Arm Update

My recovery is coming along nicely. PT can be brutal at times, but I think I may be able to start using my camera again later this week. Look for some updates very soon.

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Wednesday, April 29 - Sunday, May 3, 2026:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip to Central Park
Saturday, May 2, 2026, 7:15am - 1:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join Naturalist Tait Johansson for his ever-popular Field Trip to Central Park, a vibrant green refuge in the heart of the city where vast numbers of birds pause to feed and recharge during their long journeys. As we explore, we’ll be scanning the trees and skies for flycatchers, cuckoos, warblers, vireos, kinglets, tanagers, grosbeaks, and other songbirds, as well as the striking Black-crowned Night-Heron. We’ll end at the boathouse, where you can grab lunch or enjoy a meal you’ve brought along, whatever suits your style.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
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Brooklyn Bird Club

First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, May 3, 2026, 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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Warblers from the south: Migration in Green-wood Cemetery
Sunday, May 3, 2026, 7:00am - 12:00am
Leader: Matthew Wills
Description: The peak spring of neotropical warblers, vireos, buntings and other songbird species, flycatchers, orioles, wrens, sparrows, and more.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

North Fork County Park
Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8:00am
Leader: Brian Moldashel
Description: Meet at 8:00 am in the main parking lot at the northern end of the entrance road at 5330 Sound Avenue in Aquebogue, just east of Church Lane. We will cover a variety of habitats over approximately two miles of easy hiking, including wetlands, woodlands, and open fields. From warblers to raptors, colorful breeding birds to exciting migrants, this park has it all!
Registration: Please register with Brian Moldashel for this trip: brian.moldashel@gmail.com
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Gateway National Parks

Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
May 3, 2026, 11:00 am — 1:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us while we listen for as many bird species as possible! This event is in collaboration with Birdability, an organization that works to ensure the outdoors are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for everybody. We welcome people of all experience levels, particularly people who are blind, partially sighted, or have low vision. Sunscreen recommended, binoculars available.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 6:00am – 7:30am
Description: Before our gates open to the public, this early morning walking tour provides special access to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home, some temporarily. Throughout the season, you’ll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
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Birding in Peace
Sunday, May 3, 2026, 6:00am – 8:30am
Description: Before our gates open to the public, this early morning walking tour provides special access to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home, some temporarily. Throughout the season, you’ll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
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Hudson River Audubon Society

Central Park
Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: Meet at the corner of W 77th Street and Central Park West near the Humboldt statue. Early warblers may include Nashville, Louisiana Waterthrush and Northern Parula.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

Pine Barrens For Spring: Butterflies and More
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Leader: Rick Cech
Description: The ephemeral magic of early spring is nowhere more marked than in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, where rare and local plant and butterfly species are on display for a short time each year, including up to seven species of elfins and green hairstreaks. In addition to butterflies, the group will be on the lookout for birds, reptiles, and any other fauna of interest.
Registration: Jill Appel — Jill.appel@nyu.edu
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Bashakill Marsh and Environs
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Leader: John Haas
Description: The Bashakill Marsh, located in both Sullivan and Orange Counties, is the largest freshwater wetland in southeastern New York State. It is a state-designated Bird Conservation Area, with over 220 species of birds recorded. The area supports characteristic wetland-dependent species, abundant waterfowl, and several species at risk. Highlights include Common Gallinule, empids such as Alder Flycatcher, migrating and nesting warblers, vireos, cuckoo species, raptors, and more.
Registration: Matthew Fischer — matthewwfischer@gmail.com
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Central Park Family Walk
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Leader: Eric Ozawa
Description: Many scientists come to a love of nature first as children. With that in mind, this walk is for children and their families: parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins—all are welcome. After meeting on the Great Hill, near the restrooms, we’ll walk down to the Pool and into the Loch before circling back to our starting point. Together, we will look for the birds migrating through the park and learn how to identify some of these spectacular visitors. We’ll also pay attention to the plant and insect life we see. Binoculars are helpful if you have them, but they are not required.
Registration: Yoming Lin — yoming79@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

