John Burroughs Natural History Society

DAMSELS AND DRAGONS
2018-08-11 05:00 - 08:00 (America/New_York)
The fifth in a series of outings co-sponsored with the John Burroughs Association at the wonderful Burroughs Sanctuary. After time spent searching for odonates around the sanctuary pond, participants can explore Slabsides and learn more about the interesting and influential life of our famous namesake. Contact trip leader Larry Federman (birderlarry@verizon.net ) with questions. Meet Larry at Pond House. Follow the “Path through History” signs at the intersection of Floyd Ackert Road and Rt. 9W in West Park and turn west onto Floyd Ackert Road (at Global Palate restaurant) and continue for about a mile, past Burroughs Drive continue a short distance and make a left on gravel road continuing to Pond House.

SHOREBIRDS AND ICE CREAM
2018-08-03 14:00 - 17:00 | Esopus Meadows, 257 River Road , Ulster Park, 12487
August may be hot and humid but “fall” migration is underway and the Esopus Meadows can often harbor large concentrations of waders like Great Egrets and shorebirds not always easy to locate in county. After a tough evening of scanning the water chestnut pads for peeps we will try to recuperate over a soft serve cone post outing at Port Ewen’s Frozen Rainbow. Meet trip leader Wendy Tocci (wtocci@gmail.com ) at Scenic Hudson’s Esopus Meadows Preserve (269 River Road Ulster Park, NY 12487) at 6:00 p.m. The party will likely walk the very short distance to the lighthouse where parking is limited, so parking at Esopus Meadows Preserve is encouraged.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL MOTH WEEK
2018-07-28 16:00 - 18:00
The fourth in a series of outings co-sponsored with the John Burroughs Association at the wonderful Burroughs Sanctuary, this one celebrating National Moth Week. Meet trip leader Mathew Rymkiewicz (dendroicist@gmail.com) at Pond House where lighting and other bait will be set up to attract our winged quarry. Follow the “Path through History” signs at the intersection of Floyd Ackert Road and Rt. 9W in West Park and turn west onto Floyd Ackert Road (at Global Palate restaurant) and continue past Burroughs Drive, shortly thereafter turn left on gravel road to Pond House.

GREAT VLY FULL MOON PADDLE
2018-07-27 14:00 - 16:00
Meet trip leader Peter Schoenberger (pdsis@yahoo.com) at Amy and Peter’s property on West Camp Road. In the late summer and into early fall this location can be very attractive to migrant shorebirds and even terns. The Vly is always a good spot to visit for breeding species loyal to marsh habitat like Gruiformes and bitterns and a quiet paddle should allow for close inspection of some of these target species. To reach the parking area from US 9W north of Saugerties, turn west on West Camp Road and continue for about a mile.

OPEN DISCOVERY AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2018-07-14 04:00 - 08:00 | John Burroughs Sanctuary, 261 Floyd Ackert Rd, Highland, 12528
Another in a series of outings co-sponsored with the John Burroughs Association at the wonderful Burroughs Sanctuary. Various signs of Summer will be observed and celebrated on the improved trail system (rated as easy to moderate) and following our walk participants can explore Slabsides and learn more about the interesting life and writings of our famous namesake. Meet trip leader Joe Bridges (jtpontes@aol.com ) at trailhead on Burroughs Drive. Follow the “Path through History” signs at the interesection of Floyd Ackert Road and Rt. 9W in West Park and turn west onto Floyd Ackert Road (at Global Palate restaurant) and continue for .8 mile, then left on Burroughs Drive for .3 mile.

BUTTERFLIES AT THE “REC CENTER”
2018-07-08 05:00 - 09:00
We’ll remember Henry Halama’s wit, wisdom, and most importantly enthusiasm for the natural world and butterflies in particular at a new location he and trip leader Steve Chorvas often visited during butterfly season. Meet Steve (schorvas@gmail.com ) at the informal entrance of this Scenic Hudson property in the Town of Ulster on the north side of Kukuk Lane opposite houses numbered 102 and 106.

JBNHS ANNUAL MEETING
2018-06-10 04:00 - 08:00 | John Burroughs Sanctuary, 261 Floyd Ackert Rd, Highland, 12528
This is the meeting at which new board members and officers are elected, representatives to the NYSOA meeting are chosen, decisions are made about where JBNHS donations to other deserving organizations go, birds distract the attendees, and it ends with a picnic in a one of the most beautiful settings in Ulster County: John Burroughs Sanctuary, in West Park. Directions: Route 9W to West Park, turn by the Post Office onto Floyd Ackert Road. Cross the railroad tracks and in ½ mile pass Burroughs Drive on the left, shortly after turn left on the gated driveway to Pond House. For a picnic, bring your lunch, insect repellent, folding chairs, and, of course, binoculars. Meeting starts at 10:00 AM. Members are welcome to join Mark DeDea for the pre-meeting bird walk on the property starting at 8:00 AM.

