Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for Memorial Day weekend of May 29-31, 2021:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: The Saturday walks will start at the park entrance at Ocean Avenue and Parkside Avenue. Meeting time will be provided upon registration.
Registration: Registration is by email only, to: deepseagangster@gmail.com The registration period will open at 7 p.m. on the Wednesday before each Saturday walk and will close at midnight on Thursday. Current club members will receive priority. Each person must register individually; you may not register additional participants. If you need to cancel please do so at least 24 hours in advance so we can offer someone your spot; no-shows will be moved to the bottom of the list for future walks.
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Fort Greene Park Kids Walk: Beginners
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Leader: John Dean
Description: Fort Greene Park in partnership with the Brooklyn Bird Club will bring a birding walk for kids to Fort Greene Park. This beginner’s walk is aimed at kids (and their parents) with no prior experience with birding but all are welcome.
Registration: Registration form here.
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Feminist Bird Club

NYC - Female Bird Day
Saturday, May 29, 2021, 8:30am - 11:30am
Leaders: Jeana and Martha
Description: Join FBC’s Jeana and Martha at Jamaica Bay NWR and learn about all the ways you can spot some of the most overlooked birds in North America. Martha and their colleagues Purbita, Stephanie, Joanna, and Brooke founded The Galbatross Project in 2019 to document all of the ways that one could identify a female bird of a particular species, from plumage to vocalization to behavior and beyond. What we learned is that looking for female birds completely changes the way you approach birding and the outdoors—in our opinion for the betterJoin FBC’s Jeana and Martha at Jamaica Bay NWR and learn about all the ways you can spot some of the most overlooked birds in North America. Martha and their colleagues Purbita, Stephanie, Joanna, and Brooke founded The Galbatross Project in 2019 to document all of the ways that one could identify a female bird of a particular species, from plumage to vocalization to behavior and beyond. What we learned is that looking for female birds completely changes the way you approach birding and the outdoors—in our opinion for the better.
Registration: Register via Eventbrite
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Gateway National Parks

Fort Tilden Hike
Sunday, May 30, 2021, 10:30 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Tilden, highlighting the fort's role in the defense of New York City during the 20th Century.
Registration: Call 718-338-3799 to reserve. Tour will be capped at 10 participants. Social distancing will be maintained. Face mask required.
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Green-Wood Cemetery
Spring Plant Walk with the Next Epoch Seed Library
Saturday, May 29, 2021, 11:00am–12:30pm
Description: Spring is a great time to meet some of the wild, weedy, and resilient plants who make their homes in Green-Wood's urban meadows! Join Ellie Irons and Anne Percoco of the Next Epoch Seed Library for a socially distanced, multisensorial walking tour focused on spontaneous urban flora. As we find and interact with individual plants, ...
Registration: Via Eventbrite View Details

Birding in Peace (Sold Out)
Sunday, May 29, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
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.


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New York City Audubon

Spring Bird Walk at Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx
Saturday, May 29, 2021, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon with The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
Description: Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various resident and migratory bird species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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Birding Tour of Bryant Park
Monday, May 31, 2021, 8:00am - 9:00am
Leader: Gabriel Willow with Bryant Park Corporation
Description: Meet at the Birding Tour sign at the 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue entrance to the Park (Heiskell Plaza). Discover the surprising variety of birds that stop in Bryant Park during migration. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will’s-widow. All participants are encouraged to follow proper Covid-19 safety protocols including wearing face coverings and staying home if you feel unwell. Tours may be canceled in heavy rain or inclement weather, check bryantpark.org for up-to-date tour status. RSVP required. Limited to 20. Free.
Registration: Online Form
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North Shore Audubon Society

Bailey Arboretum
Saturday, May 29, 2021 8:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Shelly and Lindy
Description: After Bailey Arboretum, walk leader may opt to continue at Coffin Woods or Upper Francis Pond.
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
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NYC H2O

Observación de Aces en la Ridgewood Reservoir (EN ESPAÑOL)
Domingo, 30th de Mayo, 8:00am - 9:30am
Leader: Heather Wolf
Description: El Ridgewood Reservoir en Highland Park es un oasis natural de más de 50 hectáreas que se extiende a ambos lados de la frontera de Brooklyn y Queens. Construido en 1859 para distribuir agua de alta calidad a la ciudad de Brooklyn, una vez independiente, se volvió obsoleto con la adición de nuevos depósitos en Catskills en la década de 1950 y fue desmantelado en la década de 1980.
Registration: Via Eventbrite.
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Queens County Bird Club

