Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of April 5 - April 6, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 5, 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, April 6, 2025, 6:305am - 8:00am
Description: March sees the beginning of longer days and at Green-Wood Cemetery we’ll track many of the nearly 40 overwintering bird species. Thawed ponds could hold several species of waterfowl, possibly a rarity or two. Arriving Common Grackles will be looking for nest sites and our local Red-tailed Hawks will be working on their nest. American Woodcocks also visit the cemetery in early spring. We’ll be on the lookout for the arrival of the first Eastern Phoebe’s - a harbinger of the spring songbird migration. By the end of the month, birds that had been mostly silent throughout the colder, darker weeks, will suddenly be tuning up their songs for a joyous spring chorus.
View Details


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NYC Bird Alliance

Bilingual Birding at Sunset Park: Mandarin-English
Saturday, April 5, 2025, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Xinyi Zhang
Description: Join bird guide Xinyi Zhang for a Mandarin-English bilingual bird outing in the small but beautiful Sunset Park. This green space is known to provide breathtaking views of Manhattan, especially at sunset. A wide variety of birds have also been sighted here, including Brown-headed Cowbirds, Cedar Waxwings, and Common Nighthawks.
Registration: Registration page
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Accessible Birding in Carl Schurz Park
Saturday, April 5, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Alex Wang
Description: Found in the Upper East Side, Carl Schurz Park is a picturesque green space, with promenades, lawns, and peaceful sitting areas. Located right on the coast of the East River, this park offers beautiful sights and sounds of waterbirds. Warblers, sparrows, raptors, and more also use this park as a stopover during migration.
Registration: Registration page
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Intro to Birding in Prospect Park
Sunday, April 6, 2025, 8:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Are you curious about birding but don’t have much (or any) experience? Join NYC Bird Allliance's Tod Winston in Prospect Park, Brooklyn's backyard! This is the perfect time to learn the basics with spring migration just around the corner. Binoculars available upon request.
Registration: Registration page
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Spring Birding in Crotona Park
Sunday, April 6, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Richard Aracil
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance this spring to explore beautiful Crotona Park. Its meadows, flowering trees, and sizable pool provide excellent habitats for a variety of birds, including woodpeckers, warblers, and wading birds.
Registration: Registration page
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Bilingual Birding at Alley Pond Park: Spanish - English
Sunday, April 6, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Oliver Lopez
Description: Alley Pond Park es un tesoro ecológico. Este parque, que contiene humedales de agua dulce y salada, bosques, marismas, praderas y paisajes formados por glaciares, alberga una gran variedad de aves. Únete a NYC Bird Alliance para un paseo por este espacio verde en inglés y español, dirigido por el naturalista Oliver Lopez.
Registration: Registration page
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North Shore Audubon Society

US Coast Guard Station - Jones Beach
Saturday, April 5, 2021 8:00am – 11:00am
Leader: Alissa (516) 578-3058
Description:
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Sunday, April 6, 2025
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
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, April 5, 2025
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

Famly-Friendly Bird Walk at Pier 1 (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
11:00am–12:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk along the Salt Marsh Nature Trail to discover and learn about different migratory birds that are in the NYC area during early Spring.
Free

Sunday, April 6, 2025
Birding: Beginner Birding at Brookville Boulevard and Caney Road (in Brookville Park), Queens
2:00pm–3:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Brookville Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
Free
...Read more

Best of the Fortnight

Here's a selection of my favorite shots from the second two weeks of March. They are arranged in chronological order:

Higan Cherry blossoms

Red Maple buds

Immature Red-tailed Hawk

Osprey

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Turkey Vultures

Monk Parakeet eating cherry buds

American Chestnut husks

American Kestrel

Red-headed Woodpecker

Star Magnolia

American Witch hazel

Paperbush

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Phoebe

Song Sparrow

Secret tree world

Familiar Silhouette

White-breasted Nuthatch

 

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of March 29 - March 30, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 29, 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

