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Fri 13 Sep
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, September 13, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during September. During this program, we will take an approximately one mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes and bring binoculars and a birding field guide, or a smart device with a field guide installed. Interested participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. The total number of participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the lower parking area. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Fri 13 Sep
Fall Migration Friday
Friday, September 13, 2024 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Creekside Classroom Environmental Education Center
Join an Environmental Educator on a guided walk through the southern end of the park to spot and identify songbirds during their fall mi-gration. Bring your binoculars and wear sturdy shoes. This 40-minute adventure is perfect for nature lovers ages 7 and up. Fall Migration Friday meets at the Carlsbad Pavilion on East-West Road.
Registration: Not required
Sat 14 Sep
Bird and Breakfast
Saturday, September 14, 2024 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
A Continental Breakfast, with a short presentation about our seasonal native birds, followed by a walk with the Great South Bay Audubon Society. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Not required
Sat 14 Sep
Drop-in Program: Mini Hawk Watch at Minnewaska
Saturday, September 14, 2024 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Each fall, thousands of raptors, including eagles, hawks, and falcons, migrate south over the Shawangunk Mountains on the way to their wintering grounds. Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, at the Beacon Hill field and picnic area, for a drop-in program to watch for migrating raptors. This area is located off the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, on the east side of Lake Minnewaska, and next to the southern trailhead for the Beacon Hill Footpath. There will be an information table set up for those who want to learn more about these amazing animals. If the weather conditions are ideal, we will see broad-winged hawks and other raptors as they fly by, or overhead, as they migrate south. For those wanting a closer view of these birds, we'll have a spotting scope to look through and binoculars to borrow. Stop by or stay for a while to look for these birds, as they migrate. This program will be cancelled in the event of rain. For more information or questions, please contact the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. Meet at the Beacon Hill field and picnic area. This is a drop-in program and pre-registration is NOT required.
Registration: Not required
Sun 15 Sep
Big Bend: Beginner Birding
Sunday, September 15, 2024 08:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
(518) 793-0511

Calling all beginner birders! Bring your binoculars if you have them and we will check out the wide variety of over 100 species of birds that we have identified at our new preserve. This will be a short start-and-stop hike. We will meet at the park office and caravan to Big Bend. Geared toward ages 12+. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
Sun 15 Sep
Big Bend: Beginner Birding
Sunday, September 15, 2024 08:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center
(518) 793-0511

