Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of March 22 - March 23, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk 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. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
View Details

Boogie Down Birding: The Bronx’s Pelham Bay Park
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Leader: Tim Graves and Ryan Goldberg
Description: Visit the city’s largest park, Pelham Bay, in the only borough that is part of the North American continent. (The rest is an archipelago.) We’ll look for a range of species, such as early migrating passerines in its coastal forest, waterfowl on Long Island Sound, and wintering shorebirds on the Sound’s rocky Twin Island. We’ll also explore the peaceful woods of Hunter Island and its famous pine grove. It’s been many years since the BBC has traveled to this great park.
Registration: Ryan Goldberg, email: ryangoldberg@gmail.com
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace: Late-Risers Edition (Members Only)
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am
Description: You may know birding expert Rob Jett from his Birding in Peace tours. You know, the ones that meet at 6am? Always wanted to go on a birding tour at Green-Wood but not much of a morning person? This tour is for you! Winter at Green-Wood brings plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, with fascinating species to spot even in the colder months. For some migratory birds, Brooklyn serves as their warm-weather getaway during winter. Explore the cemetery and keep an eye out for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and other birds that choose to stick around for the season. By March, we’ll see some of the early north-bound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
View Details


**********

Hudson River Audubon Society

“Ducking” at Smith Pond, Rockville Center, NY
Sunday, March 23, 2025 , 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: This small Long Island Pond is known for a variety of ducks including Ring-necked Duck and Green-winged Teal. Both Long-billed Dowitcher and Common Snipe also overwinter here.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
View Details


**********

Littoral Society

Early Spring Migration Bird Walk
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Don Riepe
Description: Join Don Riepe, the Littoral Society's Jamaica Bay Guardian, at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge for a hike around the ponds and gardens to look for returning Osprey, Phoebes, Glossy Ibis, and many other early spring migrants. Also, enjoy a digital slide presentation to learn about bird behavior, migration and how they survive winter. $10 to non-members and Free to members.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


**********

NYC Bird Alliance

Bilingual Birding at Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Oliver Lopez
Description: Comparte con NYC Bird Alliance irigida por el naturalista Oliver Lopez a lo largo de Willow Lake en Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Ve gorriones, pinzones, patos, aves zancudas y más. ¡Los observadores de aves principiantes son muy bienvenidos!
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Early Spring Birding in Jamaica Bay
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Come out to look for wintering waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds, as well as early spring migrants, at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge's East and West Ponds.
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Accessible Birding in Fort Tryon Park
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Alex Wang
Description: Beautiful Fort Tryon Park commands sweeping views of the Palisades and the Hudson River from soaring cliffs of bedrock in northern Manhattan. Past encounters include a variety of birds such as Bald Eagles and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


**********

NYC Queer Birders

Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 10:00am
Leader: Kelly McGarry
Description: Meet at Gothic Arches
Registration: Registration not required.
View Details


**********

North Fork Audubon Society

“Return of the Osprey” Celebration with Mattituck Park District & Turtleback Farm
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: ____
Description: Get ready for another season of this conservation champion, the Osprey, North Fork’s beloved and iconic comeback kid. From beach clean-ups to Osprey nesting platform installations, prepare for this fish-eating raptor’s return through this annual celebration.
Registration: Not required.
View Details


**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Crooke’s Point
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Paul Lederer
Description: Maritime spits such as Crooke’s Point are dynamic typographical features which are formed and sculpted by water and wind action. Join naturalist Paul T. Lederer in a talk and walk where he will discuss the geology and human history of the site as well as the plants and animals that call this place home. Participants will meet at the Beach Center Parking Lot in Great Kills Park near the dirt road leading out to Crooke’s Point.
Registration: For more information or directions contact Paul Lederer at 718-354-9200
View Details


**********

Saw Mill River Audubon Society

Woodcock Walk at Croton Point
Sunday, March 23, 2025, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Leader: Members of SMRA
Description: Dress for the weather forecast. Bring binoculars if you have them. We will not have loaner binoculars for this walk.
Registration: See details link.
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, take Exit 18 (Eagle Avenue) south to Field 3 (use second park entrance and make an immediate left turn.)
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, March 22, 2025
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

Birding: Early Spring Migration at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
11:00am–12:30pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Central Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free

Best of the Fortnight

Here are my best photos from the second two weeks of March. As we get closer to April, we'll be seeing more changes in the bird arrivals, as well as, big changes in the botanics.

