SPRING BIRDING WILDCARD
The spring procession of migrants starts in earnest in this time period with new arrivals daily. Depending on recent reports or rare sightings, the destination (or destinations) of this trip will be determined just prior to the outing by field trip leader Peter Schoenberger (pdsis@yahoo.com). Please make sure to register with Peter for meet-up time …
SPRING MIGRATION AT WILSON STATE PARK
Much of this walk can be done on paved roads through the pine lined campground and around the alder swamp but a network of trails also provides access to mixed hardwood forest, the Little Beaver Kill, and the park pond. A special attraction for this site is the chance to hear drumming Ruffed Grouse but …
SPRING MIGRATION AND WILDFLOWERS IN SAUGERTIES
The Esopus Creek Conservancy and John Burroughs Natural History Society are co-sponsoring a guided nature walk in woodlands and wetlands in the Town of Saugerties on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Late April/early May is an exciting time for neotropical migration at this latitude, and early morning is the best time to see and hear recently …
JBNHS ULSTER COUNTY BIG SIT 2026
JBNHS’ 11 th annual Big Sit is also our BIG fundraiser for the year (that’s why we do ours in May) but serves too as a friendly competition between established sits. The challenge is twofold; first how many species can you identify by sight and sound from a 17’ diameter circle and more importantly how …
SPRING MIGRATION AT NYQUIST- HARCOURT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
This Wallkill Valley Land Trust holding is 56 acres of floodplain forest and an oxbow wetland that has frontage along the Wallkill River and neighbors a community garden. These habitats have a network of trails that make birding easy but occasionally wet (mucks are always a good idea here). Meet up will be at the …
SPRING TREE IDENTIFICATION WALK ESOPUS BEND NATURE PRESERVE
It’s a wonderful time of year to visit the Esopus Creek Conservancy’s Esopus Bend Nature Preserve regardless of the focus but a true joy to celebrate the woody plants and trees in the preserve with some giant specimens of several species to enjoy. Make sure to bring along binoculars to help with bud and flower …
SPRING MIGRATION AT HIGH BANKS
An early morning visit during spring migration to this Scenic Hudson property in the Town of Esopus should provide a generous selection of neotropical migrants. Please register with trip leader Jessica Cukrovany (procolinos@gmail.com). There is an initial climb of 200 feet on the trail, but walking is easy after that and a panoramic view of …
PEACH HILL SPRING MIGRATION
This 159-acre park is a former apple orchard and is the highest point in Poughkeepsie. All attributes making it a great location to receive spring migrants and if conditions and timing are right, a very good fall out spot for new arrivals in the morning. Please register with Tracy Little (mycoleydog@netscape.net ) to plan your …
NATURE WALK KINGSTON O&W TRAIL
A series of local walks planned to start the day right with fresh air, shining sun, and birds singing. These will be short, easy strolls designed to have you home earlier to be a “productive” part of society (domestic chores) yet allowing an hour and a half of escapism and camaraderie from said society. This …
ULSTER COUNTY SPRING CENSUS: BIG DAY COUNT
This is the day we all look forward to…. the holiest day of the year! Spend the whole day in the field or just a few hours.... who knows what may be found? Refer to your copy of Where to Bird in Ulster County or visit www.jbnhs.org for good birding locations. Submit your report in …
DOWNLOAD THE REFRIGERATOR READY FIELD TRIP LIST FOR 2026
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.