Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of December 2 - December 3, 2023:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip to Edith Read Sanctuary & Marshlands Conservancy
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 8:00am - 12:00 m
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: On our early-December Field Trip to Edith Read Sanctuary and the Marshlands Conservancy, we will visit two Important Bird Areas (IBA) and explore a mix of forest, meadow, fresh water, salt marsh and shore. Our Naturalist Tait Johansson will lead the way as we look out for possible sightings of Greater and Lesser Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Red-throated and Common Loons, Great Horned Owl, and Fox Sparrow.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate (due to the climb to the viewing platform). Email Susan to register: info@bedfordaudubon.org.
View Details


**********

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory bird outing is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details


Early Winter Waterfowl of the Jamaica Bay Watershed
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Leader: Michael Yuan
Description: Observers will look for primarily migrating waterfowl species namely freshwater and sea ducks, raptors, winter passerines and possible late species or rarity.
Registration: Adelia Harrison, email honeywood5@yahoo.com.
View Details


First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, December 3, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Paul Keim, Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Join naturalist and birder Paul Keim 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.
View Details


**********

Great South Bay Audubon Society

Montauk Nature Walk
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Bob Grover, Ken Thompson
Description: Join us for our last bird walk of 2023 as we head out to Montauk for an early morning adventure. Meet at Lighthouse parking lot. Latecomers can still join in the vicinity of the restaurant overlook. Directions Route 27 to 27A to end.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, December 3, 2023, 7:15am – 8:45am
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that there aren’t interesting birds to discover in Green-Wood. For some bird species that migrate south after the breeding season, Brooklyn is their Miami during the cold months. Spend the early morning exploring the cemetery, looking for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches and any half-hardy birds that decided to stick around. By February we’ll see some of the early north-bound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
View Details


**********

Linnaean Society of New York

Rye Playland and Environs
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Leader: Tom Burke
Description: Rye Playland is located on Long Island Sound in northeastern Westchester County, about 30 miles from New York City. We will start our walk at Playland Park & Read Sanctuary and move later to the Marshlands Conservancy; at both, the terrain is easy, and we’ll walk about a mile at each. We usually have lunch at Marshlands and finish up with a walk to the marsh in early afternoon. Birds will be whatever we can uncover on Long Island Sound, Playland Lake, and Milton Harbor, as well as in the woods and fields at both locations. We also reserve the opportunity to chase any exceptional rarities in the region rather than completing the planned itinerary. Species seen during past detours have included Calliope Hummingbird, Gray Kingbird, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, and Hermit Warbler, but unfortunately these opportunities don’t come up often.
Registration: Mary Jane Boland - mjboland3@gmail.com
View Details


**********

New York City Audubon

Birding at Fort Wadsworth
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 8:00am - 9:30am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Discover a wide variety of songbirds and waterfowl at beautiful Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island with longtime birder and Staten Island resident, Anthony Ciancimino.
Registration: Register online
View Details


Bilingual Birding at Van Cortlandt Park
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Latino Outdoors NYC
Description: Únase a NYC Audubon y Latino Outdoors NYC en una observación de aves bilingüe en uno de los espacios verdes más grandes del Bronx. Buscaremos varias especies de aves residentes y migrantes y hablaremos sobre una amplia gama de temas aviares. Este evento se lleva a cabo en asociación con Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
Registration: Registra aquí
View Details


New York Botanical Garden Bird Tour
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Joe McManus
Description: Join NYC Audubon and the New York Botanical Garden for some fall birding! 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: No registration required. No limit. Free.
View Details


Accessible Birding in Fort Tryon Park
Sunday, December 3, 2023, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Alex Wang
Description: The beautiful Fort Tryon Park commands views of the Palisades and the Hudson River from soaring cliffs of bedrock. Fort Tryon Park’s 67 acres feature many well-paved walkways suitable for birders with strollers and carriages, as well as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.
Registration: No registration required. No limit. Free.
View Details


**********

North Fork Audubon Society

Young Birders Club - Winter Ducks
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Kyra Leonardi
Description: Families are welcome, as Kyra explores the Sound beach at Inlet Pond County Park in search of Winter Ducks.
Registration: Register online
View Details


