Programs & Tours

Classic Harbor Line Winter Wildlife Ecocruise - Seals & More
Dec
15

Classic Harbor Line Winter Wildlife Ecocruise - Seals & More

Join us aboard the luxury yacht Manhattan II - a cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht - as we explore NYC’s winter wildlife and history of Lower NY harbor, the NYC skyline, and the obscure islands of Hoffman and Swinburne Islands just beyond the Verrazano Bridge! On this captivating 2.75-hour NYC sightseeing cruise we'll take in the winter wildlife of NY Harbor and these amazing islands with rich history that now serve as a seal destination in winter. **Seal sightings are not guaranteed on this NYC wildlife boat tour, but they have been a constant inhabitant of Swinburne and Hoffman during winter for the past several years.**. On this NYC boat ride, our expert tour guides and renowned Urban Naturalists, Gabriel Willow or Russell Jacobs, will regale you with fascinating tales of these iconic islands and historic waterways. They'll illuminate the stories of the migrating birds who inhabit the harbor this time of year. Once used as islands for quarantining immigrants with contagious diseases in the 19th century, Swinburne and Hoffman are modern day 'abandoned islands', reclaimed by nature as a breeding ground for birds, and a winter 'haul out' destination for Gray Seals and Harbor Seals. Throughout this NYC eco-cruise, our knowledgeable naturalist-guide will share insights into the conservation efforts aimed at preserving these precious ecosystems.

This cruise often sells out. $124 adult, $86 child. Registration required.

Register
View Event →

Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise
Nov
16

Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise

Eco-Cruises are Back! Step aboard the Classic Harbor Line luxury yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II - a cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht - as we travel north-bound on the Hudson River in style!

Admire the Palisades of the Hudson River through the skylights of the ship’s heated and enclosed observatory, or while catching the breeze on her bow. Observe New York's most dramatic natural wonders and foliage as the seasons change. This is a spectacular season for cruising the Hudson River north of NYC, and will be a true delight for you and your guests.

Join us on this autumn cruise out of the busy city of Manhattan north on the tree-lined, scenic Hudson River.

This cruise often sells out. $118. Registration required.

Register
View Event →
Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise
Nov
13

Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise

Eco-Cruises are Back! Step aboard the Classic Harbor Line luxury yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II - a cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht - as we travel north-bound on the Hudson River in style!

Admire the Palisades of the Hudson River through the skylights of the ship’s heated and enclosed observatory, or while catching the breeze on her bow. Observe New York's most dramatic natural wonders and foliage as the seasons change. This is a spectacular season for cruising the Hudson River north of NYC, and will be a true delight for you and your guests.

Join us on this autumn cruise out of the busy city of Manhattan north on the tree-lined, scenic Hudson River.

This cruise often sells out. $118. Registration required.

Register
View Event →
Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise
Nov
9

Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise

Eco-Cruises are Back! Step aboard the Classic Harbor Line luxury yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II - a cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht - as we travel north-bound on the Hudson River in style!

Admire the Palisades of the Hudson River through the skylights of the ship’s heated and enclosed observatory, or while catching the breeze on her bow. Observe New York's most dramatic natural wonders and foliage as the seasons change. This is a spectacular season for cruising the Hudson River north of NYC, and will be a true delight for you and your guests.

Join us on this autumn cruise out of the busy city of Manhattan north on the tree-lined, scenic Hudson River.

This cruise often sells out. $118. Registration required.

Register
View Event →
2nd Sunday Birding at Wave Hill
Nov
9

2nd Sunday Birding at Wave Hill

Fall is peak migration time along the Hudson River, and we have a front row seat! Join naturalist and bird guide Gabriel Willow as you explore Wave Hill’s gardens, woodlands and the skies overhead to look for resident and migrating birds. A limited number of binoculars, monoculars and walking sticks are available to borrow at the Perkins Visitor Center. Birding walks are held the second Sunday of every month year-round.

Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Tickets required for all participants.

Severe weather cancels.

$17. Advance registration encouraged, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.

Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed.

Walks follow a route along mixed-material pathways with varying elevations. A limited amount of walking sticks are available to borrow. Pace varies from a slow walk to moderate walk throughout.

Register
View Event →
The Pigeon Hustle: Learn About NYC's Iconic Pigeons
Nov
8

The Pigeon Hustle: Learn About NYC's Iconic Pigeons

Learn about NYC's Iconic Pigeons to celebrate the debut of PBS Nature's 'The Pigeon Hustle'

Join Urban Naturalist Gabriel Willow and Jess Joseph from Gals About Town Tours to learn about the iconic NYC Pigeon!