American Woodcock

Sleepy Song Sparrow

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Trapped feather

Dutch Yellow Crocus

Last year's hydrangea

Red-headed Woodpecker with earthworm

European Beech magic window

2nd year Bald Eagle

Immature Cooper's Hawk

Groundhog

Spring Crocus

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of March 15 - March 16, 2025:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip to Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge & Black Dirt Region
Sunday, March 16, 2025, 8:30am - 2:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: The Green-winged Teal is the smallest dabbling duck in North America. With a little luck, we just might see hundreds of them on this month’s Field Trip to Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge and Black Dirt Region with Naturalist Tait Johansson. This area is rich with species of waterfowl, waterbirds, raptors, and songbirds. At this time of year, possible sightings also include hundreds of Northern Pintails, Horned Lark, Snow Bunting, and perhaps Lapland Larkspur. Tait also hopes for lingering Rough-legged Hawk and flocks of Snow Geese.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


**********

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk 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. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
View Details

Transition Time at Marine Park Salt Marsh
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Leader: Heydi Lopes
Description: Transitional time for late winter migrants merged with incoming spring species in the grasslands, meadows, open spaces, thickets as well as at coastal, bay and shoreline.
Registration: Dennis Hrehowsik email deepseagangster@gmail.com
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, March 16, 2025, 7:00am - 8:30am
Description: 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. March sees the beginning of longer days and at Green-Wood Cemetery we’ll track many of the nearly 40 overwintering bird species. Thawed ponds could hold several species of waterfowl, possibly a rarity or two. Arriving Common Grackles will be looking for nest sites and our local Red-tailed Hawks will be working on their nest. American Woodcocks also visit the cemetery in early spring. We’ll be on the lookout for the arrival of the first Eastern Phoebe’s - a harbinger of the spring songbird migration. By the end of the month, birds that had been mostly silent throughout the colder, darker weeks, will suddenly be tuning up their songs for a joyous spring chorus.
View Details


**********

NYC Bird Alliance

Prospect Park Birding
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Ronnie Almonte
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and explore the “Brooklyn's Backyard,” beautiful Prospect Park. Come see the winter residents that call the meadows, forests, and waterways of Prospect Park home.
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Winter Birding on Governors Island
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Leader: ____
Description: Meet the winter birds of Governors Island! Nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on the 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 bird life the island has to offer this winter. Don’t forget to bring binoculars and dress in warm layers!
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Birding at Mount Loretto Unique Area
Sunday, March 16, 2025, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Join Staten Island resident and longtime birder, Anthony Ciancimino, as we explore the diverse habitats found at Mount Loretto Unique Area. Look for resident winter birds!
Registration: Registration page
View Details


**********

Queens County Bird Club

Breezy Point
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 7:45am - 12:00pm
Leader: Joe Schiavone (203) 640-2927
Description: ____
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Meadowbrook Parkway, use the Merrick Road M9 east exit. Enter the Department of Sanitation entrance immediately on right (if you’re driving west on Merrick Road, make a U-turn after Central Boulevard and before the Meadowbrook Parkway). Look for signs to Levy Park and Preserve parking lot.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, March 15, 2025
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of March 8 - March 9, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 8, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk 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. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
View Details

Doodle or Die, Nobody Leaves Till We See A Timberdoodle!: A Green-Wood Cemetery Pursuit
Sunday, March 9, 2025, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik & Bobbi Manian
Description: A search for the American Woodcock, also known as “Timberdoodle”; also early spring woodland songbirds and late winter species, raptors, perhaps eagles and vultures.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
View Details


