Unfortunately we need to cancel our Woodcock walk with John Turner this Friday evening.  Sadly, the recent snowstorms could not have come at a worse time for these birds as they migrated north to their breeding grounds in the Northeast. 

Join us for a special evening walk as we search for American Woodcocks and observe their fascinating mating displays. John Turner will lead this walk and speak briefly about the woodcock’s unique behavior, and why this time of year offers the perfect opportunity to witness their aerial courtship flights. A memorable twilight experience for birders of all levels.

Location: North Fork Preserve

Photo: American Woodcock by Vincent Ladevaia

Registration is required, please register here.

Join NFAS Board Member Andy Senesac, Ph.D. for a zoom discussion on invasive plant species at Inlet Pond County Park (IPCP). One of the key characteristics of many invasive plant species that have become locally naturalized is the ability to emerge early in the season. A short list of these that will be discussed are: Mile a Minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) and Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). In 2025, a small study was conducted at the IPCP to try to determine the critical period for hand weeding Mile a Minute weed. We will discuss the results and how they can be applied on a larger scale in 2026. We will discuss some of the biological traits of the other weeds and how we might develop strategies for better management.

Photo: Mile a Minute weed in late August at the IPCP. Photo by A.F. Senesac

Registration is required, please register here.

Join us for this month for Tuesday with Tom! The Osprey may be back then, and some winter waterfowl should still be around. Please don’t get it confused with Arshamomaque Preserve in Greenport!  The Paul Stoutenburgh Preserve is just to the WEST of Southold Fish Market, and across from the State Boat Ramp in South.

Location: Paul Stoutenburg Preserve

Photo: Osprey by J. Jensen

Registration is require, please register here.

Join us at the Roy Latham Nature Center for a presentation on river otters in the Peconic Estuary watershed. Mike will share highlights from a recently completed survey that mapped the current distribution of otters in the region. He will also discuss conservation efforts to address what appears to be the leading cause of otter mortality on Long Island: collisions with motor vehicles. The presentation will conclude with time for questions and discussion.

At 11:00 AM, we will carpool to visit some otters sites the area with the goal of seeing otter “sign,” not the elusive creature itself.

Picture: River Otter by Evan-Barrientos