John Burroughs Natural History Society

SPARROW WALK AT THE FARM
2020-09-25 - 2020-09-26
PRE-REGISTER with Peter Schoenberger (pdsis@yahoo.com or 914 466-2707) to find out meeting time and location. Our targets for this trip are sparrows. We will visit farmland habitat and weedy edges for LBJ’s and maybe a skulker or two.

OPEN DISCOVERY AT MILL BROOK PRESERVE - CANCELED
2020-04-19 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
THIS FIELD TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELED
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@bowderys.com) to reserve your place and learn where to meet. Rain cancels.

SPRING BIRDING WILDCARD - CANCELED
2020-04-11 03:00 - 08:00
THIS FIELD TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELED
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 that morning based on rare or unusual sightings somewhere in the Hudson Valley.

SPRING IN ROSENDALE - CANCELED
2020-04-04 05:00 - 08:00
THIS FIELD TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELED
We will ascend all or part of Joppenburgh Mountain to look for early migrant birds, spring wildflowers and other signs of spring. Group will likely also visit nearby areas including the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and possibly Snyder Field. Meet at the Willow Kiln parking area, at base of Joppenburgh, behind Rosendale Theatre. Heavy rain or a late snow cancels. Contact Matt Corsaro for more information or to register: mattcorsaro@yahoo.com

TIVOLI BAYS BIRDING - CANCELED
2020-03-28 04:00 - 08:00
THIS FIELD TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELED
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. Meet trip leader Jess Prockup (procolinos@gmail.com ) at the Bard College parking lot on Gatehouse Drive just north of sharp turn on Dutchess County Rt.103 and Cruger Island
Road. Field party 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).

SIGNS OF SPRING NATURE WALK
2020-03-22 04:00 - 08:00
The Esopus Creek Conservancy and John Burroughs Natural History Society are co-sponsoring a guided nature walk to observe early signs of spring in a variety of ecologically rich habitats in the Town of Saugerties on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Depending on available time, conditions, and participant interest, we will visit The Great Vly Wildlife Management Area, Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, Falling Waters 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 repared 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.

VERNAL EQUINOX WOODCOCK WALK
2020-03-19 14:00 - 16:00
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 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).

EARLY MIGRANTS ON THE RONDOUT
2020-03-08 05:00 - 08:00
Join Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com ) and celebrate the approach of spring and many fond memories of this longtime 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.
GREETINGS

JBA/JBNHS WINTER TREE ID WALK AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2020-02-22 05:00 - 07:00
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) along the trail to Chodikee Lake 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 at Pond House. 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 nearly a mile, then take first left AFTER Burroughs Drive. NOTE THE NEW MEETING PLACE FOR THIS FIELD TRIP.

KINGSTON POINT BIRDWALK
2020-02-15 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. The area around the mouth of the Rondout Creek hosts the last of winter’s stragglers and the very first signs of spring arrivals. Please note we will meet at the south end of North Street at improved parking area near trolley tracks/Greenline (close to the Rondout Creek). A spotting scope will come in handy on this outing.

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
2020-02-13 - 2020-02-17
This is an important global citizen scientist bird count. Birdwatchers of all ages count birds to create a real-time snapshot of where birds are. For information on how to participate, go to https://gbbc.birdcount.org/

ESOPUS MEADOWS
2020-02-01 04:00 - 07:00
We will pay a winter visit to some classic locations in Esopus to see what’s happening along the Hudson in mid-winter. Group will start at Esopus Meadows and work north, with possible stops at High Banks Preserve, along River Road and/or at Sleightsburg Spit. Wear appropriate footwear for conditions and cold temperatures. Meet at Esopus Meadows Preserve/Lighthouse Park. Snowy or icy precipitation cancels. Contact Matt Corsaro for more information or to register: mattcorsaro@yahoo.com

ALL DAY NYSOA WINTER WATERFOWL COUNT
2020-01-17 - 2020-01-18
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 1/19/20

Breeding Bird Atlas Workshop
2020-01-16 13:00 - 15:00
It has been 20 years since the last breeding bird atlas in New York State and a lot has changed! The third atlas will take place from 2020-2025 and involve thousands of volunteers from across the state. This workshop will cover the history of the atlas, the importance of atlas data and how you can get involved. We’ll also cover using eBird to enter data. 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. Contact Wendy Tocci (wtocci@gmail.com), Co-Regional Coordinator for the Hudson region if you plan on attending as well as if you have any questions about the workshop.
Directions: The workshop will take place at the stone house at Hasbrouck Park in Kingston. Take the Delaware Avenue exit off of Rte 9W in Kingston, and proceed east on Delaware Avenue. Look for the entrance and a sign to Hasbrouck Park on your right, just past the entrance to the Corporate Drive Industrial Park on your left, and just before going down a steep hill. (If you go down a steep hill with a sharp curve and white retaining wall, you have passed the entrance to Hasbrouck Park.) Drive through the gate to the first stone building on your right. There is additional parking at a larger lot just below the stone building.

WALLKILL VALLEY RAPTORS
2020-01-12 03:00 - 07:00
Contact trip leader Christine Guarino (chrissy.guarino@gmail.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 BIRD COUNT AT EBNP
2020-01-10 - 2020-01-11, 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.

NYMS CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
2020-01-03 - 2020-01-04
The NYMS (Minnewaska/Shawangunk) Christmas Bird Count takes it’s second 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 assignment no later than Saturday, December 28th. Be prepared for a full day out of doors. Reports from feeder watchers in the count circle are also desired. Please contact Nick regarding details about compilation get together afterward, submission of records, and weather postponement.

NYUD CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
2019-12-27 - 2019-12-28
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 no later than Saturday, December 21st. 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
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
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.

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.