**********

Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Nature Walk at Elizabeth Morton NWR
Saturday, March 8, 2025, Meet at 8:30 am
Leader:
Description: Meet at 8:30 am in the parking lot, 2595 Noyac Road, Sag Harbor. Always a favorite spot, where you never know just who will be eating right out of your hand!
Registration: Please contact Eileen Schwinn to register and for questions, beachmed@optonline.net
View Details


**********

Great South Bay Audubon Society

Bob Laskowski Memorial Duck Walk
Saturday, March 8, 2025, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Bob Grover
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Brookwood Hall Park for an early morning adventure.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, March 2, 2025, 7:00am - 8:30am
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

Central Park Winter Bird Walk & Coffee Hour
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Leader: David Spawn and Erika Piik
Description: Central Park is our bailiwick, and early March is the beginning of migration for land and water birds while allowing for the possibility of remaining cold-weather birds. Likely species include Pine Warblers, Palm Warblers, Song Sparrows, Swamp Sparrows, and Fox Sparrows. Last year in March, the reservoir was particularly productive, with both Common Loons and Red-throated Loons, all three species of mergansers, and a variety of gulls. Despite the cold weather, it is an exciting time of year to observe the seasonal transition, look for different bird behaviors, and chat about our findings over coffee or hot chocolate as we warm up after the walk at a yet-to-be-determined location.
Registration: Kathleen Matthews — redkatamat@gmail.com
View Details


**********

NYC Bird Alliance

Winter Birding at Inwood Hill Park
Saturday, March 8, 2025, 8:00am - 9:30am
Leader: Andrew Reiter
Description: Inwood Hill Park is a jewel of New York City. Nestled between the Hudson River, Dyckman Street, and Seaman Avenue, this last tract of largely old-growth oak and tulip forest transports you to another world and another time. Glacial "pot holes," towering trees, and stunning river views create an unrivaled birding backdrop.
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Winter Birding at Floyd Bennett Field
Saturday, March 8, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Heydi Lopes
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance at Floyd Bennett Field, one of NYC's top spots for spotting winter wildlife! This former airfield-turned-natural haven offers a variety of habitats, from marshes to meadows, making it the perfect place to spot winter visitors like shovelers, scoters, and mergansers.
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Winter Birding at Alley Pond Park
Sunday, March 9, 2025, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Woo Sung Park
Description: Alley Pond Park is an ecological treasure. Containing both fresh and saltwater wetlands, forests, tidal flats, meadows, and glacier-formed landscape, it's a prime spot for winter visitors like waterfowl, sparrows, and hawks. Join NYC Bird Alliance to discover this green space for yourself!
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Winter Birding at Pelham Bay Park
Sunday, March 9, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Jack Rothman
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance to explore New York City's largest park! Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat for a variety of migrating birds.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Wantagh State Parkway, travel south. Upon entering Jones Beach State Park, exit at Bay Drive and continue west. Turn right (north) at entrance for Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin; turn right again for parking.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, February 22, 2025
Birding: Beginner Birding at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00am–11:30am
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn all of the birding basics! Come explore Van Cortlandt Park and learn how to ID common birds found throughout the city.
Free

Birding: Beginner Birding at Springfield Blvd and 146th Avenue Entrance (in Springfield Park), Queens
12:00pm–1:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Springfield Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
Free

...Read more

Best of the Fortnight

Here's a selection of my photos taken during the second two weeks of February. Enjoy:

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Turkey Vulture

Northern Mockingbird

Tufted Titmouse

Black-capped Chickadee

Orange-crowned Warbler

Bald Eagle over Brooklyn

Gadwall

Red-breasted Merganser

Cedar Waxwing

Ruddy Duck

Rusty Blackbird

Witch-hazel 'Jalena'

Immature Red-headed Woodpecker

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of March 1 - March 2, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Winter’s Swan Song at Shirley Chisholm State Park
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Leader:Max Epstein
Description: The focus is primarily coastal waterfowl, gulls, raptors, late winter land birds, and grassland species.
Registration: Donna Evans email devansny@earthlink.net
View Details

