Registration: Michelle Talich — mltalich@gmail.com
View Details


NYS Young Birders Club Trip to Jones Beach West End
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Leader: Tim Healy
Description: The New York State Young Birders Club provides community, friendship, and fun for young people (aged 10-19) who have a passion for wild birds and their habitats. For more information, please visit the NYS Young Birders Club website.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


Randall’s Island
Sunday, October 16, 2022
Leader: Alan Drogin
Description: The leader of this trip added Randall’s Island to the birders’ map of New York City in October of 2012, when he came upon a Nelson’s Sparrow in one of the only saltmarshes in the borough of Manhattan. Since then, mid-October has been the time to bird Randall’s for sparrows—Savannah, Swamp, Song, Chipping, Field, and an occasional Vesper, but especially the elusive Ammodramus sparrows of the marshes—Nelson’s, Saltmarsh, Seaside. We also get late-migrating warblers and, sometimes, interesting gulls.
Registration: Miriam Rakowski — rakowskimiriam@gmail.com
View Details


**********

New York City Audubon

Free: Van Cortlandt Park Walks with Joe McManus and Jack Rothman
Saturday, October 15, 2022, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Joe McManus and Jack Rothman
Description: 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. To celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists, join Bronx birders Joe McManus and Jack Rothman, who alternately guide these walks. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. These walks are held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


Free: Queens Botanical Garden Walks
Saturday, October 15, 2022, 9:30am - 10:30am
Leader: Corey Finger
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the resources the Garden offers to birds and other wildlife. These walks are held in partnership with the Queens Botanical Garden.
Registration: RSVP required. Register Here..
View Details


Free: “For the Birds” Brooklyn Botanic Garden Walk
Saturday, October 15, 2022, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, NYC Audubon, Brooklyn Bird Club, Feminist Bird Club
Description: Join Brooklyn Botanic Garden and NYC Audubon birding experts on these special hour-long tours through the Garden to look for resident and visiting birds. Learn how to spot hawks, woodpeckers, Mallards, American Robins, Blue Jays, Cedar Waxwings, and more. Before or after the walk, enjoy the Garden’s special “For the Birds” exhibit. All ages welcome.
Registration: No advance registration is required for the bird walk but advance tickets for the Garden are recommended.
View Details


Free: Governors Island Bird Walk with Annie Barry
Saturdays, May through October 2022, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Leader: Annie Barry
Description: Meet in front of Nolan Park #17 and see the birds of Governors Island with one of our expert guides! Over 220 bird species have been spotted on the island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the bird life the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Registration: No RSVP required. Limited to 15. Free.
View Details


Free: Intro to Birding in Marine Park with NYC Audubon
Sundays, October 2-30, 10-11am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest park, Marine Park. Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This walk series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance. Meet at the flagpole of the Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, located at 3301 Avenue U, Brooklyn.
Registration: Free. No registration required.
View Details


**********

North Shore Audubon Society

Planting Fields SP
Saturday, October 15, 2022, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Ralph M - (516) 445-7846
Description:
Registration:
View Details


**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Blue Heron Park
Saturday, October 15, 2022, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: Meet at the Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue between Amboy Road and Hylan Blvd., for an early fall walk on the Red, Yellow, and Seguine Pond Trail. We’ll identify some of the common trees and perhaps enjoy some early leaf color. Inclement weather (but not a light rain) will cancel this walk.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036.
View Details


Monarch Butterfly Migration: Talk/Walk and Butterfly Tagging
Sunday, October 16, 2022, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Leader: Paul T. Lederer and Clay Woolney
Description: Monarch butterflies migrate in the fall from as far north as Canada on their journey to their overwintering sites in Mexico. Come and enjoy the experience of seeing these marvels of nature up close and personal! It is suggested that the participants wear long pants and shoes that cover the entire foot as well as socks that cover the ankle since we will be walking through beach grass and dunes. We will meet at the Conference House Park parking lot near the Visitors’ Center, 7455 Hylan Boulevard.
Registration: For more information contact Paul Lederer at (718) 354-9200.
View Details


