John Burroughs Natural History Society

SPRING MIGRATION AT HIGH BANKS
2019-04-29 02:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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 BIRDS AND WILDFLOWERS IN SAUGERTIES
2019-04-28 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 28, 2019. 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
2019-04-27 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.

SPRING ON THE FLOODPLAIN
2019-04-20 06:00 - 08:00
This new offering for the field trip schedule will explore the Nyquist/Harcourt Sanctuary in New Paltz. Flora of the floodplain habitat will be the focus of this walk. Meet trip leader Nava Tabak (ntabak@scenichudson.org ) at the New Paltz Municipal Parking Lot off Huguenot Street, just east of the Wallkill River.

SPRING BIRDING WILDCARD
2019-04-13 03:00 - 08:00
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.

TREE ID AT EBNP
2019-04-06 05:00 - 08:00
Esopus Creek Conservancy and the John Burroughs Natural History Society are co- sponsoring a Tree Identification Walk at Esopus Bend Nature Preserve in Saugerties on Saturday, April 06, 2019. Vern Rist will lead us at a leisurely pace through a variety of woodland habitats in the Nature Preserve. Meet 9:00 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. Bring binoculars and tree guides if you have them, and be prepared for early spring conditions that may include cold air temperatures, snow, ice, or muddy trails. Heavy rain or snow will cancel the walk. Children are welcome and encouraged, but please do not bring pets. Contact 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.

TIVOLI BAYS BIRDING
2019-03-30 04:00 - 08:00
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 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 causeway which will surely be muddy. Please consider this and choose proper footwear.

SIGNS OF SPRING IN SAUGERTIES
2019-03-24 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 24, 2019. 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 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.

VERNAL EQUINOX WOODCOCK WALK
2019-03-20 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 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).

JBNHS Meeting
2019-03-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Hudson River Maritime Museum, 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, 12401, United States
Highlights of cultural and biological experiences of three weeks in Northern Tanzania and Zanzibar
Join us as JBNHS trustee and Captain Coffee, Dixon Onderdonk presents on a once in a lifetime experience. Please stay after the presentation for our March meeting with important discussions and plans for 2019. Program starts at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14th and will again be held at the Hudson River Maritime Museum.

EARLY MIGRANTS ON THE RONDOUT
2019-03-09 04:00 - 07:00
Join Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com) 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.

WINTER TREE ID AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2019-02-23 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.

OWL PROWL AT GALEVILLE
2019-02-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, Entrance Rd, Shawangunk, 12566
Shawangunk Grassland NWR (Galeville) is known for wintering raptors like Short-eared Owl, Rough-legged Hawk, and Northern Harrier and all should be present on our visit. Dress warmly for conditions on exposed, open habitat nearing sunset. Meet trip leader Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com or 339-1277) at the refuge parking lot east of the main entrance on Hoagerburg Rd. (Ulster County Rte. 18) at 4:00 pm. Dependent on how cooperative the birds and Mother Nature are we may walk a little or benefit from the vehicles as windbreaks.

THORN PRESERVE WINTER BIRD WALK
2019-02-02 03:00 - 07:00 | Thorn Preserve, 55 John Joy Road, Woodstock, 12498, United States
Meet trip leader Mark DeDea (forsythnature@aol.com ) at 8:00 a.m. at the Thorn Preserve, a Catskill Center for Conservation property operated in partnership with the Woodstock Land Conservancy located at 55 John Joy Road in the Town of Woodstock. This small parcel has open fields and wet meadows that may attract wintering raptors, a wooded swamp with plenty of Winterberry for the Hermit Thrushes, and borders the Sawkill Creek which often holds waterfowl late into the winter

WINTER TREE ID AT JOPPENBERGH MOUNTAIN
2018-12-02 05:00 - 07:00 | Joppenbergh Mountain, Hardenburgh Lane, Rosendale, NY, 12472, United States
Contact trip leader Nava Tabak (navatabak@gmail.com ) with any questions regarding this outing. Meet Nava in the parking area by Willow Kiln Park, behind the Rosendale Theater, accessed by narrow Hardenburgh Lane at 10 AM. 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.

JBNHS MEETING - CANCELLED
2018-11-15 13:00 - 15:00
DUE TO IMPENDING STORM TONIGHT’S MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED
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 Dixon Onderdonk: ” My presentation will include highlights of cultural and biological experiences of three weeks in Northern Tanzania and Zanzibar . I will share wildlife (birds and mammals primarily) encountered on safari in five national parks (Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Jozani), the Ngorongoro Conservation Area including the Ngorongoro Crater. In addition I will discuss visits to various tribes and provide information about The School of Saint Jude’s where we spent the first six days of the trip.” (Dixon’s short essay “Three Weeks in Northern Tanzania” in the March-April 2018 Chirp gave us a taste of this trip.) Come and learn much more from Dixon in person, with his photographs as well. Dixon started and coordinates the JBNHS Coffee Club and is a current Board member of JBNHS. There will be refreshments and a brief business meeting.

