- This event has passed.
ANNUAL WINTER BIRDCOUNT AT EBNP
January 6, 2017 - January 7, 2017
Rain Date: Sunday, January 8, 2017
The eleventh annual Esopus Bend Nature Preserve Winter Bird Count (WBC) is scheduled for Saturday, January 7, 2017. Participants will census the winter bird community inhabiting the 160-acre Preserve, recording numbers of individuals and species diversity. WBC results will become part of the Preserve’s biodiversity database, and will help provide future guidance for land management and stewardship decisions.
Meet at the Shady Lane main entrance parking lot at 5:30 a.m. for pre-dawn owling, or later at approximately 7:00 a.m. for the diurnal part of the survey. Esopus Bend Nature Preserve is located on the banks of the Esopus Creek in the Village and Town of Saugerties, in northern Ulster County. Previous counts conducted during early January have recorded a cumulative total of 55 species, and a single year high count of 966 individuals. Previous highlights include Bohemian Waxwing, White-winged Crossbill, Gray Catbird, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Winter Wrens, six species of woodpeckers, and double-digit numbers of Hermit Thrushes.
The WBC is a great way for birders and naturalists to start off the New Year and contribute to our knowledge of the wintering bird population inhabiting Esopus Bend Nature Preserve. Additional field observers are always welcome, and full day participation is not required, but you should be prepared to invest several hours out in the field under cold winter conditions. Please contact Steve Chorvas (schorvas@verizon.net or 845-246-5900) to register, or for additional information, no later than 12:00 noon, Friday, January 6th.
For information about additional upcoming ECC Environmental Education Nature Walks and Paddles, please visit www.esopuscreekconservancy.org.
DOWNLOAD THE REFRIGERATOR READY FIELD TRIP LIST FOR 2024
The field trips of JBNHS are oriented to nature study. They are free and open to the public. We do, however, sometimes visit sites that charge admission fees, which are the responsibility of the participants. Children are very welcome on field trips, but pets are not. Although there is a brief courtesy waiting period for latecomers, the meeting times are important: please arrive in time to sign up with the leader.
JBNHS FIELD TRIPS ARE BACK!!!
All participants should be aware of existing guidelines and new field trip protocol listed below:
(Scheduled field trips are listed below the guidelines)
Participant responsibility agreement while attending a JBNHS field trip or outing. Please note that there will be no physical sign-in sheet until further notice. By registering, each participant acknowledges both his/her understanding and acceptance of the Individual’s Responsibilities stated below.
Individual’s Responsibilities are:
1. To stay with the group, follow trip leader’s requests, and do not separate unless you notify trip leader
2. To understand that out-of-doors activities involve hazards and that one participates at one’s own risk
3. To wear with clothing and footwear appropriate to the terrain, and for sun and insect challenges as well
4. To adhere to the ABA Birding Code of Ethics, respect and preserve the flora, fauna, and properties we visit
5. To be mindful and courteous to other participants
Additionally, we will ask that all participants:
1. Fully vaccinated participants are not required to wear a mask for JBNHS field trips
2. Unvaccinated participants are required to wear a mask and when unable to do so, must social distance.
3. Optics may be shared if those involved are comfortable with doing so
4. Carpooling is at the discretion of participants.
5. Preregistration is required for all field trips and participation may be limited.
These guidelines are subject to change if the COVID-19 mutations make more restrictions necessary.