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk 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. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
View Details

First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, March 2,2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club in search of dozens of species that visit the park through all seasons. Learn about the different habitats in Prospect Park and why they are important for all types of birds.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, March 2, 2025, 6:45am - 8:15am
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


**********

Hudson River Audubon Society

Marshlands Conservancy - Timberdoodles
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 4:00pm
Leader: Michael Bochnik
"Description: Afternoon and sunset at Marshlands Conservancy, 220 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY We will take a walk to the marsh looking for early spring arrivals, then check out the fields for displaying Timberdoodles, another name for American Woodcocks.
" Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
View Details


**********

Linnaean Society of New York

Brooklyn Coastal Birding
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: March is a time when few winter birds remain, and early spring migrants are just starting to arrive. However, birding in coastal Brooklyn is always satisfying. The trip involves visits to multiple sites, and in the past, it has featured Calvert Vaux Park, Coney Island Creek, Manhattan Beach Park, and Marine Park. Each site has a unique ecosystem with corresponding bird species. Highlights have included Black-headed Gulls, Eurasian Wigeons, Snowy Owls, Horned Larks, Eastern Meadowlarks, American Pipits, all three scoter species, loons, grebes, and both types of scaup.
Registration: Miriam Rakowski — rakowskimiriam@gmail.com
View Details

Croton Point Park
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Leader: Ethan Goodman
Description: Croton Point Park is a 508-acre park on a peninsula on the east shore of the Hudson River. Easily reached by public transportation or car, the walk begins at the train station where Bald Eagles typically nest. This location is well known for Red-headed Woodpeckers. In past years, we have seen Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, American Tree Sparrows, Field Sparrows, Horned Larks, Snow Buntings, Common Goldeneyes, and Common Mergansers, among other species. This lengthy and often chilly walk includes hills, fields, pine groves, and a large landfill.
Registration: Suzanne Zywicki — suzannezywicki@hotmail.com
View Details


**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Willowbrook Park Walk
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: We’ll meet in the parking lot at Eaton Place, off Richmond Avenue, then loop Willowbrook Lake, returning to do an out and back on the White Trail, passing the deer exclosures and crossing the bridge over the brook by the chimney to the restoration areas between the chimney and Rockland Avenue.  We’re not likely to see much of Spring this early in the year, so consider this a winter walk.  Some of the White Trail is a wet trail, so inclement weather, or a heavy rain the day before (but not a light rain) will cancel this walk.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036.


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Mill Pond Park
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road. The park is four blocks west of the Wantagh State Parkway.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details
...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of February 22 - February 23, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Common Goldeneye: Golden Target Bird #2 in a celebratory year
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Leader:Peter Dorosh
Description: In 2025, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the leader’s birding journey, which began in 1975 with his first spark bird, the Scarlet Tanager. To commemorate this milestone, the theme of the year’s celebrations will focus on bird species named “golden,” along with all birds that continue to inspire joy and wonder. Throughout the year, seven “golden” bird species will be featured in various walks and trips, honoring nature, the outdoors, and the many birds that enrich our lives. This trip will spotlight the Common Goldeneye, a species commonly found in specific locations across the eastern U.S. Our journey will begin at Manhattan Beach, followed by stops at Floyd Bennett Field and Gravesend Bay, where we will continue to explore and celebrate the beauty of birdlife.
Registration: Peter Dorosh, email Prosbird@gmail.com or Prosbird@aol.com
View Details

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, February 22, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk 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. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, February 23, 2025, 6:45am - 8:15am
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

Pelham Bay Park – Orchard Beach Area
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Leader: Jack Rothman
Description: Pelham Bay Park is New York City’s largest park, covering 2,772 acres. Our winter walks start at Orchard Beach and center around the northern forested areas of Hunter Island and Bartow-Pell Woods. The waters off Orchard Beach and Twin Island are excellent spots to scan flocks of overwintering waterfowl, loons, and grebes and Harbor Seals. Sightings from prior walks included Red-necked Grebes, Purple Sandpipers, American Widgeons, and Razorbills in the water. Tree Sparrows and hawks were seen on the land and in the air.
Registration: Evelyn Huang — evelynhuang1@yahoo.com
View Details