**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Richmondtown, Old Mill Road
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Ray Matarazzo
Description: Enjoy a stroll along the multi-use trail overlooking Fresh Kills with Ray Matarazzo. Walk back in time as you pass the famous Hessian Spring as it crosses the path and view Fresh Kills estuary as you work your way toward the remains of Ketchum’s Mill. Along the way observe traces of the past, examine the present woodland ecosystems and search for evidence of present inhabitants especially deer and other mammals. Meet in the parking lot at the start of Old Mill Road, alongside St. Andrew’s Church.
Registration: For more information contact Ray Matarazzo at (718) 317-7666.
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Preserve
December 3, 2023
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway, turn north onto Broadway, Massapequa. Travel under the Long Island Rail Road overpass, then make the first right onto Veterans Boulevard (headed east). Go past the Massapequa train station and into the parking lot at the east end of the station. The preserve is directly east of the parking lot.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, December 2, 2023
Birding: Bald Eagle Watch at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers. Bring your own binoculars.
Free

...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of November 25 - November 26, 2023:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 25, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory bird outing is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details


**********

Freshkills Park Alliance

Nature Hike
Sunday, November 26, 2023, 12:00pm
Leader: Rangers
Description: Lace up your shoes for a nature hike at Freshkills Park! Freshkills Park staff will take you behind the scenes to visit areas that are currently closed to the public. On this 2+ mile walk, you’ll learn about the different plants and animals found in the woods, wetlands, and grasslands at Freshkills Park.
Registration: Register online
View Details


**********

Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society

Wertheim NWR, Shirley, NY
Sunday, November 26, 2023, 9:00am
Leader: _____
Description: It’s turkey time! No, not to eat, to observe. Wild turkeys live on Long Island and the WNWR is a great place to discover these majestic birds.
Registration: Call 585-880-0915 to register in advance.
View Details


**********

New York City Audubon

Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Sunday, November 26, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest park, Marine Park. Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance.
Registration: No registration required. No limit. Free.
View Details


**********

North Shore Audubon Society

Mill Pond – Wantaugh/Bellmore
Saturday, November 25, 2023, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Jennifer - (516) 941-7434
Description: Winter ducks should be arriving.
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
View Details


**********

Queens County Bird Club

Grand Jones Beach
Sunday, November 26, 2023, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick - (917) 626-9562
Description: We will start this field trip at Jones Beach West End - the gazebo at the boat basin adjoining the Coast Guard Station - see map. We will proceed both on foot and by vehicle to other locales in the Jones Beach area.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Point Lookout Town Park (and Lido Preserve afterwards)
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, exit onto the Meadowbrook State Parkway south. Exit from the Meadowbrook at Loop Parkway (just before the Jones Beach toll booths) toward Point Lookout. The Loop Parkway ends west of Point Lookout at Lido Boulevard. Continue straight across Lido Boulevard into Point Lookout Park. Travel past the ticket booths and curve left into the very large parking lot on the south side of the park. Park in the southeast corner, closest to the private homes of the village of Point Lookout and the beach. We will walk east along the beach toward Jones Inlet. After returning to the parking lot, we will drive west on Lido Boulevard to Lido Beach Passive Nature Preserve on the north side of Lido Boulevard to walk through the bay marsh.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, November 25, 2023
Summer on the Hudson: Riverside Park Birding Club at 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
7:00am - 8:30am
Monthly walks through birding hotspots in Riverside Park. Learn and build a birding community.
Free

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Sunset Cove Park Entrance (in Sunset Cove Park)
10:00am - 11:00am
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free


Sunday, November 26, 2023
Marine Park Alliance Presents: Intro to Birding at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
9:00am - 10:00am
Join Marine Park Alliance and experting birder Samantha Philbert for one last bird walk in the salt marsh before the winter chill sets in!
Free

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at 43rd Street and 1st Avenue (in Bush Terminal Park), Brooklyn
10:00am - 11:00am
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free

...Read more

Best of the Fortnight

Here's a selection of my photos from the past 2 weeks:

Golden-crowned Kinglet, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

American Woodcock, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Dark-eyed Junco, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Blue Jay, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

White-throated Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Hermit Thrush, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

American Kestrel, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Red-bellied Woodpecker, All Faiths Cemetery, Queens, NY

Merlin, All Faiths Cemetery, Queens, NY

Song Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Autumn Reflections, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Red-tailed Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

American Kestrel, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Laceleaf Japanese Maple, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of November 11 - November 12, 2023:

