Upcoming BIrding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, May 20, 2017 to Sunday, May 21, 2017:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 12pm – 1pm
Introduction to Bird Watching
Join Prospect Park Alliance for a birdwatching walk and learn about Prospect Park’s magnificent array of birds and how to identify them!

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Bedford Audubon Society
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 7am – 11am
Doodletown Road in Bear Mountain State Park
Leader: Naturalist Tait Johansson
Doodletown Road is known as one of the best places in our area to find Hooded and Cerulean Warblers as well as being a fine spot for many other songbirds. Join Tait in a search for these feathered gems! Enjoy the walk up the rugged trail past the ruins of a “lost civilization.” Depart Bylane Farm at 6:15am. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous. Register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914.302.9713.
Map

Sunday, May 21, 2017, 7:30am – 9:30am
Explore Muscoot Farm
Leader: Naturalist Tait Johansson and the Friends of Muscoot Farm
Join Tait for a spring bird walk on the beautiful grounds of this county-owned property. Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914.302.9713.
Map

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, May 20, 2017
“The Birdathon”, International Migratory Bird Day (raindate)
A global event celebrating the beauty of birds and habitats; this event encourages fundraising for conservation causes. For this year, the Brooklyn Bird Club’s Birdathon fundraising will support NYC’s Wild Bird Fund https://www.wildbirdfund.org/. For more information about the Birdathon and the history behind it, go to http://www.birdday.org/. If you are interested in forming a team with club members or friends, or if you need more information, please contact the BBC Birdathon teams’ coordinator Bobbi Manian at roberta.manian@gmail.com.

Saturday, May 20, 2017
Doodletown 1776 trail, Harriman State Park
Leader: Tom Stephenson
Focus: Peak of spring migrants and beginning breeding season
Car Fee: $25.00
Registrar: Marisa Wohl, marisaw@earthlink.net
Registration Period: May 13th - May 18th
Comments: This trip is capped at 16 people including the leader

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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Saturday, May 20, 2017 - Meet at 9am
Hallockville and Hallock State Park
Leader: MaryLaura Lamont
The Hallockville Farm Museum and State Park is located at 163 Sound Ave, in Riverhead. During peak migration, there is a good chance to see thrushes, vireos, warblers and more. We will walk past farm fields into the woods leading up to views of Long Island Sound. There is a $6 per person charge for this walk, which benefits the Hallockville Farm Museum Educational Program. Please call the Museum for information and a for a reservation at 631-298-5292

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Gateway National Recreation Area
Every Sunday Weekly from 03/12/2017 to 05/28/2017
Birding for Beginners
Join us for an introductory nature walk where you will learn the essentials of birdwatching.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fee Information: Free

Saturday, May 20, 2017, 10:00am to 11:30am
Warblers for Beginners
For many birders spring means warblers. Identifying these fast and tiny birds can be quite a challenge and even intimidating. Join a Ranger for an intro to the warblers that can be found at the Wildlife Refuge. A brief slideshow will precede a walk on the West Pond Trail.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fee Information: Free

Sunday, May 21, 2017, 11am
International Migratory Bird and Horseshoe Crab Celebration
Join experts for a bird walk to learn about migration. Along the way you'll also learn about horseshoe crabs. Dress appropriately. Reservations are required. Please call 718-354-4655 for reservations and information.
Location: Great Kills Park

Sunday, May 21, 2017, 10:00am to 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Learn all about the amazing Osprey on this guided walk of the West Pond Trail. We’ll talk about their incredible migration and the inspiring story of how conservation efforts were able to bring this species back from the brink of extinction.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fee Information: Free

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Great South Bay Audubon Society
Saturday, May 20, 2017 to Sunday, May 21, 2017 - 7:00am
Sterling Forest and Bashakill
Leader(s): John Gluth (631-827-0120)
From Tappan Zee Bridge, take I-87 to Sloatsburg exit 15A, take the exit for Rte 72 (Sterling Mine Rd.), 1- mile up Rte 17. Continue west on Rte 72 for 3 Miles until you reach Rte 84, Long Meadow Rd. Continue up long Meadow Rd to Sterling Lake Rd (4 Mi). Turn left there and continue to Park Visitors Center parking lot on Old Forge Rd. Overnight at Wurtsboro Days Inn (845-888-8727)

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Green-Wood Cemetery
Saturday, May 20, 2017
"Birding in Peace" - Peak Spring Migration Birding

Sunday, May 21, 2017
"Birding in Peace" - Peak Spring Migration Birding

From Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to over 20 species of colorful wood-warblers, our peak migration tours will feature many of the 163 bird species that have been recorded at Green-Wood during the month of May. Beginning just after sunrise, we will experience spring’s dawn chorus at the most active time of day for birds.

$10 for members of Green‑Wood and BHS/$15 for non-members.

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Hudson River Audubon Society
Saturday, May 20 - Sunday May 21, 2017
Bashakill Marsh
Drive up Saturday afternoon and stay overnight for Whip-poor-wills, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, and Alder Flycatchers.
http://hras.org/wtobird/bashakill.html

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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Saturday, May 20, 2017 - 7:30am
The Birds of Doodletown Road
Doodletown is a haven for breeding warblers including hooded and the coveted cerulean. Kentucky warblers are very possible.
Registration: 516-695-0763 or hobaudubon@gmail.com.
Directions: Travel west over the Tappan Zee Bridge to exit 13. Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway north. Go north to Route 6 to the Bear Mountain traffic circle. Leave the circle at the first exit, the Bear Mountain State Park exit. At the light, follow the left fork south along 9W. Within less than 1 mile there will be several small parking areas near two, white concrete abutments indicating the bridge over Doodletown Brook. Park along the road.
Stay overnight and join us on our Sterling Forest trip the next day for a Sterdoodle of a weekend! Field trip participants are responsible for locating their own overnight accommodations

Sunday, May 21, 2017 - 8:00am
Sterling Forest Exploration
Golden winged warblers are the attraction here, along with many species of breeding birds.
Registration: 585-880-0915.
Directions: Take Exit 15 off of NY 87 and head north. Make a left onto 17A. In about 2 miles make a left onto State Route 84 (Long Meadow Road). Follow this about 4 miles to HQ Building/Visitor Center where we will meet.

