John Burroughs Natural History Society

OPEN DISCOVERY AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2017-07-08 04:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | John Burroughs Sanctuary, 261 Floyd Ackert Rd, Highland, 12528
The fourth 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 life forms of various form and shape be it plant or animal, participants can explore Slabsides and learn more about the interesting and influential life of our famous namesake. Slabsides cabin is open 12:00am – 4:00pm. Contact trip leader Joe Bridges ( jpontes@aol.com )with questions. Meet Joe on Burroughs Drive. 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 .8 mile, then left on Burroughs Drive for .3 miles. Latitude, Longitude: 41°47’50″N, 73°58’18″W

“HENRY’S WALK” BUTTERFLIES AT POETS WALK
2017-07-01 05:30 - 09:00 | Poet’s Walk, 776 River Rd, Red Hook, 12571, United States
We’ll remember Henry Halama’s wit, wisdom, and most importantly enthusiasm for the natural world and butterflies in particular at this popular Dutchess County location during the height of butterfly season. Meet trip leader Steve Chorvas (schorvas@gmail.com ) at the Poet’s Walk parking lot. This Scenic Hudson property is located at 776 River Road (Dutchess County Rte. 103). Take first left after crossing Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and follow River Road north for .6 miles, turning left into park entrance. Bring a snack to enjoy at the gazebo.

EASTERN NABA BUTTERFLY COUNT
2017-06-23 - 2017-06-24
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 24, 2017. 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 16.

PATH THROUGH HISTORY AT SLABSIDES
2017-06-17 06:00 - 19:30 | John Burroughs Sanctuary, 261 Floyd Ackert Rd, Highland, 12528
In conjunction with Hudson River Valley Heritage, “Bark Peeling and the Catskill Hemlocks,” presented by Woodland Valley historian Paul Misko, 10:00-11:30am. Part of the annual Hudson River Heritage event throughout New York State.
John Burroughs Association http://www.johnburroughsassociation.org/

JBNHS ANNUAL MEETING AT POND HOUSE
2017-06-11 06:00 - 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 repellant, folding chairs, and of course binoculars. Members are welcome to join Mark DeDea for the pre-meeting bird walk on the property starting at 8:00 AM.

BREEDING BIRDS AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2017-06-10 04:00 - 08:00 | John Burroughs Sanctuary, 261 Floyd Ackert Rd, Highland, 12528
The third 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 the trailhead on Burroughs Drive. 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 .8 mile, then left on Burroughs Drive for .3 mile.

TAKING FLIGHT: BIRDING IN THE CATSKILLS
2017-06-08 - 2017-06-11
The Catskill Center will be presenting the second ever birding conference in the Catskills. The 2017 Taking Flight: Birding in the Catskills will happen June 9, 10 and 11. This year we will be at the YMCA property known as Frost Valley in Claryville, NY. We have already lined up a great cast of presenters, workshops and walks. Our keynote speaker on Friday will be Brian “Fox” Ellis who will address the gathering in the persona of John J. Audubon. Brian will also lead a walk Saturday morning. Then Saturday night’s keynote speaker will be Richard Crossley, author of the Crossley bird guidebook series. Richard will host a walk on Sunday morning. For more about the conference: http://catskillcenter.org/taking-flight-about and https://www.facebook.com/events/363621254021986/

"IN JOHN BURROUGHS' FRONT YARD" GALA WOODS BENEFIT
2017-06-04 08:00 - 11:00 | John Burroughs Sanctuary, 261 Floyd Ackert Rd, Highland, 12528
Cabin tours, nature walks, music, farm to table luncheon. For more details visit http://www.johnburroughsassociation.org/news/events/item/sunday-june-5th-2
John Burroughs Association http://www.johnburroughsassociation.org/

BIRDING BY EAR
2017-05-28 07:00 - 08:00
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.

ALBANY PINE BUSH PRESERVE/KARNER BLUE TRIP
2017-05-27 04:00 - 13:00 | Albany Pine Bush Preserve, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY, 12205, United States
Meet trip leader Steve Chorvas (schorvas@gmail.com ) at the parking lot between the Saugerties Big Lots and CVS on Rt. 212 for an 8:00 a.m. carpooling departure to visit the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. The preserve has 45 wildlife “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” of the 538 found in New York State. This includes 15 birds, 14 reptiles and amphibians, and 16 insects, as well as, two rare natural communities. It also supports more than 20 at-risk species that are either state or federally listed as rare or endangered including on the most famous residents, the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly.