Cunningham Park
Saturday, May 29, 2021, 7:30am – 12:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: This mini-trip explores the little-used trails of Cunningham Park. Expect to find tall forest habitat with numerous Wood Thrushes and woodpeckers.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location. Ask whether to pack a lunch or whether to plan on eating lunch out.
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Birds, Botanics and Butterflies

Here's some highlights from the previous week:

 

Mourning Dove family portrait at Green-Wood Cemetery.

Red-tailed Hawk family portrait in Green-Wood Cemetery.

Yellow Warblers still hanging around Green-Wood Cemetery. A possibility that they will stay and nest here.

My Mourning Warbler...

As usual, Chipping Sparrows are nesting in good numbers at the cemetery.

Found this hybrid Brewster's Warbler on a day trip to Sterling Forest State Park.

Blackburnian Warbler glows like a hot ember.

White Pines sprouting new crop of cones.

One of many species of hawkweed. Probably not a favorite of the landscape department at Green-Wood Cemetery.

Clammy Locust is a new one for me.

Eastern Tailed Blue seen at Sterling Forest State Park.

Painted Lady looking lovely.

Silver-spotted Skipper, also seen at Sterling Forest.

One of the tiny skipper family of butterflies. I think this is a Zabulon Skipper. Seen at Dell Water in Green-Wood Cemetery.

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of May 22-23, 2021:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip: Doodletown Road
Saturday, May 22, 2021, 7:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description:Naturalist Tait Johansson will guide you on a Field Trip to Doodletown Road which is not only known as the best place in the area to find these breeding warblers but is also a fine spot for many other songbirds, migrants and breeders alike. Enjoy the walk up the rugged trail past the ruins of a “lost civilization.”
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


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Brooklyn Bird Club

Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: The Saturday walks will start at the park entrance at Ocean Avenue and Parkside Avenue. Meeting time will be provided upon registration.
Registration: Registration is by email only, to: deepseagangster@gmail.com The registration period will open at 7 p.m. on the Wednesday before each Saturday walk and will close at midnight on Thursday. Current club members will receive priority. Each person must register individually; you may not register additional participants. If you need to cancel please do so at least 24 hours in advance so we can offer someone your spot; no-shows will be moved to the bottom of the list for future walks.
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Liberty Loop and Wallkill, NY/NJ
Sunday, May 23, 2021
Leader: Adelia Honeywood and Chris Laskwoski
Description: Straddling the New York and New Jersey border, a smorgasbord of migrating passerines and wetland species: warblers, vireos, buntings, American and Least Bitterns, Sora, Virginia Rail, Common Gallinule. Adjacent grasslands offer breeding Bobolink, potential Sandhill Cranes.
Registration: Adelia Honeywood email honeywood5@yahoo.com. Registration Period: May 16 – 20 Current club members will receive priority.
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Gabe Willow Tours

Spring Bird Migration in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Friday, May 21, 2021, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Leader: Gabe WIllow
Description: Discover the wonders of Spring Migration in the best birding spots in Brooklyn
Registration: Register via Eventbrite
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Fort Tilden Hike
Sunday, May 23, 2021, 10:30 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Tilden, highlighting the fort's role in the defense of New York City during the 20th Century.
Registration: Call 718-338-3799 to reserve. Tour will be capped at 10 participants. Social distancing will be maintained. Face mask required.
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Fort Wadsworth Tour
Sunday, May 23, 2021, 2:00pm — 3:30pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately. Bring water, face mask required.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace (Sold Out)
Sunday, May 23, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
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.