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Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, May 20, 2017 (Rain date, May 21)
Doodletown
Leader: Paul Keim
Registrar: Anne Lazarus — amlazarus47@gmail.com or 212-673-9059
Registration opens: Monday, May 8
Ride: $30

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 9/3/2016 - 6/24/2017: 11:00 a.m.
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11am to 12:30pm beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturdays April 29, May 13, and June 3, and Sundays, May 7 and May 21, 9:30-10:30am
Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walks
Guide: NYC Audubon with Queens Botanical Garden
We are happy to announce a new series of spring migration bird walks in partnership with Queens Botanical Garden. Register for one date or the whole series of five free walks (walk-ins welcome!). Explore the Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources that the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Limited to 25. Appropriate for all ages. To register, email info@queensbotanical.org or visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar. Free with Garden admission

Weekly on Saturdays, until Jul 29, 2017
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks, The Bronx
Guides: NYC Audubon, Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy with the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy
Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 212-691-7483. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Saturday, May 20, 2017, 8:30am – 11:00am
Spring Migrants at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
Guide: Annie Barry
Meet at the entrance to Inwood Hill Park at the corner of Isham Street and Seaman Avenue. Join Annie Barry for a hike through a mature forest in search of kinglets, warblers, flycatchers, sparrows, Baltimore orioles, and other migrants and residents. We will then move to the shores of the Inwood Hill Park saltmarsh, the last natural saltmarsh in Manhattan, to search for herons and ducks, and will explore Muscota Marsh, a recently restored habitat within the park. Some hilly walking required. Limited to 15. $36 (25)
Click here to register

Saturday, May 20, 2017, 10am – 1pm
Birding Bonanza - Randalls Island
Randall’s Island is home to over 180 species of birds. Join us for a day of free, family-friendly bird watching! Learn about the amazing adaptations of birds as they thrive in the Island's restored habitats.

- Guided walks
- Crafts and games
- Refreshments
- Suitable for ages 7+ (with an adult)

Saturday, May 20, 2017, 10am – 1pm
Birds and Plants: New York Botanical Garden in Springtime
Guides: Gabriel Willow
Meet by the ticket booth just inside the Garden’s Mosholu Gate on Southern Boulevard. The New York Botanical Garden is home to a large tract of East Coast old-growth forest. During the peak of spring migration, the beautiful gardens come alive with migrating songbirds. Limited to 15. Entrance fee to NYBG not included. $39 (27)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 21, 2017, 9:30am – 10:30am
Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walks
Saturdays April 29, May 13, and June 3, and Sundays, May 7 and May 21, 9:30-10:30am
Guide: NYC Audubon with Queens Botanical Garden
We are happy to announce a new series of spring migration bird walks in partnership with Queens Botanical Garden. Register for one date or the whole series of five free walks (walk-ins welcome!). Explore the Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources that the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Limited to 25. Appropriate for all ages. To register, email info@queensbotanical.org or visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar. Free with Garden admission

Sunday, May 21, 2017, 1pm – 4pm
Nesting Peregrines and Red-Tails of the Upper West Side, Manhattan
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Meet in front of Riverside Church. Many New Yorkers are astonished to discover that their city of steel and glass is home to a diverse population of large birds of prey: The City boasts the world’s highest densities of the peregrine falcon, the world’s fastest flyer, and a growing population of red-tailed hawks (several pairs of which have reached celebrity status). We’ll visit the nesting site of a pair of each of these fascinating species, and may glimpse parents feeding their chicks. Limited to 15. $36 (25)
Click here to register

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North Shore Audubon Society
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 8am – 12pm
NYIT de Seversky Center
Where: NYIT de Seversky Mansion, 1 Northern Blvd, Glen Head, NY 11545
Leader: Liz 516-404-1984
Enter from Northern Blvd and West Rd - head south on West Rd. Proceed up the hill, and follow sign to the NYIT de Seversky Mansion on right. Park in big lot across from mansion.
Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water.

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NYC H2O
Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 6:30pm
Horseshoe Crab Discovery Walks
Location: Plumb Beach

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Queens County Bird Club
Saturday, May 20 – Sunday, May 21, 2017
Doodle-ing Bash!
Leader: Arie Gilbert (917) 693-7178
Trips of this nature require reservations **well in advance.**
Please contact leaders at least 2 days before trip to let them know you are attending

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Hempstead Plains

All walks start at 9:00 A.M.
There is no walk if it rains or snows or temperature is below 25°F.
For more information or in case of questionable weather conditions, please phone Joe at 516 467-9498
For directions to our bird-watching locations, click here.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, May 20, 2017
Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Head to the park to join bird walks led by experts from the NYC Audubon! Bird walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park.
Free!

Rangers Choice: Calvert Vaux Park Discovery Hike at Calvert Vaux Park, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
This beautifully-restored parkland holds remnants of sunken barges that have been taken over by nature.
Free!

Discovery Walks for Families: Beginning Birders at Belvedere Castle (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Bring your family for a guided walk and discover why Central Park is a sanctuary for plants, animals, and humans alike. Learn about the architecture, landscapes, and ecosystems of the…
Free!

Birding Bonanza at Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
At our Birding Bonanza event, expert guides from both the Randall's Island Park Alliance and NYC Audubon help you explore the park while you seek and discover our feathered island residents.
Free!

For The Birds Festival: A Celebration of All Things Avian at Conference House Park Visitor Center (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Come discover and celebrate NYC's avian residents at Conference House Park's For The Birds Festival.
Free!

Art Exhibition: Flora/Fauna/Feathers of Richmond County at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Flora/Fauna/Feathers of Richmond County sponsored by Protectors of Pine Oak Woods, Staten Island’s land conservation organization. Come view original artwork celebrating nature…
Free!

Sunday, May 21, 2017
Bird Watching at Forest Park Visitor Center (in Forest Park), Queens
8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Start your day with an early morning bird-watching walk led by Jean Loscalzo of the Queens County Bird Club. Binoculars recommended.
Free!

Birding: Hawk Watch at Parking Area (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will teach you how to use your eyes and ears to find these birds of prey in this enchanting woodland.
Free!

Bird Walks with New York City Audubon at Queens Botanical Garden, Queens
9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Spot and identify creatures of flight and learn how Queens Botanical Garden provides important resources for birds—like water, shelter, and insects to eat. ...Read more

Friday's Foto

The Bay-breasted Warbler is a perfect example of how it isn't necessary to sport brilliantly colored plumage to be a stunning songbird. This species is relatively large by warbler standards weighing in, on average, at 12.5 grams. Wintering in Costa Rica, Panama, and northern South America, the Bay-breasted breeds almost entirely in the boreal forests of Canada. Preferring thick stands of spruce and fir, their summer diet consists primary of insects. Their populations vary considerably based on outbreaks of the spruce budworm, which becomes a large part of their diet. On their wintering grounds they switch to mostly a fruit diet.

