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Monday, May 04, 2026

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, May 9 - Sunday, May 10, 2026:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, May 9, 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, May 9, 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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Spring World Migratory Bird Day Birdathon
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Leader: _____
Description: The annual Birdathon asks birders to form teams of up to 6 members and count bird species in Brooklyn in support of a cause that helps the birds we love. Everyone is welcome ─ hardcore birders, backyard feeder watchers, and beginners! Like a walkathon, participants collect pledges and donations from friends and family for finding and counting bird species on the day of the Birdathon. Instead of getting a pledge per mile walked, Birdathon participants ask for a pledge for each bird species seen by the team.
Registration: Please register your team by sending team members, your day’s goal, and a team name to Bobbi Manian and Danielle Khalife at birdathon@brooklynbirdclub.org by Wednesday May 6th.
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Floyd Bennett Birding and Beach Grass Walk with The NYC Parks Plant Ecology Center and Nursery
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Leader: Heydi Lopes
Description: ll head out during peak spring migration and see what’s moving through. We’ll be watching for warblers like Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue, Bay-breasted, Cape May, and Magnolia, along with orioles, tanagers, and flycatchers. On a good day, we can see 50–80 species, with totals sometimes reaching close to 90.
Registration: Haley Shaffer email haleymshaffer@gmail.com
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Hubbard County Park
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8:00am
Leader: Brian Moldashel
Description: This expansive park in the heart of the Pine Barrens is a mix of pine/oak forest, tidal creeks, beetle-ravaged clearings, and salt marsh at the edge of Flanders Bay. Past trips here have encountered over sixty species of bird in one walk, including such rarities as Red-headed Woodpecker and Broad-winged Hawk.
Registration: Please register with Brian Moldashel for this trip: brian.moldashel@gmail.com
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Wertheim NWR
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8:00am
Leader: Darlene McNeil
Description: A variety of habitats will be hosting migrating song birds, which will be pointed out by the ELIAS Leader.
Registration: No registration is needed for this event.
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Gateway National Parks

Birding Big Day Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
May 9, 2026, 9:30 am — 11:30am
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for Global Big Day for birding, a great way to not only see and hear as many birds as possible, but to join a worldwide community of over 1 million other participants! Together we will explore the refuge in search of as many species of birds as possible, while contributing to a better understanding of bird populations worldwide. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended, binoculars available.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No
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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Alley Pond Park Bird Walk
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 7:00am - 9:00am
Leader: John Gluth, Mike Cooper
Description: Northern State Pkwy to Exit 23, which reads: Cross Island Parkway, Union Turnpike and Alley Pond Park. Go to Union Turnpike (NOT Alley Pond Park). At the signal light, turn right onto Union Turnpike. Proceed to the next signal light which is Springfield Blvd and turn right. Go about 4 blocks to 76th Ave. Turn right onto 76th Ave. and proceed to Alley Pond Parking lot on your left.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
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Connetquot River SPP Bird and Breakfast
Sunday, May 10, 2026, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Edith Wilson, Ken Thompson, Helga Merryman, Jack Carlson
Description: Reservations required 4$ – Reservations at Eventbrite.com search #NatureEdventure. Registration fee, plus 8$ parking fee per car – unless you have yearly Empire pass.
Registration: See above
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Saturday, May 9, 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 10, 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