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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Caleb Smith SP Nature Walk
Saturday, May 22, 2021, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: John Gluth, Mike Cooper
Description: Park is located at 581 W. Jericho Tpke, Smithtown NY. Meet in main parking lot. May require parking fee.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
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Linnaean Society of New York

Shawangunk Grasslands
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: This spring trip to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas, will be in search of migratory and grassland-dependent breeding birds, butterflies and odonates. We will most likely see and hear Grasshopper Sparrows, Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Eastern Bluebirds, and more. A few years ago, the Henslow’s Sparrow was found singing here to the delight of many.
Registration: Mary Beth Kooper — marybeth@nyc.rr.com
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New York City Audubon

Spring Bird Walk at Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx
Saturday, May 22, 2021, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon with The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
Description: Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various resident and migratory bird species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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North Shore Audubon Society

Oceanside Marine Sanctuary
Saturday, May 22, 2021 9:30am – 12:00pm
Leader: Ralph
Description: Located on Slice Drive in Oceanside is a 52-acre preserve devoted to environmental education and natural history. The Marine Nature Study Area is divided into eight instruction sites, each of which deals with a different aspect of the marine or estuarine environment. At each site, visual aides have been installed that describe particular topics. Subjects covered include the tides, Long Island's glacial geology, barrier beach and estuarine formations, ecology of the estuary, micro and macro algae, bird life and migration, the bay community, and barrier beach fauna and flora.
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
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Queens County Bird Club

Bashakill and Shawangunk
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: All day trip. Explore the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area in Sullivan County, NY, featuring extensive marsh and forested areas between two mountain ranges. Plus a side trip to Shawangunk Grasslands NWR.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location. Ask whether to pack a lunch or whether to plan on eating lunch out.
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Saw Mill River Audubon Society

Small Group Birding: Croton Point Park
Sunday, May 23, 2021, 7:30am - 9:30am
Leader: Members of SMRA
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: Via Eventbrite
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South Shore Audubon Society

Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway in Rockville Centre, turn onto Long Beach Road, traveling south. Proceed to Waukena Avenue and turn left. From this point onward, there are brown signs directing visitors to the sanctuary. Turn right onto Park Avenue (at a traffic light), then turn left onto Golf Drive. Continue on Golf Drive to Slice Drive, turn right, and proceed one short block into the sanctuary.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Birding: Spring Migrants at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free

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Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of May 15-16, 2021:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: The Saturday walks will start at the park entrance at Ocean Avenue and Parkside Avenue. Meeting time will be provided upon registration.
Registration: Registration is by email only, to: deepseagangster@gmail.com The registration period will open at 7 p.m. on the Wednesday before each Saturday walk and will close at midnight on Thursday. Current club members will receive priority. Each person must register individually; you may not register additional participants. If you need to cancel please do so at least 24 hours in advance so we can offer someone your spot; no-shows will be moved to the bottom of the list for future walks.
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Prospect Park: Introduction to Birdwatching
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Leader: Tina Alleva
Description: Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring binoculars if you have them. This walk will meet at The Audubon Center at the Boathouse. Meeting time will be provided upon registration.
Registration: Registration is by email only, to: tinamariealleva@gmail.com The registration period will open at 7 p.m. on the Thursday before the walk and will close at midnight on Friday. Current club members will receive priority. Each person must register individually; you may not register additional participants. If you need to cancel please do so at least 24 hours in advance so we can offer someone your spot; no-shows will be moved to the bottom of the list for future walks. Each person must register individually; you may not register additional participants. If you need to cancel please do so at least 24 hours in advance so we can offer someone your spot; no-shows will be moved to the bottom of the list for future walks.
View Details

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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Hunters Garden
Saturday, May 15, 2021, meet at 8:00am
Leader: Eileen Schwinn
Description: Located on the west side of Route 51 in Northampton (border of Brookhaven and Southampton Townships, just north of Sunrise Highway), Hunters Garden is a DEC managed area which is truly unique. Vernal ponds and dirt trails lead us in a rather hilly section of the South Shore. Cuckoo, Scarlet Tanager,Vireos, Wood and Hermit Thrush, Gnat catchers, as well as many warblers, are likely to be seen. Dress for ticks, and bring a snack/water.
Registration: Meet along Route 51 where the dirt road leads into the property. From Sunrise the road is directly opposite a sign that says Northampton and has a crossover lane. To register contact Eileen at beachmed@optonline.net
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Gabe Willow Tours

Brooklyn Birding Hotspots - Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturday, May 15, 2021, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Gabe WIllow
Description: Discover the wonders of Spring Migration in the best birding spots in Brooklyn
Registration: Register via Eventbrite
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Brooklyn Birding Hotspots - Prospect Park
Sunday, May 16, 2021, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Gabe WIllow
Description: Discover the wonders of Spring Migration in the best birding spots in Brooklyn
Registration: Register via Eventbrite
View Details

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Gateway National Parks

Fort Tilden Hike
Sunday, May 16, 2021, 10:30 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Tilden, highlighting the fort's role in the defense of New York City during the 20th Century.
Registration: Call 718-338-3799 to reserve. Tour will be capped at 10 participants. Social distancing will be maintained. Face mask required.
View Details


Fort Wadsworth Tour
Sunday, May 16, 2021, 1:30 pm — 3:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately. Bring water, face mask required.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
View Details

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Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace (Sold Out)
Saturday, May 15, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
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.


