Here's a selection of my favorite photos from the second half of May.
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| Common Grackle |
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| Common Fleabane |
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| Hermit Thrush |
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| Swainson's Thrush |
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| Common Yellowthroat |
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| Eastern Wood-Pewee |
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| Male & female Barn Swallow |
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| European Beech |
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| Hawkweed |
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| Sachem skipper butterfly |
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| A "Museum" of Waxwings |
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| Female Brown-headed Cowbird |
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| Pink Rose |
Week 21 in Green-Wood Cemetery saw the final push of the Spring migration. Most of the warblers have passed through the area already with only the late species seen in declining abundance. The vast majority of the songbirds seen are species that will be nesting locally. I tallied only six species of warbler over the week.
Flycatchers were the last family of birds to stop off in Brooklyn on their way to more northern breeding grounds. While some Eastern Kingbird and Great Crested Flycatcher will nest in the cemetery, most flycatchers just be stopping off to rest and refuel. Acadian Flycatcher and Olive-sided Flycatchers were both spotted calling and hawking for insects last week.
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| Barn Swallows pairing off and nesting in or nearbly Green-Wood |
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| Olive-sided Flycatcher at a favorite perch |
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| Gregarious Cedar Waxwings looking for mates |
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| Red-tailed Hawk nestling |
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| American Robin fledgling |
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| Common Grackle fledgling |
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| Canada Geese with 5 goslings |
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| Sachem skipper on iris |
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| White Clover |
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| Dropped Linden flowers |
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| Thornless Honey Locust |
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| Nannyberry |
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| Beardtongue |
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| Ohio Spiderwort |
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| Hawkweed |
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| Chinese Peony |
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| Mountain Laurel |
Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, June 1 - Sunday, June 2, 2024:
Bedford Audubon Society
Field Trip to Bashakill Marsh & Shawangunks Grassland
Saturday, June 1, 2024, 7:30am - 2:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description:Come with us to a designated Bird Conservation Area that has 200+ species of birds including nesting Bald Eagles and Ospreys. Grab your binoculars and join Naturalist Tait Johansson for a full morning of birding on our Field Trip to Bashakill Marsh/Shawangunk Grasslands.Bashakill supports wetland-dependent breeding species like Virginia Rail, Sora, Common Gallinule, bitterns, cuckoos, and a large array of songbirds. The National Wildlife Refuge has breeding populations of Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, and Grasshopper Sparrow.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
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Bird Walk at Lasdon
Sunday, June 2, 2024, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join us at Westchester’s Public Garden. Hosted by the Friends of Lasdon Park and Arboretum in Katonah, Naturalist Tait Johansson will lead us on a guided walk, on the lookout for EasternBluebird, Eastern Towhee, Blue-winged Warbler, and Worm-eating Warbler. Lasdon is a magnificent 234-acre property consisting of woodlands, open grass meadows and formal gardens with flower and shrub specimens from all over the world.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
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Brooklyn Bird Club
A Journey To Edward Forsythe NWR (Brigatine)
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Leader: Adelia Harrison
Description: A one-day trip to one of the best birding spots on the east coast. You never know what you will find at Brigantine! The trip will be by car on an 8-mile loop around the marsh with regular stops, as well as hitting some spots around the visitors center. Expect passerines, terns, gulls, shorebirds,Bitterns, and waterfowl. Recent years have yielded Brown Pelican and rarities such as Black-necked Stilt, Black Tern, and Cattle Egret.
Registration: Adelia Harrison , email honeywood5@yahoo.com
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First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, June 2, 2024, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Paul Keim, Brooklyn Bird Club
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.
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Joint South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) and ELIAS Eric Salzman Memorial Walk
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Leader: Eileen Schwinn
Description: This annual walk around the open fields and edge-lined woods of SoFo offered excellent views of resident nesting warblers and song birds – and sometimes, some interesting bird surprises! Approximately 1.5 miles on wide, neatly mowed paths, with multiple stops to observe and listen, this walk honors the late Eric Salzman, a director of SoFo and long-time friend and mentor to many members of ELIAS, including the leader, Eileen.
Registration: Please register with SoFo 632-537-9734.
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Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace
Sunday, June 2, 2024, 6:00am - 7:30am
Description: Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful early morning walking tours to discover the many birds that make Green-Wood their home—at least temporarily. From ruby-throated hummingbirds to over twenty species of colorful wood warblers, our peak migration tours will feature many of the 163 bird species that have been recorded at Green-Wood during the month of May. Beginning just after sunrise, we will experience spring’s dawn chorus at the most active time of day for birds.
