John Burroughs Natural History Society

NYML CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
2019-12-13 - 2019-12-14
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 no later than Saturday, November 23. 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 LUNCH AND BIRDS TOO
2019-12-08 04:00 - 07:00 (America/New_York)
Contact Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com 339-1277) to confirm your participation and for info and directions. Meet Mark 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 depending 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.

ALL DAY ANNUAL WINTER BIRD COUNT AT EBNP
2019-11-27 03:00 - 12:00
The 15th annual Esopus Bend Nature Preserve Winter Bird Count (WBC) will be conducted on Saturday, January 11, 2019. 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.
The diurnal part of the survey starts at approximately 7:45 a.m. 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 in January have recorded a cumulative total of 65 species, and a single-year 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 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@gmail.com or 845-246-5900) to register, or for additional information, no later than 12:00 noon, Friday, January 10th.
For additional information about upcoming ECC Environmental Education Nature Walks and Paddles, please visit www.esopuscreekconservancy.org.

KINGSTON POINT AND RIVER ROAD
2019-11-23 03:00 - 07:00
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.

JBNHS GENERAL MEETING
2019-11-14 13:00 - 15:00 | 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 by Peter Relson, titled Birds of central Spain. Peter will share photos taken on a bird photography workshop in the Toledo and Leon areas of Spain. Think of the big sit, but you’re inside a blind with a big window. There will be refreshments and a brief business meeting.

ELECTION DAY SPARROWS AT THE “REC CENTER”
2019-11-05 03:00 - 07:00
Fulfill your civic duty and join JBNHS at this sparrow hotspot. This Scenic Hudson property in the Town of Ulster attracts migrating sparrows and has potential for other late migrants as well with stands of cedar and old ornamental plantings. The entrance (and meeting place for this walk) is across the street from houses 102 and 106 Kukuk Lane. If time allows we may visit one of the nearby river side parks to pad our trip list. 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 ) to sign up for this outing or with questions.

LICHENS AT JOPPENBERGH MOUNTAIN - RESCHEDULED
2019-11-03 05:00 - 07:00
So what are lichens, anyway? Explore some lichens and lichen habitats on Joppenbergh Mountain with Lynn Bowdery (lynn@bowderys.com ). Lynn has been trying to learn how to identify some of the lichens common in our region. She will try to share what she has learned about these intriguing creatures found on soil, rocks and trees. We might go off the paths depending on what we want to look at. Wear suitable shoes, and bring a strong magnifier or loupe if you have one. Some can be provided. Meet at the parking area for Willow Kiln Park, behind the Rosendale Theater, reached via Hardenburg Lane, off of Route 213 (Main Street, Rosendale). Rain cancels.

ASHOKAN RESERVOIR WATERFOWL
2019-11-02 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.

SPARROW WALK AT THE FARM
2019-10-05 04:00 - 08:00
Our targets for this trip are sparrows. We will visit farmland habitat and weedy edges for LBJ’s and maybe a skulker or two. Our destination is private and all attendees should treat this as the privilege it is. Interested participants MUST preregister with trip leader Peter Schoenberger (pdsis@yahoo.com or 914 466-2707) as field party size will be kept small and manageable. Peter will provide meeting location details for carpooling upon sign-up.

SPARROW WALK AT THE FARM
2019-09-28 04:00 - 08:00
Our targets for this trip are sparrows. We will visit farmland habitat and weedy edges for LBJ’s and maybe a skulker or two. Our destination is private and all attendees should treat this as the privilege it is. Interested participants MUST preregister with trip leader Peter Schoenberger (pdsis@yahoo.com) or 914 466-2707) as field party will be kept manageable. Peter will provide meeting location details for carpooling upon sign-up.