Birding in Peace (Sold Out)
Sunday, May 16, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
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.

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Linnaean Society of New York

Doodletown Road
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: Doodletown is full of Colonial history, as the foundations where people lived, and were schooled are still present. Cerulean Warblers, Hooded Warblers, Yellow-throated Vireos, Scarlet Tanagers, and Indigo Buntings continue to breed here.
Registration: Anne Lazarus — amlazarus47@gmail.com or 212-673-9059
View Details

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New York City Audubon

Spring Bird Walk at Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx
Saturday, May 15, 2021, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon with The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
Description: Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various resident and migratory bird species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Register via Eventbrite
View Details

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North Shore Audubon Society

Garvies Point Preserve - early start
Saturday, May 15, 2021, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Shelly and Barbara
Description: Garvies Point Museum-Preserve, 50 Barry Dr, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
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Garvies Point Preserve
Saturday, May 15, 2021, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Leader: Ralph
Description: Garvies Point Museum-Preserve, 50 Barry Dr, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
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Handicapable Drive and Park Bird Excursion - Port Washington
Saturday, May 15, 2021, 10:30am – 1:00pm
Leader: Jill Vomacka
Description: Description:Field trip for those who use wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. Participants may stay in car and communicate via walkie-talkies, to be provided. Walking will be limited to wheelchair-accessible areas. Limited to 5 cars. When you are out of your vehicle, please wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
Registration: Please register via email to JVoma@optonline.net and include your cell phone number and your vehicle's make, model, and color. If you become unable to attend, please let Jill know ASAP to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

High Rock Park
Saturday, May 15, 2021, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Ray Matarazzo
Description: Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this amazing woodland in spring. Throughout this portion of The Greenbelt a gorgeous palate of wildflowers and the colorful fanfare of migrating spring birds will highlight an afternoon of forest bathing. Participants will meet in the parking lot at 200 Nevada Avenue.
Registration: For more information call Ray Matarazzo at 718-317-7666.
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Queens County Bird Club

Doodletown
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: All day trip. Historic, scenic Doodletown is a magnet for warblers, including Hooded and Cerulean. Involves some easy hiking on hilly paths. Please pack your own lunch. Contact trip leader for meeting time. Use link above for trailhead parking location.
Registration: Please call the trip leader to register for this trip.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
May 16, 2021
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

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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, May 15, 2021

Birding: Hawk Watch at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. To enhance your experience we recommend bringing binoculars.
Free

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Birding: Warbler Watch at Park Drive and Clove Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island This is an Accessible location
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Birding: Spring Migration at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn This is an Accessible location
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Birding: Spring Migrants at 116 Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Birding: Nests at Palisade Avenue, Kappock Street and Independence Avenue (in Henry Hudson Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Come learn how each species of bird make their own unique nest as we take a short hike to spot them in the trees.
Free!

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May Highlights, So Far

It's pretty obvious that I haven't been updating my blog as often as I have in the past. After 17 years, it's become difficult to keep the enthusiasm going ... but I'm going to try, especially since I have a new camera. That said, here are some Green-Wood Cemetery pic highlights for May, so far:

Early in the month a Summer Tanager paid a visit to the Dell Water and drew a huge crowd of bird paparazzi. As much as I enjoy the enthusiasm, large numbers of people carrying cameras with giant lenses chasing after a bird can't be good for the wildlife.

Probably every visitor to Green-Wood Cemetery with a camera instinctively takes photos of the resident Monk Parakeets. And why not, they are very photogenic.

American Robin is the most prolific breeding bird species in Green-Wood Cemetery. Not sure how this one managed to navigate back to the nest with this bundle of fresh nest material blocking his view.

She may look innocent, but this female Brown-headed Cowbird is looking for an unsuspecting victim to drop off her eggs (cue evil background music).

