VERY IMPORTANT information for all bus and van trips:
The meeting location is outside, in front of the building at 71 West 23rd St. (6th Ave.) in Manhattan unless otherwise specified. If you arrive early, please do not wait in the building lobby. Please wait outside or come up to our office (suite 1523). We will depart promptly at the stated start time.
For monthly updates on upcoming events and current conservation issues (plus trivia!), Join Our Mailing List!
To find out what birds have been seen on recent trips, check out our Trip Reports.
Whether on one of the trips listed below or on your own, keep in mind your impact on the birds you're observing and their habitat. The American Birding Association's Principles of Birding Ethics is an excellent resource.
NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up receive a 10% discount on all classes and most trips! If you have any questions about your membership status or do not have the discount code, please call 212-691-7483 or send an email to info@nycaudubon.org.
If you have any additional questions or wish to register by phone, please call 212-691-7483.
 Photo © Lloyd Spitalnik
Sundays, June 7 through August 16
South Street Sea Port, Pier 17, 7-8:30pm
Fulton Ferry Landing, Brooklyn, 7:10-8:40pm
Guide: Gabriel Willow with New York Water Taxi
This year's series celebrates the Hudson and Champlain Quadricentennial.
Our expert naturalists will turn your Water Taxi into a time machine, illuminating
the rich cultural and natural history of our harbor while pointing out birds
and other wildlife and describing what the landscape must have looked like
when Hudson arrived in 1609. View the mysterious lost islands of NYC where
nesting colonies of herons have taken residence. Limited to 100.
$25 for adults, $20 for children under 12
To register, call New York Water Taxi at 212.742.1969 or visit their website.
 Photo © Don Riepe
KAYAKING & BIRDING Saturday, July 11, 10am-3:30pm
Guide: Gabriel Willow
With Long Island City Community Boathouse
Meet at the Long Island City Boat House. See New York City's water birds up close on the East River. Visit lesser-known islands and gain a new perspective on the city. Requires some stamina and strength for kayaking in hot weather and ability to swim. Bring binoculars, a lunch, water, and clothes you don't mind getting wet. Limited to 16.
$35 ($31.50 for NYC Audubon members at the student level and up)
Photo © NYC Parks
Sunday, July 12, 9am-1pm
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Discover a hidden gem! Ridgewood Reservoir is one of the best birding spots in Queens, with forest and ponds providing habitat for many migratory and resident birds. There is also a hiking greenway, making it an ideal area to explore by bicycle. We will travel to nearby Forest Park as well. Meet at the Grand Army Plaza Arch. (Distance: 6 miles one-way.)
$20($18 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up and Transportation Alternatives members)
Photo © Melissa McDonald
Wednesday, July 15, 6-6:45pm
With Solar One
Guides: Don Riepe and Daisy Hoyt
Meet at the Solar One Building just south of 23rd Street at the East River. This walk through Stuyvesant Cove Park will be co-lead by NYC Audubon and Solar One naturalists. Participants will learn about Native plants and their relationship to birds and other wildlife. Refreshments to follow in the park. Limited to 20. Free
For registration contact Solar One at 646.576.5668 or E-mail melissa@solar1.org.
Saturday, July 18, 12-1:30pm
With Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance
Guide: Peter Mott
As part of City of Water Day, a celebration of the waterways and harbors of New York City, NYC Audubon is offering a special eco-cruise past Hoffman and Swinburne Islands exploring the natural history of the area. The tour leaves from Governor's Island. Visit www.gipec.com/Visit_the_Island for information and schedule. Limited to 175. Free
 Photo © Don Riepe
Sunday, July 19, 10am-noon
Instructor: Don Riepe With NYC Butterfly Club
Meet at the Jamaica Bay Refuge Visitor Center for this program on finding, identifying and photographing butterflies, moths and other insects in NYC parks. Limited to 25.
