Best of the Fortnight

Here are some of my photos taken during the second two weeks of October, 2025:

Plume Sawara-cypress

American Woodcock

Blue Jay with acorn

Savannah Sparrow

Eastern Phoebe

Western Kingbird in Queens

American Kestrel

Pine Warbler

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Swamp Sparrow drying off

Turkey Vulture

Common Yellowthroat

Palm Warbler

Common Cuckoo: Mega-rarity in Riverhead, LI

Brown Creeper

Hooded Warbler

Immature White-crowned Sparrow

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, November 1 - Sunday, November 2, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 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 bird outing 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.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Autumn’s Birding Allure at Floyd Bennett Field
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Leader: Heydi Lopes
Description: This trip focuses on late fall migrants, particularly sparrows (Emberizidae genus), plus raptors in peak, as well as early winter species, namely arriving water fowl and perhaps late shorebirds. There will be concentration on grassland species and possibly a vagrant species.
Registration: Danielle Khalife daniellek97@gmail.com
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First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, November 2, 2025, 8:00am - 11:30am
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.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Staten Island Hot Spots and Fall Migrants
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Leader: Seth Wollney
Description: Staten Island is a wonderland of habitats and a spectacular place to see birds, particularly during fall 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 (Cape May, Blackpoll, Nashville, and Pine Warblers, in addition to Purple Finchs and Indigo Buntings); Great Kills Park (Common Nighthawks); Miller’s Field (gulls, terns, and sandpipers); and anywhere else that our leader expects to find interesting birds.
Registration: Miriam Rakowski — rakowskimiriam@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Birding in Pelham Bay Park
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 9:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Jack Rothman
Description: This Fall, 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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Bilingual Birding at Sunset Park: Mandarin-English
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 9:00am - 11:30am
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!
Registration: Registration page
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New York Botanical Garden Birding 101
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 9:00am - 11:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance at New York Botanical Garden's Fall Forest Weekend! 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: This tour is included in your admission to the Garden. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of binoculars will be available. Learn more about this tour and see the entire schedule on the Garden's website.
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Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Sunday, November 2, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: _____
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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Fall Birding at Alley Pond Park
Sunday, November 2, 2025, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Oliver Lopez
Description: Alley Pond Park is an ecological treasure. Containing both fresh and saltwater wetlands, forests, tidal flats, meadows, and glacier-formed landscape, this park supports a vast array of birds. Join NYC Bird Alliance to discover this green space for yourself!
Registration: Registration page
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New York Botanical Garden Birding 101
Sunday, November 2, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance at New York Botanical Garden's Fall Forest Weekend! 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: This tour is included in your admission to the Garden. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of binoculars will be available. Learn more about this tour and see the entire schedule on the Garden's website.
View Details


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North Shore Audubon Society

Uplands Farm Sanctuary
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Kathy (917) 770-2727
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

Hempstead Lake State Park
Sunday, November 2, 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, November 1, 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: Beginner Birding at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
9:00am–10:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Pelham Bay Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
Free

Sunday, November 2, 2025
Intro to Birding at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–10:30am
Learn how to use binoculars to spot amazing birds that live around the salt marsh with an expert from NYC Bird Alliance. Families welcome.
Free

...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, October 25 - Sunday, October 26, 2025:

Bedford Audubon Society

Breakfast With the Hawks
Sunday, October 25, 2025, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: You don’t want to miss this popular event at our Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch Platform. Naturalist Tait Johansson, Lead Counter Nathan Bartels and Director of Conservation and Wildlife Management at Westmoreland Sanctuary, Steve Ricker, will be on hand to “show and tell” the raptors and other avian species flying above, while we enjoy bagels, hot cocoa, coffee and some homemade treats. This much-loved event is perfect for families. (All children must be accompanied by an adult.) Among others, Red-shouldered Hawks are on the move this time of year, and it’s also the time for a better chance of seeing a Golden Eagle! This event is co-sponsored by Westmoreland Sanctuary.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, October 25, 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 bird outing 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.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Birding for Beginners
Every week on Saturday October 04, 2025 to October 25, 2025, 10:30am - 11:30am
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Interested in birds, but feel intimidated about getting into birding? No problem, this is birding for beginners! Together we will take a nature walk, talk about what makes Jamaica Bay such a great place for birds, and give you the tools to learn the basics of bird identification and appreciation. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended, binoculars available.
Registration: Not required.
View Details


