Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of March 1 - March 2, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Winter’s Swan Song at Shirley Chisholm State Park
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Leader:Max Epstein
Description: The focus is primarily coastal waterfowl, gulls, raptors, late winter land birds, and grassland species.
Registration: Donna Evans email devansny@earthlink.net
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 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. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, March 2,2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club 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. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, March 2, 2025, 6:45am - 8:15am
Description: Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that there aren’t interesting birds to discover in Green-Wood. For some bird species that migrate south after the breeding season, Brooklyn is their Miami during the cold months. Spend the early morning exploring the cemetery, looking for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and any half-hardy birds that decided to stick around. By February we’ll see some of the early north-bound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
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Hudson River Audubon Society

Marshlands Conservancy - Timberdoodles
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 4:00pm
Leader: Michael Bochnik
"Description: Afternoon and sunset at Marshlands Conservancy, 220 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY We will take a walk to the marsh looking for early spring arrivals, then check out the fields for displaying Timberdoodles, another name for American Woodcocks.
" Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

Brooklyn Coastal Birding
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: March is a time when few winter birds remain, and early spring migrants are just starting to arrive. However, birding in coastal Brooklyn is always satisfying. The trip involves visits to multiple sites, and in the past, it has featured Calvert Vaux Park, Coney Island Creek, Manhattan Beach Park, and Marine Park. Each site has a unique ecosystem with corresponding bird species. Highlights have included Black-headed Gulls, Eurasian Wigeons, Snowy Owls, Horned Larks, Eastern Meadowlarks, American Pipits, all three scoter species, loons, grebes, and both types of scaup.
Registration: Miriam Rakowski — rakowskimiriam@gmail.com
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Croton Point Park
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Leader: Ethan Goodman
Description: Croton Point Park is a 508-acre park on a peninsula on the east shore of the Hudson River. Easily reached by public transportation or car, the walk begins at the train station where Bald Eagles typically nest. This location is well known for Red-headed Woodpeckers. In past years, we have seen Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, American Tree Sparrows, Field Sparrows, Horned Larks, Snow Buntings, Common Goldeneyes, and Common Mergansers, among other species. This lengthy and often chilly walk includes hills, fields, pine groves, and a large landfill.
Registration: Suzanne Zywicki — suzannezywicki@hotmail.com
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Willowbrook Park Walk
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: We’ll meet in the parking lot at Eaton Place, off Richmond Avenue, then loop Willowbrook Lake, returning to do an out and back on the White Trail, passing the deer exclosures and crossing the bridge over the brook by the chimney to the restoration areas between the chimney and Rockland Avenue.  We’re not likely to see much of Spring this early in the year, so consider this a winter walk.  Some of the White Trail is a wet trail, so inclement weather, or a heavy rain the day before (but not a light rain) will cancel this walk.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036.


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South Shore Audubon Society

Mill Pond Park
Sunday, March 2, 2025
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
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Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of February 22 - February 23, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Common Goldeneye: Golden Target Bird #2 in a celebratory year
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Leader:Peter Dorosh
Description: In 2025, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the leader’s birding journey, which began in 1975 with his first spark bird, the Scarlet Tanager. To commemorate this milestone, the theme of the year’s celebrations will focus on bird species named “golden,” along with all birds that continue to inspire joy and wonder. Throughout the year, seven “golden” bird species will be featured in various walks and trips, honoring nature, the outdoors, and the many birds that enrich our lives. This trip will spotlight the Common Goldeneye, a species commonly found in specific locations across the eastern U.S. Our journey will begin at Manhattan Beach, followed by stops at Floyd Bennett Field and Gravesend Bay, where we will continue to explore and celebrate the beauty of birdlife.
Registration: Peter Dorosh, email Prosbird@gmail.com or Prosbird@aol.com
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, February 22, 2025, 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. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, February 23, 2025, 6:45am - 8:15am
Description: Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that there aren’t interesting birds to discover in Green-Wood. For some bird species that migrate south after the breeding season, Brooklyn is their Miami during the cold months. Spend the early morning exploring the cemetery, looking for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and any half-hardy birds that decided to stick around. By February we’ll see some of the early north-bound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Pelham Bay Park – Orchard Beach Area
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Leader: Jack Rothman
Description: Pelham Bay Park is New York City’s largest park, covering 2,772 acres. Our winter walks start at Orchard Beach and center around the northern forested areas of Hunter Island and Bartow-Pell Woods. The waters off Orchard Beach and Twin Island are excellent spots to scan flocks of overwintering waterfowl, loons, and grebes and Harbor Seals. Sightings from prior walks included Red-necked Grebes, Purple Sandpipers, American Widgeons, and Razorbills in the water. Tree Sparrows and hawks were seen on the land and in the air.
Registration: Evelyn Huang — evelynhuang1@yahoo.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Winter Birding at Pelham Bay Park
Sunday, February 23, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Richard Aracil
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance to explore New York City's largest park! Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat for a variety of migrating birds.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding in Central Park: Ramble to Reservoir
NEW DATE: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 8:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Enjoy a winter trek through Central Park. We'll explore the Lake, Ramble, and Turtle Pond in search of wintering songbirds and owls, and then trek up to the Reservoir to look for ducks, gulls, and Peregrine Falcons.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding in the Midtown Greenway
Sunday, February 23, 2025, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Leader: EsplanadeFriends
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and EsplanadeFriends to discover the East River Esplanade through the newly opened East Midtown Greenway! This green corridor spans from 53rd to 61st Street. Join us as we explore this new public space in search of water birds swimming in and flying over the East River.
Registration: Event Registration is closed.
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Queens County Bird Club