During the fall migration, when their plumage transitions to a mostly greenish color, the Bay-breasted Warblers becomes one of our “confusing fall warblers”. Learn how to distinguish them from another confusing fall warbler, the Blackpoll Warbler here.

Despite a slow decline in population the IUCN Red List lists their conservation status as “Least Concern”. It is not on the State of North America's Birds 2016 Watchlist.

It’s scientific name, Setophaga castanea, means moth eater; chestnut-colored.

Weekend Trips Recap

This past weekend I added a Saturday tour to the Green-Wood Cemetery "Birding in Peace" series. The back to back early morning walks yielded a nice selection of the expected Spring migrants, plus a couple of unexpected bonuses.

Saturday started off rather cool with white, overcast skies, so the birds weren't very active early on. One nice surprise was crossing paths with a male Blue Grosbeak near the intersection of Landscape and Oak Avenues, about 50 yards away from Horace Greeley. The stocky, deep blue bird is related to the cardinal and, I suppose appropriately, was foraging on the ground with one of his bright red cousins. Blue Grosbeaks are fairly scarce around Brooklyn as they nest primarily south of New York.

Warblers and other colorful songsters are the primary quarry for birders during the month of May, however, some interesting flycatchers are also arriving in the area. At the Sylvan Water early Saturday morning we watched a pair of Eastern Kingbirds chasing each other around. The screeching quality of their songs always seems to my ears like they're grousing about something. More than likely, it's really just their courtship vocalizations. I have a lot of respect for Eastern Kingbirds as they are one of the few species that have no problem taking on a Red-tailed Hawk...pretty impressive considering that, on average, they weigh about 4% of the red-tail's mass. I've seen kingbirds flying after our resident hawks and pecking on the back of their head.

Most of the flycatchers that we see around Brooklyn during migration or nesting over the summer, are fairly plain with plumages that are variations of olive or grey. The Great Crested Flycatcher, with its yellow underside, is one exception. We heard then spotted a few on both Saturday and Sunday's walks. Most are just passing through the area, but I have found a few pairs nesting in the cemetery over the years.

Also seen at the Sylvan Water was Spotted Sandpiper - one on Saturday, then a pair on Sunday. Ever since the cemetery has removed the coping wall at the edge of the pond and replaced it with a more natural, sloping shoreline we've seen an increase in shorebird species stopping off to rest and refuel here. In addition to the Spotted Sandpiper, other shorebirds seen here are Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, Solitary Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs and Lesser Yellowlegs.

Warblers still continue to be the birds of the moment with 14 species seen at the cemetery this weekend. Yellow-rumped Warblers, to nobody's surprise, were the dominant species. A close second seemed to be the Black-and-white Warbler. Northern Parulas were heard singing from the trees throughout the cemetery, to the point that I imagined hearing them when trying to fall asleep at night. There was also still a good number of Ovenbirds in the area making their emphatic "tee-cher, tee-CHER, TEE-CHER" song as they strolled through the understory. We also heard, then spotted a couple of Black-throated Green Warblers. Its buzzy "zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee" reminds me of the theme to "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"...well, sort of. Always a crowd pleasers, and seen both days, was Hooded Warbler. On Saturday I found one singing at Forest Dell in a tree above Duncan Phyfe. For the group on Sunday he made an appearance at the Dell Water, although it is quite possible that it was a second individual. Hooded Warblers aren't actually rare, just really nice to see.

Two other colorful songbirds seen and heard in good numbers over the weekend were Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Baltimore Oriole.

Without a doubt the best bird in the cemetery this weekend was a Summer Tanager. This species breeds south of New York City, but we do see the occasional stray during migration. Thankfully, the birding gods were good to us and this dazzling, strawberry-red bird gave great looks to participants on both tours. On Saturday's walk, I nearly bungled the identification, at first pointing out what I thought was the more common Scarlet Tanager. In my defense, it was terrible lighting and the bird was partially obscured. Anyway, when someone innocently asked why it wouldn't be a Summer Tanager I began describing the differences: "Summer doesn't have black wings; summer has a more peaked head; summer has a larger, horn-colored bill ... hey, wait a minute!" The bird flew down to a lower perch in a crabapple tree above the beehives at the edge of the pond giving us great looks. On Sunday he wasn't present right away, but after we circled the pond once, he returned to his favorite spot next to the hives. In fact, according to the Audubon field guide website, "This bird apparently has no fear of stinging insects, often raiding wasp nests and occasionally becoming a minor nuisance around beehives." Thankfully he doesn't eat much and will have moved on by the end of the month.

Finally, as I was wrapping up Sunday's tour I received a message that somebody had just located a Kentucky Warbler in Prospect Park. This skulky species of the understory is another bird with a breeding range that is primarily south of New York City. Of the thousands of songbirds that migrate through our area in the Spring, you'd be lucky to see one a year. I explained the sighting to the people in the tour as we headed towards the cemetery's main entrance and recommended that anyone who could, should try and make the short run up to Prospect Park's north end. Four people decided to drive their cars over and I hopped on my bicycle, high-tailing it up to the area in the park known as the Vale of Cashmere. The bird had moved from the Vale to a spot a short distance away, but we all eventually got to see this rarity. It was a nice way to end a really good weekend of birding.

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Dates: Saturday, May 6, 2017 and Sunday, May 7, 2017
Location: Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn
Species: 75

Brant (3.)
Canada Goose
Wood Duck (2.)
Mallard
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron (1.)
Great Egret (2.)
Green Heron (2.)
Black-crowned Night-Heron (1.)
Osprey (1.)
Red-tailed Hawk (1.)
Spotted Sandpiper (2.)
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel (1.)
Monk Parakeet
Great Crested Flycatcher (2.)
Eastern Kingbird (3.)
Blue-headed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch (2.)
White-breasted Nuthatch (1.)
House Wren
Veery
Swainson's Thrush (1.)
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush (2.)
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
HOODED WARBLER (1.)
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Yellow Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler (1.)
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Prairie Warbler (3.)
Black-throated Green Warbler (1.)
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow (1.)
Eastern Towhee
SUMMER TANAGER (1.)
Scarlet Tanager (2.)
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
BLUE GROSBEAK (1.)
Indigo Bunting (1.)
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

From Mother Nature Network online:

At biggest biosphere in N. America, humans live in harmony with nature
This reserve is the first and only one controlled by indigenous people.
Christian Cotroneo
May 3, 2017, 5:17 p.m.

The Charter Community of Délįne, a tiny community along Canada's Great Bear Lake, doesn't get a lot of visitors.

The place, centered on the town of Délįne, isn't an easy destination to reach. Most people fly there. In winter, you can drive along an ice road — nearly 200 miles of anxious motoring. But in recent years, there's been a flurry of visitors, some from as far away as Paris.