JBNHS ANNUAL PICNIC GET-TOGETHER AT HASBROUCK PARK
2019-09-22 10:00 - 14:00
Enjoy friends, food, an educational talk and project, and the view from the pavilion at beautiful Hasbrouck Park in Kingston.
Joining us this year will be Emily Puthoff and Elena Sniezek of Hudson Valley Bee Habitat. Hudson Valley Bee Habitat’s mission is to utilize their expertise as artists, designers, and mindful educators to pollinate public engagement with bees, the environment, and each other in order to help both humans and bees thrive. Emily and Elena will tell us about what they are doing to educate the community, their partnership with the Kingston Land Trust to build the Kingston Bee-Line along the Kingston Greenline as well as leading us in building our very own bee habitats that we can take home with us. Learn more about Hudson Valley Bee Habitat at http://www.hvbeehabitat.org.
Our luncheon will be catered again this year by Kingston’s Stone Soup Food Company. A sample of the menu: Wraps- Hummus, avocado, roasted peppers, baby spinach; Roast turkey, grilled pears, brie, honey Dijon; Grilled vegetables, baby spinach, fresh mozzarella, roasted garlic aioli; Salads- Russian beet salad; Broccoli bacon salad; Mediterranean salad Bite-size desserts- cookies, brownies, and pastries; Fresh fruit salad.
And don’t forget the raffle! Bring your items to donate and cash to buy raffle tickets.
PAYMENT FOR THIS EVENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH. The cost of our get together lunch will be $25 per person with checks made payable to: JBNHS c/o Lin Fagan, 281 West Chestnut Street, Kingston, NY 12401

FALL MIGRANTS AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2019-09-14 04:00 - 07:00
The seventh in a series of outings co-sponsored with the John Burroughs Association at the wonderful Burroughs Sanctuary. After time spent on the improved trail system (rated as easy to moderate) searching for transient songbirds participants can explore Slabsides and learn more about the interesting and influential life of our famous namesake. Contact trip leader Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com ) with questions. Meet Mark 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 End Cut restaurant) and continue for about a mile, past Burroughs Drive continue a short distance and make a left at the next sanctuary entrance with the new sign marked with Black Creek Trail and Pond Entrance enter and follow Pond Lane to Pond House.

NYSOA 72nd Annual Meeting and New State York Birders Conference
2019-09-12 - 2019-09-15
The 72nd annual meeting of the New York State Ornithological Association (NYSOA) will be held September 13-15, 2019 at the Best Western Plus Kingston Hotel and Conference Center in Kingston, NY. This meeting will be hosted by the Catskill Center in conjunction with its fourth annual Taking Flight conference. The John Burroughs Natural History Society will be organizing and running field trips. The conference will be chock full of great birding and educational activities, along with opportunities to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Highlights will include:

Saturday evening banquet featuring “The Language of Birds,” a program by Nathan Pieplow, author of the Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds of Eastern North America. You’ll listen in on the pillow talk of a pair of Red-winged Blackbirds, and learn the secret signals that Cliff Swallows use when they have found food. You’ll learn how one bird sound can have many meanings, and how one meaning can have many sounds—and how, sometimes, the meaning isn’t in the sounds at all.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday field trips, including a Slide Mountain Bicknell Thrush hike for those who are up to it! See details
Friday evening Hudson River birding cruise (additional fee required)
Paper presentations and other programs Saturday afternoon.
NYSOA award presentations.
NYSOA’s Annual Business Meeting

Follow this link for more information.

FALL MIGRANTS AT NYQUIST/HARCOURT SANCTUARY
2019-09-07 04:00 - 08:00
Meet trip leader Christine Guarino (chrissy.guarino@gmail.com ) at the Village of New Paltz parking lot just east of the Wallkill River and off of Huguenot Street. Field party will explore the floodplain forest and oxbow of the sanctuary in search of neotrops on the move south. NOTE: THIS IS A CHANGE OF DATE FOR THIS OUTING.

