John Burroughs Natural History Society

JBNHS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
2021-06-06 04:00 - 08:00 (America/New_York)
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. We will be meeting this year at the pavilion of the Catskills Visitor Center, birdwalk at 8 AM, social snacking during and after the meeting. The Catskills Visitor Center is located at 5096 Route 28, Mount Tremper, NY. See you there!

BREEDING BIRD ATLAS 3 FIELD TRIP
2021-06-05 03:00 - 07:00
Join regional coordinator Wendy Tocci in the very desirable unclaimed priority block of Saugerties CE. Located in the scenic Hudson Valley, Saugerties CE spans both Ulster and Dutchess Counties. The Saugerties lighthouse as well as parts of Tivoli Bays and the Clermont Historic Site are encompassed in this block. The plan is to start off on the trails of Tivoli Bays followed by a stroll along some adjoining farm fields and, if time permits, some atlasing at Clermont. This field trip can help with coding and protocol questions too. Please understand that attendance may be limited and registration is required. Start time will be 7am. Please register with regional coordinator and field trip leader Wendy Tocci (wtocci@gmail.com ).

SPRING MIGRATION AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY #2
2021-05-12 - 2021-05-13
We will explore the sanctuary again in search of neotropical migrants. These outings will have the birder home in plenty time for lunch, hopefully still in a glow after the morning walk. Please register with Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com).

WARBLER WALK #2
2021-05-11 - 2021-05-12
Please register with Gerhard Patsch (gerapa2001@yahoo.com) for the second installment in this great series. The group will again visit environs near New Paltz and travel towards the Mohonk Preserve to search for neotropical migrants.

SPRING MIGRATION AT HIGH BANKS
2021-05-09 - 2021-05-10
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 Jess Prockup (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 the mid Hudson Valley can be enjoyed while scanning the treetops for colorful songsters.

ULSTER COUNTY SPRING CENSUS: BIG DAY COUNT
2021-05-07 - 2021-05-08
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 checklist order to Steve Chorvas (schorvas@gmail.com) or P.O. Box 214, Saugerties, NY 12477). This information is combined in a regional report published by the New York State Ornithological Association.

SPRING MIGRATION AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY #1
2021-05-05 - 2021-05-06
We will explore the sanctuary in search of neotropical migrants on the first two Thursdays of May. These outings will have the birder home in plenty time for lunch, hopefully still in a glow after the morning walk. Please register with Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com).

WARBLER WALK #1
2021-05-04 - 2021-05-05
Please register with trip leader Gerhard Patsch (gerapa2001@yahoo.com) to find out meeting time and location for this enjoyable outing during birder’s “holy week”. The group will visit environs near New Paltz and travel towards the Mohonk Preserve to search for neotropical migrants.

SPRING MIGRATION AND WILDFLOWERS IN SAUGERTIES
2021-05-01 - 2021-05-02
Conservancy and the John Burroughs Natural History Society are co-sponsoring a guided nature walk through woodlands and wetlands in the Town of Saugerties on Sunday, May 02, 2021. The first week in May is typically the peak migration period for neotropical birds at this latitude, and early morning is the best time to see and hear recently arrived songbirds in their brilliant spring plumage. We will explore a variety of ecologically rich habitats to experience this annual rite of spring, identifying birds by sight and sound while pausing along the way to observe a diversity of wildflowers and animal life.
Pre-registration required, group size limited, meet location determined at time of registration. Participants should expect to use their own vehicle to drive to each location and have the option to stay for the duration or leave whenever necessary.
Bring binoculars, field guides, and spotting scopes if you have them, and be prepared for wet, muddy trails, and spring weather conditions. Light rain often makes for excellent birding and nature observation, but heavy rain cancels the walk. Children are welcome and encouraged, but must be pre-registered. Please do not bring pets. Contact the field trip leader, Steve Chorvas (schorvas@gmail.com) for additional information or to register. This joint ECC/JBNHS Environmental Education walk is free, but limited to a maximum of ten individuals. For additional information about upcoming ECC Nature Walks and Paddles, please visit www.esopuscreekconservancy.org.