What's the reason for the sudden interest in a land that's as austere and cold as it is remote?

In 2014, the region began its journey to becoming a UNESCO biosphere. And not just any biosphere — there are 664 in the world — but one that would become the largest in North America at just over 36,000 square miles.

The Tsá Tué Biosphere Reserve would cover the vast pristine lake as well as nearby Délįne Lake and the surrounding region.

Click here to read the entire article.

Free Walking Tour

UPDATE:

The May walking tour has been rescheduled.

The first walking tour was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 13th, but due to heavy rain forecasts, it has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 27th.

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, May 13, 2017 to Sunday, May 14, 2017:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 12pm – 1pm
Introduction to Bird Watching
Join Prospect Park Alliance for a birdwatching walk and learn about Prospect Park’s magnificent array of birds and how to identify them!

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Bedford Audubon Society
Saturday, May 13, 2017
World Migratory Bird Day

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday May 13, 2017
“The Birdathon”, International Migratory Bird Day
A global event celebrating the beauty of birds and habitats; this event encourages fundraising for conservation causes. For this year, the Brooklyn Bird Club’s Birdathon fundraising will support NYC’s Wild Bird Fund https://www.wildbirdfund.org/. For more information about the Birdathon and the history behind it, go to http://www.birdday.org/
If you are interested in forming a team with club members or friends, or if you need more information, please contact the BBC Birdathon teams’ coordinator Bobbi Manian at roberta.manian@gmail.com.

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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 9:00am
William Floyd Estate
Leader: MaryLaura Lamont (Estate phone 631-399-2030)
MaryLaura will be leading this walk in celebration of INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY. The Estate has a variety of habitats: woods, fields, creeks and marshes that offer a host of choices for the birds. They tend to settle in for a day or two to rest and feed on their migration north. We hope to catch a glimpse of various migrating birds – and maybe a few surprises Cleared pathways are the majority of walking areas for us, but ticks may be anywhere on Long Island – and this is no exception!
The Main Entrance Gate is at 245 Park Drive, in Mastic Beach proceed to the parking area.

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Gateway National Recreation Area
Every Sunday Weekly from 03/12/2017 to 05/28/2017
Birding for Beginners
Join us for an introductory nature walk where you will learn the essentials of birdwatching.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fee Information: Free

Saturday, May 13, 2017 9:00am to 4:00pm
International Migratory Bird Day
Come celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with us here at the Refuge. This year's theme is Stopover Sites: Helping Birds Along the Way. See live birds from Volunteers for Wildlife, go on a Warbler Walk, and learn about ways you can help migratory birds.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fee Information: Free

Sunday, May 14, 2017, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Jamaica Bay Bird Walk
Meet for a slide program and hike around the refuge to look for many species of migratory birds. Leader: Don Riepe. For reservations call (718) 474-0896; e-mail: don@littoralsociety.org
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fee Information: Free

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Great South Bay Audubon Society
Saturday, May 13, 2017 - 7:00am
Alley Pond Park
Leader(s): Mike Cooper (516-523-2369) Steve D’Amato (631-264-8413)
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.

Sunday, May 14, 2017 - 8:00am
Birding and Breakfast, Connetquot River SPP
Leader(s): Bob and Edith Wilson, Ken Thompson Helga Merryman
Continental breakfast hosted by Friends of Connetquot. Reservations required - call Connetquot River State Park Preserve at 581-1072 to register. Registration fee $4. plus $8 parking fee per car - unless you have yearly Empire pass.

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Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, May 14, 2017
"Birding in Peace" - Peak Spring Migration Birding
From Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to over 20 species of colorful wood-warblers, our peak migration tours will feature many of the 163 bird species that have been recorded at Green-Wood during the month of May. Beginning just after sunrise, we will experience spring’s dawn chorus at the most active time of day for birds.

$10 for members of Green‑Wood and BHS/$15 for non-members.

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Hudson River Audubon Society
Sunday, May 14, 2017, 8:00am
Mother’s Day Warbler Walk, Lenoir Nature Preserve
19 Dudley St. Yonkers
Meet us for our 25th year of this Audubon tradition. Spring migrants will be searched for; followed by refreshments at the nature center.
http://www.hras.org/wtobird/lenoir.html

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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Saturday, May 13, 2017 - 7:30am
Muttontown Preserve-International Migratory Bird Day Celebration Walk
Help us celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with a morning at Muttontown Preserve. The Preserve includes miles of marked nature trails with local wildflowers, trees, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Today we will be looking for migrants, as well as breeders that have flown north to nest in our area.
Registration: 516-695-0763 or hobaudubon@gmail.com.
After the walk, we’ll head over the Wild Birds Unlimited in Syosset for snacks and coffee, which will be followed by a children’s craft program at noon.
Directions: Meet in the parking lot off of Muttontown Lane, which is on the south side of Route 25A, just west of Route 106 in East Norwich. Follow Muttontown Lane to the end.

Sunday, May 14, 2017 - 7:30am
West Hills Warbler Watch
Picturesque, well-groomed nature trails, including the historic Walt Whitman Trail to Jayne's Hill (Long Island's highest peak), wind through this mixed-deciduous forested park. We will investigate this lovely preserve for migrating warblers, as well as other birds.
Registration: 585-880-0915
Directions: Take Sweet Hollow Road and turn right into north entrance. Meet at the upper parking area by the Jayne's Hill Picnic Area.

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Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Bashakill Marsh and Environs
Leader: John Haas
Registrar: Dale Dancis — ddancis@gmail.com or 212-724-3269
Registration opens: Monday, May 1
Ride: $45

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 9/3/2016 - 6/24/2017: 11:00 a.m.
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11am to 12:30pm beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturdays April 29, May 13, and June 3, and Sundays, May 7 and May 21, 9:30-10:30am
Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walks
Guide: NYC Audubon with Queens Botanical Garden
We are happy to announce a new series of spring migration bird walks in partnership with Queens Botanical Garden. Register for one date or the whole series of five free walks (walk-ins welcome!). Explore the Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources that the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Limited to 25. Appropriate for all ages. To register, email info@queensbotanical.org or visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar. Free with Garden admission