Not only were the cherry, magnolia, oaks and maples flowering, but a nice variety of wildflowers began blooming. Columbine is one of my favorites to see in May.

At some point during the Spring migration Yellow-rumped Warblers seem to be ubiquitous and their distinctive "pip" call note is omnipresent. On those days I sometimes imagine I'm hearing them when I'm in my apartment.

The annual feast for the snapping turtles lasted a mere four days. Yesterday I only spotted one duckling left.

One day you spot your first arriving Gray Catbird. It's a sign that migration is about to explode. Then, in a day or two, you'll find that they are suddenly in every shrub, tree and understory tangle. They. Are. Here.

Catching a Bald Eagle on migration is common, but I never thought I'd see the day when we'd have a resident one. Meet "Rover". He showed up during Spring 2020. He's come and gone for short periods, but always returns. Hatched in a cemetery in Connecticut it must feel familiar.

Great Crested Flycatchers are the second of the flycatcher species to arrive after the phoebes. Unlike the west and southwest, they are the only colorful ones we see around New York. Some will nest in Green-Wood Cemetery.

Eastern Kingbirds have also just arrived. These tyrant flycatchers are noisy, aggressive and fun to watch. Locally breeding, they can frequently be seen harassing our Red-tailed Hawks.

In no particular order, warblers from the past week: Northern Parula, Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Cape May Warbler and Bay-breasted Warbler.

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of May 8-9, 2021:

Brooklyn Bird

Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Registration: Registration is by email only, to: deepseagangster@gmail.com The registration period will open at 7 p.m. on the Wednesday before each Saturday walk and will close at midnight on Thursday. Current club members will receive priority. Each person must register individually; you may not register additional participants. If you need to cancel please do so at least 24 hours in advance so we can offer someone your spot; no-shows will be moved to the bottom of the list for future walks. See our Covid-19 guidelines here

Fort Greene Park Kids Walk: Advanced
Saturday, May 8, 2021, 9:00am - 10:00am
Leader: John Dean
Registration: Sign up at this link
Fort Greene Park in partnership with the Brooklyn Bird Club will bring a birding walk for kids to Fort Greene Park. This Advanced walk is aimed at kids (and their parents) with some prior birding experience but all are welcome.

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Gabriel Willow Birding Tours

Spring Bird Migration in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Friday, May 7, 2021
Prospect Park • Brooklyn, NY
View Details

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Gateway National Park

International Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May, 8, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
View Details

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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace (Sold Out)
Saturday, May 8, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
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.

Birding in Peace (Sold Out)
Sunday, May 9, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
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.

Great Trees of Green-Wood (Sold Out)
Sunday, May 9, 2021, 2:00pm–3:30pm
All Great Trees of Green-Wood tours are currently sold out, but you can purchase tickets to other walking tours by going back to our calendar here. It happens every spring! The flowering trees of Green-Wood explode with color, and it is a visual extravaganza! Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to start Instagram ...
Read more

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Linnaean Society of New York

Bashakill Marsh & Environs
Sunday, May 9, 2021
Leader: John Haas
Registration opens: Monday, April 26
View Details

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New York City Audubon

Spring Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Saturdays, April 24-June 26, 9-10:30am
Guide: NYC Audubon with The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center. Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various resident and migratory bird species and discuss a wide range of avian topics. RSVP required. Limited to 12. Free
Register Here

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Northfork Audubon Society

Young Birders Club: Warbler Migration
Saturday, May 8, 2021, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
This Young Birders Club Meet Up will focus on warbler migration. Registration and masks required.
Contact Jennifer to register.
Location to be determined a few days in advance of the outing.

Mother's Day Bird Stroll
Sunday, May 9, 2021, 7:30am - 9:00am
Arshomomaque Preserve (map)
Bring your mom on a bird walk this Mother’s Day, May 9th, at 7:30am. Birder and photographer Jay Rand will lead a walk in search of migrating warblers at Arshamomaque Preserve in Greenport.
Details on where to meet will be sent to registrants.
Suggested donation of $10. Space is limited so please register for this event.
Register Here

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Northshore Audubon Society

"Big DAY" - start early at Alley Pond Park
Saturday, May 8, 2021, 6:30am – 12:00pm
Leader: Ian (917) 626-9562
Where: MAP
Note: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.