ULSTER COUNTY BIG SIT
2021-04-30 - 2021-05-01
JBNHS’ annual Big Sit is also our BIG fundraiser for the year but serves too as a friendly competition between the established sits. Do you have a birdy back deck or favorite patch and a cause worth birding for? Why not join the challenge and see how many species you can identify and get friends and family to pledge to your effort. In the past money has been raised to support Glenn Proudfoot’s fine research with N. Saw-whet Owls, numerous enhancements at SGNWR, the New York State Young Birders Club, and Where to Bird in Ulster County panels now located at three locations about the county.
-Great Vly Sit
Peter will again be birding Fradon Marsh from his pressure treated tower and greatly helping our cumulative JBNHS Big Sit total with all those wonderful marsh birds and maybe a surprise like another Black Tern!
-Kingston Point Sit
Some use words like dynasty, this may be premature, but another dominant performance this year and it would be hard to dispute. This perennial powerhouse will be birding to raise money to support Alyson Dudek’s Bailey Middle School Young Naturalists Club.
-Galeville (SGNWR) Sit
Spend some time on the observation deck at Galeville (SGNWR) looking and listening for those ever important (and harder to find) grassland species. Please contact Donna Seymour (dseymour66@gmail.com ) to plan and schedule your shift.
-Thorn Preserve Sit
Please contact Dixon Onderdonk (dixononderdonk@gmail.com ) if you’d like to help at this new “sit”. This property would be perfect for a “Where to Bird” panel and maybe a feeding station. Funds raised would be dedicated to that end.
-Bowdery’s Homestead Sit
Allan (with split shift coverage from his better half) will bird their yard with hopes of a good feeder bird to pad our cumulative list and raise the most money we can to distribute in June to important environmental and conservation concerns in the region.
-Hayes’ Homestead Sit
Dave and Tracey will bird their yard and do so for as good a cause as you could find, Wild Mountain Birds and JBNHS trustee Annie Mardiney’s awesome work.
-New Location for a Sit?
Please contact Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com ) with any questions and to let us know about a new sit for promotional/ fundraising sake.
Donations can be based on a pledge per species (specific sit or cumulative) or flat donation. Please make checks payable to JBNHS and note desired sit you’d like to support. Send in donations to Treasurer Lin Fagan 281 West Chestnut Street Kingston NY 12401.

KENNETH WILSON STATE PARK
2021-04-24 - 2021-04-25
This park offers a variety of habitats and all are easily accessible, with much of the walk on pavement. Please register with trip leader Peter Schoenberger (pdsis@yahoo.com) to enjoy the start of the progression of neotropical bird migration, and if we’re quiet, maybe a drumming grouse too! If time allows we may travel to nearby Yankeetown Pond as well.

SPRING BIRDING WILDCARD
2021-04-23 - 2021-04-24
Please register with trip leader Peter Schoenberger (pdsis@yahoo.com ) so we can make arrangements for our party’s travel and destination plans. The location for this outing will be determined a few days prior to the walk based on rare or unusual sightings somewhere in the Hudson Valley.

NY BBA III - ATLASING WITH EBIRD WEBINAR
2021-04-22 15:00 - 16:00
Data is colleced for the Atlas using the Atlas Portal on eBird. Learn what the portal is and why it’s important to use. This webinar is appropriate for those who have never used eBird or for seasoned eBird users who have never used the Atlas Portal.
Email nybba3.hudson@gmail.com for more information or if you have any questions.
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OPEN DISCOVERY AT MILL BROOK PRESERVE
2021-04-17 - 2021-04-18
Explore this new Preserve, the hidden gem in the heart of New Paltz, with Lynn Bowdery. We will look at and discuss whatever catches our attention as we explore the paths and waterways. At this time of year, there is a good chance of hearing and seeing American Toads and Spring Peepers calling in the beaver impoundments. Early wildflowers, birds,
and insects will also be present. The footpaths might be muddy, so appropriate footwear is a must. Binoculars and magnifiers are recommended, and there might be blackflies, mosquitoes and ticks. This trip will be limited 10 participants. Please contact Lynn (lynn.bowdery@gmail.com ) to reserve your place and learn where and when to meet. Rain cancels.