A Golden-crowned Kinglet or Bust in Prospect Park
Saturday, March 29, 2025, 7:30am - 12:00pm
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 mark this special milestone, the theme of the year’s celebrations will focus on bird species with the name “golden,” along with all birds that continue to inspire joy and wonder. Throughout the year, seven “golden” bird species will be featured in walks and trips, honoring nature, the outdoors, and the many birds that enrich our lives. This trip will spotlight the Golden-crowned Kinglet, a species commonly found in city parks across the eastern U.S. during early spring. Our journey will take place in the historic Prospect Park.
Registration: Not required.
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Gateway National Parks

Jamaica Bay Junior Ranger Birding Walk
Sunday, March 30, 2025, 11:00 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Calling all Junior Rangers! Explore the trails of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and learn about birds with a park ranger. The program will be followed by a special Junior Ranger “swearing-in” ceremony. This program is recommended for ages 6-10 but Junior Rangers of all ages and their families are welcome to join. Binoculars will be provided.
Registration: Not required.
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, March 30, 2025, 6:45am - 8:15am
Description: March sees the beginning of longer days and at Green-Wood Cemetery we’ll track many of the nearly 40 overwintering bird species. Thawed ponds could hold several species of waterfowl, possibly a rarity or two. Arriving Common Grackles will be looking for nest sites and our local Red-tailed Hawks will be working on their nest. American Woodcocks also visit the cemetery in early spring. We’ll be on the lookout for the arrival of the first Eastern Phoebe’s - a harbinger of the spring songbird migration. By the end of the month, birds that had been mostly silent throughout the colder, darker weeks, will suddenly be tuning up their songs for a joyous spring chorus.
View Details


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Linnaean Society of New York

Staten Island Hot Spots and Early Spring Migrants
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Leader: Seth Wollney
Description: Staten Island is a wonderland of habitats and a spectacular place to see birds, particularly during spring migration. The island’s southern shore offers fantastic coastal birding, and the Greenbelt, located at the center of the island, boasts a 2,800-acre network of forests. Trip locations are selected each year based on recent sightings and known hotspots. 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 anywhere else that our leader expects to find interesting birds.
Registration: Kristin Ellington — krs10ellington@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Birding at Blue Heron Park
Saturday, March 29, 2025, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Discover a diversity of spring migrants with longtime birder and Staten Island resident, Anthony Ciancimino. Expect to see a variety of species of warblers, thrushes, and other songbirds that utilize the important wooded swamps found at the park.
Registration: Registration page
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Spring Birding in Van Cortlandt Park
Saturday, March 29, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Alyssa Bueno
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance on a bird tour in one of the Bronx's largest green spaces. Participants will look for various species of resident and migrant birds and discuss a wide range of avian topics. This event is held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
Registration: Registration page
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Let's Go Birding Together on Randall's Island
Saturday, March 29, 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader:
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and the Randall's Island Park Alliance for an early spring Let's Go Birding Together event. NYC's Bird Alliance Let’s Go Birding Together walks welcome the LGBTQ+ community, allies, families, and anyone looking for a fun, inclusive birding experience. Meet others with the same love for birds and discover the diverse habitats of Randall's Island from meadows, marshland, and shoreline.
Registration: Registration page
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Intro to Birding in Central Park
Sunday, March 30, 2025, 8:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Are you curious about birding but don’t have much (or any) experience? Join NYC Bird Allliance's Tod Winston in Central Park, a birding hotspot, where you’ll learn the basics and spot everything from lively sparrows, finches, woodpeckers, ducks, and more. Binoculars available upon request.
Registration: Registration page
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Queens Botanical Garden Birding
Sunday, March 30, 2025, 9:30am - 1030am
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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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