Bedford Audubon Society

Milford Point & Silver Sands State Park
Sunday, November 19, 2023, 8:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join Naturalist Tait Johansson for a Field Trip to Milford Point and Silver Sands State Park and visit two Important Bird Areas (IBA) in one day. Milford Point is one of Connecticut’s most-visited bird viewing areas as the marsh, sandbars, and barrier beach are some of the most important shorebird migratory stopover areas on Long Island Sound, providing foraging areas and resting areas for tens of thousands of shorebirds each year. Silver Sands is comprised of woodland edge, grassland, beach and restored salt marsh and dune areas. It is also an IBA for wintering and nesting birds.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. Email Susan to register info@bedfordaudubon.org.
View Details


**********

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory bird outing is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details


Gull Identification Workshop in Coney Island
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik and Bobbi Manian
Description: Brush up on your Gull ID skills in time for the Christmas Bird Count! Join Bobbi Manian and Dennis Hrehowsik at Coney Island for a gull ID workshop.
Registration: This is a public transit trip with no registration required (no car pools arrangements.)
View Details


**********

Feminist Bird Club

NYC - Fall Birding At Shirley Chisholm State Park
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leaders: ____
Description: Join us at Shirley Chisholm State Park for Fall Birding on Saturday, November 18th at 9am. We will meet at the end of the parking lot on the Pennsylvania Avenue side. We will then bird on the Pennsylvania Avenue side searching for raptors, sparrows, and some winter arrivals of waterfowl.
Registration: Register online
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, November 19, 2023, 6:30am – 8:00am
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: By September, offspring of summer’s nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Large numbers of blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows will also be passing through. By October, we’ll be on the lookout for returning waterfowl and raptors heading south. November will bring back our overwintering feathered denizens from the north.
View Details


**********

Linnaean Society of New York

Shirley Chisholm State Park and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: This trip involves visits to several coastal sites ringing Jamaica Bay. It features water birds in the Bay and saltmarshes, as well as woodland and brush-loving birds. We usually see sixteen species of duck in the East Pond, sometimes including a Eurasian Wigeon. In the past we were treated to a Vesper and a Lincoln’s Sparrow at Shirley Chisholm State Park. One of the most intriguing sighting included three Tundra Swans at the East Pond of Jamaica Bay. The itinerary for this trip often changes from year to year, and those changes add to the excitement and fun.
Registration: Matthew Fischer - matthewwfischer@gmail.com
View Details


**********

Littoral Society

Winter Waterfowl Workshop
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Leader: Don Riepe
Description: The event will begin with a slide show focused on bird identification. Followed by a hike around the East and West Ponds, led by the Littoral Society's Jamaica Bay Guardian Don Riepe. The focus of the excursion will be looking for and learning about ducks, geese, and many other species of winter birds and other wildlife that can be found in Jamaica Bay.
Registration: Register online
View Details


**********

New York City Audubon

Van Cortlandt Park Birding
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Jack Rothman
Description: Join NYC Audubon on a bird tour in one of the Bronx's largest green spaces. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. This event is held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
Registration: Register online
View Details


Queens Botanical Garden Birding
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 9:30am - 10:30am
Leader: ____
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the resources the Garden offers to birds and other wildlife. These outings are held in partnership with the Queens Botanical Garden.
Registration: Register online
View Details


NYCHA in Nature Birding at Beach 41st Street
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10:30am - 11:30am
Leader: ____
Description: Join NYC Audubon and the Public Housing Community Fund as we explore the green space surrounding Beach 41st Street, including near the bay where we're likely to see plenty of waterfowl. The group will meet at the The Child Center of NY's Community Cornerstone building at 426 Beach 40th Street.
Registration: Register online
View Details


Accessible Birding in Fort Tryon Park
Sunday, November 19, 2023, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Alex Wang
Description: The beautiful Fort Tryon Park commands views of the Palisades and the Hudson River from soaring cliffs of bedrock. Fort Tryon Park’s 67 acres feature many well-paved walkways suitable for birders with strollers and carriages, as well as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.
Registration: Registration not required. No limit. Free.
View Details


**********

North Shore Audubon Society

North Shore Duck Walk
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Jennifer - (516) 941-7434
Description: Meet in the SW corner of Macy's parking lot. We will drive to several locations.
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
View Details


**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

A Walk at Blue Heron Park
Sunday, November 19, 2023, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: We’ll meet in the Blue Heron Nature Center parking lot, 222 Poillon Avenue, then cross the street to loop the Blue Trail, visit Butterfly Pond, then return to the Nature Center by way of Spring Pond. On the way we’ll look closely to see if the trees think it is early or late fall. (I’m sure our weather will have confused them.)
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036. Inclement weather - but not a light drizzle - will cancel this walk.
View Details