Calling all beginner birders! Bring your binoculars if you have them and we will check out the wide variety of over 100 species of birds that we have identified at our new preserve. This will be a short start-and-stop hike. We will meet at the park office and caravan to Big Bend. Geared toward ages 12+. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
Sun 15 Sep
Creating Habitats for Birds (available in English and Spanish)
Sunday, September 15, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Native birds may be used as indicators of a changing ecosystem. Protecting wildlife is essential for a healthy ecosystem. At this workshop you will learn how to create or preserve healthy habitats for birds in your own backyard while learning about some of the native species that offer food and shelter to birds in the area. This tour will be offered in Spanish and English as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Please check our website for more information.
Registration: Not required
Tue 17 Sep
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by Nick Martin, Park Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars, water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program, but no earlier than 7:30 am. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to twenty-five individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Thu 19 Sep
I BIRD NY Challenge
Thursday, September 19, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth
Meet at Trout Pond. Use your observation skills and join the I BIRD NY Challenge by identifying any 10 bird species of your choosing in New York State. All participants will be awarded a commemorative patch, given a completion certificate, and entered into a drawing for great birding prizes when challenge sheets are submitted to birdingchallenge@dec.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Thu 19 Sep
I BIRD NY Challenge
Thursday, September 19, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Letchworth State Park
Meet at Trout Pond. Use your observation skills and join the I BIRD NY Challenge by identifying any 10 bird species of your choosing in New York State. All participants will be awarded a commemorative patch, given a completion certificate, and entered into a drawing for great birding prizes when challenge sheets are submitted to birdingchallenge@dec.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Fri 20 Sep
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, September 20, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during September. During this program, we will take an approximately one mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes and bring binoculars and a birding field guide, or a smart device with a field guide installed. Interested participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. The total number of participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the lower parking area. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Fri 20 Sep
Fall Migration Friday
Friday, September 20, 2024 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Creekside Classroom Environmental Education Center
Join an Environmental Educator on a guided walk through the southern end of the park to spot and identify songbirds during their fall mi-gration. Bring your binoculars and wear sturdy shoes. This 40-minute adventure is perfect for nature lovers ages 7 and up. Fall Migration Friday meets at the Carlsbad Pavilion on East-West Road.
Registration: Not required
Sat 21 Sep
Live Birds of Prey Drop-in Program at Minnewaska
Saturday, September 21, 2024 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Join Annie Mardiney, wildlife rehabilitator from Wild Mountain Birds, for an up-close and personal look at some of the raptors common to the Shawangunk Ridge. Live education birds may include red-tailed hawk, broad-winged hawk, American kestrel, barred owl, screech owl, and great horned owl. Stop by the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center to meet these amazing and beautiful animals in person. No dogs at this program, please. Meet on the lawn on the south side of the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. This is a drop-in program and pre-registration is NOT required.
Registration: Not required
Sat 21 Sep
Hawks Overhead!
Saturday, September 21, 2024 12:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Thacher Park is a prime spot for viewing a variety of fall-migrating raptors. Stop by the Hawk Watch table to borrow a pair of binoculars and view these birds of prey. N
Registration: Not required
Sat 21 Sep
Hawks Overhead!
Saturday, September 21, 2024 12:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Thacher State Park
Thacher Park is a prime spot for viewing a variety of fall-migrating raptors. Stop by the Hawk Watch table to borrow a pair of binoculars and view these birds of prey. N
Registration: Not required
Mon 23 Sep
Birdwatching with the Saw Mill River Audubon Society
Monday, September 23, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Get to know our feathered residents! Join an expert from the Saw Mill River Audubon Society on a bird walk around the Preserve. Great for all levels of birding experience, beginners welcome! Binocular loans available upon request. Ages 8+. Max: 25 people. Cost: FREE. 
Registration: Required
Tue 24 Sep
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by Nick Martin, Park Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars, water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program, but no earlier than 7:30 am. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to twenty-five individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Fri 27 Sep
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, September 27, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during September. During this program, we will take an approximately one mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes and bring binoculars and a birding field guide, or a smart device with a field guide installed. Interested participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. The total number of participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the lower parking area. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov.
Registration: Not required
Sat 28 Sep
Birdwatching with the Saw Mill River Audubon Society
Saturday, September 28, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Get to know our feathered residents! Join an expert from the Saw Mill River Audubon Society on a bird walk around the Preserve. Great for all levels of birding experience, beginners welcome! Binocular loans available upon request. Ages 8+. Max: 25 people. Cost: FREE. 
Registration: Required
Sat 28 Sep
Fish and Wildlife Day: Mini Hawk Migration Watch Drop-in Program
Saturday, September 28, 2024 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Each fall, thousands of raptors, including eagles, hawks, and falcons, migrate south over the Shawangunk Mountains on the way to their wintering grounds. Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, at the Beacon Hill field and picnic area, to celebrate Fish and Wildlife Day as we watch for migrating raptors. This area is located off the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, on the east side of Lake Minnewaska, and next to the southern trailhead for the Beacon Hill Footpath. There will be an information table set up for those who want to learn more about these amazing animals. If the weather conditions are ideal, we will see broad-winged hawks and other raptors as they fly by or overhead, as they migrate south. For those wanting a closer view of these birds, we'll have a spotting scope to look through and binoculars to borrow. This program will be cancelled in the event of rain. For more information or questions, please contact Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov or the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. Meet at the Beacon Hill field and picnic area. This is a drop-in program and pre-registration is NOT required.
Registration: Not required
Sat 28 Sep
Live Birds of Prey Drop-in Program at Sam’s Point
Saturday, September 28, 2024 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam's Point Area
Join Annie Mardiney, wildlife rehabilitator from Wild Mountain Birds, for an up-close and personal look at some of the raptors common to the Shawangunk Ridge. Live education birds may include red-tailed hawk, broad-winged hawk, American kestrel, barred owl, screech owl, and great horned owl. Stop by the Sam's Point Visitor Center to meet these amazing and beautiful animals in person. No dogs at this program, please. Meet on the lawn by the Sam's Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration for this program is not required, however, reservations to get into Sam's Point on weekends are required. You can reserve a parking spot through Reserve America New York: https://bit.ly/3uPj21L.
Registration: Not required
Tue 01 Oct
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by Nick Martin, Park Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars, water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program, but no earlier than 7:30 am. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to twenty-five individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Fri 04 Oct
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, October 4, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during October. During this program, we will take an approximately one mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes and bring binoculars and a birding field guide, or a smart device with a field guide installed. Interested participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. The total number of participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the lower parking area. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov
Registration: Not required
Tue 08 Oct
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by Nick Martin, Park Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars, water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program, but no earlier than 7:30 am. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to twenty-five individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Fri 11 Oct
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, October 11, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during October. During this program, we will take an approximately one mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes and bring binoculars and a birding field guide, or a smart device with a field guide installed. Interested participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. The total number of participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the lower parking area. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov
Registration: Not required
Sat 12 Oct
Autumn Bird Walk
Saturday, October 12, 2024 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hallock State Park Preserve
Migration of birds heading south is in full swing. Bring binoculars to find these challenging birds as they migrate through the Preserve! Tick spray recommended.
Registration: Not required
Tue 15 Oct
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by Nick Martin, Park Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars, water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program, but no earlier than 7:30 am. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to twenty-five individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Fri 18 Oct
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, October 18, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during October. During this program, we will take an approximately one mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes and bring binoculars and a birding field guide, or a smart device with a field guide installed. Interested participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. The total number of participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the lower parking area. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov
Registration: Not required
Tue 22 Oct
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by Nick Martin, Park Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars, water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program, but no earlier than 7:30 am. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to twenty-five individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Fri 25 Oct
Birding at the Gardiner Library
Friday, October 25, 2024 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Are you interested in birds or birding? Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for bird walks, starting at the Gardiner Library, every Friday during October. During this program, we will take an approximately one mile walk on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and wander through Majestic Park, which can be muddy and wet, especially after a rainfall. Participants are encouraged to wear waterproof boots or shoes and bring binoculars and a birding field guide, or a smart device with a field guide installed. Interested participants are welcome to attend one or all Friday programs. The total number of participants for this program is limited to fifteen individuals. Meet at the Gardiner Library, in the lower parking area. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at 845-255-1255 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov
Registration: Not required
Fri 25 Oct
Owl Tracking
Friday, October 25, 2024 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800

