Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming birding and nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, September 7, 2019 to Sunday, September 8, 2019:

Bedford Audubon Society
August 25, 2019 through November 25, 2019, 9:00am-5:00pm
Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch
Arthur Butler Sanctuary, Bedford, NY
Spectacular flocks of Broad-winged Hawks pass through our area in mid-September, but Accipiters such as Sharp-shinned + Cooper’s Hawks provide the most consistent flight throughout the fall hawk-watching season.

Join us for Science in Action: Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch to experience the miracle of raptor migration. Our data is combined with other Hawkwatch sites to create population and migration analyses that help us better protect raptors and their habitats.

Registration not necessary.
See more details

**********

Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, September 7, 2019
A Fall migratory tour of the Brooklyn southeast coast and JBWR East Pond
Leader: Tom Stephenson
Focus: late shorebirds and waterbirds, early warblers, swallows, terns and typical early insectivore migrants
Car Pool Fee: $10.00
Registrar: Dennis Hrehowsik email deepseagangster@gmail.com
Registration Period: Aug 31st – Sept 5th
Note: Prospective locations are Plumb Beach at low tide (8:30 am), the newly opened Shirley Chisholm State Park and optional Floyd Bennett Field,& Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge during high tide. (4:12pm)
Please review our trip guidelines here: http://brooklynbirdclub.org/information-registration

Saturday, September 7, 2019, 7:30am - 11:00am
Prospect Park Saturday Fall Migration Walk
Meet 7:30 am at the “Pergola” entrance on Ocean and Parkside Avenues (NOTE NEW TIME!)
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
No registration necessary.
Note: Nearest train stops Prospect Park (B express) and Parkside Avenues (local) Q trains

Saturday, September 7, 2019, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Prospect Park: Birdwatching for Beginners
Leader: Cyrus Baty
Birdwatching for Beginners meets at the Prospect Park Audubon Center at The Boathouse at 12 noon. Bring binoculars if you have them; otherwise, binoculars are available for loan.

**********

Gateway National Park
Saturday, September 7, 2019, 10:00am — 11:00am
Birding for Beginners
Day(s): Every week on Saturday until September 28, 2019
View Details

Sunday, September 8, 2019, 10:00am — 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Day(s): Every week on Sunday until September 29, 2019
View Details

**********

Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, September 8, 2019, 6:30am - 8:00am
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the birds that make Green-Wood their home – at least temporarily.

By September, offspring of these 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, waterfowl are returning, and we’ll look for raptors heading south. November will bring back our overwintering feathered denizens from the north.

All walks are at a slow pace on easy to moderate terrain, but proper, close toed footwear is suggested.
$10 for members of Green-Wood and BHS / $15 for non-members
Click here for our inclement weather policy.

**********

Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Fort Tilden 1
The leaves are starting to fall, the beachgoers few and far between, and Fort Tilden is there just waiting to be explored. Walk the shore and explore the woods with American Littoral Society naturalist Gordon Lam and NYC Botanist, Zihao Wang to search for critters on the beach, migrating songbirds in the trees, and the fabulous historic fortifications from World War II.

  DIRECTIONS TO FORT TILDEN:
• Subway & bus: Take the #2 or #5 train to Flatbush Ave. / Brooklyn College and then the Q-35 bus past Floyd Bennett Field and just over the Gil Hodges memorial Bridge.  Ask the driver to let you off at Ft. Tilden.   Check Saturday/Sunday train schedules ahead of time.
• By car: From exit 11s on the Belt Parkway, head south and over the Marine Parkway Bridge (Gil Hodges Memorial). Stay on right and take the right ramp toward Breezy Point. Make a quick left into Fort Tilden at the first light. Go to end and park by Bldg. One or at the nearby Post Chapel.

Leader: Gordon Lam
Registrar: Lori Lam — glam@nyc.rr.com or 646-673-5418
Registration opens: Monday, August 26
Ride: $15

**********

New York City Audubon
Saturday, September 7, 2019, 8:00am-11:00am
Prospect Park Bird Walk
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Join Gabriel Willow for a leisurely walk to see early fall migrants and breeding bird residents of “Brooklyn's Backyard.” Prospect Park’s wide variety of habitats attract a large number of migrants and breeding bird species—significantly more than Central Park in fact. We will explore the park's meadows, forests, and waterways in search of waterfowl, warblers, tanagers, and other species that call the park home. Limited to 15 per walk. $36 (25) per walk
Click here to register

Saturday, September 7, 2019, 9:00am – 10:30am
Birding in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturdays, September 7 and October 19, 9-10:30am
Guide: Heather Wolf
Meet at Pier 1 park entrance at the intersection of Old Fulton Street and Furman Street. Join Heather Wolf, author of Birding at the Bridge, for a picturesque bird walk along the Brooklyn waterfront searching for fall migrants. Registration preferred. Limited to 19 per walk. Free
Click here to register

Saturday, September 7, 2019, 9:00am – 10:30am
Van Cortlandt Park Bird Walks
Saturdays, September 7-November 23, 9-10:30am
Guides: NYC Audubon with the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
Meet at the southeast corner of the Mosholu Avenue park entrance. 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. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Sunday, September 8, 2019, 8am – 11am
Fall Warblers Class
Friday, September 6, 6:30-8:30pm (class)
Sunday, September 8, 8-11am (trip)
Instructor: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
Identifying “confusing fall warblers” can be tricky, even for the experts. Come study some of the most puzzling species that stop through our area during fall migration with expert Joe Giunta, and then enjoy a second session in the “classroom” of Central Park. Limited to 12. $65 (45)
Click here to register

Sunday, September 8, 2019, 9:00am – 10:30am
Pelham Bay Park Bird Walks
Sundays, September 8-December 8, 9-10:30am
Guide: NYC Audubon with Pelham Bay Park
September 8: Meets at Rodman’s Neck Parking Lot
September 15-December 8: Meet at Orchard Beach Parking Lot
Join us to explore some of the best birding NYC has to offer. Come discover Pelham Bay Park's diverse habitat that attracts a variety of fall migrants. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Sunday, September 8, 2019, 9:30am – 11:30am
Birding at Wave Hill
Sundays, September 8 and October 13
9:30-11:30am
Guide: Gabriel Willow with Wave Hill
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. Limited to 20 per walk. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission (see www.wavehill.org for more information).