A Walk at Blue Heron Park
Saturday, March 29, 2025, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: We’ll meet in the Blue Heron Nature Center parking lot, 222 Pollion Avenue, then cross the street using the Blue Trail to visit Butterfly Pond, then loop back to the Nature Center using the Yellow and Red Trails.  With luck, some buds will be breaking. If time permits, we will also loop Spring Pond.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036. Inclement weather—but not a light rain—will cancel this walk.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Point Lookout Town Park (and Lido Preserve afterwards)
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, exit onto the Meadowbrook State Parkway south. Exit from the Meadowbrook at Loop Parkway (just before the Jones Beach toll booths) toward Point Lookout. The Loop Parkway ends west of Point Lookout at Lido Boulevard. Continue straight across Lido Boulevard into Point Lookout Park. Travel past the ticket booths and curve left into the very large parking lot on the south side of the park. Park in the southeast corner, closest to the private homes of the village of Point Lookout and the beach. We will walk east along the beach toward Jones Inlet. After returning to the parking lot, we will drive west on Lido Boulevard to Lido Beach Passive Nature Preserve on the north side of Lido Boulevard to walk through the bay marsh.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Sullivan County Audubon Society

Woodcock Walk
Saturday, March 29. 6:45pm
Leader: _____
Description: Meet in Livingston Manor town parking lot (by the stoplight) at 6:45 p.m. We will carpool a short distance from there at 7:00 pm.
Registration: Please call Renee Davis if you need more information at 845-798-3266. Rain, wind, or snow will cancel this event and a rain date of Sunday, March 30 will apply.
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, March 29, 2025
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

Birding: Early Spring Migrants at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00am–12:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk along the Salt Marsh Nature Trail to discover and learn about different migratory birds that are in the NYC area during early Spring.
Free

...Read more

Upcoming Trips

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

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 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.
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Boogie Down Birding: The Bronx’s Pelham Bay Park
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Leader: Tim Graves and Ryan Goldberg
Description: Visit the city’s largest park, Pelham Bay, in the only borough that is part of the North American continent. (The rest is an archipelago.) We’ll look for a range of species, such as early migrating passerines in its coastal forest, waterfowl on Long Island Sound, and wintering shorebirds on the Sound’s rocky Twin Island. We’ll also explore the peaceful woods of Hunter Island and its famous pine grove. It’s been many years since the BBC has traveled to this great park.
Registration: Ryan Goldberg, email: ryangoldberg@gmail.com
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace: Late-Risers Edition (Members Only)
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 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 6am? Always wanted to go on a birding tour at Green-Wood but not much of a morning person? This tour is for you! Winter at Green-Wood brings plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, with fascinating species to spot even in the colder months. For some migratory birds, Brooklyn serves as their warm-weather getaway during winter. Explore the cemetery and keep an eye out for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and other birds that choose to stick around for the season. By March, 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

“Ducking” at Smith Pond, Rockville Center, NY
Sunday, March 23, 2025 , 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: This small Long Island Pond is known for a variety of ducks including Ring-necked Duck and Green-winged Teal. Both Long-billed Dowitcher and Common Snipe also overwinter here.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Littoral Society

Early Spring Migration Bird Walk
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Don Riepe
Description: Join Don Riepe, the Littoral Society's Jamaica Bay Guardian, at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge for a hike around the ponds and gardens to look for returning Osprey, Phoebes, Glossy Ibis, and many other early spring migrants. Also, enjoy a digital slide presentation to learn about bird behavior, migration and how they survive winter. $10 to non-members and Free to members.
Registration: Registration page
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NYC Bird Alliance

Bilingual Birding at Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Oliver Lopez
Description: Comparte con NYC Bird Alliance irigida por el naturalista Oliver Lopez a lo largo de Willow Lake en Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Ve gorriones, pinzones, patos, aves zancudas y más. ¡Los observadores de aves principiantes son muy bienvenidos!
Registration: Registration page
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Early Spring Birding in Jamaica Bay
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Come out to look for wintering waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds, as well as early spring migrants, at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge's East and West Ponds.
Registration: Registration page
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Accessible Birding in Fort Tryon Park
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Alex Wang
Description: Beautiful Fort Tryon Park commands sweeping views of the Palisades and the Hudson River from soaring cliffs of bedrock in northern Manhattan. Past encounters include a variety of birds such as Bald Eagles and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


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NYC Queer Birders

Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 10:00am
Leader: Kelly McGarry
Description: Meet at Gothic Arches
Registration: Registration not required.
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North Fork Audubon Society