BIRDING BY EAR
2018-05-27 03:00 - 06:00
Visit the birdiest “yard” in Ulster County with one of the best sets of ears around as your host. Join Peter Schoenberger on his home turf to learn more about an important skill and various secrets to help you retain various vocalizations. Participants must register with Peter (pdsis@yahoo.com) to attend this special outing.

TAKING FLIGHT CATSKILLS BIRDING CONFERENCE
2018-05-24 - 2018-05-27
THE CATSKILL MOUNTAINS HOST 27 DIFFERENT BREEDING WARBLERS AND AT LEAST 9 MORE SPECIES THAT HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED PASSING THROUGH.
In honor of these amazing birds, the 3rd annual Taking Flight Conference is all about warblers.
SCOTT WHITTLE AND TOM STEPHENSON, CO-WRITERS OF “THE WARBLER GUIDE” will lead warbler hikes, warbler workshops (photographing warblers + Warbler ID), and will give the Saturday night keynote address… about warblers. It will be a weekend in the Catskills you won’t want to miss.
Visit the TAKING FLIGHT 2018 (http://catskillcenter.org/takingflight)website for more information on the schedule of events and how to register.

Members Trip - Spring Migration on the Delaware Shore
2018-05-18 - 2018-05-21
Explore spring migration on the Delaware Shore! Planned destinations include Bombay Hook NWR, Prime Hook NWR and Cape Henlopen State Park. Our travel to Lewes, DE, where we’ll be staying, will be via the Jersey Shore with a stop at Edwin B. Forsythe NWR and a ferry ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
Accommodations can be made at the Heritage Inn in Lewes, DE online at http://www.rehobothheritage.com/ or by calling 1-800-669-9399. Rooms are $149 a night plus tax. They require a one night’s deposit when you make your reservation. There are no group discounts or group codes to mention when you call.
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry We will be travelling to Delaware via the Jersey Shore so that we can stop at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge on the way. To continue on to Lewes, DE we will be taking the ferry from Cape May across the Delaware Bay. The ferry accommodates cars as well as people. Not only will we get a break from driving but will also be able to spend our time crossing the bay by enjoying some additional birding. It is recommended that we make reservations on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry at least a week prior to taking the ferry, the week of May 7th. The Ferry departs at 4:30 PM on Friday, May 18th, and will arrive in Lewes at 5:55 PM. A one way ticket is $29 plus $10 for each passenger. Make your reservations online at https://tinyurl.com/ybhog5yp or by phone at 1-800-643-3779. We will NOT BE returning via the ferry. We will remind all of you who sign up when it is time to make reservations but feel free to do so whenever you like.
If you would like to attend please make your reservation at the hotel and let either Wendy or Jessica know that you have done so. More detailed itinerary will be sent when it is closer to our departure date.
Wendy Tocci
wtocci@gmail.com
845-750-5409
Jessica Prockup
procolinos@gmail.com
914-474-7316

WARBLER WALK #2
2018-05-08 03:00 - 08:00
Meet Carol Weber (carolorganistin@gmail.com 914 388-1569) and Gerhard Patsch (gerapa2001@yahoo.com ) at the Village of New Paltz parking lot off Huguenot Street. The group will visit environs near town and travel towards Mohonk to search for neotropical migrants. Feel free to meet in the field or leave early for work.