"Big DAY" - start later at Alley Pond Park
Saturday, May 8, 2021, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Leader: Nancy and Lou T. (917) 753-3146
Where: MAP
Note: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Photographing Spring Warblers at Clove Lakes
Saturday, May 8, 2021, 9:00am - 11:00am
Participants will visit with Dana Barbato as they collectively share tips and technique for capturing the breadth and beauty of Staten Island’s natural world. Published in each of Protectors Nature and Wildlife calendars, Dana has honed her abilities afield. Participants will wander about the wonderful waterfall area in search of migrating birds. At Clove Lakes Park participants will study the warblers and their interactions within their environment.
Interested photography hobbyists will gather atop the waterfall bridge on Martlings Avenue.
For more information call Dana Barbato at (718) 909-8863.

A Walk in the Woods at Blue Heron Park
Sunday, May 9, 2021, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
To see what spring has brought us, we’ll meet at the Blue Heron Nature Center on Poillon Avenue then walk around Spring Pond and the Arbutus Woods Trail loop to the west. (Heavy rain or inclement weather will cancel; should earlier spring rains have made the Orange trail impassible, we’ll choose another route.)
For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036.

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Queens County Bird Club

Big Day
Saturday, May 8, 2021, 6:30am – 4:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Where: 40.740640, -73.747500 (map)
Description: "Big Day" is an informal competition in which we try to see as many species as possible in one day.

There are two ways you can participate with QCBC:

1. Bird on your own somewhere in Queens. If you submit your checklist via eBird, it is automatically counted for Queens. If you have a paper checklist, take a photo of it and send it to avianian19@gmail.com

2. Bird with Ian Resnick in Alley Pond Park and Jamaica Bay. Contact Ian to find out more details, such as the exact meeting time, and whether to pack lunch.

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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, May 8, 2021

International Migratory Bird Day & Birding Bonanza! at Touchdown of the 103rd Street Footbridge (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan This is an Accessible location
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
We will look for some of the migratory birds that use Randall’s Island to rest and refuel on their incredible journeys to their final nesting sites for the summer.
Free!

Birding: Spring Migrants at 81st Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Birding: Spring Migrants at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx This is an Accessible location
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Birding: Birding 101 at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of May 1-2, 2021:

Brooklyn Bird

Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Registration: Registration is by email only, to: deepseagangster@gmail.com The registration period will open at 7 p.m. on the Wednesday before each Saturday walk and will close at midnight on Thursday. Current club members will receive priority. Each person must register individually; you may not register additional participants. If you need to cancel please do so at least 24 hours in advance so we can offer someone your spot; no-shows will be moved to the bottom of the list for future walks. See our Covid-19 guidelines here

First Sunday Prospect Park Walks
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Tina Alleva
Registration: We are requiring participants to register in advance. Registration is by email only, to: tinamariealleva@gmail.com The registration period will open at 7 p.m. on the Thursday before each Sunday walk and will close at midnight on Friday. Current club members will receive priority. Each person must register individually; you may not register additional participants. If you need to cancel please do so at least 24 hours in advance so we can offer someone your spot; no-shows will be moved to the bottom of the list for future walks.Each walk is strictly limited to 20 participants. Walk-ups will NOT be permitted. Masks which cover nose and mouth will be required to be worn at all times.

The Sunday walks will start at The Audubon Center at the Boathouse.

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Freshkills Park Alliance

City Nature Challenge at Schmul Park
Saturday, May 01, 2021 10:00am
Participate in the City Nature Challenge, and join Freshkills Park Staff at Schmul Park. Help support citizen science and taking part is easy. This year Freshkills Park is participating in a Park-by-Park Nature challenge, where 20 greenspaces across NYC will compete for ecological glory. In addition, all observations made will contribute to Staten Island’s overall […]
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City Nature Challenge Biodversity Walk
Saturday, May 01, 2021 12:00pm
Lace up your shoes for a nature walk at Freshkills Park! Freshkills Park researchers will take you behind the scenes to visit areas that are currently closed to the public. On this one-mile walk, you’ll use iNaturalist to share and identify the different plants and animals found in the woods, wetlands, and grasslands at Freshkills […]
Read More

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Gateway National Park

Fort Tilden Hike
Sunday, May, 2, 2021, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Day(s): Every week on Sunday until August 29, 2021
View Details

Fort Wadsworth Tour
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 2:00 pm - 3:30pm
View Details

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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace (Sold Out)
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
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.