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Hudson River Audubon Society

Hawk Watch
Saturday, October 25, 2025 , 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: For Hawk Watches, bring your binoculars and a lawn chair. Use Lenoir Preserve’s south parking lot at 1109 North Broadway, Yonkers, it’s just north of the field behind the Mansion where the Hawk Watches are held.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Leader: Joseph DiCostanzo
Description: The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge includes over 12,600 acres of salt marshes, freshwater and brackish-water ponds, upland fields and woods, an open bay, and islands. It is one of the most significant bird habitats in the northeastern United States and a great place to observe seasonal bird migration and resident species. This walk will likely include visiting the East Pond, which may require mud boots to navigate comfortably.
Registration: Miriam Rakowski — rakowskimiriam@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Bilingual Birding at Seward Park: Mandarin-English
Saturday, Ocotber 25, 2025,9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Xinyi Zhang
Description: Join bird guide Xinyi Zhang for a Mandarin-English bilingual bird outing in Seward Park, and discover the resident and migratory birds that rely on small urban green spaces like this one! It’s the perfect day to visit the park as Seward Park Conservancy will also be hosting their annual bulb planting event! Start your morning with a relaxing birding walk, then stay to help plant bulbs and support this beautiful community space.
Registration: Registration page
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Flushing Meadows Corona Park Birding
Saturday, Ocotber 25, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Bird Alliance
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance along Flushing Meadows Corona Park's Willow Lake and see sparrows, finches, ducks, wading birds, and more.
Registration: Registration page
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Fall Birding in Van Cortlandt Park
Saturday, Ocotber 25, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Joseph McManus
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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LGBTQ+ History and Birding in the Vale
Saturday, Ocotber 25, 2025, 10:00am - 11:00am
Leader: ______
Description: In partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Community Pride Center, join NYC Bird Alliance for a history and birdwatching tour of the Prospect Park Vale. This nature walk explores the Vale’s significance as a queer gathering space and important wildlife habitat. Learn more about its history, current restoration efforts, and the impact of queer placemaking in Brooklyn.
Registration: Registration page
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LGBTQ+ History and Birding in the Vale
Saturday, Ocotber 25, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: ______
Description: In partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Community Pride Center, join NYC Bird Alliance for a history and birdwatching tour of the Prospect Park Vale. This nature walk explores the Vale’s significance as a queer gathering space and important wildlife habitat. Learn more about its history, current restoration efforts, and the impact of queer placemaking in Brooklyn.
Registration: Registration page
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Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, Ocotber 25, 2025, 2:15pm - 3:45pm
Leader: _____
Description: Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island? Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding at Mount Loretto Unique Area
Sunday, October 26, 2025, 9:00am - 9:30am
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. With 200 acres of land, this is a one of the best places to spot migrating birds in the area.
Registration: Registration page
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Canarsie Park Birding with the Young Conservationists
Sunday, October 26, 2025, 9:30am - 11:300am
Leader: The Young Conservationists
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and visit the coastal woodlands, tidal channel, and one of the only freshwater ponds in Brooklyn. Expect to see herons, shorebirds, flycatchers, vireos, warblers, and sparrows.
Registration: Registration page
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Bilingual Birding at Sunset Park: Spanish - English
Sunday, October 26, 2025, 10:30am - 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Comparte con NYC Bird Alliance un paseo en Sunset Park. Este espacio verde es conocido por ofrecer vistas impresionantes de Manhattan, especialmente al atardecer. También se han avistado una gran variedad de aves, incluidas los Busardo Colirrojo.
Registration: Página de registro
Ver detalles


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North Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00am – 11:00am
Leader: Bill B. (516) 993-7340 and Bill C. (631) 682-7404
Description: 8am for the early birds and later arrivals can catch up.
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.
View Details


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Queens County Bird Club

Arverne/Bayswater
Sunday, October 26, 2025, 7:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Joe Schiavone (203) 640-2927
Description: Arverne East NaturePreserve hosts five different maritime ecosystems, providing a safe home fordiverse local flora and fauna. Pedestrian pathways weave through the preserve,offering New Yorkers a new way to observe and appreciate these naturalenvironments, including accessible connections to the Rockaway boardwalk andbeach. A new welcome center was also constructed as part of this project, whichhouses a community meeting space, office space for Urban Park Rangers, crewheadquarters for Parks maintenance staff, and public restrooms.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Sunday, October 26, 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, October 25, 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