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Birding in Peace: Late-Risers Edition (Members Only)
Sunday, June 2, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Description: You may know birding expert Rob Jett from his Birding in Peace tours. You know, the ones that meet at 6 am? Always wanted to go on a birding tour at Green-Wood but not a morning person? This tour is for you! The early birder might “get the worm” but you can birdwatch at any hour. Join Rob and a small group of fellow members to roam the grounds while hearing and seeing the many feathered friends of Green-Wood.
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Linnaean Society of New York
Central Park Botany Walk
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Leader: Regina Alvarez
Description: Bring a notebook and a magnifying glass or small pair of close-focus binoculars; this will enhance your experience. We will learn about flowering plants from majestic trees like the Tulip Tree down to one of the tiniest flowers, Duckweed. We will examine the tiny reproductive parts of each flowering plant and learn how they are designed for pollination and seed dispersal. We’ll learn which plants are native and which non-native. We’ll look at some fascinating ferns; some produce spores on the backs of the fronds, and others have a special spore structure. We will also look at non-plants, such as lichens, fungi, and more. We will investigate symbiotic relationships between the different organisms we find. Be prepared for a fascinating journey into the world of botany!
Registration: Amanda Bielskas — bielskas@gmail.com
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New York City Audubon
Black Birders Week: Birding at Riverside Park
Saturday, June 1, 2024, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: ____
Description: Join NYC Audubon and the Riverside Park Conservancy on a bird outing on the last day of Black Birders Week 2024! Right on the edge of the Hudson River, Riverside Park provides beautiful views of the water and great habitat for migratinng birds.
Registration: Registration page
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Let's Go Birding Together on Governors Island
Saturday, June 1, 2024, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Leader: ____
Description: Nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors 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 birdlife the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Registration: No registration required. Free.
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Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Sunday June 2, 2024, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Sam Philbert
Description: Explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest green space, Marine Park! Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance.
Registration: No registration required. Free.
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Queens Botanical Garden Birding
Sunday, June 2, 2024, 9:30am - 10:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the resources the Garden offers to birds and other wildlife. These outings are held in partnership with the Queens Botanical Garden.
Registration: Registration page
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Queens County Bird Club
Ward Pound Ridge
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Leader: Eric Miller (917) 279-7530
Description: QCBC's annual trip to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in northern Westchester County.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location. Ask whether to pack a lunch or whether to plan on eating lunch out.
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South Shore Audubon Society
Massapequa Park – Bird Walk & Annual Picnic!
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway, turn north onto Broadway, Massapequa. Travel under the Long Island Rail Road overpass, then make the first right onto Veterans Boulevard (headed east). Go past the Massapequa train station and into the parking lot at the east end of the station. The preserve is directly east of the parking lot.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Summer on the Hudson: Birding Walks at Ilka Tanya Payan Plaza, Manhattan
9:00am – 10:30am
Explore Riverside Park on a family-friendly bird walk in celebration of Black Birders Week. In partnership with NYC Audubon.
Free
Rockaway's Black Birders Week Celebration at The Garden By The Bay
10:00am – 3:00pm
The Garden by the Bay in collaboration the NYC Plover Project will be hosting Rockaway’s 1st ever Black Birders Week Celebration. Join us as we uplift and celebrate the Black Birders experience through a day in nature.
Free
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Birding: Black Birders Week at Freshkills North Park Entrance (in Freshkills Park), Staten Island
9:00am – 10:30am
Learn about prominent Black naturalists and ecologists who have helped shape the field of ornithology.
Free
Black Birders Week: Shorebird Families at Beach 30th Street Playground, Queens
10:00am – 11:00am
Celebrate Black Birders Week and learn more about plovers, terns, oystercatchers and other shorebirds that nest on Rockaway Beach every year.
Free
Peak migration period is both exhilarating and exhausting. The long days spent outdoors tracking the hundreds (sometimes thousands) of singing birds wears me out, but I can't not do it. I lead more tours in mid-May, but would be outside finding birds irregardless. My fitness tracker claims I walked 26 miles this past weekend. Not surprised I've already worn out one pair of boots this year.
One of the most notable changes in the bird status is the sudden uptick in Cedar Waxwings. These relatively late breeders were seen in fairly large flocks all last week. In addition to the waxwings, goldfinches are now breeding around the cemetery. At least three male Brown Thrashers are singing from high perches, either looking for a mate or, having found one, are claiming their territory.