Mycoblitz: City Nature Challenge Group Fungi Survey
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 10:00am–12:00pm
Participate in the Citywide Nature Challenge at Green-Wood! Join Sigrid Jakob and Potter Palmer of the New York Mycological Society for a guided Mycoblitz (the first official 2021 group survey of Green-Wood fungi for the Fungi Phenology Project). Orientation, training on data collection (with a focus on using the iNaturalist app), and materials to help ...
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Birding in Peace (Sold Out)
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
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.

Great Trees of Green-Wood (Sold Out)
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 2:00pm–3:30pm
All Great Trees of Green-Wood tours are currently sold out, but you can purchase tickets to other walking tours by going back to our calendar here. It happens every spring! The flowering trees of Green-Wood explode with color, and it is a visual extravaganza! Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to start Instagram ...
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Members-Only Program: Beekeeping 101
Monday, May 3, 2021, 6:00pm–7:00pm
Two-part virtual class with single registration.- Part 1: Monday, May 3rd, 6pm- Part 2: Monday, May 10th, 6pm Have you ever wondered what it takes to keep bees? Or maybe you just want to learn more about how these tiny insects create such delicious honey? Join Nick Hoefly, Green-Wood’s head beekeeper, for this two-part virtual ...
Read more

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Linnaean Society of New York

8th Annual Starr Saphir Memorial Spring Migration Walk, Central Park
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Leader: Lenore Swenson
Registration opens: Monday, April 19
Details

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New York City Audubon

Spring Bird Walks at Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Saturdays, April 24-June 26, 9-10:30am
Guide: NYC Audubon with The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center. Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various resident and migratory bird species and discuss a wide range of avian topics. RSVP required. Limited to 12. Free
Register Here

Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walk
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Saturdays, April 3, 17, and May 1, 9:30-10:30am
Guide: Corey Finger with Queens Botanical Garden
Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the resources the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. RSVP required. Each walk limited to 15. Free (with Garden admission).
Register here

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Northfork Audubon Society

Wrack Line Rambles - Family Outing
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 3:00pm 4:30pm
North Fork Audubon Society (map)
This family program is geared for all ages and meets on the first Saturday of each month at the Roy Latham Nature Center. From there, we head down to the beach where we will explore the wrack line. Ask the Naturalist questions, discover the many organisms found at the high tide line and within the intertidal zone, observe wildlife, go on a scavenger hunt, and learn about marine debris.
Space is limited, registration is required.
Suggested donation is $20 per family (up to four people).
To reserve a spot for your family, please register via email: nfasprograms@gmail.com

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Northshore Audubon Society

Valley Stream State Park
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 7:45am – 11:45am
Leader: Bobby B
Where: MAP
Note: 7:45am Start Time. NYS Parks parking fee of $8.00 may apply after that.

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NYC H2O

Mill Creek and Richmond Valley Walk with Nathan Kensinger
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
The branches of Mill Creek flow through many unique urban landscapes, as they travel through the historic community of Richmond Valley and out to the Arthur Kill.

Join artist, photographer, and journalist Nathan Kensinger on a walk crossing several branches of this wild waterway, as it flows past Bluebelts, underneath abandoned railroads and train stations, and through forests and wetlands. Along the route, we will pass through the former grounds of the Mt. Loretto orphanage, visit new stormwater drainage features, and consider the history of French, Dutch and English immigrants in the area.
Register here

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

The Richard Buegler 10-Mile Spring Walk
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 9:00am - 3:45pm
Join with us as we honor Richard Buegler and the installation of a commemorative bench beside the Greenbelt Nature Center. Starting at the Greenbelt Nature Center on Rockland Avenue, hikers will traverse the Greenbelt in search of spring flowers and bird song. A favorite walk of Protector’s founder, Richard Buegler, the 10-Mile walk takes participants along the Meisner Avenue Pond, Loosestrife Swamp, Heyerdahl Hill and more. At the conclusion of the walk we will gather at the Greenbelt Nature Center at 4:00 p.m. for a remembrance of Richard, his life’s work and his dedication to Protectors of Pine Oak Woods.
For more information call Dominick Durso at (917) 478-7607 or Hillel Lofaso at (718) 477-0545.