“Return of the Osprey” Celebration with Mattituck Park District & Turtleback Farm
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: ____
Description: Get ready for another season of this conservation champion, the Osprey, North Fork’s beloved and iconic comeback kid. From beach clean-ups to Osprey nesting platform installations, prepare for this fish-eating raptor’s return through this annual celebration.
Registration: Not required.
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Crooke’s Point
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Paul Lederer
Description: Maritime spits such as Crooke’s Point are dynamic typographical features which are formed and sculpted by water and wind action. Join naturalist Paul T. Lederer in a talk and walk where he will discuss the geology and human history of the site as well as the plants and animals that call this place home. Participants will meet at the Beach Center Parking Lot in Great Kills Park near the dirt road leading out to Crooke’s Point.
Registration: For more information or directions contact Paul Lederer at 718-354-9200
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Saw Mill River Audubon Society

Woodcock Walk at Croton Point
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Leader: Members of SMRA
Description: Dress for the weather forecast. Bring binoculars if you have them. We will not have loaner binoculars for this walk.
Registration: See details link.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Saturday, March 22, 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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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, March 22, 2025
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

Birding: Early Spring Migration at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
11:00am–12:30pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Central Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free

Best of the Fortnight

Here are my best photos from the second two weeks of March. As we get closer to April, we'll be seeing more changes in the bird arrivals, as well as, big changes in the botanics.

American Woodcock

Sleepy Song Sparrow

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Trapped feather

Dutch Yellow Crocus

Last year's hydrangea

Red-headed Woodpecker with earthworm

European Beech magic window

2nd year Bald Eagle

Immature Cooper's Hawk

Groundhog

Spring Crocus

Upcoming Trips

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

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip to Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge & Black Dirt Region
Sunday, March 16, 2025, 8:30am - 2:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: The Green-winged Teal is the smallest dabbling duck in North America. With a little luck, we just might see hundreds of them on this month’s Field Trip to Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge and Black Dirt Region with Naturalist Tait Johansson. This area is rich with species of waterfowl, waterbirds, raptors, and songbirds. At this time of year, possible sightings also include hundreds of Northern Pintails, Horned Lark, Snow Bunting, and perhaps Lapland Larkspur. Tait also hopes for lingering Rough-legged Hawk and flocks of Snow Geese.
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, March 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.
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Transition Time at Marine Park Salt Marsh
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Leader: Heydi Lopes
Description: Transitional time for late winter migrants merged with incoming spring species in the grasslands, meadows, open spaces, thickets as well as at coastal, bay and shoreline.
Registration: Dennis Hrehowsik email deepseagangster@gmail.com
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, March 16, 2025, 7:00am - 8:30am
Description: 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. March sees the beginning of longer days and at Green-Wood Cemetery we’ll track many of the nearly 40 overwintering bird species. Thawed ponds could hold several species of waterfowl, possibly a rarity or two. Arriving Common Grackles will be looking for nest sites and our local Red-tailed Hawks will be working on their nest. American Woodcocks also visit the cemetery in early spring. We’ll be on the lookout for the arrival of the first Eastern Phoebe’s - a harbinger of the spring songbird migration. By the end of the month, birds that had been mostly silent throughout the colder, darker weeks, will suddenly be tuning up their songs for a joyous spring chorus.
View Details


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NYC Bird Alliance

Prospect Park Birding
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Ronnie Almonte
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and explore the “Brooklyn's Backyard,” beautiful Prospect Park. Come see the winter residents that call the meadows, forests, and waterways of Prospect Park home.
Registration: Registration page
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Winter Birding on Governors Island
Saturday, March 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 at Mount Loretto Unique Area
Sunday, March 16, 2025, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Join Staten Island resident and longtime birder, Anthony Ciancimino, as we explore the diverse habitats found at Mount Loretto Unique Area. Look for resident winter birds!
Registration: Registration page
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Queens County Bird Club