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| Cedar Waxwings |
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| American Goldfinch |
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| Brown Thrasher |
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| Hairy Woodpecker |
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| Swainson's Thrush |
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| Scarlet Tanager |
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| Eastern Wood-Pewee |
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| Blackpoll Warbler |
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| Pignut Hickory |
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| Black Locust |
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| Black Cherry |
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| Fringetree |
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| Tuliptree |
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| Star-of-Bethlehem |
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| Common Fleabane |
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| Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium reptans) |
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| Red Clover |
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| Eastern Red Columbine |
Below are the birding/nature trips from Wednesday, May 22 - Sunday, May 26, 2024:
Brooklyn Bird Club
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, May 25, 2024, 7:00am - 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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Birds and insects at the Naval Cemetery Landscape–Brooklyn Navy Yard
Saturday, May 25, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Matthew Wills, naturalist (BBC) and Eric Thompson, gardener and naturalist (BGI)
Description: Explore this native pollinator meadow and memorial landscape. The walk will focus primarily on insects and late migrating birds. This event will be at the Naval Cemetery Landscape (NCL). The NCL is fully operated and made open as a public space by Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI) through the generosity of supporters. Stop by and enjoy the NCL’s native pollinator habitat and contemplative memorial urban meadow and learn about the NCL and the Greenway and what goes into maintaining their beauty and accessibility for every visitor, especially the many species of birds for which they intentionally cultivate habitat and resources.
Registration: Registration page
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Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, May 25, 2024, 7:30am
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.
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Manorville Hills
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Leader: Tom Moran
Description: Tom Moran takes the lead for this walk (tjmoran101@gmail.com) – meet him at the first parking area within the park, located on the east side of County Road 111 (Captain Daniel Roe Highway), Manorville. Various trails in various habitats usually host a nice selection of our returning nesting birds among the new growth woods and shrubs. Sometimes hilly, this walk is approximately 2.5 miles.
Registration: Eileen Schwinn - beachmed@optonline.net
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Gateway National Parks
Birdwatching with a Ranger at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, May 25, 2024, 10:30 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join Ranger Flor for a bird walk to the new living shoreline of West Pond Trail. Binoculars are provided.
Registration: Call 718-338-3799 to reserve. Tour will be capped at 10 participants. Social distancing will be maintained. Face mask required.
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Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 6:00am - 7:30am
Description: Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful early morning walking tours to discover the many birds that make Green-Wood their home—at least temporarily. From ruby-throated hummingbirds to over twenty species of colorful wood warblers, our peak migration tours will feature many of the 163 bird species that have been recorded at Green-Wood during the month of May. Beginning just after sunrise, we will experience spring’s dawn chorus at the most active time of day for birds.
View Details
Birding in Peace
Sunday, May 26, 2024, 6:00am - 7:30am
Description: Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful early morning walking tours to discover the many birds that make Green-Wood their home—at least temporarily. From ruby-throated hummingbirds to over twenty species of colorful wood warblers, our peak migration tours will feature many of the 163 bird species that have been recorded at Green-Wood during the month of May. Beginning just after sunrise, we will experience spring’s dawn chorus at the most active time of day for birds.
View Details
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Hudson River Audubon Society
Shawangunk National Wildlife Reserve
Sunday May 26, 2024, Meet at 8:00am
Leader:
Description: An old airport now turned into an expanse of grassland. We will look for Meadowlarks, Bobolinks, Grasshopper Sparrows and others as we explore the refuge for species attracted by this habitat.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York
Shawangunk Grasslands N.W.R
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: This spring trip will be in search of migratory and grassland-dependent breeding birds, butterflies, and odonates. We will most likely see and hear Grasshopper Sparrows, Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Eastern Bluebirds, and more. A few years ago, the Henslow’s Sparrow was found singing here, to the delight of many.
Registration: Mary Beth Kooper — marybeth@nyc.rr.com
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New York City Audubon
NYCHA in Nature: Yellow-Crowned Night Heron Surveying at Hammel
Saturday, May 25, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: ____
Description: Join us for a special event that combines both NYC Audubon's NYCHA in Nature and Harbor Herons programs. Over the last several years, colonies of Yellow-Crowned Night Herons have nested in the Rockaways, specifically at the Hammel and Redfern NYCHA housing complexes. Join NYC Audubon scientists to learn more about these rare birds, and count their nests and chicks!