JBNHS WEEKEND TRIP
2018-11-09 - 2018-11-12

ELECTION DAY SPARROW WALK
2018-11-06 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 been nicely reverted to it’s 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.

CANCELLED - ASHOKAN RESERVOIR WATERFOWL
2018-11-03 05:00 - 08:00
Tomorrow’s walk has been cancelled due to the weather prediction. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
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 AUTUMN BIRDING WILDCARD
2018-10-20 03:30 - 08:00
Will we be in pursuit of scoters, a “good’ sparrow, or a western vagrant? Contact trip leader Peter Schoenberger (pdsis@yahoo.com ) to register for this special outing. This is to be a nimble operation so carpooling is likely. Meet up will be determined based on field trip location. Participants will meet at 7:30 and can expect to be finished by lunchtime.

SPARROW WALK AT THE FARM
2018-10-13 03:00 - 08:00, 2018-09-30 03:00 - 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.

NYSOA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
2018-10-04 - 2018-10-07

OPEN DISCOVERY AT MILLBROOK PRESERVE
2018-09-22 05:00 - 07:00
Explore this Preserve-in-the-making, a hidden gem in the heart of New Paltz, with Lynn Bowdery. We will look at and discuss the landforms, flora and fauna, and human disturbances of this interesting preserve through which Mill Brook (also known as Tributary 13 of the Wallkill River) and several of its tributaries flow. Wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes (waterproof is a plus); binoculars and magnfiers are recommended; be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks. This trip will be limited to 8 participants. Please contact Lynn (lynn@bowderys.com) to reserve your place and learn where to meet. Rain cancels.

JBNHS PICNIC
2018-09-15 12:00 - 14:00 | Hudson River Maritime Museum, 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, 12401, United States
Our luncheon will be catered again this year by Kingston’s Stone Soup Food Company. A wide variety of salads, wraps, and desserts will be offered and all are house made on the premises. Options will include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free but Stone Soup is well known for their house baked turkey and roast beef too. We are lucky enough again to have the delightful Maritime Museum as our creekside venue as well. Our special guest speaker will be Kathryn Schneider, author of soon-to-be published Birding the Hudson Valley (pub. date Sept. 4, see https://www.amazon.com/Birding-Hudson-Valley-KathrynSchneider/dp/1611687187/ref=sr_1_1_det?ie=UTF8&qid=1529853120&sr=8-1#productPromotions) and past president of NYSOA.
Don’t forget the popular JBNHS raffle either. Meet and mingle with old and new friends. Sounds like a perfectly fun autumn late afternoon!
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
PAYMENT FOR THIS EVENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH
Cost of our get together lunch will be $20 per person with checks made payable to: JBNHS c/o Lin Fagan, 281 West Chestnut Street, Kingston, NY 12401

GRASSPIPERS IN THE BLACK DIRT
2018-09-09 03:00 - 08:00
Meet trip leader Christine Guarino (chrissy.guarino@gmail.com ) at the Jolly Onion parking lot (625 Glenwood Road Pine Island, NY 10969) at 7:00 a.m. The Blackdirt region of Orange County is well-regarded as a fall grasspiper hotspot. We’ll explore farm fields and sod farms and if time allows visit the Wallkill River NWR for other migrant shorebirds and waders.

FALL MIGRATION AT BURROUGHS SANCTUARY
2018-09-08 04:00 - 08:00 | John Burroughs Sanctuary, 261 Floyd Ackert Rd, Highland, 12528
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 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.

GREIG FARM BIRDS/BUTTERFLIES
2018-09-02 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.

MUSHROOM FORAGING AT THE JOHN BURROUGHS NATURE SANCTUARY
2018-08-25 05:00 - 08:00 | John Burroughs Sanctuary – Burroughs Dr, 103 Burroughs Dr, Highland, 12528
Saturday, August 25, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
Cabin open for tours from, Noon-4:00 PM
Barbara Plume, vice-president of the Mid-Hudson Mycological Association, will be our guide on this inaugural hunt as we forage for the often-unseen mushrooms of the Nature Sanctuary. Neither plant or animal, these fungi include highly sought-after mushrooms for diners and feared poisonous ones. Still countless other fungi play critical roles in our ecosystems, above ground and deep below.
We will start with the essentials of mushrooms, foraging for them, and etiquette. Then in the woods, on the ground, deadwood, or the sides of trees, Barbara will reveal the ideal spots and conditions in which varieties of these fascinating fungi thrive. Possible mushrooms include hen of the woods and black trumpets.
Space is limited. Please register in advance at info@johnburroughsassociation.org to learn what to bring and where to meet.