Breezy Point
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 7:45am - 12:00pm
Leader: Joe Schiavone (203) 640-2927
Description: ____
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Meadowbrook Parkway, use the Merrick Road M9 east exit. Enter the Department of Sanitation entrance immediately on right (if you’re driving west on Merrick Road, make a U-turn after Central Boulevard and before the Meadowbrook Parkway). Look for signs to Levy Park and Preserve parking lot.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, March 15, 2025
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of March 8 - March 9, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 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.
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Doodle or Die, Nobody Leaves Till We See A Timberdoodle!: A Green-Wood Cemetery Pursuit
Sunday, March 9, 2025, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik & Bobbi Manian
Description: A search for the American Woodcock, also known as “Timberdoodle”; also early spring woodland songbirds and late winter species, raptors, perhaps eagles and vultures.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Nature Walk at Elizabeth Morton NWR
Saturday, March 8, 2025, Meet at 8:30 am
Leader:
Description: Meet at 8:30 am in the parking lot, 2595 Noyac Road, Sag Harbor. Always a favorite spot, where you never know just who will be eating right out of your hand!
Registration: Please contact Eileen Schwinn to register and for questions, beachmed@optonline.net
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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Bob Laskowski Memorial Duck Walk
Saturday, March 8, 2025, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Bob Grover
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Brookwood Hall Park for an early morning adventure.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, March 2, 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

Central Park Winter Bird Walk & Coffee Hour
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Leader: David Spawn and Erika Piik
Description: Central Park is our bailiwick, and early March is the beginning of migration for land and water birds while allowing for the possibility of remaining cold-weather birds. Likely species include Pine Warblers, Palm Warblers, Song Sparrows, Swamp Sparrows, and Fox Sparrows. Last year in March, the reservoir was particularly productive, with both Common Loons and Red-throated Loons, all three species of mergansers, and a variety of gulls. Despite the cold weather, it is an exciting time of year to observe the seasonal transition, look for different bird behaviors, and chat about our findings over coffee or hot chocolate as we warm up after the walk at a yet-to-be-determined location.
Registration: Kathleen Matthews — redkatamat@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Winter Birding at Inwood Hill Park
Saturday, March 8, 2025, 8:00am - 9:30am
Leader: Andrew Reiter
Description: Inwood Hill Park is a jewel of New York City. Nestled between the Hudson River, Dyckman Street, and Seaman Avenue, this last tract of largely old-growth oak and tulip forest transports you to another world and another time. Glacial "pot holes," towering trees, and stunning river views create an unrivaled birding backdrop.
Registration: Registration page
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Winter Birding at Floyd Bennett Field
Saturday, March 8, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Heydi Lopes
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance at Floyd Bennett Field, one of NYC's top spots for spotting winter wildlife! This former airfield-turned-natural haven offers a variety of habitats, from marshes to meadows, making it the perfect place to spot winter visitors like shovelers, scoters, and mergansers.
Registration: Registration page
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Winter Birding at Alley Pond Park
Sunday, March 9, 2025, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Woo Sung Park
Description: Alley Pond Park is an ecological treasure. Containing both fresh and saltwater wetlands, forests, tidal flats, meadows, and glacier-formed landscape, it's a prime spot for winter visitors like waterfowl, sparrows, and hawks. Join NYC Bird Alliance to discover this green space for yourself!
Registration: Registration page
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Winter Birding at Pelham Bay Park
Sunday, March 9, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Jack Rothman
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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South Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Saturday, March 8, 2025
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
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, February 22, 2025
Birding: Beginner Birding at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00am–11:30am
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn all of the birding basics! Come explore Van Cortlandt Park and learn how to ID common birds found throughout the city.
Free

Birding: Beginner Birding at Springfield Blvd and 146th Avenue Entrance (in Springfield Park), Queens
12:00pm–1:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Springfield Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
Free

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Best of the Fortnight

Here's a selection of my photos taken during the second two weeks of February. Enjoy:

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Turkey Vulture

Northern Mockingbird

Tufted Titmouse

Black-capped Chickadee

Orange-crowned Warbler

Bald Eagle over Brooklyn

Gadwall

Red-breasted Merganser

Cedar Waxwing

Ruddy Duck

Rusty Blackbird

Witch-hazel 'Jalena'

Immature Red-headed Woodpecker