**********

NYC Bird Alliance

Winter Birding at Pelham Bay Park
Sunday, February 23, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Richard Aracil
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance to explore New York City's largest park! Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat for a variety of migrating birds.
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Birding in Central Park: Ramble to Reservoir
NEW DATE: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 8:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Enjoy a winter trek through Central Park. We'll explore the Lake, Ramble, and Turtle Pond in search of wintering songbirds and owls, and then trek up to the Reservoir to look for ducks, gulls, and Peregrine Falcons.
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Birding in the Midtown Greenway
Sunday, February 23, 2025, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Leader: EsplanadeFriends
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and EsplanadeFriends to discover the East River Esplanade through the newly opened East Midtown Greenway! This green corridor spans from 53rd to 61st Street. Join us as we explore this new public space in search of water birds swimming in and flying over the East River.
Registration: Event Registration is closed.
View Details


**********

Queens County Bird Club

Baisley Pond
Sunday, February 23, 2025, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: John & Mary Borowski (347) 705-2963
Description: This mini-trip starts at 9am and ends before lunch. It is a great trip for beginners, but birders of all levels can enjoy the diversity of waterfowl we will see.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, February 22, 2025
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

Saturday, February 22, 2025
Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Parking Lot (in Manhattan Beach Park), Brooklyn
11:00am–12:30pm
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free
...Read more

Best of the Fortnight

Below of some favs taken during the first two weeks of February:

American Robin

American Kestrel

White-breasted Nuthatch

Cooper's Hawk with full crop

Red-tailed Hawk

Female Common Merganser

Hooded Mergansers

Merlin

Northern Pintail

'Jelena' Witch-hazel

Black-capped Chickadee

Immature Red-headed Woodpecker

Baltimore Oriole

Ice formation with leaves

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of February 15 - February 16, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk 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. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, February 16, 2025, 6:45am - 8:15am
Registration: See details link below. 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


**********

NYC Bird Alliance

Winter Birding on Governors Island
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Leader:
Description: Meet the winter birds of Governors Island! Nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on the 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 bird life the island has to offer this winter. Don’t forget to bring binoculars and dress in warm layers!
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Birding in Central Park: Ramble to Reservoir
Sunday, February 16, 2025, 8:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Enjoy a winter trek through Central Park. We'll explore the Lake, Ramble, and Turtle Pond in search of wintering songbirds and owls, and then trek up to the Reservoir to look for ducks, gulls, and Peregrine Falcons.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


**********

Queens County Bird Club

NJ Shore/Barnegat
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: Meeting location will be posted closer to the trip date. We will explore many of the duck ponds in coastal New Jersey, including Takanasee Lake, Shark River, and southward. We will view Manasquan Inlet from several locations. The highlight of the trip will be Barnegat Lighthouse for a walk on the jetty to view sea ducks, including Harlequins. Order of stops will be dependent on weather conditions. In addition, itinerary may be modified if there are any reported unusual sightings of birds in the area.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Preserve
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway, turn north onto Broadway, Massapequa. Travel under the Long Island Rail Road overpass, then make the first right onto Veterans Boulevard (headed east). Go past the Massapequa train station and into the parking lot at the east end of the station. The preserve is directly east of the parking lot.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, February 15, 2025
Birding: Bald Eagle Watch at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00am–11:30am
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. Please dress warmly.
Free

Birding: Bald Eagle Watch at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
11:00am–12:30pm
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. Please dress warmly.
Free

Sunday, February 16, 2025
Birding: All About Pigeons at Lawn Area (in Seaside Wildlife Nature Park), Staten Island
11:00am.–12:00pm
Pigeons are among some of the most abundant species of birds in our city. Learn more about what makes these birds so unique and interesting.
Free

Birding: You Gotta Love Birds at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
12:00pm–1:00pm
With Valentines Day in our rear view mirror, let's take a deeper look into the love lives of birds.