ULSTER COUNTY BIG SIT
2018-05-04 - 2018-05-05
Once again, JBNHS is pleased to invite you to participate in the Ulster County Big Sit. Now in its third year, the Big Sit is a combination of friendly competition and a fun and creative way for JBNHS to raise a little money to help support local environmental and educational efforts. Participants in the JBNHS/Ulster County Big Sit should plan to spend up to 24 hours in one of three established 17-foot diameter circles: Lenape Trail at Kingston Point, Galeville (SGNWR), and The Great Vly on West Camp Road. Sitters record the number of bird species heard and/or seen from within your circle. Pledges can be made by participants and by non-participants and usually range from 25 cents to a dollar per species. The cumulative total for the three locations in 2017 was a remarkable 100 species.
How to pledge your support:
Contact JBNHS Treasurer Lin Fagan, faganlin@verizon.net, to make a pledge based on one of these options.
Option A: Pick one of the three identified Ulster County Big Sit locations to support their cause. Your donation is based on that Sit’s results only and fuels this friendly competition;
Option B: Make your donation based on the cumulative results of all species identified at ALL locations. That money goes to JBNHS for our typical endeavors such as DEC camperships and aid to local environmental and educational efforts. Dispersal of funds is decided at our annual June meeting.
In 2017, six volunteers covered the Sit at Kingston Point for 12 1/2 hours with proceeds going to revitalize the kiosk near Lenape Trail. Efforts to continue to make Kingston Point more bird friendly is the goal in 2018. Eight volunteers covered the Galeville (SGNWR) Sit for 12 hours with proceeds supporting the efforts of Friends of SGNWR, whose goals for 2018 include enlarging the butterfly garden and attending to a desperate need to replace bluebird nesting boxes. Peter Schoenberger spent 18 hrs in the new tower along the Great Vly and raised funds for Dr. Glenn Proudfoot’s research of Saw-whet Owls. Donations to this site will continue to support Glenn’s research in 2018.
How to participate at one of the three locations:

Contact Mark DeDea forsythnature@aol.com for the best times to help at Lenape Trail.
Contact Peter Schoenberger pdsis@yahoo.com if interested ONLY in a FULL day at the Great Vly.
Contact Donna Seymour dseymour66@gmail.com about helping at the Grasslands.
Early May is the most spectacular and productive time to be out-of-doors in the birding world. Please sign up today to participate at one of the 3 locations and pledge your support by contacting Lin Fagan.

OPEN DISCOVERY AT ISRAEL WITTMAN SANCTUARY
2018-04-21 04:00 - 08:00 | Israel Wittman Sanctuary, 70 Old Sawmill Rd, Saugerties, NY, 12477, United States
Located in the Zena Highwoods area, this Woodstock Land Conservancy’s 123-acre Sanctuary offers a gentle grade two-mile trail loop through a mixed hardwood and coniferous forest, vernal pools, a seasonal stream, bluestone quarries and rock walls. Meet trip leader Joe Bridges (jtpontes@aol.com ) at the former site of the Zena Elementary School at 1700 Sawkill Road in the Woodstock hamlet of Zena to carpool to the sanctuary.

OPEN DISCOVERY AT JOPPENBERGH MOUNTAIN
2018-04-15 05:00 - 09:00 | Joppenbergh Mountain, Hardenburgh Lane, Rosendale, NY, 12472, United States
Join Lynn Bowdery on a walk up to the lookout point on Joppenbergh Mountain and search for spring ephemerals, early migrants and soaring raptors, emerging plant life, and all that points to spring’s arrival. Of course, we can examine and discuss anything else that catches out attention. The path to the lookout rises a modest 200 feet in elevation but is steep and rocky in a few places- wear good shoes and bring hiking poles if you use them. We will meet in the parking area by Willow Kiln Park, behind Rosendale Theater, accessed by narrow Hardenburgh Lane, at 9:00AM and plan to end at 12 noon. Please tell Lynn (845-255-6690, lynn@bowderys.com) if you will be coming. Rain cancels.

EARLY AFTERNOON RONDOUT SERIES: ROSENDALE TO HIGH FALLS
2018-04-07 03:30 - 08:00
This field trip explores the Rondout Valley region. Meet at the Rosendale municipal parking lot (Hardenburgh Lane near Willow Kiln Park) at the base of Joppenbergh Mountain. We will explore this part of the valley and surrounding uplands, observing migrant birds and emerging vegetation. Contact trip leader Matt Corsaro (mattcorsaro@yahoo.com ) for details a week or less before the trip.

JBNHS MARCH MEETING
2018-03-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Hudson River Maritime Museum, 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, 12401, United States
At the Hudson River Maritime Museum Riverport Boat School meeting room. Meet and mingle with new and old JBNHS friends and enjoy the program: a showing of the award-winning documentary, “The Messenger,” by Su Rynard. The 90 minute film, premiered in 2015, has been described as a “visually thrilling” presentation of the songbirds of America, the environmental dangers that threaten them, and what can be done to save them. The title of the film comes from the beliefs of indigenous people that songbirds were the messengers of the gods. Now, in our time, the plight of the songbirds is a message we must not ignore. There will be refreshments and a brief business meeting. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