Registration: Registration page
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NYCHA in Nature: Yellow-Crowned Night Heron Surveying at Redfern
Saturday, May 25, 2024, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Leader: ____
Description: Join us for a special event that combines both NYC Audubon's NYCHA in Nature and Harbor Herons programs. Over the last several years, colonies of Yellow-Crowned Night Herons have nested in the Rockaways, specifically at the Hammel and Redfern NYCHA housing complexes. Join NYC Audubon scientists to learn more about these rare birds, and count their nests and chicks!
Registration: Registration page
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Governors Island Bird tour
Saturday, May 25, 2024, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors 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 birdlife the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow. The tour will meet on Governors Island in front of the NEW location of our seasonal environmental center: Colonels Row House 405B.
Registration: No registration required. Free. Binoculars are available to borrow.
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Breeding Birds of Jamaica Bay
Sunday, May 26, 2024, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Join NYC Audubon's Tod Winston at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and explore this gem of New York City on an early morning stroll. The Refuge is home to nesting Cedar Waxwings, Brown Thrashers, Tree Swallows, Yellow Warblers, American Redstarts, Osprey, Willets, Clapper Rails, and up to seven species of wading birds. We'll traverse the refuge trails and observe these species and many more on their breeding grounds.
Registration: Registration page
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Black Birders Week: Beginner Birding at Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Sunday, May 26, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: ____
Description: Join NYC Audubon and NY State Parks for a morning stroll in Marsha P. Johnson State Park, named after LGBTQ civil rights icon and Black trans woman, Marsha P. Johnson. Overlooking the East River, this park provides great views of the city and of waterbirds off the coast.
Registration: Registration link to come.
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York Botanical Garden Bird Tour
Sunday, May 26, 2024, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Jack Rothman
Description: Join NYC Audubon and the New York Botanical Garden for some spring birding! Get to see some of NYBG’s diverse landscape and learn why this unique green space is such a vital haven for a great variety of species year-round. The tour will meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Native Plant Garden.
Registration: Registration not required. No limit. Free.
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North Shore Audubon Society
Garvies Point Museum &Preserve
Saturday, May 25, 2024, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Ralph (516) 445-7846
Description: Garvies Point Museum & Preserve, 50 Barry Dr, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Registration: Contact leader.
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Great Kills Park Bird Walk
Saturday, May 25, 2024, 8:00pm - 11:00am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Enjoy the peak of shorebird migration at Great Kills Park, one of the premiere destinations for birding on Staten Island. Join Anthony Ciancimino and Protectors of Pine Oak Woods for a walk and discussion on shorebird identification, the importance of salt marshes and open beach habitats, and the history of Great Kills Park in relation to beach-nesting birds like Piping Plovers. Meet at the parking lot at the entrance of the park (Hylan Blvd. and Buffalo St.).
Registration: For more information contact Anthony Ciancimino at sibirdwatcher@yahoo.com.
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Queens County Bird Club
Bashakill and Shawangunk
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: All day trip. Explore the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area in Sullivan County, NY, featuring extensive marsh and forested areas between two mountain ranges. Plus a side trip to Shawangunk Grasslands NWR.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location. Ask whether to pack a lunch or whether to plan on eating lunch out.
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South Shore Audubon Society
Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area
Saturday, May 25, 2024
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, May 25, 2024
Wonderful Warblers at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00am – 1:00pm
Join the Alliance at the Prospect Park Audubon Center to discover why Prospect Park is an important place for over 250 species of birds.
Free
Riverside Park Birding Club at 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
8:00am – 9:30am
Monthly walks through birding hotspots in Riverside Park. Learn and build a birding community.
Free
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Wonderful Warblers at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00am – 1:00pm
Join the Alliance at the Prospect Park Audubon Center to discover why Prospect Park is an important place for over 250 species of birds.
Free
Black Birders Week: Migration and Meditation Birding at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
11:00am – 12:30pm
Let your mind take flight like our feathered friends, and reflect on the natural peace and beauty birding brings out.
Free
Here are my favorite shots from the first two weeks of May.
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| Black-and-white Warbler |
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| Hooded Warbler |
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| Cerulean Warbler |
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| White-crowned Sparrow |
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| Prairie Warbler |
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| Red Admiral |
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| Gray Catbird and termites |
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| Magnolia Warbler |
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| Blackburnian Warbler |
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| Great Egret |
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| Blue-eyed Grass |
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| Poet's Daffodil |
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| Bobolink |
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| Northern Parula |
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| American Goldfinch |
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