**********

Queens County Bird Club

South Shore Potpourri
Sunday, November 19, 2023, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick - (917) 626-9562
Description: Explore various duck ponds of the South Shore, starting with Lofts Pond in Baldwin - see map for this location - and heading east to Milburn Creek, Cow Meadow, Cammanns Pond, Mill Pond Park Bellmore, and any other nearby locations that have reported interesting sightings on that day.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Wantagh State Parkway, travel south. Upon entering Jones Beach State Park, exit at Bay Drive and continue west. Turn right (north) at entrance for Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin; turn right again for parking.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, November 18, 2023
Urban Wildlife: Wild Turkeys at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road, Staten Island
11:00am - 12:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the wild turkeys that are seen on Staten Island.
Free

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for Sat., November 11 - Sun., November 12, 2023:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory bird outing is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details


**********

Gateway National Parks

Marsh Market Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 1:00pm — 2:15pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join Ranger Jesse on an interpretive, nature walk to the living shoreline. Topics of discussion include Indigenous history of NYC, marsh ecology, native plants and their traditional uses.
Registration: Reservations not reqired.
View Details


**********

Great South Bay Audubon Society

Morton NWR
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: ______
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Morton National Wildlife Rescue for an early morning adventure.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
View Details


**********

Birding in Peace
Sunday, November 12, 2023, 6:30am – 8:00am
Description: By September, offspring of summer’s nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Large numbers of blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows will also be passing through. By October, we’ll be on the lookout for returning waterfowl and raptors heading south. November will bring back our overwintering feathered denizens from the north.
View Details


Great Trees of Green-Wood
Sunday, November 12, 2023, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Description: It’s a visual extravaganza and it only happens once a year: Green-Wood’s 8,000+ trees explode into vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow! Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to start Instagram posting like crazy as you take in the fall foliage in all its glory! Along the way you’ll encounter some of nearly 700 tree species and cultivars that make the Cemetery’s collection one of the best in all of New York City. In fact, Green-Wood is an accredited Level III Arboretum—one of only three in New York State (and only 43 in the world!)
View Details


**********

Hudson River Audubon Society

Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: Meet at the far end of Rye Playland Parking lot. Ducks, and early winter birds will be searched for on the lake and in the Sound.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
View Details


**********

Linnaean Society of New York

Gull Identification at Coney Island
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Leader: Roberta Manian and Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Brush up on your basic gull ID skills in time for the Christmas Bird Counts (CBC)! Join us at Coney Island to learn how to identify the basic winter gulls in all their cycles. Bring a scope if you have one and be prepared to stand still for long periods on a windy beach (i.e., dress warmly), as well as trekking two-three miles, depending on what we are seeing.
Registration: Dom Ricci - domricci@gmail.com
View Details


**********

New York City Audubon

Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest park, Marine Park. Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance.
Registration: No registration required. No limit. Free.
View Details


Van Cortlandt Park Birding
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Haley Scott
Description: Join NYC Audubon on a bird tour in one of the Bronx's largest green spaces. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. This event is held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
Registration: Register online
View Details


Prospect Park Birding
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Ryan Mandelbaum
Description: Join NYC Audubon to get to know the fall migrants of “Brooklyn's Backyard,” beautiful Prospect Park. The meadows, forests, and waterways of Prospect Park attract a dazzling variety of migratory birds on their way south, including warblers, tanagers, cuckoos, and more.
Registration: Register online
View Details


New York Botanical Garden
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Woo Sung Park
Description: Join NYC Audubon and the New York Botanical Garden for their Fall Forest Weekend! Get to see some of NYBG’s diverse landscape and learn why this unique green space is such a vital haven for a great variety of species year-round. The tour will meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Native Plant Garden.
Registration: Registration not required. No limit. Free.
View Details


Pelham Bay Park Birding
Sunday, November 12, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30pm
Leader: Joe McManus
Description: Join NYC Audubon to explore New York City's largest park this spring. Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat for a variety of migrating birds.
Registration: Registration not required. No Limit. Free.
View Details


New York Botanical Garden
Sunday, November 12, 2023, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Rich Aracil
Description: Join NYC Audubon and the New York Botanical Garden for their Fall Forest Weekend! Get to see some of NYBG’s diverse landscape and learn why this unique green space is such a vital haven for a great variety of species year-round. The tour will meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Native Plant Garden.
Registration: Registration not required. No limit. Free.
View Details