Marine Park Alliance Presents Beginner Birding: Bird Love at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
12:00pm.–1:00pm
Celebrate Valentine's Day with the birds! Learn about bird courtship rituals and get a chance to observe some for yourself. Sponsored by the Urban Park Rangers.
Free

...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for Saturday, February 8 - Wednesday, February 12, 2025:

Bedford Audubon Society

Hudson River Eagle Trip
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Whether it’s your first or 101st time, seeing a Bald Eagle is always a thrill and the stretch of the Hudson River that borders northwestern Westchester holds the largest concentration of wintering Bald Eagles in the Northeast north of Chesapeake Bay.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


**********

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk 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. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
View Details


**********

Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Dune Road, Shinnecock to Tiana
Saturday, February 8, 2025 . Meet at 8:00am
Leader: Eileen Schwinn
Description: Meet at the Hampton Bays side of the Shinnecock Inlet. Eileen Schwinn will be leading this trip.
Registration: Please contact Eileen to register and for questions, beachmed@optonline.net
View Details


**********

Gateway National Parks

Jamaica Bay: Winter Wander
Sunday, February 9, 2025, 1:00mm — 2:30pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Wander with a park ranger at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge while it’s a winter wonderland! Explore how plants and animals at the park survive and adapt to the winter. Open to all ages. Heavy rain/snow or wind chills below 25 degrees Fahrenheit will cancel this event. Dress for the weather.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: Yes
View Details


**********

Great South Bay Audubon Society

Jones Beach West End State Park Bird Walk
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: John Gluth, Mike Cooper
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Jones Beach West End for an early morning adventure.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 7:00am - 8:30am
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

Montauk Weekend
Saturday, February 8 - Sunday, February 9, 2025
Leader: Joseph DiCostanzo
Description: Montauk is the easternmost point of New York State and is known for the high numbers of ducks and pelagic birds that concentrate there in winter. On our way to and from Montauk, we will make several stops, including Point Lookout, Jones Beach, and various freshwater ponds. We will spend the night at Daunt’s Albatross Motel.
Registration: Amanda Bielskas — bielskas@gmail.com
View Details


**********

NYC Bird Alliance

Birding at Freshkills North Park
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Join Staten Island resident Anthony Ciancimino for a tour of Freshkills Park’s North Park. This park is a beautiful oasis of wetlands and grasslands, where you can expect to see a wide variety of wintering waterfowl, raptors, and sparrows.
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Winter Birding at Shirley Chisholm State Park
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Outdoor Afro
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance and Outdoor Afro to explore the largest state park in New York City, Shirley Chisholm State Park! Named after the trailblazing Shirley Chisholm—Brooklyn native, first African American Congresswoman, and the first woman and African American to run for President—this park is a must-see. Built on what was once a landfill, the park is now a thriving spot full of wildlife, including hawks, waterfowl, wetlands, and native plants. Come out and enjoy the beauty of this amazing space while honoring Shirley Chisholm’s incredible legacy!
Registration: Registration page
View Details


**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

A Walk in Wolfe’s Pond Park
Sunday, February 9, 2025, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: Meet at the entrance to the Park and Ride at the end of Herbert Avenue (off Seguine). We will walk through the lesser visited (but often biked) north side of the park, pausing beside Acme Pond, then cross Hylan Blvd. to visit the Wolfe’s Pond berm on Ratitan Bay. We’ll return by the main White Trail, recross Hylan, then follow the Blue Trail, passing the bluebelt dam behind Tottenville High School. This may be a cold walk, so dress warmly! Heavy rain, but not a light drizzle, will cancel this walk.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036
View Details


**********

South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, take Exit 18 (Eagle Avenue) south to Field 3 (use second park entrance and make an immediate left turn.)
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details

...Read more