Sunday, September 8, 2019, 2pm – 3pm
Governors Island Free Bird Walks
Saturdays, August 31, September 8, September 14, 2-3pm
Sundays, September 1 and September 28, 2-3pm
Guide: NYC Audubon
Meet at Nolan Park House #17. Join us for a bird walk around beautiful and historic Governors Island, which boasts over 200 species on ebird.org. Learn about the island's fascinating history and search for waterbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and more. Binoculars are available. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

**********

New York City WILD!
Saturday, September 7, 2019, 9:30am
NYC Wild! Essentials: Staten Island: Mount Loretto Unique Area

For the FULL INFORMATION ABOUT EACH WALK click HERE to take you to the Eventbrite Profile page where you will find all details (scroll down to the thumbnails) for each of the outings and how to SIGN UP

**********

North Fork Audubon Society
Saturday, September 7, 2019, 8:00am
Arshamomaque Preserve
Birds abound in migration all over the North Fork this time of the year and who knows, maybe we'll see a resident river otter for good measure!
Meet at the Red House at Inlet Pond County Park at 8am.
Please call or text Tom at (631) 275-3202 or email tdamiani3@optimum.net to register.
Suggested donation is $4 for nonmembers

**********

North Shore Audubon Society
Saturday, September 7, 2019, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Garvies Point Preserve
Leader: Lindy - (516) 628-1315
Garvies Point Museum-Preserve, 50 Barry Dr, Glen Cove, NY  11542

Please inform walk leader that you are attending.
See "Walk Locations" for directions.
Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water.
Wear long pants and socks so you do not touch poison ivy.

**********

South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Hempstead Lake State Park
From the Southern State Parkway, take Exit 18 (Eagle Avenue) south to Field 3 (use second park entrance and make an immediate left turn.)
Directions via Google Maps

Bird walks led by a member of SSAS are conducted nearly every Sunday morning from late August through early June. Walks are open to the public and are free of charge. We especially encourage youngsters to attend.
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.

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Fall Birding at Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx
9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on walks through the gardens and woodlands. ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

NPR just published "Plastics - What’s recyclable, what becomes trash — and why"
It's really great. Check it out here.

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming birding and nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, August 31, 2019 to Monday, September 2, 2019:

Bedford Audubon Society
August 25, 2019 through November 25, 2019, 9:00am-5:00pm
Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch
Arthur Butler Sanctuary, Bedford, NY
Spectacular flocks of Broad-winged Hawks pass through our area in mid-September, but Accipiters such as Sharp-shinned + Cooper’s Hawks provide the most consistent flight throughout the fall hawk-watching season.

Join us for Science in Action: Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch to experience the miracle of raptor migration. Our data is combined with other Hawkwatch sites to create population and migration analyses that help us better protect raptors and their habitats.

Registration not necessary.
See more details

**********

Brooklyn Bird Club
Sunday, September 1, 2019, 8:00am - 11:00am
Prospect Park First Sunday Walk
Meets at the Prospect Park Audubon Center at The Boathouse, the first Sunday of every month except July and August. Leaders are members of the Brooklyn Bird Club.
Bring binoculars.
Note: Meets at 8 a.m. except in the winter months of December, January, and February when the walk starts at 10 a.m.

**********

Gateway National Park
Saturday, August 31, 2019, 10:00am — 11:00am
Birding for Beginners
Day(s): Every week on Saturday until September 28, 2019
View Details

Sunday, September 1, 2019, 10:00am — 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Day(s): Every week on Sunday until September 29, 2019
View Details

Sunday, September 1, 2019, 2:00pm — 3:30pm
September Flowers: A Wildflower Exploration
View Details

**********

Great South Bay Audubon Society
Saturday, August 31, 2019, 8:00am
Jamaica Bay NWR
Leader(s): John Gluth (631-827-0120), Mike Cooper (516-523-2369
Southern State Pkwy. to Belt Pkwy. to Exit 17, Cross Bay Blvd. South. Continue south for about 2 miles. Look for entrance of refuge on the right (west) side. There are signs for park entrance.

**********

New York City Audubon
Saturday, August 31, 2019, 8:00am-11:00am
Prospect Park Bird Walk
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Join Gabriel Willow for a leisurely walk to see early fall migrants and breeding bird residents of “Brooklyn's Backyard.” Prospect Park’s wide variety of habitats attract a large number of migrants and breeding bird species—significantly more than Central Park in fact. We will explore the park's meadows, forests, and waterways in search of waterfowl, warblers, tanagers, and other species that call the park home. Limited to 15 per walk. $36 (25) per walk
Click here to register

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

**********

New York City WILD!
Friday, August 30, 2019, 5:30pm
NYC Wild! Essentials: Sunset on Governor's Island

For the FULL INFORMATION ABOUT EACH WALK click HERE to take you to the Eventbrite Profile page where you will find all details (scroll down to the thumbnails) for each of the outings and how to SIGN UP

**********

South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
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.
Directions via Google Maps

Bird walks led by a member of SSAS are conducted nearly every Sunday morning from late August through early June. Walks are open to the public and are free of charge. We especially encourage youngsters to attend.
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.

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Rocking the Boat: Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden rowboats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways.
Free!

Sunday, September 1, 2019
Heather Garden Tour with Ken Chaya at Heather Garden (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Bring your binoculars and take a walking tour of the Heather Garden in Fort Tryon Park with expert naturalist Ken Chaya and learn about the dozens of plants currently in bloom.
Free! ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

From newscientist.com:

Fish recorded singing dawn chorus on reefs just like birds
Greta Keenan
August 19, 2019

The ocean might seem like a quiet place, but listen carefully and you might just hear the sounds of the fish choir.

Most of this underwater music comes from soloist fish, repeating the same calls over and over. But when the calls of different fish overlap, they form a chorus.

Robert McCauley and colleagues at Curtin University in Perth, Australia, recorded vocal fish in the coastal waters off Port Hedland in Western Australia over an 18-month period, and identified seven distinct fish choruses, happening at dawn and at dusk. You can listen to three of them here:



The low “foghorn” call is made by the blackspotted croaker (Protonibea diacanthus) while the grunting call that researcher Miles Parsons compares to the “buzzer in the Operation board game” comes from a species of Terapontid. The third chorus is a quieter batfish that makes a “ba-ba-ba” call.

“I’ve been listening to fish squawks, burble and pops for nearly 30 years now, and they still amaze me with their variety,” says McCauley, who led the research.

Sound plays an important role in various fish behaviours such as reproduction, feeding and territorial disputes. Nocturnal predatory fish use calls to stay together to hunt, while fish that are active during the day use sound to defend their territory. “You get the dusk and dawn choruses like you would with the birds in the forest,” says Steve Simpson, a marine biologist at the University of Exeter, UK.

The recordings were captured by two sea-noise loggers: the first positioned near the Port Hedland shore and the second 21.5 kilometres away in offshore waters.