**********

Saw Mill River Audubon Society

Hook Mountain Hawk Watch
Sunday, October 16, 2022, 9:00am - 12:00pm
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: Form on this page.
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Sunday, October 16, 2022
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
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Introduction to Birdwatching Walks at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00am - 12:00pm
Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk is for you!
Free

...Read more

Monday, October 03, 2022

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of October 8 - October 9, 2022:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, October 8, 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


Prospect Park Saturday Fall Migration Walks
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 7:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Walks typically go into early afternoon or later if the birding is great. Bring water, snacks and/or a sandwich if you plan to stay the whole duration–but feel free to leave whenever you want.
Registration: No registration necessary
View Details


A Fall “Big Day” at Coastal Jones Beach
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Leader: Adelia Harrison
Description: Sparrows, raptors, late shorebirds and other waterbirds, early arriving sea birds and winter species. Potential western stray.
Registrar: Adelia Harrison email honeywood5@yahoo.com
View Details


**********

Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Robert Moses Hawk Watch
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Leader: More info to come. Check the View Details link
Description: More info to come. Check the View Details link
Registration: Please let Eileen Schwinn you will be coming: Beachmed@optonline.net
View Details


**********

Feminist Bird Club

NYC - Fall Migration at Pugsley Creek Park
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leaders: Haley Scott
Description: We’re hoping to see fall migrants: warblers, raptors, winter sparrows and possibly some weird ducks in the creek
Registration: Register via Eventbrite
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, October 9, 2022, 7:15am – 8:45am
Description: Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful early morning walking tours to discover the birds that make Green-Wood their home—at least temporarily. By September, offspring of nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Large numbers of blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows will also be passing through.
View Details


**********

Hudson River Audubon Society

BIG SIT and Hawk Watch at the Lenoir Nature Preserve
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 10:00am
Leader:
Description: The object of the "BIG SIT" is to tally as many bird species as we can in a day from a single position. We'll be out on the lawn behind the Mansion (our Hawk Watch sight) overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades. Bring a chair, drink and snacks and join us anytime on that day and help us find the birds. Rain date, Sunday, October 9.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
View Details


**********

Linnaean Society of New York

Staten Island Fall Migrants
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Leader: Seth Wollney
Description: This annual trip is led by an adjunct lecturer in the Biology Department at the College of Staten Island. The choice of locations will depend on current sighting reports. Past trips included stops at Conference House Park, overlooking Raritan Bay at the southernmost point of New York State; Mount Loretto (Bald Eagle); Great Kills Park (Royal and Caspian Terns, Little Blue Heron, Saltmarsh Sparrow); Arden Avenue Beach (Lesser Black-backed Gull); Oakwood Beach (Yellow-crowned Night-Heron); Miller Beach (gulls and terns); and/or anywhere else that our leader expects to find interesting birds.
Registration: Judi Rabi — jsrabi@verizon.net
View Details


Randall’s Island (Partnership Walk with LatinoOutdoors NYC)
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Leader: Rochelle Thomas
Description: Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day at one of NYC’s most recently restored natural areas, a magnet for shorebirds, songbirds, and many others! LO NYC and The Linnaean Society of NY invite you to an easy, all-ages guided bird walk, where we hope to witness the abundance of birdlife that visits our area during fall migration! As always, this event is FREE! Binoculars will be available for borrowing. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for attendees 18 years and older.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


Starr Saphir Memorial Fall Migration Walk, Central Park
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Leader: Lenore Swenson
Description: The fall and spring memorial walks honor Starr Saphir, a legend for her birding skills who led walks for nearly forty years in Central Park and elsewhere. She also taught courses in beginning birding at NYC Audubon, and was an inspiration to many. These walks, led by her longtime friend and mentee, will follow traditional paths and principles (“please don’t point at the birds”) of “Starr Trips” of the past. The fall walk covers many areas of Central Park’s north end in search of fall migrants, particularly warblers.
Registration: Lenore Swenson — lenoreswenson@gmail.com
View Details


