- This event has passed.
ALL DAY ANNUAL WINTER BIRD COUNT AT EBNP
January 11
The 19th annual Esopus Bend Nature Preserve Winter Bird Count (WBC) will be conducted on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Participants will census wintering birds throughout the 160-acre Nature 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. 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 70 species and a single-year high count of 966 individuals. Highlights from previous counts include Bohemian Waxwing, White-winged Crossbill, Gray Catbird, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Winter Wrens, six species of woodpeckers, and double-digit numbers of wintering Hermit Thrushes. The WBC is a great way for birders and nature enthusiasts to start off the New Year and contribute to our knowledge of the winter 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. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Steve Chorvas (schorvas@gmail.com or 845-246-5900) to register, or for additional information, no later than 12:00 noon, Friday, January 10th.
DOWNLOAD THE REFRIGERATOR READY FIELD TRIP LIST FOR 2025
All participants should be aware of existing guidelines and new field trip protocol listed below:
Participant responsibility agreement while attending a JBNHS field trip: By registering, each participant acknowledges their acceptance of the Individual’s Responsibilities.
Individual’s Responsibilities are:
- To stay with the group, follow trip leader’s requests, and do not separate unless you notify trip leader
- To understand that out-of-doors activities involve hazards and that one participates at one’s own risk
- To wear clothing and footwear appropriate to the terrain, and for sun and insect challenges as well
- To adhere to the ABA Birding Code of Ethics, respect and preserve the flora, fauna, and properties we visit
- To be mindful and courteous to other participants
Additionally:
- Optics may be shared if those involved are comfortable with doing so
- Carpooling is at the discretion of participants.
- Preregistration is required for all field trips and participation may be limited.