“This is a method that allows us to understand what’s happening at Port Hedland 24/7 for a year and a half,” says Simpson. “I don’t know any scuba diver that can stay down there that long!”

Listening to choruses over a long period of time allows scientists to monitor fish and their ecosystems, particularly in low visibility waters, such as those off Port Hedland.

“We are only just beginning to appreciate the complexity involved and still have only a crude idea of what is going on in the undersea acoustic environment,” says McCauley.

Journal reference: Bioacoustics, DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2016.1227940

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming birding and nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, August 24, 2019 to Sunday, August 25, 2019:

Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Sunday, August 25, 2019, 8:15am
Totally Remarkable Cupsogue Sand Flats
Meet Eileen Schwinn, trip leader, at 8:15 am, at the western end of the Cupsogue parking lot. Low tide is approximately 10:40 am giving us a good amount of time to meander the way to the Bay, and cross with minimal water. Parking fees are collected at this County Park, beginning at 8:30 am, so arrive early. Restrooms are on site, as are refreshment stands at the end of the walk. Once inside the park, one can stay all day if you wish.

All levels of naturalists, including beginners, are most welcome on Eastern Long Island Audubon field trips.
Most trips are free to attend, however, sometimes the venue we are visiting has a fee. We try to make a note of it in the notice.

**********

Gateway National Park
Saturday, August 24, 2019, 10:00am — 11:00am
Birding for Beginners
Day(s): Every week on Saturday until September 28, 2019
View Details

Sunday, August 25, 2019, 10:00am — 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Day(s): Every week on Sunday until September 29, 2019
View Details

**********

Hudson River Audubon Society
Saturday, August 24, 2019, 10:00am
Lenoir Nature Preserve - Beverly Smith Memorial Butterfly Walk
Meet at the Nature Center. We will walk up to the garden that Beverly started. We will look for butterflies as well as eggs, caterpillars and chrysalis. Learn about the Monarch Butterfly’s remarkable migration to and from Mexico.
http://www.hras.org/wtobird/lenoir.html

**********

New York City Audubon
Saturday, August 24, 2019, 8:30am – 10:30am
Birding in Marine Park, Brooklyn
Guide: Mike Yuan with the Natural Areas Conservancy
Join the Natural Areas Conservancy and New York City Audubon for a birding expedition in Marine Park in Brooklyn. Led by Mike Yuan, a New York City Audubon board member and avid Brooklyn birder, this two-hour event will cover the basics of birding and expose participants to some of Brooklyn's most exciting wildlife, shorebirds! We'll explore the park's varied natural areas including its forests, marshlands, and shoreline.

Over the last four years, the Natural Areas Conservancy, along with its partner organizations, has worked to improve Marine Park’s trails and habitat, making major strides to enrich the health of the park’s 133 acres of natural areas. Through plantings, invasive plant removal, formally defining a loop trail, installing trail markers, and adding new maps to the NYC Parks website, Marine Park has become more accessible to visitors and provides new recreational opportunities on the shore of Jamaica Bay.

This event is for beginner and experienced birders alike. Please bring your own binoculars. It's free of charge and registration is required. An extremely limited number of binoculars will be available if needed.

Please meet at 8:30am at Marine Park's Salt Marsh Nature Center. The event will last approximately two hours. Please wear closed toe shoes, be prepared for mud, and bring enough water to stay hydrated. We also recommend wearing sunscreen and bug repellent.

This event was made possible through support to the Natural Areas Conservancy from Con Edison.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-in-marine-park-brooklyn-with-new-york-city-audubon-tickets-63443095005

Saturday, August 24, 2019, 9:00am – 1:30pm
Shorebird Walk in Jamaica Bay
Guide: Gabriel Willow
We'll search the Jamaica Bay mudflats and ponds for breeding herons and egrets, Forster's and Common Terns, Clapper Rails, and American Oystercatchers, as well as migratory plovers and sandpipers that will already be headed south. Limited to 15. $40 (28)
Click here to register

Saturday, August 24, 2019, 2pm – 3pm
Governors Island Free Bird Walks
Saturdays, June 22, June 29, July 27, August 10 and August 24, 2-3pm
Sundays, June 16, July 21 and August 18, 2-3pm
Guide: NYC Audubon
Meet at Nolan Park House #17. Join us for a bird walk around beautiful and historic Governors Island, which boasts over 192 species recorded on ebird.org. Learn about the island’s fascinating history and search for waterbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and more. Binoculars are available. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Sunday, August 25, 2019, 8am – 11am
Prospect Park Bird Walk
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Join Gabriel Willow for a leisurely walk to see early fall migrants and breeding bird residents of “Brooklyn's Backyard.” Prospect Park’s wide variety of habitats attract a large number of migrants and breeding bird species—significantly more than Central Park in fact. We will explore the park's meadows, forests, and waterways in search of waterfowl, warblers, tanagers, and other species that call the park home. Limited to 15 per walk. $36 (25) per walk
Click here to register

Sunday, August 25, 2019, 2pm – 3pm
Governors Island Free Bird Walks
Saturdays, June 22, June 29, July 27, August 10 and August 24, 2-3pm
Sundays, June 16, July 21 and August 18, 2-3pm
Guide: NYC Audubon
Meet at Nolan Park House #17. Join us for a bird walk around beautiful and historic Governors Island, which boasts over 192 species recorded on ebird.org. Learn about the island’s fascinating history and search for waterbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and more. Binoculars are available. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

**********

New York City WILD!
Sunday, August 25, 2019, 2:00pm
Shorebird Season: Brooklyn: Marine Park Salt Marsh

For the FULL INFORMATION ABOUT EACH WALK click HERE to take you to the Eventbrite Profile page where you will find all details (scroll down to the thumbnails) for each of the outings and how to SIGN UP

**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, August 24, 2019, 2:00pm-5:00pm
Second Annual Dick Buegler Bash
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods invites all to honor and celebrate our Founder, Dick Buegler, a Staten Island environmental activist and educator! Play games and earn prizes. All ages welcome! Adults and children will enjoy the day. Surprises await! We will be celebrating at Clay Pit Pond State Park Preserve located at 2351 Veterans Road West.

Sunday, August 25, 2019, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Lizard Hunt / Kingfisher Pond
Greaves Avenue and Fairfield Street
Italian wall Lizards released a decade or so ago have adapted well to living in the area between Richmond Town and Great Kills. Before winding our way around and through Kingfisher Park we will look for these swift little reptiles and observe their behavior as they coexist with people by taking advantage of the environment we have created for them. Following the lizard hunt we will explore the wetlands in Kingrfisher Pond with the hopes of seeing turtles sunning on logs in the pond as well as herons and other birds carrying on their lives.
Meet at the corner of Greaves Avenue and Fairfield Street behind PS 37.
For more information phone Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.