Riverside Park Birding Club at 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
9:00am–10:30am
Monthly walks through birding hotspots in Riverside Park, led by Riverside Park Conservancy Field Staff.
Free

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

Sunday, October 26, 2025
Birding: Birdability Week at Freshkills North Park Entrance (in Freshkills Park), Staten Island
9:00am–10:30am
Birding is an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. Join us during Birdability Week to enjoy a birding program without barriers on a mobility accessible path.
Free

...Read more

Best of the Fortnight

Here's a selection of my photos taken during the first two weeks of October 2025. Feel free to comment:

Savannah Sparrow

American Kestrel

Ovenbird

American Woodcock

Immature Cooper's Hawk

Mullein leaves in the rain

Northern Parula

Red-tailed Hawk

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Cape May Warbler

Blue-headed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Palm Warbler

Hermit Thrush

Spotted Lanternflies

Red-tailed Hawk

Common Yellowthroat

Eastern Phoebe

Hill of Graves at Dawn

Immature Red-tailed Hawk

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, October 18 - Sunday, October 19, 2025:

Bedford Audubon Society

Bedford Audubon in Bedford Hills
Sunday, October 19, 2025, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join us for our second monthly Sunday Afternoon in the Park with Bedford Audubon. Step outside with us and discover the wonder of birds and wildlife right in your own backyard! Join Naturalists and volunteers for a free, family-friendly guided nature program series at Bedford Hills Memorial Park, co-sponsored by our friends at Town of Beford Department of Recreation and Parks.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, October 18, 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 bird outing 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.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details

Prospect Park Saturday Fall Migration Walks
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 7:30am - 12:00am
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


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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Suffolk County Farm, Yaphank
Saturday October 18, 2025, Meet at 8:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Meeting at 8:30 am, we will walk the fields, hedgerows, and barnyard area - hopefully finding a variety of raptors, sparrows and other late migrating birds along the way.
Registration: Contact Eileen Schwinn, Beachmed@optonline.net, to register.
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Feminist Bird Club

NYC - 2025 Birdathon Little Sit at Prospect Park LeFrak Center
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 9:00am- 12:00pm
Leaders: _____
Description: We are meeting at 9 am - 12 pm at the Prospect Park War Memorial near LeFrak Center (https://maps.app.goo.gl/dV8Sv6n8t7LM3FrC9) on Saturday, Oct 18th for a Little Sit. There will be some benches available, but otherwise feel free to bring a blanket or chair, a thermos of tea, some snacks - whatever would make you feel good. Many of us will be participating in the 2025 Birdathon to raise funds for Birders of Palestine.
Registration: You can find out more about the Birdathon, register to participate as well as find many other resources here.
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NYC - 2025 Birdathon Birding at Marine Park Salt Marsh
Sunday, October 19, 2025, 9:00am- 11:30am
Leaders: Jen Kepler
Description: Bird the Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, look for early winter ducks, scrumptious sparrows, and grassland birds. This is an easy walk over mostly flat terrain, we will be moving over gravel paths, there are some benches and large boulders along the way for sitting breaks if needed. Bathrooms are available at the nature center. The nature center is accessible by bus, car (parking across Avenue U), or bike (racks in front of the nature center).
Registration: Register here.
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Birding for Beginners
Every week on Saturday October 04, 2025 to October 25, 2025, 10:30am - 11:30am
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Interested in birds, but feel intimidated about getting into birding? No problem, this is birding for beginners! Together we will take a nature walk, talk about what makes Jamaica Bay such a great place for birds, and give you the tools to learn the basics of bird identification and appreciation. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended, binoculars available.
Registration: Not required.
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, October 19, 2025, 7:15am - 8:45am
Description: Stop by this fall and you’ll see a variety of species passing through. By September, the offspring of summer’s nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. You’ll also spot blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows on the move. By October, be on the lookout for returning waterfowl and raptors heading south. And by November, you’ll see the return of our overwintering feathered denizens from the north.
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Hudson River Audubon Society

Hawk Watch
Saturday, October 18, 2025 , 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: For Hawk Watches, bring your binoculars and a lawn chair. Use Lenoir Preserve’s south parking lot at 1109 North Broadway, Yonkers, it’s just north of the field behind the Mansion where the Hawk Watches are held.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