$10 ($9 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
 Photo © Lloyd Spitalnik
Friday, July 24, 7-10pm
Speaker: Marie Winn
Join us for an enchanted evening in Central Park with author, Marie Winn. In celebration of
the paperback release of her book, "Central Park in the Dark", Winn will be providing this
exclusive presentation followed by a reception and book signing. After the reception,
participants will have the opportunity, through guided exploration, to experience Central Park
in the dark. Limited to 100.
Free for NYC Audubon members at the student/senior level or above.
 Photo © David Speiser
NESTING SHOREBIRDS OF NICKERSON BEACH, LONG ISLAND, NY
Saturday, July 25, 6:30am - 12:30pm
Rain Date: Sunday, August 2, 6:30am - 12:30pm
Instructors: Lloyd Spitalnik and Cal Vornberger
Learn about how to correctly approach and photograph nesting shorebirds on their breeding grounds. Look for American Oystercatcher, Black Skimmer, Common and Least Tern, Sanderling You will be crawling around in the sand so dress appropriately. Equipment: SLR and long lens. Limited to 16.
$140 ($126 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
 Photo © Don Riepe
Sunday, July 26, 10am-1pm
Guide: Don Riepe With American Littoral Society and Gateway National Recreation Area
Meet 10am at the refuge for a walk around the ponds to look for shorebirds,
dragonflies, butterflies & wildflowers. Learn about the history & ecology
of this 9,000 acre preserve. Limited to 20. Free.
To reserve, call (718) 318-9344.
 Photo © Lloyd Spitalnik
MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY AT WARD POUND RIDGE
Saturday, August 1, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Rain Date: August 9, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructors: Lloyd Spitalnik and Don Riepe
Learn basic techniques of macro-photography. Photograph, insects, dragons and damsels and butterflies as well as flowers: Equipment: SLR and telephoto lens, point and shoot with a macro setting. Limited to 18.
$140 ($126 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
Photo © NYC Parks
Sunday, August 2, 9am-1pm
With Transportation Alternatives
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Ride from Manhattan to the Bronx and see some of the most beautiful regions of both boroughs along the way. We will take the new Hudson River Greenway through Manhattan, pass Inwood Hill Park, and cross into the Bronx at Spuyten Duyvil. We will continue to Riverdale and explore Riverdale Park, a lovely stretch of woodland along the Hudson, and the beautiful and historic grounds and gardens of Wave Hill. Meet at Columbus Circle. (Distance: 12 miles one-way.)
$20($18 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up and Transportation Alternatives members)
 Photo © David Speiser
Sunday, August 2, 10am-2pm
With Sebago Canoe Club
Guide: Don Riepe
Meet at the Sebago Canoe Club on Paedergat Basin.A beginner's kayak tour of Jamaica Bay.
An easy paddle to learn about marsh ecology and look for foraging egrets, herons, oystercatchers
and other wildlife. The paddle will be followed by a barbecue lunch included in price.
Beer and wine available for sale. Limited to 30.
$40 ($36 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
 Photo © Lloyd Spitalnik
SHORE BIRDS OF JAMAICA BAY
Saturday, August 8, 2:00pm - 7:00pm
Rain Date: August 15, 2:00pm - 7:00pm
Instructors: Kevin Karlson, Don Riepe, Lloyd Spitalnik, Cal Vornberger and David Speiser.
As part of the NYC Audubon Shore Bird Festival, this course in nature photography will focus on shorebirds. Learn how to get down low and dirty. Focus on approaching birds, camera technique, exposure and composition.
Equipment: waders, boots, SLR as long a lens as possible. Limited to 40.
$55 ($49.50 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
 Photo © David Speiser
JAMAICA BAY WILDLIFE REFUGE
Sunday, August 9, 8am-5pm
With American Littoral Society and Gateway National Recreation Area
An all-day event during peak fall shorebird migration in Jamaica Bay. Learn about shorebird behavior, biology, identification and migration. Schedule includes walks around the East & West Ponds and presentations by Don Riepe, Lloyd Spitalnik and Kevin Karlson. Limited to 75.
