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BUS TRIP TO JAMAICA BAY WILDLIFE REFUGE
August 19, 2023 @ 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Trip Coordinator: Evelyn Leigh evelynleigh@yahoo.com
Cost per person: $47 (includes driver’s gratuity)
- Depart Uptown Kingston Hannaford Plaza (100 Plaza Road) parking lot 6:00 a.m. (bus loads at 5:30 a.m.)
- 6:30 Pick up passengers at New Paltz (Thruway Exit 18) Park & Ride
- Arrive Jamaica Bay 8:45 a.m.
- Mid-day picnic lunch at the Visitor Center
- Depart 3:00 p.m.
- Arrive New Paltz 5:30 p.m./Kingston 6:00 p.m.
This Trailways bus accommodates 52 passengers and has Wifi and a bathroom. This trip is open to members and non-members and early registration is strongly encouraged.
To reserve your seat on the bus:
Pay By Mail: Make checks payable to John Burroughs Natural History Society ($47 per person). Mail to:
Lin Fagan, Treasurer
281 West Chestnut St.
Kingston, NY 12401
OR
Pay Online:
Full refund before July 1; thereafter $10 refund until August 1. Please understand, there can be no refunds after August 1.
This trip will be held rain or shine, though extreme weather conditions predicted within days of the trip will cause cancellation and warrant full refunds.
Overview: We will explore the East and West Ponds areas of the Refuge. Proper footwear is essential for visiting the East Pond portion. Please know that this is not a trail but a very muddy and sometimes treacherous shoreline. The West Pond and “gardens” are much easier and have formalized trails (mostly crushed shell). For some this might be the option for the day. Others may choose to remain at the blinds on the smaller ponds when we cross the road. Sun protection is essential as much of this is exposed viewing.
What to Bring:
Clothing: We will be outside all day. Pathways are likely to be very wet and muddy and possibly hazardous to unsteady walkers. Wear clothing suited to a changing weather conditions and biting insects, especially ticks. Wear waterproof boots with secure treads for the trails and bring casual shoes for the bus ride. The refuge provides a boot-washing station, though a small trash bag for boots is recommended.
Food: Participants should bring snacks, beverages, and lunches with them. There will be no stop for food and none available at the refuge.
About Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Tides on 8/19/23: Low tide 4:52 a.m. High tide 11:10 a.m.
Birds of Jamaica Bay checklist and eBird Hot Spots information
https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/nature/birds.htm
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L165143?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109145?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109144?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places in New York City to observe migrating species. In fact, it’s a birder’s paradise with 332 bird species sighted at the refuge over the last 25 years (38 are accidental, and include several New York State records).
Fall shorebird migration is the most popular time for birders to visit the refuge and August usually provides the greatest diversity. The bus will arrive perfectly to coincide with a rising tide in the bay and the subsequent movement of shorebirds to the exposed mud shores of the East Pond.
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is open dawn to dusk year-round. In August, the Visitor Center is open 7 days a week from 9 to 5. The Center has a bookstore, natural history exhibit area, restrooms, and lecture room. There are no entrance fees to the refuge.
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.