Weekly on Saturdays, until Jul 29, 2017
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks, The Bronx
Guides: NYC Audubon, Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy with the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy
Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 212-691-7483. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Saturday, May 13, 2017, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Afternoon Spring Walk at Inwood Hill Park
Guide: Nadir Souirgi
Meet at Muscota Marsh, just inside the Park entrance at Indian Road and 218th Street. Inwood Hill Park, simply put, is a jewel. Nestled between The Hudson River, Dyckman Street and Seaman Avenue, this last tract of largely undeveloped oak and tulip forest transports you to another world and another time. Glacial "pot holes", towering trees, and stunning river views create an unrivaled backdrop by which to observe the many migratory and breeding avian species that are drawn to this hotspot. Rose-breasted grosbeak, wood thrush, and yellow warbler breed here, and the Park includes one of only two of Manhattan's last remaining tidal salt marsh! Limited to 15. $36 (25)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 14, 2017, 8:00am – 11:00am
Spring Warblers
Class: Friday, May 12, 6:30-8:30pm
Trip: Sunday, May 14, 8-11am
Instructor: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
First learn to identify the 30-plus species of warblers that migrate through our area each spring, using field marks and other techniques. Then go out in the field and reinforce what you’ve learned. Field trip to Central Park. Limited to 15. $72 (50)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 14, 2017, 9:30am – 11:30am
Spring Birding at Wave Hill, The Bronx
Monthly on the second Sunday, until Jun 11, 2017
Guide: Gabriel Willow with Wave Hill
Meet at the Perkins Visitor Center. Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River flyway provides the perfect habitat for resident and migrating birds. Ages 10 and up welcome with an adult. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission (see www.wavehill.org for more information)

Sunday, May 14, 2017, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Jamaica Bay Migration Bird Walk
Guide: Don Riepe with American Littoral Society and Gateway NRA
Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge during peak spring migration for a slide program and hike around the reserve to look for many species of migratory birds. For reservations, call Don Riepe at (718) 474-0896 or e-mail donriepe@gmail.com. Free

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North Shore Audubon Society
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 6:30am – 5:00pm
"Big DAY" - start early at Alley Pond Park
Leader: Ian Resnick 917-626-9562
See "Walk locations" for directions. Parking lot 76th Ave east of Springfield Blvd.
Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water.
You do not need to stay the whole day. After lunch, the day continues for those who choose. Please call Ian to let him know if you are coming.

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NYC H2O
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Plumb Beach Cleanup
Bus transportation will be provided from Union Square leaving at 9:00am.

We will have an optional ecology lesson with marine biologist Helen Cheng after the cleanup. We will use a seinning net to catch critters that live in Jamaica Bay and put them in jars with water to study them before returning them to the water.
Lunch, gloves, garbage bags and pickers will be provided.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 9:15am – 3:15pm
The Richard Buegler 10-Mile Greenbelt Walk
Following in the steps of founder an friend, Richard Buegler, participants will enjoy a pleasant walk through the woods of the Greenbelt, a woodland which defines the life’s work of Richard Buegler.

Beginning at Staten Island Boulevard, behind Petrides High School, we plan to walk the trails in search of pinkster azaleas, trout lilies and a colorful collection of migrating spring birds and emerging butterflies.

Meet behind the Michael Petrides School Complex on Staten Island Boulevard.
For additional information, contact: Dominick Durso at 917-478-7607, Don Recklies at 718-768-9036, Chuck Perry at 718-667-1393

Saturday, May 13, 2017, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Richmond Town, Old Mill Road
Enjoy a walk back through Staten Island’s past as participants visit the ruins of three, pre-Revolutionary War mills, Bedell’s, Ketchum’s and Crocheron’s mills. Explore the watercourses which fed each mill. Discover the wildlife, the rich diversity of spaces which now call the mill creeks home.

Participants will meet in the parking lot on Old Mill Road beside St. Andrew’s Church.
For more information contact Ray Matarazzo at 718-317-7666

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Queens County Bird Club
Saturday, May 13, 2017
BIG DAY
Leader: Corey Finger - (518) 445-5829

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Head to the park to join bird walks led by experts from the NYC Audubon! Bird walks focus on wildlife happenings in the park.
Free!

Birding: Spring Migration at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Bird Walks with New York City Audubon at Queens Botanical Garden, Queens
9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Spot and identify creatures of flight and learn how Queens Botanical Garden provides important resources for birds—like water, shelter, and insects to eat.

Birding: Ridgewood Reservoir at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Central Park Conservancy Family Discovery Day at East Pinetum (in Central Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join us for a day of discovery and learn first-hand about the people, plants, and wildlife that make Central Park thrive!
Free!

Meet Birds of Prey at Beach 87th Street (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
This is an exciting chance to meet live hawks, owls, and falcons. Learn about the many adaptations that make these animals some of the most skilled hunters on the planet.
Free!

Sunday, May 14, 2017
Spring Birding at Wave Hill, Bronx
9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Explore the gardens and woodlands with naturalist Gabriel Willow on a quest to spot some of our favorite feathered friends as they return to the Hudson Highlands.

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Wild Bird Fund
Saturday, May 13, 2017, 9:00am - 11:00am
A Walk On The Wild Side: Mid Spring Migration
Spring Migration is in full swing! Time to get outside and see who’s around!
Please join WBF member and artist/naturalist Alan Messer for a Mid Spring Migration bird walk on May 13 (Rain Date, May 14).
In Central Park, this time is the peak season for many warbler, vireo, and thrush species. We will also see our resident birds in nesting behavior and migrant sparrows and finches. Enjoy our birds and blooms of spring.
We’ll be meeting at the Wild Bird Fund (565 Columbus Ave, New York, NY) at 9:00am SHARP.
The walk is $15; for members of WBF, it is $10.
(Interested in becoming a member? It’s only $10 a month! Click here for more info!) RSVP required: events@wildbirdfund.org ...Read more

Friday's Foto

The Yellow-breasted Chat is an atypical member of the wood-warbler family. While it shares many characteristics of other warblers, such as, a diet that consists primarily of insects, there has been suspicion among taxonomists that it may belong in another grouping; It is much larger that any of the other warblers. It doesn't tend to flock like the other warblers. It also produces an extremely varied range of squeaks, whistles, clucks and cackles, sounding more like a mockingbird. Despite a recent reworking of the wood-warblers taxonomy, this colorful bird remains a warbler for the foreseeable future.

Breeding in very dense scrub, consider yourself lucky if you find one of these secretive birds as they spend most of their time in stream thickets, briars and brushy tangles. Their nesting range includes British Columbia, Ontario, Massachusetts, south to California, the Gulf Coast, and Florida. They overwinter in the tropics, including coastal regions of southern Mexico.

Having an extremely large range and stable population, the IUCN Redlist lists their conservation status as "Least Concern".

The Yellow-breasted Chat's scientific name, Icteria virens, means jaundice-yellow or yellow bird and green, for its olive-green upper side.