Fort Tilden
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: Fort Tilden, on the Rockaway Peninsula in southern Queens, is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, including the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Scheduled to coincide with sparrow migration, this is an excellent location to see a Nelson’s Sparrow among the many other sparrow species. If the wind conditions are right, fall is a great time for seeing migrating raptors including Accipiters, Falcons, Buteos in the sky. Late warblers, vireos, and other passerines also visit this area, and the Royal Terns never disappoint.
Registration: Cheryl Craddock — cheryl.craddock@gmail.com
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Birds & Brews: Brooklyn Edition (Green-Wood Cemetery)
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Leaders: Amanda Bielskas, Tara Craig, Alan Drogan, Gillian Henry
Description: We are expanding our Birds & Brews walks into Brooklyn! This walk will start later in the morning so we can tour Greenwood Cemetery for fall migrants. After a 2-3 hour walk, we will head to a local venue for some libations and conversations.
Registration: Amanda Bielskas — bielskas@gmail.com
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Newtown Historic Society

Nature Walk - All Faiths Lutheran Cemetery
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: Join us on Saturday, October 18 at 9am at All Faiths Cemetery. We'll meet at the office at 67-29 Metropolitan Avenue to explore the more natural parts of the south side. The tour is FREE and you'll learn a lot from Rob and some local history along the way.
Registration: Please RSVP at newtownhistory@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: _____
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
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 9:30am - 10:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of fall migrants 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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New York Botanical Garden Bird Tour
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: ______
Description: Join us and the New York Botanical Garden for Bird Tours throughout the year! 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: This tour is included in your admission to the Garden. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 2:15pm - 3:45pm
Leader: ______
Description: Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island? Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding at Sutton Place Parks
Sunday, October 19, 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and Sutton Place Parks Conservancy for a late morning stroll through Sutton Parks. Come discover what birds use these small but important pockets parks in NYC.
Registration: Registration page
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North Shore Audubon Society

Sunken Meadow SP
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Jennifer (516) 941-7434
Description: Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park, NY 11754
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.
View Details


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Queens County Bird Club

Kissena Park
Sunday, October, 2025, 7:45am - 12:15pm
Leader: Eric Miller (917) 279-7530
Description: This mini-trip includes Kissena Park both east and west of Kissena Blvd. Expect to find many species of sparrows and southbound migrants. Meet at the Kissena Velodrome parking lot, which can be entered from Booth Memorial Ave north of Parsons Blvd.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Preserve
Sunday, October 19, 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
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, October 18, 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

Intro to Birding at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–10:30am
Learn how to use binoculars to spot amazing birds that live around the salt marsh with an expert from NYC Bird Alliance. Families welcome.
Free

...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Wednesday, October 8 - Sunday, October 12, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, October 11, 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 bird outing 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.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details

Prospect Park Saturday Fall Migration Walks
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 7:30am - 12:00am
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.
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Island Hopping: Fall migration at Governors Island
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Leader: Ryan Goldberg
Description: Ditch the crowds and hop over to Governors Island at the peak of fall migration. Located in the heart of New York Harbor, this 172-acre island is an important stopover for migrants, with a mix of historic structures, overgrown lots, grassy fields, mature trees, and native plantings. Target species will be warblers, sparrows, grassland specialists, migrating raptors, and potential vagrants. On eBird, 250 species have been reported on the island.
Registration: Ryan Goldberg, email: ryangoldberg@gmail.com
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Birding for Beginners
Every week on Saturday October 04, 2025 to October 25, 2025, 10:30am - 11:30am
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Interested in birds, but feel intimidated about getting into birding? No problem, this is birding for beginners! Together we will take a nature walk, talk about what makes Jamaica Bay such a great place for birds, and give you the tools to learn the basics of bird identification and appreciation. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended, binoculars available.
Registration: Not required.
View Details


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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Caumsett SP
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Ken Thompson, John Gluth
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Caumsett State Park Preserve for an early morning adventure.
Registration: You must register for this trip. Text or email to Vera Capogna 516-639-5430 vlvcap@yahoo.com
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 7:00am - 8:30am
Description: Stop by this fall and you’ll see a variety of species passing through. By September, the offspring of summer’s nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. You’ll also spot blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows on the move. By October, be on the lookout for returning waterfowl and raptors heading south. And by November, you’ll see the return of our overwintering feathered denizens from the north.
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Hudson River Audubon Society