NYCHA in Nature: Nostrand & Sheepshead Bay Houses
Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11:00 am — 12:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance for a morning of beginner-friendly birding to look and listen for birds! We'll slowly stroll through the Nostrand and Sheepshead complex, focusing on easy ways to notice birds around us. No experience necessary! Binoculars provided. Please note this outing is weather permitting.
Registration: Registration page
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Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, May 2, 2026, 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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Dawn Chorus in Central Park
Sunday, May 3, 2026, 5:00am — 8:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Rise before the sun and join NYC Bird Alliance's Tod Winston for a very early morning adventure! We'll meet before dawn and enter the park together, to experience the sounds of birds as they awaken. Then as the sun rises, we'll continue to explore the park including the Ramble, looking and listening for warblers, vireos, tanagers, orioles, and more. (Bring a foldable blanket, mat or something comfortable to sit on).
Registration: Registration page
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Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Sunday, May 3, 2026, 9:00 am — 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: Registration page
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Bilingual Birding at Seward Park: Mandarin-English
Sunday, May 3, 2026, 10:00 am — 11:00am
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!
Registration: Registration page
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North Shore Audubon Society

Valley Stream State Park
Saturday, May 2, 2026 7:45am – 11:00am
Leader: Bobby (516) 578-6324
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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Queens County Bird Club

Forest Park
Sunday, May 3, 2026, 8:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Jean L. (917) 575-6824 (text)
Description: Enjoy a jaunt through Forest Park, including a stop at the "Water Hole", which many returning warblers include in their itinerary.
Registration: You must contact the trip leader to register. Text 917-575-6824 and include your email address on the text or email dm5078@aol.com
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South Shore Audubon Society

Mill Pond Park
Sunday, May 3, 2026
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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Sullivan County Audubon Society

Wings of Spring: Guided Birdwatching Walk in the Neversink Watershed
Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Russ Scheirer
Description: Join the Rondout Neversink Stream Program and SCAS Conservation Chair Russ Scheirer for a guided birdwatching walk at Flying Trillium Gardens and Preserve in Neversink, NY, where we’ll look and listen for spring birds while exploring the sights and sounds of this beautiful site. Along the way, participants will learn tips for identifying birds by sight and sound and gain a deeper appreciation for the wildlife that call the Catskill watershed home. This event is beginner-friendly and open to all ages. Birders of all experience levels are welcome.
Registration: Registration is required by Monday, April 27. The event address will be shared with all registrants prior to the event. Register here.
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Urban Park Rangers

Sunday, May 3, 2026
Birding: Warbler Watch at The Overlook (in Forest Park), Queens
9:00am–10:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Forest Park to look for spring warblers and more!
Free

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Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, April 18 - Sunday, April 19, 2026:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 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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Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7:30am - 12:00pm
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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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 6:30am – 8:00am
Description: Throughout the season, you’ll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
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Birding in Peace: Late-Risers Edition (Members Only)
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 10:00am – 11:30am
Description: If you’ve always wanted to go on a birding tour at Green-Wood but aren’t much of a morning person, this tour is for you! The early bird-er might get the worm, but you can birdwatch at any hour. Led by birding expert Rob Jett, this winter tour offers the chance to spot waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and other birds that stick around for the season. By February, you may even catch the first north-bound birds beginning to return.
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Hudson River Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: We will look for early spring migrants such as Osprey and phoebe’s as well as lingering winter water fowl, Snow Geese.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Birding at Mount Loretto Unique Area, Staten Island
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 8:00 am — 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. 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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Bilingual Birding at Sunset Park: Mandarin-English
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:30 am — 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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Queens Botanical Garden Birding
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:30 am — 10:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of 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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NYCHA in Nature: Bushwick Houses
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 10:00 am — 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance for a morning of beginner-friendly birding to look and listen for birds! We'll slowly stroll through the Bushwick complex, focusing on easy ways to notice birds around us. No experience necessary! Binoculars provided. Please note this outing is weather permitting. Rain Date scheduled for 4/25.
Registration: Registration page
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Intro to Birding in Crotona Park
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 10:00 am — 11:30am
Leader: _____
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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North Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park Field 3
Saturday, April 18, 2026 7:45am – 11:00am
Leader: Bill B. (516) 993-7340 & Bill C. (631) 682-7404
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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Queens County Bird Club

