EMPIRE STATE TRAIL/SOJOUNER TRUTH STATE PARK BIRDING
A morning to remember everyone’s favorite Beatle with a warm, caloric breakfast snack and some Birds & Beans coffee to help. If time allows we may even look for some birds along the dramatically improved Empire State Trail once known as “Immigrant’s Way” and maybe stroll up to the state park lot if it’s left …
MOHONK LAKE/ASHOKAN RESERVOIR (NYML) CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Centered in SUNY Ulster, the longest running CBC in Ulster County is as big a part of JBNHS history as anything the society is connected with. Maybe it’s your time to get involved, in the field or even as a feeder watcher. Contact NYML compiler Steve Chorvas (845-246-5900 or schorvas@gmail.com ) for possible assignment. A …
ULSTER/DUTCHESS (NYUD) CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
The NYUD is the “middle child” of Ulster-centered CBC’s and it’s hard to believe this will be the 15th count in ’25. Centered in Glasco, the NYUD circle is bisected by the Hudson River providing the best river coverage of any New York State circle. Contact NYUD co-compiler Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com ) for possible assignment …
MINNEWASKA/SHAWANGUNK (NYMS) CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
The 7th annual NYMS concludes the Ulster-centered CBC season with a circle filled with some of Ulster’s favorite winter birding locations. Contact NYMS compiler Nick Martin ( Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov ) to participate in the field or as a feeder watcher.
WALLKILL VALLEY RAPTOUR
Contact Christine Guarino (chrissy.guarino@gmail.com) to register for this outing and find out meeting time and location. Enjoy minimal walking on this popular roadside trip between New Paltz and Wallkill. Please understand that attendance and carpooling may be limited to help ensure safe birding. Wintering raptors, waterfowl, and larids as well as half hardies will be …
ALL DAY – ANNUAL WINTER BIRD COUNT AT EBNP
The 21st annual Esopus Bend Nature Preserve Winter Bird Count (WBC) will be conducted on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Participants will census wintering birds throughout the 160-acre Nature Preserve, recording numbers of individuals and species diversity. WBC results are part of the Preserve's biodiversity database and will help provide future guidance for land management and …
ALL DAY NYSOA WINTER WATERFOWL COUNT
This annual statewide count includes waterfowl and their allies as well as eagles. Data collected will aid in understanding population trends and conservation practices of Atlantic Flyway waterfowl. The survey will include open bodies of water, especially along the Hudson, Esopus, Wallkill, and Rondout Rivers and possibly the Ashokan Reservoir as well as open agricultural …
STATE MUSEUM AT ALBANY/ HALL OF NY BIRDS EXHIBIT
This is a special opportunity to meet Jeremy Kirchman who curates the bird and mammal collections at the State Museum at Albany and who will provide a behind the scenes tour for up to 15 people in the collections room. This unique visit will last about an hour and then Jeremy would give a little …
WONDER OF WOODY PLANTS AT RED FOX RAVINE
Enjoy a brisk, late morning, winter walk identifying woody plant by bark, structure, and bud. This Kingston Land Trust (KLT) preserve has two short trails that access the old quarry of approximately 20 acres in the Wilbur neighborhood of Kingston. Trip leader Tom O’Dowd is not just our expert guide but can share news and …
GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT ULSTER COUNTY STYLE
JBNHSers will be out and about county wide all four days with a focus on an introduction to birding, winter bird IDing, choosing the right optics, and “patch” birding. Email JBNHSInfo@jbnhs.org for a local schedule of events.
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.