With a world population of hundreds of millions, feral pigeons are our most familiar avian neighbors. They have been an ever-present companion to people for millennia, yet despite such familiarity, there’s still so much we don’t know about the remarkable, resilient pigeon.

Follow in the footsteps of New York’s pigeon flocks to uncover their secret world and the challenges of city life that the humble pigeon has overcome!


This event is a partnership with THIRTEEN, our local PBS station, and the PBS Nature series. After the walk, learn even more fun facts about our favorite feathered friends in a new Nature documentary, 'The Pigeon Hustle' coming to PBS on Wednesday, November 5 and available to stream at pbs.org, YouTube or on the PBS App.


For more climate and nature content, check out thirteen.org/forcesofnature.

Register
View Event →
Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise
Nov
6

Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise

Eco-Cruises are Back! Step aboard the Classic Harbor Line luxury yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II - a cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht - as we travel north-bound on the Hudson River in style!

Admire the Palisades of the Hudson River through the skylights of the ship’s heated and enclosed observatory, or while catching the breeze on her bow. Observe New York's most dramatic natural wonders and foliage as the seasons change. This is a spectacular season for cruising the Hudson River north of NYC, and will be a true delight for you and your guests.

Join us on this autumn cruise out of the busy city of Manhattan north on the tree-lined, scenic Hudson River.

This cruise often sells out. $118. Registration required.

Register
View Event →
Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise
Nov
2

Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise

Eco-Cruises are Back! Step aboard the Classic Harbor Line luxury yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II - a cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht - as we travel north-bound on the Hudson River in style!

Admire the Palisades of the Hudson River through the skylights of the ship’s heated and enclosed observatory, or while catching the breeze on her bow. Observe New York's most dramatic natural wonders and foliage as the seasons change. This is a spectacular season for cruising the Hudson River north of NYC, and will be a true delight for you and your guests.

Join us on this autumn cruise out of the busy city of Manhattan north along the tree-lined, scenic Hudson River. The NYC Hudson River brunch cruise is a three-course prix fixe menu featuring freshly made New York bakery and pastry items, salmon and lox, chef’s seasonal salad with an autumn twist, a roasted ham, and more. This Hudson River fall foliage cruise includes a complimentary bloody mary, mimosa, beer, wine, or champagne.

This cruise often sells out. $145. Registration required.

Register
View Event →
Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise
Oct
26

Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise

Eco-Cruises are Back! Step aboard the Classic Harbor Line luxury yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II - a cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht - as we travel north-bound on the Hudson River in style!

Admire the Palisades of the Hudson River through the skylights of the ship’s heated and enclosed observatory, or while catching the breeze on her bow. Observe New York's most dramatic natural wonders and foliage as the seasons change. This is a spectacular season for cruising the Hudson River north of NYC, and will be a true delight for you and your guests.

Join us on this autumn cruise out of the busy city of Manhattan north on the tree-lined, scenic Hudson River.

This cruise often sells out. $118. Registration required.

Register
View Event →
Nighthunters: An Evening Owl Adventure at Wave Hill
Oct
25

Nighthunters: An Evening Owl Adventure at Wave Hill

Join us at Wave Hill for an exclusive after-hours encounter! Meet owls of all shapes and sizes. Birders and nature lovers will be treated to a special adventure as the sun sets over the Hudson and nocturnal creatures come to life.

"Early birds" can join a nature walk as the sun sets with NYC naturalists Gabriel Willow and Ryan Mandelbaum. Listen and look as familiar daytime creatures settle down for the night and nocturnal creatures emerge. You won’t believe you’re in the Bronx! 

Falconers Brian and Teddy Bradley and their spectacular live owls headline the evening with an exciting indoor program introducing these amazing birds of prey. Feel the wind brush your face as they fly silently inches above your head and get an intimate look at their adaptations and hunting techniques. Don’t forget your cameras for incredible close-ups!

The evening culminates in a lively round of Bird Trivia with trivia master Ryan Mandelbaum and emcee Gabriel Willow! Bring your own team or form a team here with new friends made during the evening. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Order food and specialty drinks from your table so you won't miss the fun! This event is for adults 21 and older.

SCHEDULE
5:00PM – 6:00PM: Sunset Nature Walk Meet in front of Wave Hill House

6:15PM – 7:15PM: Live Owl Program Armor Hall

7:15PM – 7:30PM: Break to order food from The Café, drinks from the bar

7:30PM – 8:30PM: Bird Trivia Mark Twain Room

$65, including admission to the grounds. $50 for Wave Hill Members.

Advance registration encouraged, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.

Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed.

Wave Hill House is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator.

