Saturday, January 14, 10:00am: Winter Waterfowl Cook’s Tour of the North Shore

Join us for a fun day to see as many of species of waterfowl as possible, divers as well as dabblers! We will start at Sunken Meadow State Park and head west, visiting Tung Ting, Fresh, St. John's, and Mill Ponds, as well as Bayville and if time allows and the group is game, other hotspots.

Directions: Meet at Sunken Meadow Field Three. Take Sunken Meadow Parkway to the park. Travel to the farthest parking lot, to the corner closest to the bridge.

Leaders: Stella Miller. Call 516-695-0763 to register.

Sunday, January 22, 9:30am: Wildlife Tracking Trip at Blydenburg County Park

TRIP RESCHEDULED!

We will search for wildlife tracks, or in the case of no snow, wildlife sign, including that of the elusive river otter, while learning about the amazing diversity of wildlife that inhabit Long Island's natural areas.

Directions: The main (southern) entrance to the park is on the north side of Veterans Memorial Highway, opposite the H. Lee Dennison County Center in Smithtown. Take Northern State east until it turns into Route 347 and follow to park entrance (left turn), which is after Old Willets Path.

Leader: Biologist Mike Bottini. Call Stella Miller, 516 695 0763, to register.

Saturday, February 11, 9:30am: Montauk and South Fork Waterfowl Hot Spots

All day trip. Winter waterfowl abound including scoters, eiders, loons, gannets, and numerous pond ducks.

Directions: LIE to exit 70, Manorville. Go south on Route 111 to Route 27. Take Route 27 east all the way to Montauk Point Lighthouse. There may be a parking fee. Meet by the restaurant opposite the parking lot.

Leader: John Turner. Call 516-695-1490 to register.

Sunday, February 12, 9:00am: Point Lookout Harlequins and Co.

Look for loons, grebes, and Harlequin Ducks which are usually seen on Long Island only at Point Lookout.

Directions: Take Meadowbrook Pkwy to Loop Pkwy. At the end of Loop Pkwy, turn left. Go to the end of the road. Park anywhere near the entrance to the Park. Meet by the gate to the Park.

Leader: Blair Broughton. Call 516-802-5356 to register.

Sunday, February 26, 9:00am: Croton Point Park

Bald Eagles can be found here easily in winter as well as many hawks. We will also be looking for Short-eared Owls. Waterfowl in Croton Bay include Scaup, Common Merganser, Common Goldeneye, and Bufflehead.

Directions: Take Route 9 to Croton Point Avenue exit; follow signs.

Leaders: Blair Broughton. Call 516-802-5356 to register. Blair can be reached on his cell on day of trip: 631-885-1881.

Saturday, March 3, 9:00am: Massapequa Preserve and South Shore Ponds

We will bird the ponds at Massapequa Preserve, then head east in search of variety of wintering ducks and land birds.

Directions: Meet at the Massapequa Preserve entrance at Pittsburgh Avenue and Parkside Blvd.

Leader: Sharon Brody. Call 516-433-5590 to register.

Sunday, March 11, 9:00am: Target Rock NWR

Within the 80 acres are various habitats with a 1-mile trail that goes from the forest to the beach at Huntington Bay. We should see birds that spend the winter in various habitats. HOBAS conducts 2 beach clean ups at the refuge each summer!

Directions: From Route 25A in Huntington Village go north on West Neck road towards Caumsett State Park. Continue past the Park and the road bends to the left (north) until you reach Target Rock. There is a modest fee to enter the Refuge.

Leader: Blair Broughton. Call 516-802-5356 to register.

Sunday, March 18, 10:00am: English Ivy Pull at Shu Swamp

JJoin us in helping to restore one of the finest preserves on Long Island. Come to the swamp for this fun and worthwhile effort! Snacks will be provided to the volunteers. Bring garden gloves if you have them, as well as clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. We will also peek around to see if the skunk cabbage has emerged as well as look for any overwintering birds.

Directions: From Route 25A in East Norwich, take Route 106 north to Oyster Bay. Make left on to Lexington Ave then another left on to West Shore Road. At the Mill Pond (on the left), bear to the right as if to go to Bayville. At first traffic light (water will be on your right) make a left onto Cleft Road. Take Cleft Road to Frost Mill Road, make a left. (If you wind up on the causeway going over Beaver Dam, you have gone too far.) Shu Swamp will be on your right after you go under the train trestle.

Leader: Stella Miller. Call 516-695-0763 to register.

Saturday, April 21, 9:00am: Native Butterfly Garden Planting at the Farm at Oyster Bay (rain date April 22)

Celebrate Earth Day by joining us today as we break ground and plant native vegetation that will attract a variety of butterflies and insects at the Farm. This butterfly garden will include both nectar and host plants to welcome these marvelous creatures. A picnic lunch will be provided for hungry diggers and planters.  Bring garden gloves if you have them and clothes you don't mind getting dirty!  We will supply the gardening tools. Come on down to the Farm and help us honor Earth Day as we create a butterfly haven!

Directions: 510 Split Rock Road, Oyster Bay. Take Route 25A to Split Rock Road. (Split Rock Road is just east of Route 106 in East Norwich). Make right if coming from west, left if coming from east. Third driveway on left. You will see the number 510. Follow the driveway into the Farm.

Coordinator: Stella Miller. 516-695 0763 to register.