**********

South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Mill Pond Park
Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road. The park is four blocks west of the Wantagh State Parkway.
Directions via Google Maps

Bird walks led by a member of SSAS are conducted nearly every Sunday morning from late August through early June. Walks are open to the public and are free of charge. We especially encourage youngsters to attend.
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.

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Rocking the Boat: Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden rowboats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways.
Free! ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

From Earther:

It's Drone Vs. Raven as Scientists Fight to Save the Threatened Desert Tortoise
Yessenia Funes
August 7, 2019

This drone is on its way to a raven nest to kill some birds.

Photo: Courtesy of Tim Shields

Tim Shields spends a lot of time in the Mojave Desert. Sometimes, he camps out there for weeks at a time. As a desert biologist for nearly 40 years now, Shields doesn’t mind the extreme high and low temperatures that the California desert presents. He’d rather gaze at the desert night sky than a dull hotel room ceiling fan.

But he’s out there with a bigger purpose than staring at the sky. Shields’ is constantly searching for raven nests, often tucked in the branches of the Mojave’s signature Joshua tree. But the biologist isn’t exactly a raven expert; he’s a desert tortoise researcher. Unfortunately, ravens have become one of the threatened tortoise’s greatest threats. The jet black birds love to feast on baby tortoises whose shells are too soft to offer them much protection. Now, Shields is focused on how to reduce raven populations throughout the Mojave Desert to help tortoises reach reproductive age and, well, survive.

The key? Drones.

Click to read the entire article

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming birding and nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, August 17, 2019 to Sunday, August 18, 2019:

Brooklyn Bird Club
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Peak Shorebirds of Jamaica Bay Refuge
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Focus: Peak of shorebird species and waterbirds
Car Pool Fee: $10.00
Registrar: Peter Dorosh Prosbird@aol.com (or backup Prosbird@gmail.com)
Registration Period: Aug 10th – Aug 15th
Note: High tide 11:12 AM
Please review our trip guidelines here: http://brooklynbirdclub.org/information-registration

**********

Gateway National Park
Saturday, August 17, 2019, 10:00am — 11:00am
Birding for Beginners
Day(s): Every week on Saturday until September 28, 2019
View Details

Sunday, August 18, 2019, 10:00am — 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Day(s): Every week on Sunday until September 29, 2019
View Details

**********

Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, August 18, 2019, 6:30am - 8:00am
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home. Green-Wood’s official birding checklist is available to pick up from the security guard at the main entrance on 25th Street or to print here. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Summer Birding
In July we should see the offspring of our resident red-tailed hawk bravely preparing to leave the nest. Warbler songs will be replaced by chirring Cicadas and the tweets of fledgling birds. Butterflies and dragonflies are abundant. By late-July, expect the arrival of the first southbound migrants.

$10 for members of Green-Wood and BHS / $15 for non-members
Click here for our inclement weather policy.

**********

Hudson River Audubon Society
Sunday August 18, 2019, 8:00am
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Meet at the refuge. We will bird the East Pond for shorebirds the day after the big shorebird festival
Expect water and mud. Bring high boots.
www.hras.org/wtobird/jamaicabaywildliferefuge.html

**********

Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Sunday, August 18, 2019, 8:00am
Muttontown Preserve
The Preserve includes miles of marked nature trails with local wildflowers, trees, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Registration: 585-880-0915

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.

**********

Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Jamaica Bay 26TH Annual Tom Davis Memorial Shorebird Walk
Leader: Sean Sime now Richard ZainEldeen
Registrar: Sean Sime now Anne Lazarus — amlazarus47@gmail.com or 212-673-9059
No Registration. Public transportation

**********

New York City Audubon
Saturday, August 17, 2019, 8:30am – 5:30pm
14th Annual Shorebird Festival at Jamaica Bay
With American Littoral Society, Gateway National Recreation Area, and Rockaway Waterfront Alliance

During the past 40 years, over 40 species of shorebirds (including rare and accidental vagrants) have been recorded at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge’s East and West Ponds from mid-July through October, with the greatest diversity and abundance in August. Join us for the 14th annual celebration on Saturday, August 17.

Programming includes guided hikes to the East and West Ponds, lectures by shorebird experts, kids activities, and more. Walk leaders include Kevin Karlson, Don Riepe, Lloyd Spitalnik, Gabriel Willow, and Molly Adams. The festival meets at the National Park Service's Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (Google Map here). The program is free; suggested donations of $20 per adult to NYC Audubon are encouraged to offset festival costs.

Limited free van transportation from Manhattan to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is available for NYC Audubon members at the Student/Senior level and up. Meet at 71 West 23rd Street at 7:30am. Contact NYC Audubon at 212-691-7483 to reserve a seat. Limited van shuttle service will be available from the Broad Channel A Train Station to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center until 10:30am. Free connection to the NYC Ferry at Beach 108th Street (early morning and end of the festival only). For more information, contact NYC Audubon at 212-691-7483, American Littoral Society at 718-474-0896, or Don Riepe at donriepe@gmail.com.

Sunday, August 18, 2019, 8:20am – 3:00pm
Croton Point Park, NY
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Meet at Grand Central Station and travel in comfort aboard Metro-North to visit Croton Point Park, a beautiful 500-acre park overlooking the Hudson River about one hour north of the city. The park is a wonderful mix of forest, wetlands, and grassland that are home to hard-to-find breeding bird species such as Indigo Bunting, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink, and Eastern Meadowlark. The woodlands nearby are home to breeding Great Horned Owl, Willow Flycatcher, and Orchard Oriole, as well as the more expected common breeders. Bring lunch for a picnic in one of the riverside pavilions. Limited to 20. Round-trip Metro-North fare ($20.50) not included in trip price. $50 (35)
Click here to register

Sunday, August 18, 2019, 9:00am – 10:30am
Birding Brooklyn Bridge Park
Guide: Heather Wolf
Meet at Pier 1 park entrance at the intersection of Old Fulton Street and Furman Street. Join Heather Wolf, author of Birding at the Bridge, for a picturesque bird walk along the Brooklyn waterfront. We'll look for breeding and nesting birds like the Gray Catbird, American Robin, Song Sparrow, and more. Visit www.nycaudubon.org/birding-bk-bridge to register. Limited to 19 per walk.
Free
Click here to register

Sunday, August 18, 2019, 2pm – 3pm
Governors Island Free Bird Walks
Saturdays, June 22, June 29, July 27, August 10 and August 24, 2-3pm
Sundays, June 16, July 21 and August 18, 2-3pm
Guide: NYC Audubon
Meet at Nolan Park House #17. Join us for a bird walk around beautiful and historic Governors Island, which boasts over 192 species recorded on ebird.org. Learn about the island’s fascinating history and search for waterbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and more. Binoculars are available. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, August 17, 2019, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
The Intertidal Zone at the Page Avenue Beach
We’ll begin with a look at the local geology then move to examining the flotsam and jetsam accumulated at the high tide lines to see what nature’s debris has to tell us. As the water recedes with the tide we’ll move into the intertidal zone to find out what sorts of living things survive in this challenging environment. A variety of crabs, snails, clams, worms and small fish are likely to be discovered. It’s sure to be muddy so dress appropriately.
Meet at the parking lot at the bottom of Page Avenue below Hylan Boulevard.
For more information phone Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.