JBNHS BUS TRIP TO JAMAICA BAY
2018-08-17 - 2018-08-18 | Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Broad Channel, NY, 11693, United States
Trip Leader: Jim Clinton
Trip Coordinator: Donna Seymour dseymour66@gmail.com 845-417-1165
Cost per person: $35

Depart Uptown Kingston Hannaford Plaza parking lot 6:00 a.m. (bus loads at 5:30 a.m.)
6:30 Pick up passengers at New Paltz (Thruway Exit 18) Park & Ride
Arrive Jamaica Bay 8:45 a.m.
Mid-day picnic lunch at the Visitor Center
Depart 3:00 p.m.
Arrive New Paltz 5:30 p.m./Kingston 6:00 p.m.

This Trailways bus accommodates 52 passengers and has Wifi and a bathroom. This trip is open to members and non-members and early registration is strongly encouraged.
To reserve your seat on the bus:
Email Donna Seymour the names and cell phone numbers of each person in your party; indicate where you will catch the bus (Kingston or New Paltz)
Mail Make checks payable to John Burroughs Natural History Society ($35 per person). Mail to:
Lin Fagan, Treasurer
281 West Chestnut St.
Kingston, NY 12401
Refunds:
Full refund before July 1; thereafter $10 refund until August 1. Please understand, there can be no refunds after August 1.
This trip will be held rain or shine, though extreme weather conditions predicted within days of the trip will cause cancellation and warrant full refunds.
Overview: We will explore the East and West Ponds areas of the Refuge. Proper footwear is essential for visiting the East Pond portion. Please know that this is not a trail but a very muddy and sometimes treacherous shoreline. The West Pond and “gardens” are much easier and have formalized trails (mostly crushed shell). For some this might be the option for the day. Others may choose to remain at the blinds on the smaller ponds when we cross the road. Sun protection is essential as much of this is exposed viewing.
What to Bring:
Clothing: We will be outside all day. Pathways are likely to be very wet and muddy and possibly hazardous to unsteady walkers. Wear clothing suited to a changing weather conditions and biting insects, especially ticks. Wear waterproof boots with secure treads for the trails and bring casual shoes for the bus ride. The refuge provides a boot-washing station, though a small trash bag for boots is recommended.
Food: Coolers with ice will be available for bagged lunches. Also bring a thermos for hot or cold beverages, snacks, bagged lunch, and water.
Other: gratuity for bus driver ($5 suggested).
About Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Tides on 8/18/18: Low tide 8:36 a.m. High tide 3:06 p.m.
Birds of Jamaica Bay checklist and eBird Hot Spots information
https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/upload/birds-brochure__9-20rev.pdf
http://ebirding-nys.wikispaces.com/Jamaica+Bay+Wildlife+Refuge#Hotspots
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places in New York City to observe migrating species. In fact, it’s a birder’s paradise with 332 bird species sighted at the refuge over the last 25 years (38 are accidental, and include several New York State records); that is nearly half the species in the Northeast. It is one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the northeastern United States. Birding is excellent year-round.
Early fall migrants include shorebirds, flycatchers, vireos, and warblers. According to Birds of Jamaica Bay, the following are listed as Common or Abundant: Black crowned Night Heron, Glossy Ibis, American wigeon, Ruddy Duck, American Oystercatcher, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Red knot, Black skimmer, and Semipalmated, Western, Least, White rumped, and Pectoral Sandpipers.
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is open dawn to dusk year-round. In August, the Visitor Center is open 7 days a week from 9 to 5. The Center has a bookstore, natural history exhibit area, restrooms, and lecture room. There are no entrance fees to the refuge.
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is the United States Department of Interior’s only “wildlife refuge” administered by the National Park Service. All other national refuges fall under the aegis of the United States Fish & Wildlife Service. The refuge covers 9,000 acres (20 square miles) of open bay, saltmarsh, mudflats, upland field and woods, two man-made brackish ponds—117-acre “East Pond” and 45-acre “West Pond” and small fresh water ponds, including Big John’s Pond. The Wildlife Refuge is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.

West and East Ponds Map
by R. Bourque
Click here for printable PDF map
