Birding & Spring Nature

First Walk – Garden Birds
5pm

Join the leaders for an early chance at finding and identify spring migrants by sight and sound on this casual stroll through the Mohonk Gardens. A great way to start the weekend!

Evening Excursion to Cope’s Lookout
8pm

Work off the evening meal on this quick walk on a level carriage path to the beautiful view at Cope’s Lookout. We’ll listen and look for thrushes, owls, and porcupines along the way.

Things that Go Bump, Howl, and Hoot in the Night
9pm

Join Greg for an auditory adventure of wild sounds of the night – from owls to foxes to frogs with some insects thrown in for good measure. This is an evening for the ears – exploring the strange and fascinating world of the dark.

Early Morning Bird Walk
6:30am

The leaders invite all birders, of all levels, on a variety of early morning tours in search of migrating songbirds that dropped in overnight. More species of birds occupy the property during this weekend than any other time of year, so don’t miss the avian splendor!

Ramble to Rhododendron Bridge
9:30am

This long trek down off the mountaintop will bring you past the unique habitat of Rhododendron Swamp, home to unusual wetland plants and skulking warblers. Wayne will be sure to explore the varied habitats along the way in search of birds, plants, reptiles, insects, and more. Return hike uphill in time for lunch.

Bird Banding
10am

Join Mike for an unusual chance to see live birds in the hand as he uses mist nets to collect, band, and set free what he catches near the Mohonk Barn. This method of tracking wild birds is a valuable tool for scientists like Mike to better understand bird life cycles, movement patterns, and longevity.

Flower Hammering Workshop
11am

Learn how to make beautiful flower and leaf prints and note cards using a hammer or mallet. All supplies included for you to make a keepsake to take home. No artistic skill required – just a curious inquisitive mind!

Underwater Creatures of Lily Pond
2:30pm

A menagerie of aquatic creatures from eastern newts, dragonfly nymphs, diving beetles, water tigers, frogs and more lurk beneath the seemingly placid waters of Lily Pond. Their discovery awaits your ascent along Skytop and Reservoir Paths!

Songs of Mohonk Songbirds
2:30pm

Greg will share recordings and images of some of the common songsters of Mohonk in a relaxed setting which will surely increase your identification skills. Whether you’re new to learning bird sounds, brushing up, or would just like to listen in, this presentation is for you.

Snakes Galore
5pm

Mike brings his snakes back to Mohonk after a brief hiatus, this time with new species and surprises to share with the audience. Get your scaly share of fascinating facts and up-close slithery snake exposure in this captivating presentation of live snakes.

Quaking Mats, Muck and Mire – The Mysterious World of Bogs and Fens!
9pm

Wayne will lead us on a visual journey into the wonderful world of these peaty wetlands – full of cranberries, carnivorous plants, azaleas, and magnificent orchids. Some insects and rare reptiles and salamanders will be highlighted as well.

Early Morning Bird Walk
6:30am

Join the leaders once again as we search along woodland paths for any migrating songbirds that may have moved north during the night. Don’t miss this opportunity to hone your birding skills with these seasoned guides.

Spring Wildflowers along the Mossy Brook Trail
9:30am

This easy close-by walk will concentrate on the identification, folklore, and natural history of wildflowers and ferns, including the origins and meanings of common and scientific names.

Birding the Treetops – Mohonk Lake to Skytop
9:30am

Enjoy this casual walk up through the forest canopy in hopes of adding new birds to the weekend list. A unique chance to hone your birdsong ID skills with Greg as you scan the treetops at eye level for warblers, tanagers and more. Skytop Tower awaits those who make it all the way!

Last Walk – Urban Birds
10am

Join us for one last search of the Mohonk property to find new birds passing through on migration or setting up nesting territories. We’ll concentrate our time around the buildings and barns for species that are undisturbed by human activity. A great chance to sharpen your birding skills before heading home to bird on your own!