**********

Queens County Bird Club
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Jamaica Bay
Leader: Arie Gilbert (917) 693-7178
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Broad Channel, NY 11693, USA (map)
Mini-trip that will end before lunch.
Wear knee-high waterproof boots because we will be exploring East Pond.
Please register via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/qcbc-jamaica-bay-east-pond-bird-walk-tickets-65124693712

**********

South Shore Audubon Society
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve
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.
Directions via Google Maps

Bird walks led by a member of SSAS are conducted nearly every Sunday morning from late August through early June. Walks are open to the public and are free of charge. We especially encourage youngsters to attend.
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.

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Rocking the Boat: Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden rowboats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways.
Free!

White Island Sunset Canoe Trip (Advanced) at Marine Park, Brooklyn
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Explore the waters of Gerritsen Creek and paddle by this special island where only wildflowers and wild birds reside. Prior canoe experience required. Registration ends on August 10.
Free!

Sunday, August 18, 2019
'Over The Hill' Hilltop Hike: Tallapoosa Point at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
This area is now known as the old Pelham Bay landfill. The landfill remains closed to the public, making it a great viewing area for birds and other wildlife. Registration required.
Free!

**********

Wild Bird Fund
Sunday, August 18, 2019, 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Central Park Bat Walks with Ecologist Kaitlyn Parkins
Join WBF and New York ecologist Kaitlyn Parkins for an introductory presentation about bats at WBF Clinic, followed by a guided bat walk through Central Park. We hope to hear them with echo location, see them in flight and discuss their important role in our planet's ecosystem.
Kaitlyn's research and education biography can be found here: http://kaitlynparkins.com/.
When: Sunday, August 18 at 7:30pm at the WBF Center, then walk to Central Park. Event ends at 9:00pm.
Cost: $30…
Find out more » ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

From the website mnn.com:

Irish teen wins Google Science Fair with project to remove microplastics from water
Ben Bolton
August 1, 2019, 12:38 p.m.



Google Science Fair launched in 2011 as a way to challenge students around the globe to figure out solutions to some of the world's largest problems, and this year's winner focused on a problem we're still wrapping our arms around: microplastics.

Fionn Ferreira, an 18-year-old Irish student, earned the $50,000 prize through a simple desire to help the planet. He was one of 24 finalists from 14 countries who went to Google headquarters to present their projects.

Ferreira from West Cork, Ireland, developed a novel approach to extracting microplastics from water, with the greater goal of creating a method to clean our oceans.

The video below is a closer look at Ferreira's demonstration of how he used a ferrofluid (oil and magnetite) and magnets to clean a sample of water.


You can explore Ferreira's science fair project at the Google Science Fair project page. Beyond the science, it explains his motivation for the project, which stems from growing up near the coast and his love of nature.

He tested 10 different types of microplastic suspensions and found that he could remove 85% or more of the microplastic contents in his samples.

Ultimately, a reduction in the amount of plastic the world uses on a daily basis is the best solution, but this project proves there are new, creative ways to clean the water we've already polluted.

Lawmakers in Ireland currently have plans to introduce legislation that will outlaw the sale, manufacturing, import and export of products containing microplastics.

For his efforts, Ferreira was awarded $50,000 in scholarship money. He would like to study chemistry or chemical engineering in Ireland or in Europe. He currently works as a curator at the local Schull Planetarium, is fluent in three languages, is a skilled trumpet player, and has won 12 science fair awards.

As he described in his project page, it's the next step of the process that opens doors: "... winning a prize would give my project more attention and let it grow with mentorship to solve a real problem on the Earth. There is nothing I would like to see more than my project and idea to be used in real life applications and I think a prize could do this."

For any young scientists itching to explore their own idea, your chance will come. The project submission window typically runs for a couple of months starting in September and ending in December. And as this year's callout to young scientists reminds us, every great idea starts somewhere.

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming birding and nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, August 10, 2019 to Sunday, August 11, 2019:

Feminist Bird Club
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Breeding Birds of Freshkills with Shannon Curley

All walks follow the ABA Code of Birding Ethics

**********

Gateway National Park
Saturday, August 10, 2019, 10:00am — 11:00am
Birding for Beginners
Day(s): Every week on Saturday until September 28, 2019
View Details

Sunday, August 11, 2019, 10:00am — 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Day(s): Every week on Sunday until September 29, 2019
View Details

**********

New York City Audubon
Saturday, August 10, 2019, 2pm – 3pm
Governors Island Free Bird Walks
Saturdays, June 22, June 29, July 27, August 10 and August 24, 2-3pm
Sundays, June 16, July 21 and August 18, 2-3pm
Guide: NYC Audubon
Meet at Nolan Park House #17. Join us for a bird walk around beautiful and historic Governors Island, which boasts over 192 species recorded on ebird.org. Learn about the island’s fascinating history and search for waterbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and more. Binoculars are available. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Sunday, August 11, 2019, 9:30am – 11:30am
Birding at Wave Hill
Sundays May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, 9:30-11:30am
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. Walks run rain or shine. Ages 10 and up welcome with an adult. No registration required. No limit. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission (see www.wavehill.org for more information)

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

**********

New York City WILD!
Saturday August 10, 2019, 11:00am
Whale and Dolphin Watching on the American Princess, Riis Landing, Queens

Sunday, August 11, 2019, 5:00pm
Summer Sunsets: Port Imperial Promenade, NJ

For the full information about each walk click HERE

**********

Newtown Historical Society
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Ridgewood Reservoir
Newtown Historical Society is offering a special nature and history tour of the Ridgewood Reservoir starting at 10am in the main parking lot on Vermont Place at Highland Park. We will view the historic structures in the recently renovated park, observe the natural world and discuss its future.

You can take public transportation to Highland Park. The B13 bus stops along Cypress Hills Street and the Q56 stops along Jamaica Avenue. The Cleveland Street stop on the J train is 3 blocks from the park. Or, you can drive or bike.