Suggested donation $10.
For information and reservations call (718) 318-9344.
 Photo © Lloyd Spitalnik
Wednesday, August 19, 6:30pm -8:30pm (class)
Saturday, August 22 8:30am (trip)
Instructor: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
Jamaica Bay is a birdwatcher's haven as it provides a great stopover location for thousands of
migrating shorebirds. Learn about the shorebirds that start their southerly migration in August.
Limited to 15.
$40 ($36 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
 Photo © Don Riepe
August 20-23
With the American Littoral Society
Guides: Don Riepe and Mickey Cohen
A fun-packed, nature-focused weekend in beautiful Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Includes 3 nights' stay in historic Gloucester, a half-day whale watch boat trip, an evening Essex River Cruise, easy canoeing on Ipswich River, birding at Parker River Wildlife Refuge, and guided hikes, plus a lobster dinner. Limited to 40.
$365.00. * Single room supplement $140.
For information and reservations, call (718) 318-9344 or e-mail: driepe@nyc.rr.com
by Betsey McCully
Wednesday, September 2, 6pm
Central Park Arsenal at 64th St & 5th Ave
This slide-illustrated talk will concentrate on the Hudson's ancient and modern history. McCully will tell the story of the river from many perspectives- the geological, ecological, colonial, commercial, industrial, aesthetic and environmental. Betsy McCully is author of City at the Water's Edge: A Natural History of New York, and an Associate Professor of English at Kingsborough College/CUNY. No registration necessary. Free
 Photo © Lloyd Spitalnik
Wednesday, September 9, 6:30-8:30pm (class)
Sunday, September 13, 8:00am
Instructor: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
Learn to identify the 30 plus species of warblers that visit Central Park during
fall migration. Limited to 15.
$40 ($36 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
 Photo © Lloyd Spitalnik
Saturday, Sept. 12, 9am -1pm
With Gateway National Recreation Area
Guide: Don Riepe
Participate in a yearly census at Jamaica Bay and learn about butterflies and other insects
found in NYC parks. Limited to 20. Free.
To reserve, call (718) 318-9344.
Photo © NYC Parks
Sunday, September 13, 9am-1pm
With Transportation Alternatives
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Biking, Birds, and Art! Have you been meaning to learn more about the environment, attend more artistic and cultural institutions, and get more exercise? Check off all three resolutions with this trip! Take a leisurely ride up the lovely Hudson River Greenway from Columbus Circle to Fort Tryon Park, where we will explore their collection of tapestries and paintings in search of medieval birds (trip price includes group-rate admission), then head out into Fort Tryon Park to look for the real thing. Time permitting, we may also explore Inwood Hill Park. Meet at Columbus Circle. (Distance: 7 miles one-way.)
$36($32.40 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up and Transportation Alternatives members)
 Photo © David Speiser
Monday, September 14, 6:30 -8:30pm (class)
Sunday, September 20 (trip)
Instructor: Starr Saphir
Even if you never picked up a pair of binoculars, you'll soon be identifying ducks, geese, thrushes, warblers and more. Limited to 13.
$40 ($36 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
 Photo © Lloyd Spitalnik
Fall Migration Birdwalks in Central Park
Wednesdays September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21
7:30 -10:30am
Instructor: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
Meet at Central Park West and 72nd Street. Join us in observing varying waves of migrants that
stop over Central Park during fall bird migrations. Bring binoculars. Limited to 15.
$85 ($76.50 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
Photo © Melissa McDonald
Wednesday, September 16, 6-6:45pm
Guides: Gabriel Willow, Melissa McDonald with Solar One
Meet at the Solar One Building just south of 23rd Street at the East River.
This walk through Stuyvesant Cove Park will be co-lead by NYC Audubon and Solar One naturalists.