**********

New York City Audubon

Free: Birding at Conference House Park in honor of World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: From songbirds to seabirds, discover a diversity of southbound fall migrants with long-time birder and Staten Island resident, Anthony Ciancimino.
Registration: Free. Registration not required but encouraged (it helps us know how many extra binoculars we should bring!).
View Details


Free: Prospect Park Walk with Gabriel Willow in honor of World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 8:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: Come celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with Gabriel Willow and get to know the fall migrants of “Brooklyn's Backyard,” beautiful Prospect Park. Prospect Park's meadows, forests, and waterways attract a dazzling variety of migratory birds on their way south, including warblers, tanagers, cuckoos, and more. Meet under the Memorial Arch at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


Free: Canarsie Bird Walk with Mike Yuan in honor of World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Mike Yuan
Description: Experience fall migration in the coastal woodlands, tidal channel, and one of the only freshwater ponds in Brooklyn, with Mike Yuan, NYC Audubon board executive vice president. Expect to see herons, shorebirds, flycatchers, vireos, warblers, and sparrows. All birding levels welcome. Please bring your own binoculars if you have them, but loaner binoculars will be available. Meet at the Canarsie Park House at Seaview Avenue and East 88th Street.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


Free: Bronx River Birding in honor of World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 8:00pm - 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Audubon and the Bronx River Alliance on a stroll along the Bronx River on World Migratory Bird Day! You'll get a chance to see and hear some of the many beautiful birds that live and fly through the city, especially those that rely on areas like the Bronx River. Along the way, we will also highlight the importance of biodiversity and urban green space for all wildlife. Our group will travel around Starlight Park and end down at Concrete Plant Park.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


Free: Inwood Hill Park Birding with the Natural Areas Conservancy on World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 8:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Loyan Beausoleil and Rachael Joakin
Description: Join birding experts Loyan Beausoleil and Rachael Joakin, and the Natural Areas Conservancy's Trails Community Engagement Manager, Josh Otero, on World Migratory Bird Day for a hike through Inwood Hill Park's mature forest in search of kinglets, warblers, flycatchers, sparrows, thrushes, and more. Then search the shore of the Inwood Hill Park salt marshes for herons and ducks. During the walk, the NAC will also highlight various trail initiatives and improvements happening in the park. It's a great opportunity to go birding and learn more about how trails increase our access to nature. Some hilly walking required.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


Free: Fort Tilden Hawk Watch on World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Don Riepe
Description: In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, NYC Audubon, in partnership with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the American Littoral Society, is hosting a Hawk Watch at Fort Tilden in the Breezy Point area of Rockaway Beach. We will hike along the beach, dunes, and woods of the fort to look for hawks, falcons, osprey, monarch butterflies, and maybe an eagle or two. Visit the Hawk Watch platform on top of Battery Harris East for great views of the ocean as migrating birds fly by at eye level. Kids welcome!.
Registration: RSVP Here
View Details


Free: Van Cortlandt Park Walks with Joe McManus and Jack Rothman
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Joe McManus and Jack Rothman
Description: 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. To celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists, join Bronx birders Joe McManus and Jack Rothman, who alternately guide these walks. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. These walks are held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


Free: “For the Birds” Brooklyn Botanic Garden Walk in honor of World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, NYC Audubon, Brooklyn Bird Club, Feminist Bird Club
Description: Join Brooklyn Botanic Garden and NYC Audubon birding experts on these special hour-long tours through the Garden to look for resident and visiting birds. Learn how to spot hawks, woodpeckers, Mallards, American Robins, Blue Jays, Cedar Waxwings, and more. Before or after the walk, enjoy the Garden’s special “For the Birds” exhibit. All ages welcome.
Registration: No advance registration is required for the bird walk but advance tickets for the Garden are recommended.
View Details