This tour will be led by special guest Rob Jett, author of The City Birder.

This tour is 100% FREE and will be a great experience for children and adults alike. For more info or to RSVP, write to NewtownHistory@gmail.com or call 718-366-3715.

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Rocking the Boat: Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden rowboats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways.
Free!

Sunday, August 11, 2019
Summer Birding at Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx
9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these walks through the gardens and woodlands. ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

From Oklahoman.com:

Struggle resumes over whether lesser prairie chicken needs federal protection
by Chris Casteel
Published: Sun, July 28, 2019 1:06 AM
Updated: Sun, July 28, 2019 1:29 AM

Nearly two years after the U.S. government dropped its effort to list the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species, Oklahoma lawmakers are again pushing back against the prospect of federal protection for the bird.

U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford, both Oklahoma Republicans, penned a letter this month urging the Secretary of Interior to consider voluntary conservation measures before making a “rush to judgment” on listing the bird under the Endangered Species Act.

Referring to a five-state, voluntary range plan that includes oil and gas companies, utilities, farmers and other private landowners, the lawmakers said in the letter that “it is imperative that you provide the fullest and fairest opportunity for such private conservation plans to succeed.”

Some fear that listing the lesser prairie chicken as an endangered species could curtail energy and agricultural activities within the bird’s habitat, which includes parts of western Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. The range plan was designed to accommodate the bird and industry.

A report released in March by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies estimated the bird’s population at 38,637, an increase of 29% from the previous year.

The report says the population has been trending upward since the range plan was implemented about five years ago.

The Oklahoma senators’ letter, also signed by U.S. senators from Kansas, Colorado and Texas, says more than 7 million acres have been enrolled in the conservation plan by the private sector.

However, three environmental groups filed a federal lawsuit in June aimed at pushing the Trump administration to evaluate the lesser prairie chicken, a member of the grouse family, for federal protection.

The lawsuit claims the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should have completed a study already.

The lawsuit states, “The species once numbered around a million birds, but today there are fewer than 38,000 lesser prairie chickens remaining. Conversion to agriculture, the introduction of cattle, and the construction of roads, pipelines, powerlines, and drilling pads to support the oil and gas industry have fragmented the bird’s preferred habitat, separated individuals from lek (courtship) sites, and driven a sharp reduction in numbers.”

Jason Rylander, senior counsel at Defenders of Wildlife, one of the groups that sued the Fish and Wildlife Service, said last month, “The iconic lesser prairie chicken could go extinct if we do not take meaningful steps to save it.

“Endangered Species Act protection could make all the difference, but the Trump administration refuses to act. The lesser prairie chicken has waited long enough for a decision.”

Inhofe praises five-state plan

The struggle over the lesser prairie chicken predates the Trump administration by many years. It goes back to the 1990s. It wasn't until the Obama administration that the bird's status was enough of a priority to merit a designation under the Endangered Species Act.

The voluntary range plan was developed while the Obama administration considered listing the lesser prairie chicken as threatened or endangered. Inhofe worked with private companies and wildlife officials from several states to develop the voluntary conservation plan to avoid the federal listing.

Inhofe said this week that the Obama effort was “rushed” and “purely political.”

“I fought them at every turn, and, in 2016 the courts recognized that the local efforts were ignored in favor of federal overreach and delisted the lesser prairie chicken,” Inhofe said.

“Since then, the five-state plan has been successful and we’ve seen population growth of over 50% across the species’ range.”

Inhofe was referring to a federal judge’s ruling in 2016 that the Fish and Wildlife Service had not adequately considered the voluntary range plan when it listed the lesser prairie chicken as threatened. The judge’s ruling effectively delisted the bird, and the Obama administration declined to pursue further action.

Defenders of Wildlife and other groups petitioned the Fish and Wildlife Service in 2016 to restart the process. In its initial response, the service said listing the bird as endangered might be justified.

The lawsuit filed last month by the environmental groups contends the service has exceeded the 12-month limit for making a determination.

In a statement to The Oklahoman, the Fish and Wildlife Service said this week that it will make its 12-month finding regarding the lesser prairie chicken in fiscal year 2021.

The timetable factors in “numerous conservation plans in development with representatives from the agriculture, wind energy, and oil and gas energy sectors,” the service stated.

“When evaluating the status of the LPC, the Service will use the best available information to characterize the current and future condition of the LPC, taking into account both threats and conservation efforts.

“We are currently working with our partners to ensure there are viable conservation options in place for the lesser prairie chicken."

Inhofe said he has been working with the Trump administration “and will keep the pressure on the Fish and Wildlife Service to make sure that they follow the law by putting voluntary conservation efforts first.”

Congress included a provision in the Interior Department spending bill last year, Inhofe said, requiring the Fish and Wildlife Service “to prioritize voluntary state and local conservation over a federal listing” under the Endangered Species Act.

The environmental groups suing the Trump administration say the lesser prairie chicken is also endangered by climate change.

"Overall, global warming is expected to drive a four-fold increase in the number of 100-plus degree days on the Southern Plains," the groups said. "A 2017 U.S. Geological Survey study found that lesser prairie chickens will move closer to extinction as climate change worsens and more habitat is lost."

Jacob Malcolm, with Defenders of Wildlife, said the population increase was driven by a temporary rise in precipitation. The Range Wide Plan didn't increase the amount of habitat significantly — rather, the enrolled acreage is habitat that hasn't been lost, Malcolm said.

**********

Note: The IUCN Red List has assessed this species conservation status as "Vulnerable". ...Read more

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming birding and nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, August 3, 2019 to Sunday, August 4, 2019:

Bedford Audubon Society
Sunday, August 4, 2019, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Where can you see migrating shorebirds such herons and egrets?
On a Field Trip to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge! Join Naturalist Tait Johansson for high tide at the bay at the peak of shorebird migration at the refuge’s East Pond. We are also likely to see Glossy Ibis and many others! Bring binoculars, lunch, sunscreen, plenty of cold drinks, and boots/footwear so you won’t mind getting muddy.
Depart Bylane 8:30am or meet at Visitor’s Center at 10:00am
Cost: Free
Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate
Please register with Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or 914-302-9713
See more details

**********

Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Early Morning Shorebirds of Jamaica Bay Refuge and Afternoon Butterflies of Shirley Chisholm State Park
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Focus: Shorebird species and waterbirds; butterflies and dragonflies
Car Pool Fee: $10.00
Registrar: Peter Dorosh Prosbird@aol.com (or backup Prosbird@gmail.com)
Registration Period: July 27th - Aug 1st
Note: High tide is 11:08 AM. After lunch the group will visit the brand new park Shirley Chisholm State Park for the BBC’s debut visit, with a focus on butterflies […]

**********

Gateway National Park
Saturday, August 3, 2019, 10:00am — 11:00am
Birding for Beginners
Day(s): Every week on Saturday until September 28, 2019
View Details

Sunday, August 4, 2019, 10:00am — 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Day(s): Every week on Sunday until September 29, 2019
View Details

**********

Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, August 4, 2019, 6:00am - 7:30am
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home. Green-Wood’s official birding checklist is available to pick up from the security guard at the main entrance on 25th Street or to print here. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Summer Birding
In July we should see the offspring of our resident red-tailed hawk bravely preparing to leave the nest. Warbler songs will be replaced by chirring Cicadas and the tweets of fledgling birds. Butterflies and dragonflies are abundant. By late-July, expect the arrival of the first southbound migrants.