**********

Newtown Historical Society

All Faiths Cemetery Bird Walk
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 9:00am (raindate)
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: Explore the nature and history of this 171 year old cemetery.
Registration: Contact us - (718) 366-3715 or newtownhistory@gmail.com
View Details


**********

North Fork Audubon Society

Young Birders Club - Orient Beach State Park
Sunday, November 12, 2023, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Mary Bertschi
Description: Mary is a Marine Vertebrate Biology Student at Stony Brook University with interest in seabird research and shark conservation. She has conducted research abroad in Madagascar, Peru and the Bahamas.
Registration: Register online
View Details


**********

North Shore Audubon Society

Nassau County Museum of Art
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Leader: Joyce - (516) 621-6678
Description: Nassau County Museum of Art, One Museum Dr, Roslyn, NY 11576.
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sunday, November 12, 2023
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
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Sunday, November 12, 2023
Fall Birding at Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx
9:30am - 11:00am
Get a front row seat to peak migration! Join naturalists & bird guides Gabriel Willow & Paul Keim as you explore Wave Hill’s gardens, woodlands and the skies overhead to look for birds.
Free
...Read more

Happy Halloween!

 

Best of the Fortnight

Here are my favorite photos that I took over the previous 2 weeks. Enjoy:

Winter Wren, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Grasshopper Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Chipping Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Eastern Meadowlark, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Ash-throated Flycatcher, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

American Kestrel with Dark-eyed Junco prey, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Best of the Fortnight

Here's my latest fortnight photos for the first two weeks of October 2023. Enjoy:

Magnolia Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

American Kestrel with Red-eyed Vireo, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Rusty Blackbird, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Himalayan Pine dumping pollen, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Very focused Great Blue Heron, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Black-and-white Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Great Cormorant, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Goldenrod flowers, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Groundsel, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Lark Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Savannah Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Western Kingbird, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for Wed., October 21 - Sun., October 22, 2023:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Escape from Brooklyn: Fall Migration at Governors Island
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Leader: Ryan Goldberg
Description: A peaceful birding getaway is only a five-minute ferry ride from the tip of Manhattan, one of the most built-up spots on the planet. Ditch the crowds and explore Governor’s Island at the height of fall migration. This 172-acre island, part of the borough of Manhattan and a military outpost since before the Revolutionary War, is open year-round to the public. The Lenape called it Pagganuck, or “Nut Island,” because of its abundance of chestnut, hickory, and oak trees. The island’s geography paired with its unique mix of historic forts, officers’ houses, overgrown lots, grassy fields, mature trees, and native plantings and landscaping make for an important stopover for migrants. Target species will be sparrows, grassland specialists, warblers, arriving waterfowl, migrating raptors, and possible vagrants. On eBird, over 240 species have been reported on the island, about two-thirds of those in October.
Registration: Ryan Goldberg, email: ryangoldberg@gmail.com
View Details


Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory bird outing is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details


**********

Hudson River Audubon Society

Hawk Watch
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 8:00am – 3:00pm
Leader:
Description: Hawk Watch continues on the following days in October, and November, starting at 10 AM and continuing as long as the condition are good and we’re patient. Same place, behind Lenoir Mansion. Don’t forget a comfortable chair. Snacks help keep you patient between sightings.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
View Details


**********

Linnaean Society of New York

Fort Tilden
Sunday, October 21, 2023
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: Fort Tilden, on the Rockaway Peninsula in southern Queens, is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, which also includes the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. This trip is scheduled to coincide with sparrow migration. There is a good likelihood that we can expect a Nelson’s among the many other sparrow species, and Royal Terns never disappoint us. With the right winds, good raptor sightings are to be expected. Late warblers, vireos, and other passerines also visit this area.
Registration: Matthew Fischer - matthewwfischer@gmail.com
View Details


Floyd Bennett Field
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places for its historic significance, Floyd Bennett Field’s 1,280 acres feature one of the few remaining grasslands within New York City. Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and located in southwestern Brooklyn, it is a major birding destination, with a freshwater pond, successive upland areas, wooded campgrounds, and extensive coastal views of Jamaica Bay. The number of bird species recorded at Floyd Bennett Field totals 281. October is sparrow season, and on a good day we should expect to observe anywhere from 10-14 different species. Over the grasslands expect to see American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and more.
Registration: Debbie Mullins - deborramullins3@gmail.com.
View Details