GREAT BACKYARD BIRDCOUNT
2018-02-15 - 2018-02-19
Make sure your birds are counted! Last year, more than 160,000 participants submitted their bird observations online, creating the largest instantaneous snapshot of global bird populations ever recorded. The 22nd annual GBBC will be held Friday, February 15, through Monday, February 18, 2019. For detailed information about participation, go to http://gbbc.birdcount.org/

NYQUIST/HARCOURT WINTER WALK
2018-02-10 03:00 - 07:00 | Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary, 140 Huguenot St, New Paltz, NY, 12561, United States
We will walk or snowshoe (depending on snow depth) through the sanctuary, along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and possibly other areas in and around New Paltz. We will look for winter birds and animal tracks and sign. The walk will not be focused on particular target species, but rather general study and enjoyment of nature in winter. Meet at the municipal parking lot on Huguenot Street just east of the Wa

ALL DAY NYSOA WINTER WATERFOWL COUNT
2018-01-12 - 2018-01-13
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 areas where geese may graze. Contact Steve Chorvas (schorvas@gmail.com or 845-246-5900) for assignment. NOTE: snow/rain date on Sunday 1/14/18

WALLKILL VALLEY RAPTORS
2018-01-07 03:00 - 07:00
Contact trip leader Christine Guarino (chrissy.guarino@g.mail.com ) to register for this outing. Start the New Year right and get outdoors on this popular roadside trip between New Paltz and Wallkill. Wintering raptors, congregating waterfowl and gulls as well as half hardies will be the focus on this outing. We will drive through Blue Chip and Watchtower Farms with stops along the Wallkill River and at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR (Galeville), and the Ulster County Fairgrounds. Meet Christine to carpool at the New Paltz Municipal Parking Lot off of Huguenot Street, just east of the Wallkill River.

ALL DAY ANNUAL WINTER BIRDCOUNT AT EBNP
2018-01-05 - 2018-01-06 | Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, Saugerties, 12477
Rain Date: Sunday, January 7, 2018
The twelfth annual Esopus Bend Nature Preserve Winter Bird Count (WBC) is scheduled for Saturday, January 6, 2018. 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 5th.
For information about additional upcoming ECC Environmental Education Nature Walks and Paddles, please visit www.esopuscreekconservancy.org.

IN SEARCH OF SAW-WHETS
2018-01-01 12:00 - 15:00
We hardly know a thing about these beautiful little owls. Join trip leader Peter Schoenberger (pdsis@yahoo.com or 914-466-2707) in search of their Ulster County wintering hideouts. ALL INTERESTED PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER WITH PETER TO ATTEND AND UNDERSTAND SPACE IS LIMITED AND THAT A SUCCESSFUL TRIP WILL HINGE ON QUIET AND COURTEOUS BIRDERS.

NYUD CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
2017-12-26 - 2017-12-27
Participate in the longest running citizen science effort in the world. Contact Mark DeDea (339-1277 or forsythnature@aol.com ) for assignment in the Ulster Dutchess count circle. Be prepared for a full day out of doors. Reports from feeder watchers in the count circle are also desired. Please contact Mark regarding details about compilation get together afterward, submission of records, and weather postponement.

NYML CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
2017-12-15 - 2017-12-16
Participate in the longest running citizen science effort in the world. Contact Steve Chorvas (246-5900 or schorvas@gmail.com ) for assignment in the Mohonk Lake/Ashokan Reservoir count circle. Be prepared for a full day out of doors. Reports from feeder watchers in the count circle are also desired. Please contact Steve regarding details about compilation get together afterward, submission of records, and weather postponement.

HOLIDAY, HISTORY, AND BIRDS TOO
2017-12-10 04:00 - 07:00
Contact Lin Fagan (339-2054 or faganlin@verizon.net) to confirm your participation and for info and directions. Meet Lin at the Hurley Town Hall, Wamsley Place, Hurley, NY 12443 (near intersection by Hurley Mountain Inn, Hurley Post Office, and Stewart’s Shop) for a 9:00 a.m. start time. The party will carpool to a stretch of the Hurley rail trail or two dependant on conditions to scout out birdy locations for the following week’s Christmas Bird Count. After a few hours in the field participants will return to meeting place with lunch at the Hurley Mountain Inn as an option.