$10 for members of Green-Wood and BHS / $15 for non-members
Click here for our inclement weather policy.

**********

Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Central Park Horticultural Walk
Leader: Regina Alvarez — information only regina.alvarez@gmail.com
No registration. Public transportation
Meet at NE corner of 103rd Street and Central Park West, 10 am

**********

New York City Audubon
Sunday, August 4, 2019, 10am – 1pm
Shorebird Identification Workshop
Friday, August 2, 6:30-8:30pm (class)
Sunday, August 4, 10am-1pm (trip)
Instructor: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
Shorebirds are one of the most challenging groups of birds to identify, yet beautiful and fascinating once they can be distinguished. Learn to identify plovers and sandpipers (including "peeps") by learning behavior, field marks, and calls—then take a field trip to Jamaica Bay to practice your new skills. Limited to 12. $65 (45)
Click here to register

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

**********

New York City WILD!
Saturday, August 3, 2019, 10:00am
NEW! EXPLORE! Save the DATE! Constitution Marsh Audubon Center Canoe Paddle, Cold Spring, NY

Sunday, August 4, 2019, 4:00pm
Bridges of New York Sunset Walk: George Washington Bridge and Fort Lee Park, NJ

For the full information about each walk click HERE

**********

North Fork Audubon Society
Saturday, August 3, 2019, 8:00am
Shorebird Migration
Cedar beach is "the spot" for shorebird watching. Tom can guarantee you'll see whimbrel on this trip. So come and see one for yourself!
Meet at The Red House at Inlet Pond County Park Greenport at 8AM (The walk will be about 2 hours)
Call or text Tom at (631)275-3202 or email him at tdamiani3optimum.net to register for the walk.
Suggested donation is $4 for nonmembers

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Rocking the Boat: Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden rowboats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways.
Free!

Sunday, August 4, 2019
Queens Park of the Month: Birding at Brookville Park at Brookville Boulevard and Caney Road (in Brookville Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
This park in southeast Queens is a popular landing location for migrating birds.
Free! ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

From New Atlas:

Study shows that dropped cigarette butts harm plants
Ben Coxworth
July 19th, 2019

Pots of white clover, seven days after a butt-shaped piece of wood was added (left) and an actual cigarette butt (right)(Credit: Jaime Da Silva Carvalho, Anglia Ruskin University)

Although many smokers apparently don't realize it (or just don't care), cigarette butts are very much a form of litter – in fact, they're the world's most common type of litter. And they're not just an eyesore, as new research now indicates that they also dramatically reduce plant growth.

In a study led by researchers from Britain's Anglia Ruskin University, butts from regular and menthol cigarettes (both smoked and unsmoked) were placed on soil in which either ryegrass or white clover plants were being grown – both are important forage crops for livestock, and also make up much of the ground cover in urban parks. The clover in particular is claimed to be "ecologically important for pollinators and nitrogen fixation."

Regardless of the type of butt, after 21 days it was found that their presence reduced the germination success and shoot length of the clover by an average of 27 and 28 percent respectively, and the root biomass by 57 percent. In the case of the grass, the germination success was reduced by 10 percent, and the shoot length by 13 percent. A separate group of plants, which had butt-shaped pieces of wood added to their soil over the same period, served as a control.

Given that there was little difference between the effect of butts from smoked and unsmoked cigarettes, it was determined that the problem likely lies in the cellulose acetate fiber used in the filters. More specifically, plasticizer chemicals which are used to make that material more flexible may be leaching into the soil.

"In some parks, particularly surrounding benches and bins, we found over 100 cigarette butts per square meter," says lead scientist Dr. Dannielle Green. "Dropping cigarette butts seems to be a socially acceptable form of littering and we need to raise awareness that the filters do not disappear and instead can cause serious damage to the environment."

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming birding and nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, July 27, 2019 to Sunday, July 28, 2019:

Bedford Audubon Society
Sunday, July 28, 2019, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dragonflies of Muscoot Farm
Dragonfllies and Damselflies are NOT twins! Can you tell the difference?
Join Naturalist Tait Johansson and Friends of Muscoot Farm for a Nature Walk focused on Dragonflies of Muscoot Farm. This is a favorite walk and there is always lots to see while wandering the beautiful grounds of Muscoot Farm.
Meet at the back of the main parking lot.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Cost: Free
Visit our website at www.bedfordaudubon.org for a schedule of events.
See more details

**********

Gateway National Park
Saturday, July 27, 2019, 10:00am — 11:00am
Birding for Beginners
Day(s): Every week on Saturday until September 28, 2019
View Details

Sunday, July 28, 2019, 10:00am — 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Day(s): Every week on Sunday until September 29, 2019
View Details

**********

Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, July 28, 2019, 6:00am - 7:30am
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home. Green-Wood’s official birding checklist is available to pick up from the security guard at the main entrance on 25th Street or to print here. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Summer Birding
In July we should see the offspring of our resident red-tailed hawk bravely preparing to leave the nest. Warbler songs will be replaced by chirring Cicadas and the tweets of fledgling birds. Butterflies and dragonflies are abundant. By late-July, expect the arrival of the first southbound migrants.

$10 for members of Green-Wood and BHS / $15 for non-members
Click here for our inclement weather policy.