**********

New York City Audubon

Van Cortlandt Park Birding
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Rich Aracil
Description: Join NYC Audubon on a bird tour in one of the Bronx's largest green spaces. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. This event is held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
Registration: Register online
View Details


Prospect Park Birding
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Ryan Mandelbaum
Description: Join NYC Audubon to get to know the fall migrants of “Brooklyn's Backyard,” beautiful Prospect Park. The meadows, forests, and waterways of Prospect Park attract a dazzling variety of migratory birds on their way south, including warblers, tanagers, cuckoos, and more.
Registration: Register online
View Details


Queens Botanical Garden Birding
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the resources the Garden offers to birds and other wildlife. These outings are held in partnership with the Queens Botanical Garden.
Registration: Register online
View Details


Vulture Tour at New York Botanical Garden
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: Join NYC Audubon and the New York Botanical Garden for a special bird tour series all about vultures! Check out the work of visual artist, Ebony G. Patterson, now on display at the Garden. Explore some of NYBG’s diverse landscape and learn about the vulture species we can spot around the City and how they're important for our ecosystem's health.
Registration: Register online
View Details


6th Annual Raptorama! Part 2: Marine Park
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: It's that time of the year again, time for Raptorama! For Part 2 of this annual festival, meet us at Marine Park's Salt Marsh Nature Center to learn about hawks, eagles, owls, and more. See some of these amazing raptors during a live demonstration, and go on walks with experts to get a look at hawk species flying south for the winter.
Registration: For more information and to RSVP, please visit the American Littoral Society's Raptorama signup page.
View Details


Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturdays, May 6 through October 28, 2-3:30pm, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Leader: ______
Description: Nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the birdlife the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Registration: No registration required. Free.
View Details


Bryant Park Bird Sit on World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 10:00am - 11:00am (new date)
Leader: ______
Description: You don't have to walk around in order to bird! Join NYC Audubon and the Bryant Park Corporation on a relaxed bird "sit" this World Migratory Bird Day. Feel free to pull up a chair, lay down on a blanket, or walk around if you choose.
Registration: Register online
View Details


The Birds of Woodlawn Cemetery
Sunday, October 22, 2023, 8:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Tod Winston, Joe McManus, and Susan Olsen
Description: Join us for a morning bird outing and tour of this beautiful cemetery. NYC Audubon's Tod Winston and Joe McManus will look for fall migrants and year-round residents on the expansive grounds, while Woodlawn Cemetery Director of Historical Services Susan Olsen will share fascinating stories about the cemetery’s history and the interesting mixture of individuals interred there. This event is held in partnership with the Woodlawn Conservancy.
Registration: Register online
View Details


Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Sunday, October 22, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest park, Marine Park. Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance.
Registration: No registration required. No limit. Free.
View Details


**********

Newtown Historical Society

All Faiths Cemetery Bird Walk
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 9:00am
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: Explore the nature and history of this 171 year old cemetery.
Registration: Contact us - (718) 366-3715 or newtownhistory@gmail.com
View Details


**********

North Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Jennifer - (516) 941-7434
Description: US Coast Guard Station - Jones Beach, Hempstead, NY 11569.
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
View Details


**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Oakwood Beach/ Cedar Grove Discovery
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Jim Scarcella
Description: Participants will meet at the dead end of Tarlton Street. We will discuss and explore the 5 mile line of protection (the temporary sandbag seawall) and the beach in autumn. Join us as we search for Italian wall lizards, a collection of migrating birds and southbound insects.
Registration: For more information call Jim Scarcella at (718) 873-4291.
View Details


**********

Saw Mill River Audubon Society

Small Group Birding: Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Members of SMRA
Description: Good for all levels of birding experience. Beginners very welcome! Walks are for adults and youth age 8 or older. Let us know in advance if you want to borrow binoculars by emailing us at: office@sawmillriveraudubon.org
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Preserve
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway, turn north onto Broadway, Massapequa. Travel under the Long Island Rail Road overpass, then make the first right onto Veterans Boulevard (headed east). Go past the Massapequa train station and into the parking lot at the east end of the station. The preserve is directly east of the parking lot.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, October 21, 2023
Birding: Hawk Watch at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00am - 12:00pm
Join the Rangers as they hike up the hills of the Bronx-Pelham Landfill, a site closed off to the public.
Free

...Read more