WINTER TREE ID AT ESOPUS MEADOWS
2017-12-03 05:00 - 07:00 | Esopus Meadows, 257 River Road , Ulster Park, 12487
PLEASE NOTE _ THE LOCATION FOR THIS TRIP HAS CHANGED
Contact trip leader Nava Tabak (navatabak@gmail.com ) to sign up or with questions regarding this outing. Meet Nava at one of Scenic Hudson’s most interesting properties located at 257 River Road Ulster Park, NY 12487. This parcel of nearly 100 acres has a wonderful trail system through mature woods leading all the way along the west shore of the Hudson River. There are nearly two miles of easy to moderate trails.

KINGSTON POINT AND RIVER ROAD
2017-11-25 03:00 - 08:00 | Kingston Point Beach, 102-144 Delaware Ave, Kingston, NY, 12401, United States
Contact trip leader Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com or 339-1277) to register for this outing or with questions. We will start our day at Kingston Point, which often harbors late sparrows and their allies. Dickcissel and Lapland Longspur have made appearances in the past. Waterfowl and eagles can be expected as well. We will then carpool to River Rd. in Port Ewen to view the Hudson for additional waterfowl and eagles. The Kingston Point Beach parking lot is located near the east terminus of Delaware Avenue. Please dress warmly and bring along your spotting scope. A caloric, warm breakfast snack and beverage will be provided to start our day.

ELECTION DAY SPARROWS AT THE “IBM REC CENTER”
2017-11-07 03:00 - 07:00
Fulfill your civic duty and bird this new sparrow hotspot. The old IBM Rec Center on Kukuk Lane in the Town of Ulster is now owned by Scenic Hudson and has nicely returned to its natural state. Muck boots are recommended to keep feet dry from the morning dew/frost and dress in layers as temperatures could greatly change from start time to early afternoon. Contact trip leader Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com or 339-1277) to sign up for this outing or with questions. Meet Mark at the Kukuk Lane entrance just east of the Center for Spectrum Services.

ASHOKAN RESERVOIR WATERFOWL
2017-11-04 05:00 - 08:00
Join Glen Van Gorden (lucaspets@hotmail.com or 331-2469) to look for eagles, loons, grebes, and waterfowl. Meet at the parking area in the aeration basin on the south side of the reservoir. Dress warmly and anticipate windy conditions. A spotting scope will help make this trip a better experience. Please contact Glen to register for this outing or with any questions. Take Rte. 28 west from Kingston, turn left onto Reservoir Rd. at Winchell’s Corner. Cross the reservoir dividing weir, turn left, and go down the hill. At the first intersection, bear right on Rte. 28A, and soon turn right into parking area.

JBNHS ART EXHIBIT AT THE ESOPUS LIBRARY - OPENING
2017-11-03 13:30 - 15:30 | Town of Esopus Library, 128 Canal St, Port Ewen , 12466
CALLING ALL PAINTERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, GRAPHIC ARTISTS
JBNHS IS PUTTING ON A SHOW: NOVEMBER, 2017; TOWN OF ESOPUS LIBRARY
Please consider exhibiting your unique artwork(s) at our November Art Exhibit at the Esopus Library’s Duck Pond Gallery. We can hang about 30 works by members of JBNHS. Depending on how many works are offered for exhibit, there can be 1 or 2 entries by each person. All 2-dimensional works should be framed; 3-dimensional works must be able to be wall mounted. The theme is NATURE. I.e. flora, fauna, landscape, etc. They can be for sale or not. There is no fee charged by the Library but they would like a small donation from the exhibitors and a 20% donation if works are sold.
I will need to know by our Picnic date, September 16, what you are entering—title, medium, size, and sale price (if for sale)—for PR purposes and so we can prepare a list of the works for the Opening. We will hang the works on Friday morning, November 3, so the works can be delivered to the Town of Esopus Library then or to me beforehand. The Library opens at 10. I’m hoping to hang 2 works by everyone, but if there are too many submissions, I’ll have to cut back to one per. So, plan on submitting two, maybe indicating which one is preferred in case only one gets hung. All works should be framed and ready to hang.
There will be an Opening on Friday evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. We’ll be setting up for that at 5 p.m. Contributions of wine & cheese, finger foods, etc. will be appreciated but not required.
The show will stay up until at least Saturday, Nov. 25–right after Thanksgiving –or possibly until Thursday, November 30.
The Exhibition Committee so far: Lin Fagan, Marion Zimmer, Matt Goldowitz and Jane Simmons. We will be in charge of hanging the exhibit and coordinating musicians. For the opening, we will be happy and grateful for members and exhibitors to bring finger food and beverages. For more info, contact Lin Fagan at faganlin@verizon.net or 845-339-2054.
THANX, Lin Fagan