**********

Linnaean Society of New York
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Registrar: Ellen Hoffman — ellenh33@icloud.com or 917-903-3486
Registration opens: Monday, July 15
Ride: $15 or public transportation

**********

New York City Audubon
Sunday, July 28, 2019, 2pm – 3pm
Governors Island Free Bird Walks
Saturdays, June 22, June 29, July 27, August 10 and August 24, 2-3pm
Sundays, June 16, July 21 and August 18, 2-3pm
Guide: NYC Audubon
Meet at Nolan Park House #17. Join us for a bird walk around beautiful and historic Governors Island, which boasts over 192 species recorded on ebird.org. Learn about the island’s fascinating history and search for waterbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and more. Binoculars are available. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

**********

New York City WILD!
Saturday, July 27, 2019, 10:00am
NEW! Hardscrabble Ramble #4: Gowanus Canal, Brooklyn

For the full information about each walk click HERE

**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Sunday, July 28, 2019, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Acme Pond
The woodlands and ponds of this little known area will be explored during an approximately two mile hike. Once heavily farmed, the Acme Pond area has developed into a nicely wooded forest over the past 150 years with sweetgum, white oaks and hickories as the dominant trees. The pond is reputed to be the home of large bass and provides a secluded location for many birds as well as birds and turtles.
Meet at the corner of Hylan Boulevard, and Holten Avenue.
For more information phone Clay Wollney at (718)869-6327.

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Rocking the Boat: Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden rowboats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways.
Free! ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

From the website mnn.com:

One of New Zealand's rarest parakeets is having a banner breeding season
Mary Jo DiLonardo
July 18, 2019

New Zealand's orange-fronted parakeets, or kākāriki karaka, are small birds that live in the forest. Only about 7 to 8 inches (19-22 centimeters) long, these are the country's rarest parakeet with just 100 to 300 birds estimated left in the wild.

But there's been some great news this year for the long-tailed bird with the yellow crown and the orange nose band. The parakeet is having its best breeding season in decades, the New Zealand Department of Conservation reports.

This year, at least 150 chicks were born in the wild, potentially doubling the population.

Department of Conservation staff members have found 31 kākāriki karaka nests in the wild in Canterbury this season — which is more than three times the number found in recent years — and nesting season is expecting to continue for several months.

Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage said the breeding boom was due to a wealth of beech seeds, which are a popular part of the birds' diet.

"This budgie sized native bird, a taonga species for Ngāi Tahu, eats plants and insects, and during a mast year, seeds dominate their diet. This year's beech mast is looking like the biggest in more than 40 years," Sage said in a statement.

"There has been so much seed on the beech trees the birds just keep on breeding with some parakeet pairs onto their fifth clutch of eggs. When there's no beech mast they typically have just one or two clutches."

The parakeets, which were threatened due to habitat destruction and introduced predators, have been part of a recovery effort that includes captive breeding programs and predator control. At one point, they were thought to be extinct before being rediscovered in Canterbury in 1993, reports the Department of Conservation.

Want to see the little birds for yourself? Here's some recent trail camera footage of the parakeets in their nests:

Upcoming Birding and Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming birding and nature trips by local birding/conservation groups for Saturday, July 20, 2019 to Sunday, July 21, 2019:

Gateway National Park
Saturday, July 20, 2019, 10:00am — 11:00am
Birding for Beginners
Day(s): Every week on Saturday until September 28, 2019
View Details

Sunday, July 21, 2019, 10:00am — 11:30am
Osprey Watch Guided Walk
Day(s): Every week on Sunday until September 29, 2019
View Details

**********

Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, July 21, 2019, 6:00am - 7:30am
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home. Green-Wood’s official birding checklist is available to pick up from the security guard at the main entrance on 25th Street or to print here. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Summer Birding
In July we should see the offspring of our resident red-tailed hawk bravely preparing to leave the nest. Warbler songs will be replaced by chirring Cicadas and the tweets of fledgling birds. Butterflies and dragonflies are abundant. By late-July, expect the arrival of the first southbound migrants.

$10 for members of Green-Wood and BHS / $15 for non-members
Click here for our inclement weather policy.

**********

New York City Audubon
Saturday, July 20, 2019, 9:00am – 10:30am
Van Cortlandt Bird Walks, The Bronx
Saturdays, April 27-July 20, 9-10:30am
Guide: NYC Audubon 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 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, call 212-691-7483. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

Sunday, July 21, 2019, 8am – 3pm
Birding Gems of Staten Island: Freshkills Park
Guides: Cliff Hagen with NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
Meet at the Staten Island Ferry and start your trip with a journey across the Upper Bay. This is a special opportunity to see Freshkills Park in transition from what was once the world’s largest landfill into an expansive park. Currently closed to the general public, the Park is home to rolling grasslands, tidal marshes, successional woodlands, and a freshwater pond system that host an array of breeding birds, butterflies, mammals, frogs, and turtles. Grasshopper Sparrows, Osprey, Yellow Warblers, and Blue Grosbeaks nest alongside wrens, blackbirds, orioles, and shorebirds. Wading birds feed on the mudflats at low tide while hawks and vultures soar above. On calm, sunny days, one can expect to find nearly two dozen species of butterflies as they nectar among the grasses and woodlands. Transport by passenger van from the Staten Island St. George Terminal included. Limited to 12. $64 (45)
Click here to register

Sunday, July 21, 2019, 2pm – 3pm
Governors Island Free Bird Walks
Saturdays, June 22, June 29, July 27, August 10 and August 24, 2-3pm
Sundays, June 16, July 21 and August 18, 2-3pm
Guide: NYC Audubon
Meet at Nolan Park House #17. Join us for a bird walk around beautiful and historic Governors Island, which boasts over 192 species recorded on ebird.org. Learn about the island’s fascinating history and search for waterbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and more. Binoculars are available. No registration necessary. No limit. Free

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturdays -- 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
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Included in All-Garden Pass
Get Tickets

**********

New York City WILD!
Saturday, July 20, 2019, 10:00am
NEW! Hardscrabble Ramble #3: Newtown Creek, Queens/Brooklyn

Sunday, July 21, 2019
NEW! Bridges of New York Sunset Walk: Triborough Bridges, Manhattan/The Bronx/Queens

For the full information about each walk click HERE

**********

Staten Island Museum
Saturday, July 20, 2019, 8:30pm-10pm
Moth Night
Location: Staten Island Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A, SI, NY 10301
Cost: $10 per adult/Children under 12 Free
Stay up late and celebrate National Moth Week! Revel in the beauty and learn about the life cycles and habitats of moths. Featured activities include looking closely at Museum specimens, face painting, shadow dancing, art activities, and a short night hike through Snug Harbor.
Guests should bring flashlights. Presented in collaboration with the Staten Island Children’s Museum.
Registration recommended.
Click to Register

**********

Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Join us in the park as we focus on wildlife happenings in the park on a walk led by NYC Audubon experts.
Free!

Rocking the Boat: Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden rowboats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways.
Free!

Sunday, July 21, 2019
Orchard Beach Lagoon Birding Excursion (Intermediate) at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Explore the Orchard Beach Lagoon, including Bartow Creek as we look for birds that live in this estuarine habitat of the Long Island Sound. Registration opens on July 10.
Free! ...Read more