Participants will learn about Native plants and their relationship to birds and other wildlife.
Refreshments to follow in the park. Limited to 20. Free
For registration contact Solar One at 646.576.5668 or E-mail melissa@solar1.org
 Photo © David Speiser
Monday, September 21, 6:30 -8:30pm (class)
Sunday, September 27 (trip)
Instructor: Starr Saphir
Even if you never picked up a pair of binoculars, you'll soon be identifying ducks, geese, thrushes, warblers and more. Limited to 13.
$40 ($36 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
Vineyard Tour On The North Shore
Saturday, September 26, 8am-5pm
Guide: Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon combines two of the main pleasures of life: wine and birding! We take a trip to
visit Shinn Estate Vineyards, nestled on Long Island's bucolic North Fork, one of the rising
star wine producers on the East Coast. Learn how organic farming can benefit birds and taste
some of the fruits of their labors. The group will continue to Orient Point State Park in
search of migratory shorebirds along the peninsula's scenic marshes and beaches.
Bring binoculars and a scope if you have one, lunch, and comfortable shoes.
21+. NYC Audubon says: remember to drink & bird responsibly. Limited to 13.
$100 ($90 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
Photo © Don Riepe
Saturday, September 26, 4 -7pm
Guides: Don Riepe and Mickey Cohen with the American Littoral Society
Meets: Pier 2, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Board the 100 ft. boat the "Golden Sunshine" to learn about the history, ecology and management of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Look for egrets, herons, shorebirds, waterfowl and migrating raptors. Includes a 3-hour narrated tour plus wine & cheese, fruit, snacks. Limited to 150.
$45 (no discount)
For reservations, call 718-318-9344 or email driepe@nyc.rr.com.
 Photo © Lloyd Spitalnik
Mondays, September 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, 5-6:30pm
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Meet at Central Park West and 72nd Street. Witness the spectacle of autumn
migration as songbirds follow the Atlantic flyway to their tropical wintering
grounds. Look for tanagers, warblers, grosbeaks, vireos and other tropical
migrants in the wilds of Central Park. Bring Binoculars. Limited to 15.
$70 ($63 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
The Environment of New York Harbor: A 400-YEAR Arc of History By DR. JOHN WALDMAN
Thursday, October 2, 6pm
The Arsenal Gallery 64th Street and Fifth Avenue
Waldman will examine the enormous environmental changes experienced in New York Harbor,
from its pristine condition on Henry Hudson's visit in 1609, through the ravages of the
immigrant and industrial eras, to its radically different but nonetheless, ecologically
functional state today.
 Photo © Lloyd Spitalnik
Friday, October 2 - Sunday, October 4
Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
Cape May NJ is one of the best birding venues in the United States especially during fall migration.
We will visit the Cape May Hawk Watch on two days, once late in the day and then early to get a good
variety of hawks. We will also visit birding hotspots such as Higbee Beach, Cape May Point, Jake's Landing,
and (new this year) Avalon Sea Watch, Cape May Meadows and Nummy Island. Limited to 12 (single room supplement $75).
$475 ($427.50 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
 Photo © Lloyd Spitalnik
Barrier Island Birding, Robert Moses State Park, LI
Sunday, October 11, 10am -6pm
Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC, Dr. Shaibal Mitra
Robert Moses State Park, a barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island, is an ideal location
for bird watching in the fall. Bring lunch, water and binoculars. Limited to 40.
$55 ($49.50 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
 Photo © Cal Vornberger
October 18, 9am -3pm
With Wave Hill
Wave Hill and NYC Audubon are taking flight as we celebrate birds of prey! This day-long event
features live raptor shows, bird walks, discovery tables, birding equipment demonstrations and
a talk by author of the Rosalie Edge Biography, Dianna Furmansky. Overlooking the Hudson River,
Wave Hill is the perfect place to spot hawks, eagles, hawks, kites, ospreys, and falcons.
Limited to 100.
$25 for adults $10 for children.