SLABSIDES OPEN HOUSE
2017-05-20 07:00 - 12:00 | John Burroughs Sanctuary, 261 Floyd Ackert Rd, Highland, 12528
Cabin open 11:00am – 4:00pm, Noon program: Ken Posner, author of Running the Long Path.
John Burroughs Association http://www.johnburroughsassociation.org/

MEMBERS ONLY - CAPE MAY TRIP
2017-05-18 - 2017-05-21
JBNHS members, please mark your calendars for our 2017 May Cape May trip. Scheduled for our Friday, May 19 arrival and Sunday, May 21 departure, we will stay at the Sea Crest Inn and tour reliable migration-rich areas with trip leader Mark DeDea. This is a members-only trip, a perk and a way to show our appreciation to everyone who contributes to the growth and continued success of JBNHS. The complete trip itinerary will be printed in the March/April Chirp. Trip coordinator: Donna Seymour dseymour66@gmail.com.

ULSTER COUNTY SPRING CENSUS: BIG DAY COUNT
2017-05-12 - 2017-05-13
This is the day we all look forward to. 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.

ULSTER COUNTY BIG SIT
2017-05-05 - 2017-05-06
SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 – ULSTER COUNTY BIG SIT Can you identify nocturnal flight notes? Do you know a location (specifically a 17′ diameter circle) in Ulster County where you could spend up to 24 hours and find the greatest diversity of bird species? Join an established sit or create your own. This can be a friendly competition but hopefully a fun and creative way for JBNHS to raise a little money to help support environmental and educational efforts locally.
Participants in a Big Sit should plan to spend up to 24 hours in a 17-foot diameter circle. This can be done in shifts, or gung-ho observers may be sit the whole 24 hours. Observations of species seen or heard can only be made from within your circle. Sitters record the number of bird species heard and/or seen. The total number of species recorded from all locations will be used in calculating pledge donations. Bring snacks and folding chairs, and enjoy this sociable way to sit still for a change. THIS IS A FUNDRAISER, so pledge to donate per bird species observed during the Big Sit. — suggested levels are 25¢, 50¢, $1, or other amount. The money donated from pledges for the 2016 Big Sit helped make the new Gazebo at the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge a reality!
The three identified Big Sit locations are Lenape Trail at Kingston Point, the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge at Galeville, and The Vly on West Camp Road.
Contact Mark DeDea forsythnature@aol.com for the best times to visit the Lenape Trail.
Contact Peter Schoenberger pdsis@yahoo.com if interested ONLY in a FULL day on the Sit.
Contact Donna Seymour dseymour66@gmail.com about helping at the Grasslands or conducting your own Sit at other locations.
To make a onetime pledge via PayPal click on the DONATE button below. Contact Lin Fagan (faganlin@verizon.net or 281 W. Chestnut St., Kingston, NY 12401) to make a per species seen pledge. After the Sit, you will be informed of the grand total of species so that you may make your donation.

WARBLER WALK #1
2017-05-02 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.

SPRING MIGRATION AT HIGH BANKS
2017-05-01 02:00 - 08:00 | High Banks Preserve, 132 River Rd, Ulster Park, NM, 12487, United States
An early morning visit during spring migration to this new Scenic Hudson property in the Town of Esopus should provide a generous selection of neotropical migrants. Meet trip leader Jess Prockup (procolinos@gmail.com ) at the preserve parking lot at 132 River Road. 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.

SPRING MIGRATION BIRDS AND WILDFLOWERS IN SAUGERTIES
2017-04-30 03:30 - 08:00
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 30, 2017. 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. Meet 7:30 a.m. in the Saugerties Village Beach parking lot on Rte. 9W, just north of the Esopus Creek bridge, at the foot of Partition Street in the Village of Saugerties. Participants can carpool and stay for the duration, or drive to each location and 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 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.

KENNETH WILSON STATE PARK
2017-04-29 03:00 - 08:00 | Kenneth Wilson State Park, 859 Wittenberg Rd, Mt. Tremper, 12457, United States
This park offers a variety of habitats and all are easily accessible, with much of the walk on pavement. Join trip leader Peter Schoenberger (pdsis@yahoo.com) for the start of full blown neotropical bird migration, and if we’re quiet, maybe a drumming grouse too! Meet at the state park lot on Wittenberg Road in the Town of Woodstock at 7:00AM. If time allows we may travel to nearby Yankeetown Pond as well.

OPEN DISCOVERY AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2017-04-22 04:00 - 08:00 | John Burroughs Sanctuary, 261 Floyd Ackert Rd, Highland, 12528
The second in a series of outings co-sponsored with the John Burroughs Association at the wonderful Burroughs Sanctuary.Various signs of Spring 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.

SPRING WILDFLOWERS AT JOPPENBERGH MOUNTAIN
2017-04-16 06:00 - 08:00
Join Lynn Bowdery on a walk up to the lookout point on Joppenbergh Mountain and search for spring ephemerals, the early spring wildflowers that grow and bloom before the trees leaf out and shade them into dormancy. Red Trillium, Wild Columbine, Rue Anemone, Violets and more have been found along this route. Of course, we can examine and discuss anything else that catches our 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 10AM and plan to end at 12 noon. Please tell Lynn (845-255-6690, lynn@bowderys.com) if you will be coming. Rain cancels.