NY BBA III - BREEDING CODES WEBINAR
2021-04-15 15:00 - 16:00
Every time you’re out birding, you’re observing bird behavior. It could be a song, some territorial squabble, or even a bird building a nest. Matching bird behaviors to specific codes is all you have to do to atlas! In this webinar we’ll review the various breeding categories and codes. There will be quizzes.
Email nybba3.hudson@gmail.com for more information or if you have any questions.
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TIVOLI BAYS BIRDING
2021-03-26 - 2021-03-27
We will explore the tidal marshes and upland habitat of this DEC property. Bald Eagles, waterfowl, and other early migrants (like Rusty Blackbird) are reasonable expectations on this walk. Please register with trip leader Jess Prockup (procolinos@gmail.com ). Field party will meet at the Bard College parking lot on Gatehouse Drive just north of sharp turn on Dutchess County Rt.103 and Cruger Island Road. The group will walk down Cruger Island road to the bays and the causeway and trails will surely be muddy. Please consider this and choose proper footwear (like muck boots).

NY BBA III - ABOUT THE ATLAS
2021-03-25 15:00 - 16:00
It has been 20 years since the last breeding bird atlas in New York State and a lot has changed! This workshop will cover the history of the atlas, the importance of atlas data and how you can get involved. Whether you are a beginner or advanced birder, this unique opportunity will strengthen your bird watching skills while contributing valuable data to a large conservation-oriented project.
Email nybba3.hudson@gmail.com for more information or if you have any questions.
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SIGNS OF SPRING NATURE WALK
2021-03-20 - 2021-03-21
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with the Esopus Creek Conservancy and John Burroughs Natural History Society on a guided nature walk in a variety of ecologically rich habitats in the Town of Saugerties on Sunday, March 21, 2021. Depending on available time, conditions, and participant interest, we will visit The Great Vly Wildlife Management Area, Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, and/or the Saugerties Lighthouse peninsular on the Hudson River. Pre-registration required, group size limited, meet location determined at time of registration. Participants should expect to use their own vehicle to drive to each location and have the option to stay for the duration or leave whenever necessary.
Bring binoculars, field guides, and spotting scopes if you have them, and be prepared for wet, muddy trails, and early spring weather conditions. Light rain often makes for excellent birding and nature observation, but heavy rain cancels the walk. Children are welcome and encouraged, but must be pre-registered. Please do not bring pets. Contact the field trip leader, Steve Chorvas (schorvas@gmail.com) for additional information or to register. This joint ECC/JBNHS Environmental Education walk is free, but limited to a maximum of ten individuals. For additional information about upcoming ECC Nature Walks and Paddles, please visit www.esopuscreekconservancy.org.

VERNAL EQUINOX WOODCOCK WALK
2021-03-19 - 2021-03-20
Celebrate the Vernal Equinox with one of the year’s great events. Please register with trip leader Christine Guarino (chrissy.guarino@gmail.com ) for an evening stroll in the Shawangunk Grasslands to hear and possibly see male woodcocks perform their courting flights. We should hear early amphibians and maybe an owl or two also. Meet at the refuge entrance on Hoagerburg Road (Ulster Cty. Rt. 18), field party will make the short walk to the east (and the main refuge parking lot).