Baisley Pond
Sunday, February 23, 2025, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: John & Mary Borowski (347) 705-2963
Description: This mini-trip starts at 9am and ends before lunch. It is a great trip for beginners, but birders of all levels can enjoy the diversity of waterfowl we will see.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, travel west to the Belt Parkway. Exit at Cross Bay Boulevard (Exit 17) south. Continue south on Cross Bay Blvd. through Howard Beach and over the North Channel Bridge (also known as the Congressman Joseph P. Addabbo Bridge). The entrance to the refuge parking lot is on the right side of the road, at a traffic light approximately one and a half miles past the bridge.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, February 22, 2025
Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Parking Lot (in Manhattan Beach Park), Brooklyn
11:00am–12:30pm
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free
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Best of the Fortnight

Below of some favs taken during the first two weeks of February:

American Robin

American Kestrel

White-breasted Nuthatch

Cooper's Hawk with full crop

Red-tailed Hawk

Female Common Merganser

Hooded Mergansers

Merlin

Northern Pintail

'Jelena' Witch-hazel

Black-capped Chickadee

Immature Red-headed Woodpecker

Baltimore Oriole

Ice formation with leaves

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of February 15 - February 16, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 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. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, February 16, 2025, 6:45am - 8:15am
Registration: See details link below. Description: Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that there aren’t interesting birds to discover in Green-Wood. For some bird species that migrate south after the breeding season, Brooklyn is their Miami during the cold months. Spend the early morning exploring the cemetery, looking for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and any half-hardy birds that decided to stick around. By February we’ll see some of the early north-bound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
View Details


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NYC Bird Alliance

Winter Birding on Governors Island
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Leader:
Description: Meet the winter birds of Governors Island! Nearly 240 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 this winter. Don’t forget to bring binoculars and dress in warm layers!
Registration: Registration page
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Birding in Central Park: Ramble to Reservoir
Sunday, February 16, 2025, 8:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Enjoy a winter trek through Central Park. We'll explore the Lake, Ramble, and Turtle Pond in search of wintering songbirds and owls, and then trek up to the Reservoir to look for ducks, gulls, and Peregrine Falcons.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


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Queens County Bird Club

NJ Shore/Barnegat
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: Meeting location will be posted closer to the trip date. We will explore many of the duck ponds in coastal New Jersey, including Takanasee Lake, Shark River, and southward. We will view Manasquan Inlet from several locations. The highlight of the trip will be Barnegat Lighthouse for a walk on the jetty to view sea ducks, including Harlequins. Order of stops will be dependent on weather conditions. In addition, itinerary may be modified if there are any reported unusual sightings of birds in the area.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Preserve
Sunday, February 16, 2025
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, February 15, 2025
Birding: Bald Eagle Watch at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00am–11:30am
Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers. Please dress warmly.
Free

Birding: Bald Eagle Watch at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
11:00am–12:30pm
Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers. Please dress warmly.
Free

Sunday, February 16, 2025
Birding: All About Pigeons at Lawn Area (in Seaside Wildlife Nature Park), Staten Island
11:00am.–12:00pm
Pigeons are among some of the most abundant species of birds in our city. Learn more about what makes these birds so unique and interesting.
Free

Birding: You Gotta Love Birds at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
12:00pm–1:00pm
With Valentines Day in our rear view mirror, let's take a deeper look into the love lives of birds.