Registration information to come.
 Photo © Andrew Baksh
Wednesday, October 21, 6:30 - 8pm (class)
Sunday, October 25, 9am - noon (trip)
Instructor: Gabriel Willow
Sparrows are one of the most challenging groups of birds to identify, and are often overlooked
compared with their showier cousins such as tanagers and warblers. But they are subtly beautiful
and fascinating species, especially once they can be distinguished. Learn to identify all those
LBJs (little brown jobs). You might be surprised what you'll discover: was that a Swamp Sparrow
hopping among the House Sparrows in the park? Learn their behavior, field-marks, songs, and more
in this class. Followed by a field session in Central Park to seek out the underappreciated but
fascinating sparrows
Limited to 15.
$45 ($40.50 for NYC Audubon members at the Senior/Student level and up)
 Photo © Don Riepe
Fall Foliage and Raptor Migration at Sterling Forest
Sunday, October 25, 10am -5:30pm
Guides: Don Riepe, John & Mary Yrizarry
Explore this 20,000 acre-preserve near the peak of its fall color. Look for raptors, late fall
migrants and late blooming wildflowers. Limited to 12.
$55
 Photo © David Speiser
PHOTOGRAPHY IN FLORIDA
March 17-21 2010
Guide: David Speiser
Explore South West Florida with our photo trip focusing on the Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach Area. We will focus our photography efforts on waders and shorebirds. Since we will be travelling in mid-March we look for migrating Passerines as well. With side trips to shoot Burrowing Owls and the opportunity to walk the boardwalks of Corkscrew as well. We will be spending most of our days in the field, where field camera techniques will be discussed and practiced. We will focus on how to approach birds, proper camera technique, exposure, flash photography and more. In the evenings we will be able to look at our days shooting and try to see what went right and what went wrong. In the afternoons, when available our hotel is on the beach and you can relax in the Gulf, swimming pool or walk the beach and attempt to take some Pelican, shorebird, gull and terns. $1875 members, $2085 non members. (double room occupancy, single room occupancy $300)
To reserve space on the trip or for more information, please contact the NYC Audubon office at 212-691-7483 or email info@nycaudubon.org.
 Photo © Tom McDonnell
November 14 - 22
Guides: Gabriel Willow
Travel for a week to the magical land of the Maya in Southern Mexico. See the great ruins of Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum. Explore coral reefs and white sand beaches. Hike through the jungle in search of monkeys, jaguars, and other exotic creatures. And of course, see the incredibly diverse birdlife of the region: there are close to 550 species of birds in the Yucatan, of which 14 are endemic and found nowhere else, including wintering familiar Neotropical migrants.
The trip includes participation in the 8th Annual Festival del Toh, the premiere birding festival of Southern Mexico . Meet other birders, explore the region with the best local guides, and participate in fascinating workshops.
The trip includes transportation within Mexico, transfers, hotels, some meals and nautral and cultural explorations. Limited to 9. $2340 per person double occupancy, $500 single supplement.
To register for national and international trips or for more information call 212-691-7483.
August 17-31; September 1-November 1
Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30am sharp - Leave from the southeast corner of 81st Street and Central Park West
Tuesdays, 9am sharp - Leave from 103rd Street and Central Park West, parkside
Saturdays, 7:30am sharp - Leave from 103rd Street and Central Park West, parkside
Guide: Starr Saphir
Join guide Starr Saphir for regularly-scheduled birdwalks in Central Park.
No registration necessary!
All StarrTrips are non-smoking.
For further information call Starr at 917-306-3808.
$8 ($4 full-time students)
Photos © Keith Ellenbogen
Third Tuesday of each month, 6pm
at the Coffee House, 20 West 44th Street, 6th floor
Host: Cal Vornberger
NYC Audubon Camera Club is an online resource for NYC Audubon members who are interested in wildlife photography. The group also hosts monthly events featuring workshops and speakers.
|