WHEN BIRDS ARE NEAR ZOOM PROGRAM
2021-03-18 14:00 - 16:00
WHEN BIRDS ARE NEAR with Editor and JBNHS trustee Susan Fox Rogers
Birders are writers. When I began birding ten years ago I started reading, both from the past (Alexander Wilson and Florence Merriam Bailey) and from the present (Kenn Kaufman, Pete Dunne). Because I am an editor I realized there was no contemporary literary anthology of writing about birds and birding. I set out to collect those stories, and what resulted was When Birds Are Near. This anthology includes stories from young writers like Christina Baal (who will join me on March 18) and Alison Vilag, to literary superstars like Jonathan Franzen. All offer a unique perspective on the birding experience and together create a portrait of birds and those who love them.
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NYBBA III - TOWN HALL
2021-03-08 14:00 - 15:00
Learn more about this month’s skills training — having a plan and becoming a strategic atlaser. Julie will give a brief progress update and demo, followed by open Q&A.
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EARLY MIGRANTS ON THE RONDOUT
2021-03-07 03:00 - 07:00
Join Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com ) and celebrate the approach of spring and many fond memories of this longtime JBNHS favorite. Please register with Mark for meeting time and location. Party will travel upstream from Rosendale to the High Falls area, noting early harbingers of spring.

JBA/JBNHS WINTER TREE ID WALK AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2021-02-28 04:00 - 07:00
The first in a series of outings co-sponsored with the John Burroughs Association at the wonderful Burroughs Sanctuary. Contact trip leader Tom O’Dowd (tkodowd@gmail.com or 914 213-7079) to register for this outing. Enjoy a brisk, late winter walk, identifying trees by bark, structure, and bud on the improved trail system (rated as easy to moderate)

KINGSTON POINT BIRDWALK
2021-02-13 03:00 - 07:00
On Great Backyard Bird Count weekend (BirdCount.org ) we will visit Mark DeDea’s (forsythnature@aol.com ) “backyard” or local patch. Register with Mark to find out meeting time and location. The area around the mouth of the
Rondout Creek hosts the last of winter’s stragglers and the very first signs of spring arrivals. A spotting scope will come in handy on this outing and remember no shared optics.

NY STATE BREEDING BIRD ATLAS III UPDATE ON ZOOM
2021-01-21 14:00 - 15:00
Join Regional Coordinator Wendy Tocci for an update on the progress of the first year as well as to find out how you can get involved for the upcoming breeding season. Contact Wendy at (845)750-5409 or by email at wtocci@gmail.com if you have any questions or need some pre-event technical support.

Zoom Meeting Information:

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If you are participating by phone dial +1 646 876 9923. When prompted use the meeting id and passcode above.

ALL DAY NYSOA WINTER WATERFOWL COUNT
2021-01-15 - 2021-01-16
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 1/17/21

WALLKILL VALLEY RAPTOUR
2021-01-10 03:00 - 07:00
Contact trip leader Christine Guarino (chrissy.guarino@gmail.com) to register for this outing and find out meeting time and location. Carpooling (which is typical on this outing) will be limited to family units or social pods. 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. Possible drive through of Blue Chip and Watchtower Farms with stops along the Wallkill River and at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR (Galeville), and the Ulster County Fairgrounds.

ALL DAY ANNUAL WINTER BIRD COUNT AT EBNP
2021-01-08 - 2021-01-09
The 16th annual Esopus Bend Nature Preserve Winter Bird Count (WBC) will be conducted on Saturday, January 09,
2021. 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 singleyear 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. We are limiting participation to a maximum of ten individuals in recognition of ongoing COVID-19 concerns and
restrictions. 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 8th.

NYMS CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
2021-01-01 - 2021-01-02
The NYMS (Minnewaska/Shawangunk) Christmas Bird Count takes it’s third voyage and is sure to be exciting with lots of our
favorite winter birding spots within the circle. Contact Nick Martin (255-0752 or Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov ) for possible
assignment no later than Saturday, December 28th. Reports from feeder watchers in the count circle are also desired.

NYUD CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
2020-12-25 - 2020-12-26
Contact Mark DeDea ( forsythnature@aol.com ) for possible assignment in the Ulster/ Dutchess count circle no later than
Saturday, December 19th. Reports from feeder watchers in the count circle are also desired.