Shu Swamp
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Eric Miller (917) 279-7530
Description: Explore this beautiful natural area, part of a system of interconnecting waterways that empty into Mill Creek, then Oyster Bay. Shu Swamp at this time is a magnet for Purple Finch and migrating warblers. Paths are muddy - wear waterproof shoes or boots.
Registration: Call the trip leader to register for this mini trip and for more information.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Sunday, April 19, 2026
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, April 18, 2026
Birding: Spring Migration at Beach 54th and Almeda Avenue (in Rockaway Community Park), Queens
10:00am–11:30am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an exclusive tour of the closed Edgemere Landfill to find bird species migrating through this grassland ecosystem.
Free

Birding: Hawk Watch at Avenue A and St. Marks Place (in Tompkins Square Park), Manhattan
1:00pm–2:00pm
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Birding with The Queens County Bird Club at Buddy Monument (in Forest Park), Queens
9:00am–12:00pm
Join NYC Parks, the Queens County Bird Club, and the Forest Park Trust for a birding event in Forest Park's natural areas!
Free

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Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, April 11 - Sunday, April 12, 2026:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 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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Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 7:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Walks typically go into early afternoon or later if the birding is great. Bring water, snacks and/or a sandwich if you plan to stay the whole duration–but feel free to leave whenever you want.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Indian Island County Park
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 8:30am
Leader: Eileen Schwinn
Description: We will be meeting at 8:30 am in the large parking lot, across from the restrooms, which you will see a short distance past the check-in kiosk. From there, we will follow the main road past the campgrounds, and park near the trailhead of the Rock Garden Trail. This trail takes us through woods and along the shoreline. We will be on the lookout for early warblers, woodpeckers and song birds along the way. The walk back is along Creek Road, and, if there’s time, we will explore the Picnic Area - a peninsula along Terry’s Creek and Flanders Bay. The walk will be approximately 1.5 miles along even ground.
Registration: Please register with Eileen Schwinn (beachmed@optonline.net) for this Field Trip.
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Gateway National Parks

Beginner Bird Walk at Fort Wadsworth
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 8:00 am — 9:30am
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Curious about the birds around you? Join us at Fort Wadsworth for a relaxing beginner bird-watching walk. Learn how to spot common species, use basic birding techniques, and discover the beauty of local wildlife along the shoreline and historic landscapes. Perfect for first-time birders and nature lovers of all ages.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 6:30am – 8:00am
Description: Throughout the season, you’ll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Green-Wood Cemetery
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: Situated along the Harbor Hill Terminal Moraine in Brooklyn, this 478-acre National Historic Landmark features hills, valleys, and kettle ponds. Green-Wood Cemetery is a magnet for migrating birds, which makes perfect sense given the more than 500 species of woody plants that qualify it for Class III Arboretum status—one of only 31 in the world. In addition to spotting numerous songbirds, we’ll visit the hawk-watch hill north of the Civil War Monument—a great vantage point to scan for migrating raptors. Thirteen species of raptor, plus both vultures, have been recorded at the cemetery.
Registration: Prathima Christdas — christdasprof@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Spring Birding in Van Cortlandt Park
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9:00 am — 10:30am
Leader: _____
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 outing is held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding along the QueensWay
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9:30 am — 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and The Trust for Public Land as we explore the QueensWay through birding! The QueensWay is an initiative to transform the LIRR Rockaway Beach Branch that cuts through Forest Park into a new green space.
Registration: Registration page
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Accessible Birding in Fort Tryon Park
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11:00 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Alex Wang
Description: Fort Tryon Park 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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Bilingual Birding at Sunset Park: Spanish - English
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 9:30 am — 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. Aquí también se ha observado una gran variedad de aves, incluidas algunas aguilillas.
Registration: Registration page
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North Shore Audubon Society

Marine Nature Study Area (Oceanside)
Saturday, April 11, 2026 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Shelly
Location 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

Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway in Rockville Centre, turn onto Long Beach Road, traveling south. Proceed to Waukena Avenue and turn left. From this point onward, there are brown signs directing visitors to the sanctuary. Turn right onto Park Avenue (at a traffic light), then turn left onto Golf Drive. Continue on Golf Drive to Slice Drive, turn right, and proceed one short block into the sanctuary.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, April 11, 2026
Birding: All About Crows at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00am–12:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn more about crows, a highly intelligent and sociable bird species.
Free

Sunday, April 12, 2026
Spring Birding at Wave Hill, Bronx
9:30am–11:00am
Welcome migratory birds back to Wave Hill this spring!
Free
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