Walks follow a route along mixed-material pathways with varying elevations. A limited number of walking sticks are available to borrow. Pace varies from a slow walk to moderate walk throughout.

Register
View Event →
Sparrow ID Walk
Oct
25

Sparrow ID Walk

Online Workshop: Wednesday, October 22, 6:30-8:00 PM

Sparrow Walk: Sunday, October 25, 9:00-11:00 AM

Sparrows are one of the most challenging groups of birds to identify, yet beautiful and fascinating once they can be distinguished. Learn to identify those LBJs (little brown jobs) by studying behavior, field marks, and songs, and then enjoy a second session in the “classroom” of Central Park. Sparrow species seen in prior years include Field, Swamp, Savannah, White-crowned, Lincoln's, and more.

Register Separately: Zoom Workshop, $25. Sparrow Walk, $35.

Accessibility and Directions:

Central Park generally contains paved and unpaved paths of varying inclines, but we will stick to paths most comfortable for everyone.

Register
View Event →
Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise
Oct
23

Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise

Eco-Cruises are Back! Step aboard the Classic Harbor Line luxury yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II - a cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht - as we travel north-bound on the Hudson River in style!

Admire the Palisades of the Hudson River through the skylights of the ship’s heated and enclosed observatory, or while catching the breeze on her bow. Observe New York's most dramatic natural wonders and foliage as the seasons change. This is a spectacular season for cruising the Hudson River north of NYC, and will be a true delight for you and your guests.

Join us on this autumn cruise out of the busy city of Manhattan north on the tree-lined, scenic Hudson River.

This cruise often sells out. $118. Registration required.

Register
View Event →
Sparrow ID Workshop
Oct
22

Sparrow ID Workshop

Workshop: Wednesday, October 22, 6:30-8:00 PM

Sparrow Walk: Sunday, October 25, 9:00-11:00 AM

Sparrows are one of the most challenging groups of birds to identify, yet beautiful and fascinating once they can be distinguished. Learn to identify those LBJs (little brown jobs) by studying behavior, field marks, and songs, and then enjoy a second session in the “classroom” of Central Park. Sparrow species seen in prior years include Field, Swamp, Savannah, White-crowned, Lincoln's, and more.

Register Separately: Zoom Workshop, $25. Sparrow Walk, $35.

Accessibility and Directions:

Central Park generally contains paved and unpaved paths of varying inclines, but we will stick to paths most comfortable for everyone.

Register
View Event →
Wednesday Evening Migration Walk in Central Park
Oct
15

Wednesday Evening Migration Walk in Central Park

Witness the spectacle of autumn migration as songbirds follow the Atlantic Flyway to their tropical wintering grounds. Look for tanagers, warblers, and other neotropical migrants in the wilds of Central Park, and learn the finer points of ID.

6 Wednesdays, September 10 to October 15, 2025.

$30 per walk - register for all 6 walks or individually. Limited to 15.

Register
View Event →
FREE Fall Bird Walk at The Battery
Oct
15

FREE Fall Bird Walk at The Battery

Join us for a bird walk at The Battery! Explore the diversity of migrating birds that find food and habitat in The Battery.

The walk will be led by Gabriel Willow, an experienced birder and naturalist, well-versed in the ecology and history of New York City. He has been leading city nature walks for over twenty years, guiding new and experienced birders and naturalists in all five boroughs and beyond.

After the walk, we hope you will linger to enjoy the nation's largest perennial garden open 365 days free to the public. Learn more about The Battery at www.thebattery.org.

The Battery is located at the southern tip of Manhattan. Take the 1 train to South Ferry, the R train to Whitehall Street, or the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green.

RSVP is requested for participation.

Register
View Event →
Tuesday Evening Migration Walk in Central Park
Oct
14

Tuesday Evening Migration Walk in Central Park

Witness the spectacle of autumn migration as songbirds follow the Atlantic Flyway to their tropical wintering grounds. Look for tanagers, warblers, and other neotropical migrants in the wilds of Central Park, and learn the finer points of ID.

6 Tuesdays, September 9-October 14, 2025.

$30 per walk - register for all 6 weeks or individually. Limited to 15.

Register
View Event →
Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise
Oct
12

Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise

Eco-Cruises are Back! Step aboard the Classic Harbor Line luxury yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II - a cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht - as we travel north-bound on the Hudson River in style!

Admire the Palisades of the Hudson River through the skylights of the ship’s heated and enclosed observatory, or while catching the breeze on her bow. Observe New York's most dramatic natural wonders and foliage as the seasons change. This is a spectacular season for cruising the Hudson River north of NYC, and will be a true delight for you and your guests.