Treehugger Tuesday

From the website Mother Nature Network:

15 astounding facts about trees
As National Arbor Day draws attention to trees, here's a closer look at how weird and wonderful these pillars of our communities can be.
Russell McLendon
April 28, 2017, 7 a.m.

It's hard to overstate the importance of trees. Their debut more than 300 million years ago was a turning point for Earth, helping transform its surface into a bustling utopia for land animals. Trees have fed, housed and otherwise nurtured countless creatures over time — including our own arboreal ancestors.

Modern humans rarely live in trees, but that doesn't mean we can live without them. About 3 trillion trees currently exist, enriching habitats from old-growth forests to city streets. Yet despite our deep-rooted reliance on trees, we tend to take them for granted. People clear millions of forested acres every year, often for short-term rewards despite long-term risks like desertification, wildlife declines and climate change. Science is helping us learn to use trees' resources more sustainably, and to protect vulnerable forests more effectively, but we still have a long way to go.

Earth now has 46 percent fewer trees than it did 12,000 years ago, when agriculture was in its infancy. Yet despite all the deforestation since then, humans still can't shake an instinctive fondness for trees. Their mere presence has been shown to make us calmer, happier and more creative, and often boosts our appraisal of property value. Trees hold deep symbolism in many religions, and cultures around the planet have long appreciated what a walk in the woods can do.

Click here to read the entire article. ...Read more

The Birds Came Storming In

I had made plans to meet a few of my birding friends very early Saturday morning in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. The wind forecasts seemed promising for more incoming migrants, plus I wanted to see what was around to help me get an idea of what to expect for my Sunday "Birding in Peace" tour at Green-Wood Cemetery. Unfortunately, when eating breakfast at 5am on Saturday morning all I could think about was the booming cracks of thunder, blinding lightning flashes and deluges of rain outside my apartment. Then I imagined flocks of tiny birds flying through that hell and dropping into NYC parks in search for some temporary refuge. It actually turned out to be a great weekend for both the birds and birders.

The storms cleared out by about 6am and I wandered up to Prospect Park, where I ended up spending a marathon 10 hours collecting new spring bird sightings nearly everywhere I looked. By the time I left for home I had 80 species of birds under my belt. I hoped that cooler temperatures and north winds overnight meant that most of the birds would be sticking around for my Green-Wood Cemetery tour.

It was apparent as we were walking into the cemetery at 6:30am that there were lots of new birds around. I saw small groups of tiny warblers swirling overhead and heard a lot of muted chips from the tops of the mature oaks just inside the main gate. Most of the maple trees had already flowered and dropped their dried, deep-green petals. The oaks, however, are now festooned with mustard-yellow catkins which are luring in swarms of minute insects. Those insects, in turn, are a magnet for thousands of hungry warblers. A short distance up from the start of Central Ridge, a large oak shading the Tiffany family plot seemed electrified with bird life. As expected, the majority of the songbirds were Yellow-rumped Warblers, but as soon as we stopped to scan the activity a brilliant American Redstart dropped down and perched atop a headstone, drawing "oos" and "aahs" from the group. Several Northern Parulas blared their buzzy trill from somewhere within the oak. Black-and-white Warblers crept along the trunk and small horizontal branches. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet sang from a nearby Flowering Dogwood. A Chipping Sparrow could be heard trilling from a large pine tree to our left, where we had seen a Yellow-throated Warbler on a previous tour. Later in the morning we would also locate our first Prairie Warbler of the season, as well as, several Common Yellowthroats...or as my wife likes to call them, the "Bandit Warbler", for the black mask that the males sport.

As we continued up the ridge I caught a glimpse out of the corner of my eye of a long-tailed bird flashing passed. The impression was that of a possible cuckoo. These birds are notorious for silently perching under the cover of dense foliage, making it extremely difficult to find them. Fortunately, this Yellow-billed Cuckoo hadn't seen the field guides and flew across the ridge in front of us where it obligingly perched a short distance down from the top of a linden tree. With a little bit of patience I was able to get everybody focused on this relative of the roadrunner.

There was such an abundance of activity along the ridge that we spent approximately 30 minutes to travel only about 100 yards. Another mature oak a short distance from the first held the first of a few Yellow Warblers that we'd see on Sunday. A single male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was eventually joined by two more males and a pair of females. I was initially drawn to the "chink" call note of this grosbeak, which sounds to my ears like a sneaker squeaking on a basketball court. I walked the group up a short, steep rise so that we could get a bit closer to the tree tops. From there we also got great looks at our first Scarlet Tanager of the day. We would see a couple more of this seemingly luminescent red bird by the morning's end.

Before leaving Central Ridge I stopped to point out an Ovenbird (there were LOTS around on Sunday) and a mixed flock of sparrows, when all the birds spooked. I began to explain that, when the birds flush like that, one should immediately stop to look around for...my words were interrupted by a immature Red-tailed Hawk that flew into a tree directly in front of us and nearly at eye level. After making sure everyone was focused on the brazen hawk, I finished my sentence..."raptors".

Flocks of Barn Swallows skimmed the air above all the lakes and ponds, but at the Sylvan Water we also spotted a pair of the less flamboyant Northern Rough-winged Swallows. At the opposite end of the size spectrum, a pair of Great Blue Herons perched on a dead snag above the cemetery's largest body of water.

Thrushes had also made a big push into the area over the weekend. The grouping of "brown" woodland thrushes have evolved their subtle palette of browns and reds to, no doubt, blend in with the leaf litter of the forest floor where they spend most of their time during the breeding season foraging for insects other invertebrates. Beginning birders may find these species a challenge to identify as they don't have the obvious field marks of other songbirds; this one has very few breast spots, another has dark breast spots, one has no eyering, another has a grey eyering while a similar one has a buffy eyering. It's actually not that difficult if one spends a bit of time studying between seasons. They may lack the ostentatious coloring of the wood-warblers, however, they more than make up for it with their vocalizations. The four forest thrushes that we observed on Sunday, Veery, Swainson's Thrush, Hermit Thrush and Wood Thrush, all have wonderful, complex songs. Unlike most humans, who can only produce a single sound at a time, thrushes can sing two notes independent of each other. Birdnote has a really interesting podcast about it here. It would have been amazing to hear them all singing, but we only managed to hear one of the Wood Thrushes singing at the edge of Dell Water. The tours during the month of May will begin a half hour earlier, so perhaps then we'll hear the dawn incantations of some of these masters of song.

This coming weekend we should see even more birds on our dawn walks. Maybe we'll even break 20 species of warbler! If you plan on coming, be sure to sign up at the Green-Wood Cemetery events page here.

