Welcome to Queens County Bird Club

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, prefer short trips or birding all day, you will feel at home!

The Queens County Bird Club Inc. is a “Full Service” organization of naturalists:
Monthly Meetings – Noted speakers, vivid presentations
Field Trips – half-day, all-day, weekend
Conservation – projects, advocacy, support

NEXT MEETING is LIVE – Wednesday, September 17th, 2025 7:30 – 9:30 pm.

Presentation – “A Bald Eagle Family in Nassau County” – with Jay Koolpix

Journey into the heart of an extraordinary Bald Eagle family living right here in Nassau County. Through striking photos and captivating videos, witness the devoted parents fortify their nest, share tender moments, and deliver an impressive variety of meals to their growing young. Watch as two downy eaglets transform into powerful fledglings—stretching their wings, taking daring first flights, and ultimately soaring off to begin lives of their own.

Jay Koolpix is a renowned nature and bird photographer based in Nassau County, New York. After retiring over a decade ago, he immersed himself in bird photography, dedicating extensive time to observing and capturing avian behavior.

Beyond photography, Jay contributes to environmental education. In collaboration with the South Shore Audubon Society, he established the annual $2,000 Jay Koolpix Environmental Scholarship.

Jay also engages with the community through his multimedia bird presentations, sharing insights into bird behavior and photography.

Through his photography and educational initiatives, Jay Koolpix fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and wildlife within the community.

Venue: Alley Pond Environmental Center – NEW BUILDING
229-10 Northern Blvd
Douglaston, NY 11362 (map)

Upcoming field trips – see Calendar link for details and registration info

Alley Pond Park – Eric Miller 917-279-7530

When: Sunday, September 14th – 7:45am – 12:45pm
Where: Alley Pond Park (40.740640, -73.747500)
Description:

This min-trip includes the forested areas of Alley Pond Park south of the Long Island Expressway.

Meet at the east end of the 76th Ave. parking lot – see map.

You must contact the trip leader to register.
Palisades Park IBA/NJ State Line – Ian Resnick 917-626-9562

When: Saturday, September 27th – 8:30am – 12:30pm
Where: Palisades Park (40.989621, -73.9060539)
Description:

The State Line Lookout in Palisades Park, NJ, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located less than a mile south of the New York State border, it offers stunning views of the Hudson River and Westchester County, New York.

The lookout is one of 14 official hawk-counting sites in New Jersey and is a great spot for birdwatching, especially during the fall months when the raptor migration occurs. Contact the trip leader to register and for more details.
Big Sit – Corey Finger – 10000birdsblogger@gmail.com

When: Saturday, October 11th (Tentative date)
Where: Fort Tilden (40.564226, -73.885753)
Description:

The QCBC “Big Sit” takes place from dawn to dusk. You may come and go as you choose. Park in the lot shown in the map. Then, proceed west on Range Road (may also be called Murray Rd or Center Rd) until you reach the observation platform near Battery Harris East. You need to climb up several flights of stairs to access the platform.
To find the platform on a map, either
Search on Google Maps for “Observation Platform – Ft Tilden”
Or copy/paste these coordinates into your map app: 40.561439, -73.893360

Here is part of the official description the “Big Sit”: Some people have called it a “tailgate party for birders.” Find a good spot for bird watching—preferably one with good views of a variety of habitats and lots of birds. Next, create a real or imaginary circle 17 feet in diameter and sit inside the circle for 24 hours, counting all the bird species you see or hear. That’s it. Find a spot, sit in it, have fun. Then submit your findings. https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/connect/bigsit/about.php
Rain date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Kissena Park – Eric Miller – 917-279-7530

When: Sunday, October 19th – 7:45am – 12:00pm
Where: Kissena Park (40.744000, -73.809500)
Description:

This mini-trip includes Kissena Park both east and west of Kissena Blvd. Expect to find many species of sparrows and southbound migrants.

Meet at the Kissena Velodrome parking lot, which can be entered from Booth Memorial Ave north of Parsons Blvd – see map.

Contact the trip leader to register.
Arverne/Bayswater – Joe Schiavone (203) 640-2927

When: Sunday, October 26 – 7:30am – 12:00pm
Where: Arverne East Nature Preserve, 190 Beach 44th St, Queens, NY 11691, USA
Description:

Arverne East NaturePreserve hosts five different maritime ecosystems, providing a safe home fordiverse local flora and fauna. Pedestrian pathways weave through the preserve,offering New Yorkers a new way to observe and appreciate these naturalenvironments, including accessible connections to the Rockaway boardwalk andbeach. A new welcome center was also constructed as part of this project, whichhouses a community meeting space, office space for Urban Park Rangers, crewheadquarters for Parks maintenance staff, and public restrooms.

“By establishing the new Arverne EastNature Preserve, we’re not only protecting our natural environment but alsoproviding fresh opportunities for New Yorkers to engage with the rich diversityof plant and animal life that enriches our city,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue.“As custodians of over 10,000 acres of natural areas across the five boroughs,Parks is committed to maintaining strong, ecologically vibrant public spaces,helping local wildlife thrive while making our city more beautiful, resilient,and livable. Together with the new welcome center, local farm, and native plantnursery, this new nature preserve is a great resource for the Rockawaycommunity.”

Bayswater Point State parkcomprises 12 acres at the tip of a peninsula jutting out into Mott Basin on theeastern shore of Jamaica Bay in the Rockaways. The park’s terrain iswonderfully varied and includes beachfront, wetlands and woodlands. Thisdiversity helps make it an ideal habitat for migrating and nesting birds. Infact, the park was once a bird sanctuary overseen by Audubon. Our goal for thislovely and peaceful park is to preserve the existing natural systems, and asfeasible, restore what has been lost.

The 11-acre Norton BasinNatural Resource Area is located at the eastern end of the Rockaway Peninsula.The site is bounded to the west by Norton Basin (a tributary of Jamaica Bay),to the east by a new development of multi-family homes facing Bay 32nd Street,to the north by the western end of Healy Avenue, and to the south by Bayswater Park, which is operated by New York City Parks.

Contact the trip leader to register and for additional information.

Hear a podcast of “It’s In Queens” featuring an interview with QCBC President Ian Resnick here.