NYC Audubon Events and Adventures

Local Trips and Classes

Ongoing Local Events

National & International Trips

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 which 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.

All trips are rain or shine unless there is a listed rain date. In case of extreme or dangerous weather conditions NYC Audubon reserves the right to cancel programs. All registrants will be notified.

If you have any additional questions or wish to register by phone, please call 212-691-7483.

Thursday, August 19 - Sunday August 22

Guide: Don Riepe
A fun-packed, nature-focused weekend in beautiful Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Includes three nights 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, $385 ($140 single room supplement). For more information or to register, contact Don Riepe at 718-318-9344 or driepe@nyc.rr.com.

Friday, August 27 - Sunday, August 29

Guide: Don Riepe
With American Littoral Society
Travel to southern New Jersey to observe the spectacle of thousands of purple martins on migration to their wintering grounds. Visit expansive marshes and stately woodlands to view a variety of birds and other wildlife. Explore the scenic Maurice River by canoe or flat-bottom boat as we search the skies for bald eagles and more. Includes transportation and double-occupancy lodging. For information, contact Don Riepe at 718-318-9344 or driepe@nyc.rr.com. Limited to 60.

$295 ($95 single room supplement).

Click here to register

Sundays, June 6 through August 15
South Street Sea Port, Pier 17, 7–8:30pm

Guide: Gabriel Willow
With New York Water Taxi
Meet at South Street Seaport's pier 17.
Experience the wonders of New York's famous harbor at sunset and see some of the three thousand herons nesting on islands around the harbor. To register, contact New York Water Taxi at 212-742-1969 or www.nywatertaxi.com. Limited to 100.

$35 for adults, $25 for children under 12

Saturday, August 14 (rain date Sunday, August 15), starting at 9am

Guide: Don Riepe, Andrew Baksh, Lloyd Spitalnik, Kevin Karlson
In partnership with the American Littoral Society and Gateway National Recreation Area An all-day event during peak fall shorebird migration in Jamaica Bay. The day will start with guided walks around the ponds and after lunch experts will give presentations on shorebird identification and nature photography. Limited to 75, suggested donation $20. For more information or to register, contact Don Riepe at 718-318-9344 or driepe@nyc.rr.com.

Sunday, August 15th, 8:30 - 11:30am

Guides: Kevin Karison and Lloyd Spitalnik
This hands-on workshop emphasizes a more complete approach to shorebird identification using both non-changeable physical impressions and details of plumage and feather patterns. Kevin Karlson and Lloyd Spitalnik will explain how to build a solid foundation for shorebird ID using basic impressions of size, shape and body language, and then combine detailed study of plumage and feather patterns to fine tune your ID conclusion. This workshop is suitable for birders of all levels, but sometimes includes advanced tips. Kevin’s book “The Shorebird Guide” will be available for sale and a personal inscription. The small class size allows for personal instruction and one-on-one interaction with both instructors that is not possible with larger workshops. Limited to 15.

$40
Click here to register

Sunday, August 15th, 4:00 - 7:00pm

Guides: Kevin Karison and Lloyd Spitalnik
Join professional photographers Lloyd Spitalnik and Kevin Karlson on this small, interactive photography workshop to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Topics covered during this short session include basic and artistic composition; approach techniques for shorebirds and open space wildlife subjects; different perspectives of ground level versus elevated photography; and fundamentals of capturing flight and action. This location is one of the best anywhere for getting great backgrounds and portraits of shorebirds, and a good outdoor classroom setting for learning how to shoot flight and action against varied backgrounds. The small group size allows for individual attention by each instructor, and a more personal setting to ask questions and learn the professional tips for getting the perfect shot. Limited to 15.

$40
Click here to register

Saturday, August 28, 9:30am - 4pm

Guide: Gabriel Willow
With LIC Community Boathouse
Meet at the LIC Community Boathouse. Enjoy the unique opportunity to explore the East River by kayak, looking for sea ducks, gulls, herons, and cormorants. See Mill Rock & the Brother Islands for an up-close look at nesting Harbor Herons. Gain a new-found perspective on the City and its aquatic and avian residents in this exciting trip. This trip will require some stamina and strength for several hours kayaking in potentially hot & sunny weather. Picnic lunch at Barretto Point Park. Bring binoculars, water, lunch, and clothes & shoes you don't mind getting wet. Limited to 18.

$45
Click here to register

Sunday, September 5, 9am - 1pm

Guide: Gabriel Willow
With Transporation Alternatives
Birding and biking, a natural combination! Join us in an eco-friendly excursion. Meet at Grand Army Plaza Arch at Prospect Park followed by a 13 mile ride to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge where we will dismount and explore the trails in search of migratory shore birds and waterfowl. Group can return by subway or bike. Limited to 15. Bring lunch, water and binoculars. Price includes a 1-year complimentary membership to Transportation Alternatives.

$36
Click here to register

Tuesday, September 7, 6:30-8:30pm (class)
Sunday, September 12, 8:00-11:00am (trip)

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
Click here to register

Wednesdays: September 15, 22, 29 & October 6, 13, 20
7:30-10:30am

Guide: 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. Limited to 15.

$110
Click here to register

Saturday, September 18, 2-4pm

Guide: Chrissy Word
With Rocking the Boat
Meet at Hunts Point Riverside Park located at the intersection of Lafayette Avenue and Edgewater Road in the Bronx. Explore the Bronx River aboard a hand-built wooden boat led by experienced rowers. The Bronx River is the only true river within New York City’s borders and harbors an abundance of wildlife including birds such as herons and egrets, osprey, and belted kingfishers. Tours will visit current and future restoration sites and participants will learn about the Bronx River’s unique eco-systems and discuss the social and cultural histories of the area. Participants will be given option to row. Participants will be given time to view wildlife with binoculars and take photos and field notes. Gloves, outdoor clothing, hats, and sunscreen recommended. Limited to 20.

Click here to register

Sunday, September 25, 4-7pm

Guides: Don Riepe and Mickey Cohen
With American Littoral Society and Gateway National Recreation Area
This is an informative cruise around Jamaica Bay to learn about wildlife and ecology of this important conservation area. To register, contact Don Riepe at 718-318-9344 or driepe@nyc.rr.com. Limited to 140.

$45

Sunday, September 26, 9am-4pm

Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers LLC
Hook Mountain is part of the Palisades Interstate Park system. It has commanding views of all the mountain ridges in the area. It also has fantastic views of the Hudson River. From this inland hawk watch spot we can expect to see many species of migrating raptors. On a good flight day we should see broad-winged hawks, red-shouldered hawks, bald eagles, accipiters and falcons. Limited to 35.

$75
Click here to register

July 10 - August 28, 10:30am

Guide: Gabriel Willow or Urban Park Rangers (first Saturday of the month)
With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Urban Park Rangers 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 diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary, no limit, free.

Sundays, August 8 & 22, 9:30-11:30am

Guide: Gabriel Willow
With Wave Hill
Meet at the Perkins Visitor's Center. Wave Hill is offering a new series of nature discovery walks to coincide with their year-round theme, "Growing up in the Garden." These walks, geared to the whole family, provide an opportunity for exciting, yet relaxed, exploration on the grounds and in the woodlands at Wave Hill. Walks take place rain or shine, but severe weather cancels. For weather-related updates, call 718-549-3200 x 245 by 8 a.m. the day of the walk. No limit. Free (with two-for-one paid admission to the Garden for NYC Audubon members).