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Location: Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn
Date: April 30, 2017, 6:30am
Species: 72

Canada Goose
Wood Duck (1.)
Mallard
Great Blue Heron (2.)
Green Heron (1.)
Red-tailed Hawk (1.)
Spotted Sandpiper (1.)
Laughing Gull
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1.)
Belted Kingfisher (1.)
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel (1.)
Monk Parakeet
Eastern Phoebe (1.)
Great Crested Flycatcher (1.)
Eastern Kingbird (2.)
Blue-headed Vireo (3.)
Warbling Vireo (2.)
Blue Jay
American Crow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (2.)
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch (1.)
White-breasted Nuthatch (1.)
House Wren (4.)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Veery (5.)
Swainson’s Thrush (2.)
Hermit Thrush (4.)
Wood Thrush (7.)
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher (1.)
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Ovenbird (12.)
Northern Waterthrush (2.)
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler (1.)
Common Yellowthroat (4.)
American Redstart (2.)
Northern Parula
Yellow Warbler (3.)
Blackpoll Warbler (2.)
Black-throated Blue Warbler (3.)
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Prairie Warbler (2.)
Black-throated Green Warbler (2.)
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow (1.)
Eastern Towhee (3.)
Scarlet Tanager (3.)
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting (1.)
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole (3.)
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow ...Read more

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, May 6, 2017 to Sunday, May 7, 2017:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, May 6, 2017, 12pm – 1pm
Introduction to Bird Watching
Join Prospect Park Alliance for a birdwatching walk and learn about Prospect Park’s magnificent array of birds and how to identify them!

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Spring Migrants and Local Trees in Green-Wood Cemetery
Leaders: Molly Nash Rouzie and Matthew Wills
Focus: Tree species and the birds that use them
Meet 8:00 am inside the 25th St/5th Ave entrance by The “Castle”
Note : Nearest train R line to 25th Street

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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Central Park’s Ramble
Leader: Katie Kleinpeter
Located in the heart of Central Park, The Ramble is a destination not to be missed during spring migration! Join Katie on the LIRR train leaving from Ronkonkoma train station at 5:37 a.m. or meet her in the city at West 72nd and Central Park West at 7:30 a.m. There will be opportunities for coffee, food and bathrooms at The Boathouse in the park. We can plan on taking a 12:00 or 1:00 train home, but you can leave earlier or stay longer if you wish!

Please email Katie at katiekleinpeter@gmail.com so she knows to look out for you. She will provide her phone number for the day of the field trip and other last minute details.

Parking for the train station: There is a smaller north lot and larger south lot. Automated ticket booths are located at both sides and a teller is located on the north side only. The train leaves from the north side, track A. In addition to buying a train ticket, you will need to purchase 2 rides for the MetroCard/Subway. Seniors get a discount with a Medicare card.

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Feminist Bird Club
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Green-Wood Cemetery with Rob Jett

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Gateway National Recreation Area
Every Sunday Weekly from 03/12/2017 to 05/28/2017
Birding for Beginners
Join us for an introductory nature walk where you will learn the essentials of birdwatching.
Location: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Fee Information: Free

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Great South Bay Audubon Society
Sunday, May 7, 2017, 7:00am
Central Park
Leader(s): John Gluth (631-827-0120), Steve D’Amato (631-264-8413), Nick Laviola (631-678-7866)
Meet at 7 a.m. on Central Park West at 77th Street (opposite the Museum of Natural History)

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Green-Wood Cemetery
Saturday, May 6, 2017
"Birding in Peace" - Peak Spring Migration Birding

Sunday, May 7, 2017
"Birding in Peace" - Peak Spring Migration Birding

From Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to over 20 species of colorful wood-warblers, our peak migration tours will feature many of the 163 bird species that have been recorded at Green-Wood during the month of May. Beginning just after sunrise, we will experience spring’s dawn chorus at the most active time of day for birds.

$10 for members of Green‑Wood and BHS/$15 for non-members.

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Hudson River Audubon Society
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Cranberry Lake
Meet 8am at the nature center.
http://hras.org/wtobird/cranberr.html

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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Sunday, May 7, 2017, 8:00am
Central Park: Warblers of NYC Exploration
One of the finest spots around the metropolitan area for warblers and other spring migrants as well as breeding birds. The array of birds that can be see is dazzling!
Registration: 631-885-1881 or aveblue@gmail.com

Directions: Meet at the Boathouse, easily accessed from the pedestrian entrance on Fifth Ave near 76th St. Walk downhill veering left past the Alice in Wonderland statues, by the right side of the sailboat pond toward the right, up the hill, cross the roadway and to the Boathouse.

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Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Pine Barrens for Early Spring Butterflies and More
Leader: Rick Cech
Registrar: Sandra Maury — sandramaury39@gmail.com or 212-874-4881
Registration opens: Monday, April 10
Ride: $45

Sunday, May 7, 2017
Great Swamp NWR and Scherman-Hoffman Sanctuary
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Registrar: Barbara Saunders — bsaunders002@nyc.rr.com or 646-872-4029
Registration opens: Monday, April 24
Ride: $30

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 9/3/2016 - 6/24/2017: 11:00 a.m.
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11am to 12:30pm beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturdays April 29, May 13, and June 3, and Sundays, May 7 and May 21, 9:30-10:30am
Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walks
Guide: NYC Audubon with Queens Botanical Garden
We are happy to announce a new series of spring migration bird walks in partnership with Queens Botanical Garden. Register for one date or the whole series of five free walks (walk-ins welcome!). Explore the Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources that the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Limited to 25. Appropriate for all ages. To register, email info@queensbotanical.org or visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar. Free with Garden admission

Saturday, May 6, 2017, 7am – 3pm
Sterling Forest Warblers, Orange County, NY
Guides: Don Riepe, Tod Winston
Explore the woodland and pond habitat of the 20,000-acre Sterling Forest preserve during peak spring migration. Look for nesting warblers (including golden-winged, cerulean, hooded, prairie, and blue-winged) as well as spring wildflowers, reptiles, and amphibians. Visit the rustic visitor center. Trip involves 4-mile hike and some rocky terrain. Bring lunch, water, and binoculars. Transport by passenger van. Limited to 12. $115 (80)
Click here to register