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Queens County Bird Club

Forest Park
Sunday, May 2, 2021, 7:00am
Leader: Jean Loscalzo (917) 575-6824 (text)
Where: 40.705472, -73.837722 (map)
Note: Walk is currently "full". Contact trip leader to be put on wait list.

Enjoy a jaunt through Forest Park, including a stop at the "Water Hole", which many returning warblers include in their itinerary. Meet at Park Lane South and Mayfair Rd, Richmond Hill, NY 11418.

Registration: Please contact the trip leader to register for this trip. Prefer text 917-575-6824 or email dm5078@aol.com

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South Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Sunday, May 2, 2021

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.
Directions via Google Maps
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at (516) 467-9498
Note: Walks will be limited to 12 participants. Participants will be required to wear a mask, keep a minimum of 6 feet from other people

A New Cemetery Couple

At first I thought that Green-Wood Cemetery's resident pair of Red-tailed Hawks were exploring rentals on the opposite side of the cemetery from their usual digs. They seemed to be eyeing the large conifers behind Horace Greeley. That's where Bald Eagle "Rover" frequently dines. Then, about two weeks ago the red-tails began nest building at that spot.

There is a towering tuliptree nearby that the amorous couple has been using for their construction material. I got a few shots of one of the hawks snapping off a sizable branch for the nest. While watching with a couple of friends we noticed that one of the birds was banded! A blue band is on one leg, a silver on the other.

The blue one really stands out, so I'm pretty sure I would have noticed it before. This individual is also distinctive for its very dark, thick belly band. Also new to me. I checked Evan Rabeck's Flickr page to see if he had any photos of the cemetery nest builders. He has photos of a different pair perched side by side. Neither is banded.

It has been about a decade, but we have seen two pairs of Red-tailed Hawks nest in Green-Wood Cemetery. One year there were three nesting pairs in adjacent Prospect Park! I guess it is a sign that there is enough food to support a relatively large community of local raptors. If you'd like to check out the new nest, there is a really good view from the hill at the south-east side of the intersection of Oak and Hillock Avenues.

I look forward to seeing fledgling hawks perched on the head of Horace Greeley sometime in the near future.

A Classic NYC Birding Book

My birding mentor was an iconic Brooklyn character named Marty Sohmer. Since passed, he was well known and loved within the local birding community. In addition to teaching me great identification tips and relating timeless birding anecdotes (plus really corny jokes), he told me about a great book on birding around New York City called "Enjoying Birds Around New York City". Published in 1966, the authors were Robert Arbib, Jr., Olin Sewall Pettingill, Jr. and Sally Hoyt Spofford. All three were very important ornithologists and conservationists in their own rights.

One of the best features of this publication is the section titled "A Bird Watcher's Calendar". Each month has a few paragraphs which describe the seasonal event one should expect to observe. As a scientist Mr. Arbib shows a surprising sensitive and poetic nature to his descriptions. The March section begins, "Often the month of hope denied". There is a similar section, "Calendar for a Big List of Birds" which recommends weekly locations to maximize one's year list of birds. This book has been out of print for a very long time. Fortunately I stumbled on a copy while in a used bookstore in (of all places) Chatham, MA. It's in great condition and think I paid $15 for it. I've seen used copies available online.

The title page makes it clear that this book wins the award for longest title ever. Thirty-nine words!

This is not just a book about where to bird in New York City, but also how to bird: seasonal fluctuations, habitat preferences, family groupings, species field marks & vocalizations, behavior, etc. There is also a brief discussion on resources, such as binoculars and field guides.

The species accounts may be a little dated with regard to some of the currently accepted common names. Harrier is listed as "Marsh Hawk", kestrel is "Sparrow Hawk" and American Crow is "Common Crow", to name a few. For me, that is minor given the quality of the pen and ink illustrations that accompany the species accounts. They really are beautiful.

Finally, in a world of Google Earth satellite images in the palm of our hands, I find the 17 hand drawn maps in the book to go beyond simple navigation tools. To me they are art and make having this 55 year old publication on my bookshelf worth it. Are there other birding books with good information? Certainly, but much of the information contained within its 160 pages are, unbelievably, still relevant and useful. As a bonus, it is also filled with lovely illustrations, "historic" hand drawn maps of birding hot spots and a peek into birding around NYC nearly 60 years ago. It would make a nice addition to anyone's birding library.