“The Big Sit” and Hawk Watch
Saturday, October 11, 2025 , 8:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: Meet behind the Lenoir Mansion anytime between 8 AM and 3PM. Rain date Sunday Oct 12. During “The Big Sit” we try to see as many bird species as possible from a stationary place, which will be where we hold our Hawk Watches. Use Lenoir Preserve’s south parking lot at 1109 N. Broadway, Yonkers.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

Floyd Bennett Field
Saturday, October 11, 2025
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 281. October is sparrow season, and we should expect to observe anywhere from 10-14 different species on a good day. Over the grasslands, expect to see American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and more.
Registration: Debbie Mullins — deborramullins3@gmail.com
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Randall’s Island
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Leader: Alan Drogin
Description: Randall’s Island is unique as it provides one of the only salt marshes in the borough of Manhattan. Historically, this location was not known as a popular birding destination for New York City birders. However, the island became a birding hotspot after Alan Drogin discovered Nelson’s Sparrows in the northeast section near the backstop of field 42 in the Bronx Kill salt marsh in 2012. 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 Ammospiza sparrows of the marshes—Nelson’s, Saltmarsh, Seaside. We also get late-migrating warblers and, sometimes, interesting gulls.
Registration: Dom Ricci — domricci@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

WMBD: Birding at Conference House Park
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 8:00am - 9:30am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Discover a diversity of migrants with longtime birder and Staten Island resident, Anthony Ciancimino! Expect to see a variety of species of songbirds, including warblers, vireos, and tanagers.
Registration: Registration page
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WMBD: Fall Birding in Crotona Park
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Richard Aracil
Description: This World Migratory Bird Day, join NYC Bird Alliance 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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WMBD: Multilingual Birding at Sunset Park
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: ______
Description: To reflect the beautiful diversity of the Sunset Park neighborhood, join NYC Bird Alliance for a special multilingual bird outing (Mandarin - Spanish - English). 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 juvenile Red-tailed Hawks!
Registration: Registration page
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WMBD: Fall Birding in Sherman Creek
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Russell Jacobs
Description: Found at the northern tip of Manhattan along the Harlem River waterfront, Sherman Creek is a small street-end park with lots to uncover. Its proximity to Highbridge Park, Fort Tyron Park, and Inwood Hill Park make it a prime destination for migratory birds. Come see what you this small but vibrant park has to offer.
Registration: Registration page
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WMBD: Birding at Alley Pond Park
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Alley Pond Park is an ecological treasure. Containing both fresh and saltwater wetlands, forests, tidal flats, meadows, and glacier-formed landscape, this park supports a vast array of birds. Join NYC Bird Alliance to discover this green space for yourself!
Registration: Registration page
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WMBD: Accessible Birding in Fort Tryon Park
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Alex Wang
Description: Inviting all New Yorkers to partake in celebrating World Migratory Bird Day at Fort Tryon Park which offers stunning views of the Palisades and Hudson River from its soaring cliffs of bedrock. Spanning 67 acres, the park features many well-paved walkways designed to accommodate a wide range of mobility needs for birders with stroller, wheelchair, walker, cane, and other mobility aids.
Registration: Registration page
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8th Annual Raptorama! at Marine Park
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: American Littoral Society, NYC Bird Alliance, and Marine Park Alliance
Description: It's that time of the year again, time for Raptorama! Meet us at Marine Park's Salt Marsh Nature Center to learn about hawks, eagles, owls, and more. 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: Not required.
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World Migratory Bird Day: Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 2:15pm - 3:45pm
Leader: _____
Description: Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island? Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding.
Registration: Registration page
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Queens Botanical Garden Birding at Dusk
Sunday, October 12, 2025, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of fall migrants 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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North Shore Audubon Society

Robert Moses SP Field 5
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 8:00am – 11:00am
Leader: Pat 516) 662-5204 and Shai (631) 241-0749
Description: East end of Field 5, incl. hawk watch
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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Queens County Bird Club

Big Sit
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 7:45am - 12:15pm
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.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Mill Pond Park
Sunday, October 12, 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. Meet at the gazebo.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, October 11, 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

Raptorama! at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
12:00pm–2:00pm
See live birds of prey up close at the Salt Marsh Nature Center in Marine Park!
Free

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Fall Birding at Wave Hill, Bronx
9:30am–11:00am
Fall is peak migration time along the Hudson River, and we have a front row seat! Join naturalists Gabriel Willow and Ryan Mandelbaum as you explore Wave Hill’s gardens.
Free

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