Marine Park Alliance Presents Beginner Birding: Bird Love at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
12:00pm.–1:00pm
Celebrate Valentine's Day with the birds! Learn about bird courtship rituals and get a chance to observe some for yourself. Sponsored by the Urban Park Rangers.
Free

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Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for Saturday, February 8 - Wednesday, February 12, 2025:

Bedford Audubon Society

Hudson River Eagle Trip
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Whether it’s your first or 101st time, seeing a Bald Eagle is always a thrill and the stretch of the Hudson River that borders northwestern Westchester holds the largest concentration of wintering Bald Eagles in the Northeast north of Chesapeake Bay.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 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. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
View Details


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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Dune Road, Shinnecock to Tiana
Saturday, February 8, 2025 . Meet at 8:00am
Leader: Eileen Schwinn
Description: Meet at the Hampton Bays side of the Shinnecock Inlet. Eileen Schwinn will be leading this trip.
Registration: Please contact Eileen to register and for questions, beachmed@optonline.net
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Gateway National Parks

Jamaica Bay: Winter Wander
Sunday, February 9, 2025, 1:00mm — 2:30pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Wander with a park ranger at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge while it’s a winter wonderland! Explore how plants and animals at the park survive and adapt to the winter. Open to all ages. Heavy rain/snow or wind chills below 25 degrees Fahrenheit will cancel this event. Dress for the weather.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: Yes
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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Jones Beach West End State Park Bird Walk
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: John Gluth, Mike Cooper
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Jones Beach West End for an early morning adventure.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 7:00am - 8:30am
Description: Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that there aren’t interesting birds to discover in Green-Wood. For some bird species that migrate south after the breeding season, Brooklyn is their Miami during the cold months. Spend the early morning exploring the cemetery, looking for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and any half-hardy birds that decided to stick around. By February we’ll see some of the early north-bound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Montauk Weekend
Saturday, February 8 - Sunday, February 9, 2025
Leader: Joseph DiCostanzo
Description: Montauk is the easternmost point of New York State and is known for the high numbers of ducks and pelagic birds that concentrate there in winter. On our way to and from Montauk, we will make several stops, including Point Lookout, Jones Beach, and various freshwater ponds. We will spend the night at Daunt’s Albatross Motel.
Registration: Amanda Bielskas — bielskas@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Birding at Freshkills North Park
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Join Staten Island resident Anthony Ciancimino for a tour of Freshkills Park’s North Park. This park is a beautiful oasis of wetlands and grasslands, where you can expect to see a wide variety of wintering waterfowl, raptors, and sparrows.
Registration: Registration page
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Winter Birding at Shirley Chisholm State Park
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Outdoor Afro
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and Outdoor Afro to explore the largest state park in New York City, Shirley Chisholm State Park! Named after the trailblazing Shirley Chisholm—Brooklyn native, first African American Congresswoman, and the first woman and African American to run for President—this park is a must-see. Built on what was once a landfill, the park is now a thriving spot full of wildlife, including hawks, waterfowl, wetlands, and native plants. Come out and enjoy the beauty of this amazing space while honoring Shirley Chisholm’s incredible legacy!
Registration: Registration page
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

A Walk in Wolfe’s Pond Park
Sunday, February 9, 2025, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: Meet at the entrance to the Park and Ride at the end of Herbert Avenue (off Seguine). We will walk through the lesser visited (but often biked) north side of the park, pausing beside Acme Pond, then cross Hylan Blvd. to visit the Wolfe’s Pond berm on Ratitan Bay. We’ll return by the main White Trail, recross Hylan, then follow the Blue Trail, passing the bluebelt dam behind Tottenville High School. This may be a cold walk, so dress warmly! Heavy rain, but not a light drizzle, will cancel this walk.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036
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South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, take Exit 18 (Eagle Avenue) south to Field 3 (use second park entrance and make an immediate left turn.)
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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