Saturday, May 6, 2017, 8:00am – 9:30am
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks, The Bronx
Guides: NYC Audubon, Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy with the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy
Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 212-691-7483. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Sunday, May 7, 2017, 8am – 3pm
Birding Gems of Staten Island: Spring Migration at Freshkills Park
Guide: Cliff Hagen with NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
Meet at the Staten Island Ferry and start your trip with a journey across the Upper Bay! From wetlands to woodlands to rich, rolling grasslands, Freshkills Park offers a diverse collection of habitats and wildlife. Each spring, the migration is magnificent at Freshkills Park. On any given day over 100 species of birds and a variety of butterflies can be enjoyed within the borders of the park. Join local naturalist Cliff Hagen and the NYC Parks Department on this special opportunity to explore the deep, secret places of the City's latest, greatest park. Transport by passenger van on S.I. included. Limited to 12. $50 (35)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 7, 2017, 8am – 12pm
Introduction to Bird song
Class: Friday, May 5, 6:30-8:30pm
Trip: Sunday, May 7, 8am-noon
Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
Do you ever wonder who is singing? Learn to identify the large variety of migrant and resident birds in New York City. Joe Giunta will first introduce you to the subtleties of bird-song identification in the classroom followed by a field trip in Central Park to bird by eye and ear. Limited to 12. $72 (50)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 7, 2017, 9am – 2pm
Spring Migration on Randall's Island
Guides: Gabriel Willow, Randall’s Island Park Alliance Staff with Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. Meet on the northwest corner of 102nd Street and the FDR Drive. We’ll walk across the foot bridge to Randall’s Island, an under-explored location in the East River that hosts restored freshwater wetlands and salt marsh. We’ll look for spring migrants (both waterbirds and land birds) as we explore the results of recent restoration efforts. Limited to 20. $40 (28)
Click here to register

Sunday, May 7, 2017, 9:30am – 10:30am
Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walks
Saturdays April 29, May 13, and June 3, and Sundays, May 7 and May 21, 9:30-10:30am
Guide: NYC Audubon with Queens Botanical Garden
We are happy to announce a new series of spring migration bird walks in partnership with Queens Botanical Garden. Register for one date or the whole series of five free walks (walk-ins welcome!). Explore the Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources that the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Limited to 25. Appropriate for all ages. To register, email info@queensbotanical.org or visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar. Free with Garden admission

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North Shore Audubon Society
Saturday, May 6, 2017, 8am – 12pm
Walk: EARLY - Alley Pond Park
Leader: Rich 516-509-1094
See "Walk locations" for directions.
Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water.

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NYC H2O
Saturday, May 6, 2017, 11am
Sunday, May 7, 2017, 11am
Ridgewood Reservoir Community Tours

NYC H2O is offering free tours of the Ridgewood Reservoir to community members and the public.

The Ridgewood Reservoir in Highland Park is a 50+ acre natural oasis that straddles the border of Brooklyn and Queens. Built in 1859 to supply the once independent City of Brooklyn with high quality water, it became obsolete with the addition of new reservoirs in the Catskills in the 1950’s and was decommissioned in the 1980’s. Since then, nature took its course in a perfect case study of ecological succession. A lush and dense forest has grown in its two outside basins while a freshwater pond with waterfowl sits in the middle basin.

Join us to explore this incredible natural resource in the heart of NYC. Please make a reservation.
We will meet in the parking lot at Vermont Place.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Sunday, May 7, 2017, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Long Pond Park

Participants will look for evidence of animal life in the wetlands and woods of Long Pond Park. We’ll also look for signs of spring bird life, examine the geology of the area and observe evidence of past human use of the area.

Meet beside Public School 6 on Page Avenue and Academy Avenue.

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South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

All walks start at 9:00 A.M.
There is no walk if it rains or snows or temperature is below 25°F.
For more information or in case of questionable weather conditions, please phone Joe at 516 467-9498
For directions to our bird-watching locations, click here

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Early Morning Bird Walk at Wave Hill, Bronx
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Join naturalist Gabriel Willow on a special early-morning walk to spot the amazing diversity of birds in the gardens and woodlands, as well as in the skies above, before the gates open.
Free!

Discovery Walks for Families: Beginning Birders at Chess and Checkers House (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Bring your family for a guided walk and discover why Central Park is a sanctuary for plants, animals, and humans alike.
Free!

Meet Birds of Prey at East 16th Road to East 18th Road on Cross Bay Boulevard (in Broad Channel Park), Queens
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
This is an exciting chance to meet live hawks, owls, and falcons. Learn about the many adaptations that make these animals some of the most skilled hunter on the planet.
Free!

Sunday, May 7, 2017
Bird-Watching at the Reservoir at Ridgewood Reservoir, Queens
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
Catch the warbler wave! Welcome them back at a spring bird-watching workshop led by The Brooklyn Bird Club.
Free!

Bird Walks with New York City Audubon at Queens Botanical Garden, Queens
9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Spot and identify creatures of flight and learn how Queens Botanical Garden provides important resources for birds—like water, shelter, and insects to eat.

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Wild Bird Fund
Saturday, May 6, 2017, 9:30am - 11:30am
Focus on the Birds with Charles Chessler!
WHERE: Starts at Wild Bird Fund at 565 Columbus Avenue, and then travel to Central Park
COST: $20 per person, $15 for members!
Join WBF and native New York photographer Charles Chessler for a fun couple of hours learning how best to capture the beautiful birds that visit and make Central Park their home.
At 9:30AM Charles will spend a half hour discussing some basic photographic concepts and best settings for bird photography. Then we’ll head into the park to see what we can see…and, hopefully, we’ll all go home with some exciting images.
Reservations are required: Email events@wildbirdfund.org for more information

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Young Birders Club
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Bashakill Wildlife Management Area (Sullivan County)
Sponsoring NYSYBC Partner: Sullivan County Audubon Society
Trip Leader: Lance Verderame
This outstanding birding area in southeastern Sullivan County attracts birders from all over the northeast. Most come in April and May to look for migrating birds that stop to rest and feed in the trees and shrubbery adjacent to the large wetlands, but the birding is excellent much of the year.

This BCA (Bird Conservation Area) is comprised of the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area. Habitat is primarily non-tidal emergent wetland through which the Bashakill River meanders. The wetlands are surrounded by deciduous woods and mixed woods, with some shrub lands. The area hosts a number of rare plants and animals (Spreading Globeflower, Ironcolor Shiner, Spotted Sunfish and Long-tailed Salamander). Limestone caves exist in the area as well. The area supports characteristic breeding wetland-dependent species (such as Great Blue Heron, Virginia Rail, Sora and Common Moorhen), abundant waterfowl, and several species at risk. And in May, WARBLERS!

Species at risk include: Pied-billed Grebe, American Bittern, Least Bittern, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Goshawk, and Red-shouldered Hawk. Trail Map

Trip Registration Form due by FRIDAY 4/28/17 (date corrected 4/27/17). If you have not yet submitted a 2017 medical form (page 2 of the trip registration form) please submit it with your registration form. ...Read more