CAMPING ON THE CAPE
2019-09-05 - 2019-09-08 | Nickerson State Park, 3488 Main St, Brewster, MA, 02631, United States
This trip is currently full. To be put on a wait list please contact Wendy at wtocci@gmail.com
Join fellow JBNHS members for birding and camping on Cape Cod. We’ll be camping at Nickerson State Park in Brewster, MA. Nickerson State Park is a large state owned campground and park with miles of birding/walking/biking trails, several ponds and, most importantly, is the owl serenade at night. Screech, Barred and Great Horned have been reported. We’ll scour the local beaches for shorebirds and seabirds hitting locations such as the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. An evening visit to Hemenway Landing to watch the Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned night herons leave their roosts will top off one of the days’ activities. We are also planning on a boat trip (details TBD).
Number of participants is limited to 25. We have reserved a group campsite that is restricted to tents only. Cost is $25 per person for camping. Meals and extracurricular excursions are separate.
If you are interested please contact Wendy Tocci (wtocci@gmail.com) to reserve your spot as well as to find out more details.

GREIG FARM BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES
2019-09-01 04:30 - 08:00
Meet trip leader Steve Chorvas (schorvas@gmail.com or 246-5900) for an 8:15 am departure from the park and ride on Rt. 32, just south the Rt. 199 overpass, and west of the Kingston/Rhinecliff Bridge to carpool to Greig Farm or meet at the Red Hook Soccer Club Fields parking lot at 132 Rockefeller Lane in Red Hook at 8:30 am. The property owner has graciously allowed birders (and b-fliers) to explore this open agricultural habitat for fall shorebirds, grassland sparrows, and goodies like Common Buckeye and Pepper and Salt Skipper.

FALL BIRDING WILDCARD
2019-08-27 04:00 - 13:00
Field trip leader Peter Schoenberger will choose the target species, destination, and meet-up location of this outing dependant on recent sightings and will be determined by the Friday before the field trip. Carpooling is strongly encouraged and participants must pre-register with Peter (pdsis@yahoo.com or 914 466-2707) beforehand.

WILDFLOWERS AT NYQUIST-HARCOURT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
2019-08-25 06:00 - 08:00
Take a leisurely walk with Lynn Bowdery (lynn@bowderys.com )along the meadow and woods paths, noticing the flowering plants along the way. Of course, we can look at and discuss other things that catch our attention. Binoculars can be useful to look at plants as well as birds and insects, so bring them if you wish. Depending on the weather, the paths can be wet or muddy, so wear appropriate shoes and bring your insect repellant of choice. Rain cancels. Meet at the Village of New Paltz parking lot off Huguenot Street.

DAMSELS AND DRAGONS AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2019-08-10 05:00 - 07:00
The sixth 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 at the next sanctuary entrance with the new sign marked with Black Creek Trail and Pond Entrance; enter and follow Pond Lane to Pond House.

CANCELLED - MOTH NIGHT AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2019-08-03 16:00 - 18:00
DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
The fifth 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 for about a mile, past Burroughs Drive; continue a short distance and make a left at the next sanctuary entrance with the new sign marked with Black Creek Trail and Pond Entrance; enter and follow Pond Lane to Pond House.

SHOREBIRDS AND ICE CREAM
2019-08-02 14:00 - 16:00
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 park where parking is limited, so parking at Esopus Meadows Preserve is encouraged.

BARTHOLOMEW’S COBBLE
2019-07-14 04:00 - 13:00
Meet trip leader George Moxham (gfmoxham@gmail.com ) at 8:00 a.m. at the Kingston park and ride at the intersection of Washington Ave., State Rt. 28, I-587, and I-87 to journey to this Natural National Landmark. Created by geologic upheavals when the Taconic and Berkshire ranges were formed, this hundred foot high bedrock outcropping introduces visitors to a rugged and exotic landscape that also supports 800 species of plants (including one of North America’s greatest diversities of ferns) while offering terrific mountain vistas. There are five miles of trails on the property that travel through transitional forest and neighbor beaver ponds as well and are rated as moderate. Pack a lunch and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for hiking. There is a $5 admission to the property.

FALL MIGRANTS AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2019-07-14 04:00 - 07:00
The seventh in a series of outings co-sponsored with the John Burroughs Association at the wonderful Burroughs Sanctuary. After time spent on the improved trail system (rated as easy to moderate) searching for transient songbirds participants can explore Slabsides and learn more about the interesting and influential life of our famous namesake. Contact trip leader Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com ) with questions. Meet Mark 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 at the next sanctuary entrance with the new sign marked with Black Creek Trail and Pond Entrance enter and follow Pond Lane to Pond House.