PARALLEL PLAY: OF IVORY-BILLS AND IRISH CASTLES
2017-04-13 14:00 - 15:00
Tim Gallagher and Rachel Dickinson will give a talk open to the public in conjunction with Susan Rogers’s class, “Reading and Writing the Birds”. They lead parallel lives. During their 25-year marriage, Tim searched for the world’s rarest birds in the planet’s most inhospitable places—swamps seething with poisonous snakes; Mexican mountains teaming with armed drug traffickers. Meanwhile, travel writer/author Rachel traveled to exotically beautiful landscapes around the globe, from Tibet to the tip of South America, writing articles and essays for top magazines. Hear how these two accomplished writers have managed to raise a family, produce books, and keep their heads from exploding. Location: Laszlo Z. Bito ’60 Auditorium, Reem-Kayden Center for Science and Computation (RKC) 102, 31 Campus Road, Bard College.

ROSENDALE TO HIGH FALLS
2017-04-08 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.

TIVOLI BAYS BIRDING
2017-03-25 03:00 - 09:00
We will explore the tidal marshes and upland habitat of this DEC property. Careful, respectful observations of Bald Eagle family life will highlight the walk but waterfowl and other early migrants can be expected. Meet trip leader Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com or 339-1277) to carpool at informal Park and Ride on Rt. 32, just west of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge at 7:00 AM or meet (on foot) at DEC parking lot on Cruger Island Road (where Dutchess County Rt. 103 makes sharp turn) at 7:30 AM. Parking is limited on Cruger Island Road; additional parking is available on Gatehouse Drive just north of sharp turn

GENERAL MEETING
2017-03-23 15:00 - 17:00 | Village of New Paltz Town Hall, 25 Plattekill Ave, New Paltz, 12561, United States
We will meet upstairs at the New Paltz Village Hall, Plattekill Avenue, New Paltz. The Village Hall is located in the same building as the New Paltz Fire Station, near the SUNY campus. Park and enter on the east side of the building. Meet and mingle with new and old JBNHS friends and enjoy an informative program by Dan Snider, Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) Field Projects Manager: “Tomorrow’s Most Wanted: The Top 5 Terrestrial Plant Threats,” the priority Early Detection species to watch for in the Catskills (and elsewhere). One of the goals of CRISP is to raise awareness about plants and animals that are likely to invade in the Catskills so that more eyes are trained to be out there looking for these likely invaders. There will be refreshments and a brief business meeting.

VERNAL EQUINOX WOODCOCK WALK
2017-03-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, Entrance Rd, Shawangunk, 12566
Celebrate the Vernal Equinox with one of the year’s great events. Join Christine Guarino (chrissy.guarino@gmail.com) for an evening stroll in the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge to hear and possibly see male woodcocks perform their courting flights. We should also hear early amphibians and maybe an owl or two. 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).

SIGNS OF SPRING IN SAUGERTIES
2017-03-19 04:00 - 08:00
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 Saturday, March 19, 2016. 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 peninsula on the Hudson River. Meet 8:00 a.m. in the Saugerties Village Beach parking lot on Rte. 9W, just north of the Esopus Creek bridge, at the foot of Partition Street in the Village of Saugerties. Participants can carpool and stay for the duration, or drive to each location and 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 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.

EARLY MIGRANTS ON THE RONDOUT
2017-03-04 04:00 - 07:00
Join Carol Weber (carolorganistin@gmail.com or 914 388-1569) and celebrate the approach of spring and many fond memories of this JBNHS favorite. Meet at the Rosendale Shopping Center Parking Lot on Rt.32. Party will travel upstream to the High Falls area, noting early harbingers of spring.

JBA/JBNHS WINTER TREE ID WALK AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2017-02-25 05:00 - 07:00 | John Burroughs Sanctuary, 261 Floyd Ackert Rd, Highland, 12528
The first in a series of outings co-sponsored with the John Burroughs Association at the wonderful Burroughs Sanctuary. After two hours spent identifying trees by bark,structure, and bud on the improved trail system (rated as easy to moderate) participants can explore Slabsides and learm more about the interesting life of our famous namesake. Contact trip leader Tom O’Dowd (tkodowd@gmail.com or 914 213-7079) with any questions regarding the tree walk and meet Tom 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.

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
2017-02-16 - 2017-02-20
Greetings from the Great Backyard Bird Count team at Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Bird Studies Canada! We want to remind you to mark your calendars for the 20th GBBC, coming up February 17 through 20, 2017. www.BirdCount.org

NYQUIST-HARCOURT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY WINTER WALK
2017-02-11 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 Wallkill River at 8:00 a.m. Contact trip leader Matt Corsaro for more details (mattcorsaro@yahoo.com or 256-9839)