Free: Governors Island Bird Walk with Annie Barry in honor of World Migratory Bird Day
Saturdays, May through October 2022, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Leader: Annie Barry
Description: Meet in front of Nolan Park #17 and see the birds of Governors Island with one of our expert guides! Over 220 bird species have been spotted on the island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the bird life the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Registration: No RSVP required. Limited to 15. Free.
View Details


The Birds of Woodlawn Cemetery with Tod Winston, Joe McManus, and Susan Olsen
Sunday, October 9, 2022, 8:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Tod Winston and Joseph McManus
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 Director of Historical Services Susan Olsen will share fascinating stories about the cemetery’s history and the interesting mixture of individuals interred there. This walk is held in partnership with the Woodlawn Conservancy.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


Free: Intro to Birding in Marine Park with NYC Audubon
Sundays, October 2-30, 10-11am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest park, Marine Park. Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This walk series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance. Meet at the flagpole of the Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, located at 3301 Avenue U, Brooklyn.
Registration: Free. No registration required.
View Details


Free: “For the Birds” Brooklyn Botanic Garden Walks
Sundays, August 14; September 18; October 2, 9, 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, NYC Audubon, Brooklyn Bird Club, Feminist Bird Club
Description: Join Brooklyn Botanic Garden and NYC Audubon birding experts on these special hour-long tours through the Garden to look for resident and visiting birds. Learn how to spot hawks, woodpeckers, Mallards, American Robins, Blue Jays, Cedar Waxwings, and more. Before or after the walk, enjoy the Garden’s special “For the Birds” exhibit. All ages welcome.
Registration: Free with Garden admission. No limit. Meet inside the Brooklyn Botanic Garden at the Visitor Center. Please note that attendees are responsible for purchasing their own tickets to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which can be done on the Garden website. No advance registration is required for the bird walk but advance tickets for the Garden are recommended.
View Details


**********

North Shore Audubon Society

Humes and Upper Francis Pond
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Shelly - (516) 319-9661
Description:
Registration:
View Details


**********

Queens County Bird Club

Big Sit
Saturday, Oct 8, 2022, 7:45am - 12:00pm
Leader: Corey Finger - 10000birdsblogger@gmail.com
Description: The QCBC "Big Sit" takes place from dawn to dusk. You may come and go as you choose. Park in the lot shown in the map. Then, proceed west on Range Road (may also be called Murray Rd or Center Rd) until you reach the observation platform near Battery Harris East. You need to climb up several flights of stairs to access the platform.
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


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area
Sunday, October 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
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Bronx River Bird Walk at Bronx River House (in Starlight Park), Bronx
8:00am - 10:00am
Grab a pair of binoculars and see and learn about the beautiful birds that call the Bronx River home.
Free

Introduction to Birdwatching Walks at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00am - 12:00pm
Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk is for you!
Free

Birding: Fall Migrants at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Crotona Park to look for Fall migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Fall Birding at Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx
9:30am - 11:00am
Join naturalists and birder guides as you explore Wave Hill’s gardens, woodlands, and the skies overhead to look for resident and migrating birds.
Free

Wings Over Wave Hill Day at Wave Hill, Bronx
9:30am - 3:30pm
Our popular annual falconry demonstration returns—get your tickets now!—and the Family Art Project and bird walks for all ages and abilities round out the day.
Free

Skyhunters in Flight at Shade Border Lawn (in Wave Hill), Bronx
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Welcome back master falconer Brian Bradley and his beautiful and beloved raptors, here for a live bird presentation! Watch trained birds of prey sharpen their hunting skills during an exciting outdoor flight demonstration.
Free

Family Birding at Wave Hill House (in Wave Hill), Bronx
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Embark on an avian adventure with naturalist and birder Paul Keim. Explore the gardens looking for birds, nests, food sources, and other evidence of our feathered friends.
Free
...Read more