FERN WALK AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2019-07-13 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 flora 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 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 nearly a mile, pass Burroughs Drive on the left and then shortly thereafter turn left on Pond Lane follow to parking lot at Pond House.

“HENRY’S WALK” BUTTERFLIES AT THE "REC CENTER'
2019-07-07 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.

EASTERN CATSKILLS NABA BUTTERFLY COUNT
2019-06-28 - 2019-06-29
Rain Date: Sunday, June 30
Join a field team to census butterflies in Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, or one of dozens of other local sites as a participant in the annual Eastern Catskills North American Butterfly Association (NABA) “Fourth of July” Butterfly Count on Saturday, June 29, 2019. The Eastern Catskills count circle includes a number of productive butterfly locations in northern Ulster, southeastern Greene, and western Dutchess Counties, including Poet’s Walk Preserve, Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, The Great Vly WMA, Onteora State Park, Overlook Mountain, Lower Platte Clove, the eastern end of Ashokan Reservoir, and extensive open meadows in the Town of Ulster. Participants will be assigned to a field party to census one or more target locations within the 15-mile diameter count circle. Each field party will be assigned at least one individual knowledgeable in butterfly identification, so you don’t need to be a butterfly expert to participate. Full-day participation is not required, but you should be able to commit four to eight hours from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you are interested in joining one of the field teams, or have additional questions about participating in a NABA Butterfly Count, please contact Steve Chorvas at schorvas@gmail.com no later than June 15.

BREEDING BIRD ATLAS PRIMER
2019-06-23 02:00 - 08:00
With the NYS BBA only a year away this is a great idea for our field trip schedule. Regional coordinator and field trip leader Wendy Tocci (wtocci@gmail.com ) will cover protocol with this visit to interesting breeding bird habitat. Please register with Wendy to find out the morning’s plans.

BREEDING BIRDS AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2019-06-22 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. A variety of forest breeding birds will be encountered 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 Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com ) 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 nearly a mile, pass Burroughs Drive on the left and then shortly thereafter turn left on Pond Lane follow to parking lot at Pond House.

BREEDING BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES
2019-06-16 04:00 - 08:00
The Esopus Creek Conservancy and John Burroughs Natural History Society are co-sponsoring a guided nature walk at Esopus Bend Nature Preserve in Saugerties on Sunday, June 18, 2019 to observe summer breeding birds and butterflies. We will identify birds by sight and sound as we explore the Preserve’s woodlands, wetlands, and meadow, pausing along the way to observe the diversity of plant and animal life that inhabit the Preserve. As the morning temperatures rise, we will focus our attention on early summer butterflies active in the Preserve at this time of the year. Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the Saugerties Village Beach parking lot on US Rte. 9W, just north of the Esopus Creek Bridge, at the foot of Partition Street in the Village of Saugerties. Bring binoculars, insect repellent and field guides if you have them. Be prepared for potentially wet/muddy trails, tall grass, and dress according to weather conditions. Light rain often makes for excellent birding and nature observation, but will inhibit or eliminate most butterfly activity. Heavy rain will cancel the walk. Children are welcome and encouraged, but please do not bring pets. Contact the field trip leader Steve Chorvas (schorvas@gmail.com ) for additional information or directions. This joint ECC/JBNHS Environmental Education walk is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required, but recommended in the event of unforeseen changes or cancellation. For additional information about upcoming ECC Nature Walks and Paddles, please visit www.esopuscreekconservancy.org.

JBNHS ANNUAL MEETING
2019-06-09 06:00 - 09:00 | Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Visitors Center, 5096 Route 28, Mt Tremper, NY, 12457
This year we will visit the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Visitors Center in beautiful Mt. Tremper. An area in the pavilion has been reserved for our meeting and a bring your own lunch to follow. We will elect a new class of trustees, decide on our donations for the year, and discuss our role in the fast approaching NYSOA conference. The Visitor Center is located at 5096 Route 28, Mount Tremper, NY.