Mother’s Day Warbler Walk at Lenoir Nature Preserve
Sunday, May 10, 2026, 9:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: Bird walk to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: Clove Lakes Park was created in the 1930s by filling in marshland and damming up a brook that ran to the Kill van Kull. Almost half of its 198 acres include some excellent bird habitat, in the form of Brooks Pond, Martling Pond, Clove Lake, streams, and one hundred acres of hilly woodlands. Paved pedestrian roads encircle the lakes, and an informal network of dirt trails wind through the woods. The Park’s name is derived from the Dutch word “kloven,” meaning a stream-cut valley. Birding is particularly good during spring migration, especially if you are looking for warblers. On spring days, it is possible to see 15-20 warbler species, including Louisiana Waterthrush (early in spring) and Cerulean, Prothonotary, Kentucky, and Mourning (later in spring) Warblers. Also watch for Scarlet and Summer Tanagers, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Empidonax flycatchers, and more.
Registration: Christina Black — christina.black50@gmail.com
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Hillside Woods at Hastings-on-Hudson
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Leader: Julien Amsellem
Description: Hillside Woods is a 10-acre hardwood forest located in Hastings-on-Hudson, a small village in southern Westchester County. Conveniently located close to the Hudson River, an important migratory flyway, and elevated above most of its surroundings, Hillside Woods is a great park for birding, especially during migration. It is dominated by mature forest, primarily oaks, beeches, and tulip trees, but it also has three kinds of water features that often draw birds. Around the small ponds, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, and Wood Duck should be expected, while along the streams and marshy areas, both species of waterthrush are possible.
Registration: Annie Plum — annwplum@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

WMBD: Drop-in Ecology Session at Jefferson Market Garden
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8:00 am — 10:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Stop by Greenwich Village's Jefferson Market Garden for a drop-in ecology session to learn more about our conservation science work happening in this community garden! Explore the Garden with NYC Bird Alliance scientists and learn about the many spring migrants that forage in this rich habitat.
Registration: Registration page
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WMBD: Birding at Soundview Park with The Bronx is Blooming
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8:00 am — 10:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Join The Bronx is Blooming and NYC Bird Alliance for a special bird outing at Soundview Park! The Bronx is Blooming team has been tracking bird sightings in the park as part of a community science initiative. Participants are encouraged to download the Merlin Bird ID App ahead of time, if possible, to help identify and document bird species in real-time alongside the team.
Registration: Registration page
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WMBD: Spring Birding in Conference House Park, Staten Island
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8:00 am — 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 songbirds, including warblers such as Pine & Palm, & Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and even some lingering waterfowl on the ponds & beach.
Registration: Registration page
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WMBD: Birding along the QueensWay
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9:30 am — 11:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Come discover this evolving green space and help observe which birds are using the habitat as we continue to expand the Queensway.The QueensWay is an intiative to transform the LIRR Rockaway Beach Branch that cuts through Forest Park into a new green space.
Registration: Registration page
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WMBD: Bilingual Birding Spanish - English at Sunset Park
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10:00 am — 11:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Día Mundial de las Aves Migratorias. 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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WMBD: Accessible Birding in Fort Tryon Park
Saturday, May 9, 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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WMBD: Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, May 9, 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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Queens Botanical Garden Birding
Sunday, May 10, 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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New York Botanical Garden Birding
Sunday, May 10, 2026, 11:00 am — 12:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance at New York Botanical Garden. 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.
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North Shore Audubon Society

Alley Pond Park - Global Big Day
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 6:30am – 4:00pm
Leader: Ian (917) 626-9562
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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Garvies Point Museum and Preserve
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Lindy (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

Global Big Day - Multiple Queens Sites/Leaders
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 6:30am - 4:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick (917-626-9562) & Eric Miller (917-279-7530)
Description: Big Day is an informal competition in which we try to see as many species as possible in one day.
Registration: You must contact the trip leader to register.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, travel west to the Belt Parkway. Exit at Cross Bay Boulevard (Exit 17) south. Continue south on Cross Bay Blvd. through Howard Beach and over the North Channel Bridge (also known as the Congressman Joseph P. Addabbo Bridge). The entrance to the refuge parking lot is on the right side of the road, at a traffic light approximately one and a half miles past the bridge.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, May 9, 2026
Bird Bonanza at Urban Farm (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
10:00am–11:00am
Spend the day exploring all things feathered with hands-on crafts, lively games, educational activities, and a guided bird tour with expert Gabriel Willow.
Free

Sunday, May 10, 2026
Mother's Day Birding at Forest Park 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 Mother's Day birding event in Forest Park's natural areas!
Free

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