Meet at the Thacher Nature Center

Join us for an accessible, inclusive program in celebration of Birdability Week! We'll start with a brief presentation indoors on common owls. After, we'll search for them on a .75-mile guided hike over mostly gravel and paved paths. Beginners and families welcome. Ages 6+. Call 518-872-0800 to register and for more information on trail surfaces and grades. 
Registration: Required
Fri 25 Oct
Owl Tracking
Friday, October 25, 2024 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Thacher State Park
(518) 872-0800

Meet at the Thacher Nature Center

Join us for an accessible, inclusive program in celebration of Birdability Week! We'll start with a brief presentation indoors on common owls. After, we'll search for them on a .75-mile guided hike over mostly gravel and paved paths. Beginners and families welcome. Ages 6+. Call 518-872-0800 to register and for more information on trail surfaces and grades. 
Registration: Required
Sat 26 Oct
Autumn Bird Walk
Saturday, October 26, 2024 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hallock State Park Preserve
Migration of birds heading south is in full swing. Bring binoculars to find these challenging birds as they migrate through the Preserve! Tick spray recommended.
Registration: Not required
Tue 29 Oct
Early Morning Birders at Minnewaska
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Designed for both birding enthusiasts and those just looking to learn the basics, this weekly series will offer outings led by Nick Martin, Park Educator, or an experienced birding volunteer. Participants should bring binoculars, water, and wear hiking shoes or boots. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Poor weather conditions will trigger a program cancellation. Participants will meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. Participants MUST arrive prior to the start of the program, but no earlier than 7:30 am. The Park Preserve gates will be locked at 8:00 am. Late arrivals will NOT be allowed in the Park Preserve. The total number of participants for this program is limited to twenty-five individuals. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska entrance. For questions, please call 845-255-0752 or email Nicholas.Martin@parks.ny.gov This program is set up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Not required
Sat 23 Nov
Late Autumn Bird Walk
Saturday, November 23, 2024 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Hallock State Park Preserve
Come see what birds are about the Preserve since migration has almost ended. Most birds will be spending the winter in the area so we will find a combination of wintering and year round bird species. Bring binoculars.
Registration: Not required