Join us on this autumn cruise out of the busy city of Manhattan north on the tree-lined, scenic Hudson River.

This cruise often sells out. $118. Registration required.

Register
View Event →
FREE Fall Birding Fridays in Bryant Park
Oct
10

FREE Fall Birding Fridays in Bryant Park

Fridays, Sept. 5-Oct. 10, 5:00pm–6:00pm

Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call Bryant Park home during migratory season with guided tours by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow.

Located in the heart of Midtown, Bryant Park is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will’s-widow!

Tours will take place on Tuesdays at 8am and Thursdays and Fridays at 5pm. Meet at Heiskell Plaza, near the corner of 6th Avenue and 42nd Street. No pre-registration is required.

Learn More
View Event →
FREE Prospect Park Bird Walk with NYC Bird Alliance
Oct
10

FREE Prospect Park Bird Walk with NYC Bird Alliance

Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) to get to know the fall migrants of “Brooklyn's Backyard,” beautiful Prospect Park. The meadows, forests, and waterways of Prospect Park attract a dazzling variety of migratory birds on their way south, including warblers, tanagers, cuckoos, and more.

Registration required. Free. Limited to 30 participents.

Accessibility and Directions:
Prospect Park trails are paved and mostly flat. Multiple restrooms can be found all across the park. There is no onsite parking; the nearest is on 51-81 Parkside Ave. Various public transportation stop by the meeting point, including the B41 and B69 buses, as well as the B and Q lines. For more information on directions, visit the Prospect Park website.

Register
View Event →
FREE Fall Birding Thursdays in Bryant Park
Oct
9

FREE Fall Birding Thursdays in Bryant Park

Thursdays, Sept. 4-Oct. 9, 5:00pm–6:00pm

Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call Bryant Park home during migratory season with guided tours by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow.

Located in the heart of Midtown, Bryant Park is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will’s-widow!

Tours will take place on Tuesdays at 8am and Thursdays and Fridays at 5pm. Meet at Heiskell Plaza, near the corner of 6th Avenue and 42nd Street. No pre-registration is required.

Learn More
View Event →
Wednesday Evening Migration Walk in Central Park
Oct
8

Wednesday Evening Migration Walk in Central Park

Witness the spectacle of autumn migration as songbirds follow the Atlantic Flyway to their tropical wintering grounds. Look for tanagers, warblers, and other neotropical migrants in the wilds of Central Park, and learn the finer points of ID.

6 Wednesdays, September 10 to October 15, 2025.

$30 per walk - register for all 6 walks or individually. Limited to 15.

Register
View Event →
Tuesday Evening Migration Walk in Central Park
Oct
7

Tuesday Evening Migration Walk in Central Park

Witness the spectacle of autumn migration as songbirds follow the Atlantic Flyway to their tropical wintering grounds. Look for tanagers, warblers, and other neotropical migrants in the wilds of Central Park, and learn the finer points of ID.

6 Tuesdays, September 9-October 14, 2025.

$30 per walk - register for all 6 weeks or individually. Limited to 15.

Register
View Event →
FREE Fall Birding Tuesdays in Bryant Park
Oct
7

FREE Fall Birding Tuesdays in Bryant Park

Tuesdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 7, 8:00am–9:00am

Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call Bryant Park home during migratory season with guided tours by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow.

Located in the heart of Midtown, Bryant Park is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will’s-widow!

Tours will take place on Tuesdays at 8am and Thursdays and Fridays at 5pm. Meet at Heiskell Plaza, near the corner of 6th Avenue and 42nd Street. No pre-registration is required.

Learn More
View Event →
City of Forest Day on Randall’s Island
Oct
4

City of Forest Day on Randall’s Island

Join Randall’s Island Park Alliance’s Natural Areas Team in celebrating the 2025 City of Forest Day! The Alliance is taking part in Forest for All NYC’s fourth annual City of Forest Day, which features a day of activities across the city to raise awareness of the importance of the New York City urban forest, and the essential role New Yorkers play every day in caring for the “lungs” of our city.

Renowned NYC Naturalist Gabriel Willow will lead a fun-and-fact filled guided walking tour highlighting Randall’s Islands feathered friends and fall foliage. Open to all ages. Registration not required but preferred. Register here!

BYOB-Bring your own binoculars (RIPA will be able to loan out a limited number binoculars for the event on a first come first serve basis)!

Location: Icahn Stadium at 9AM ET!

For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org

View Event →
FREE Fall Birding Fridays in Bryant Park
Oct
3

FREE Fall Birding Fridays in Bryant Park

Fridays, Sept. 5-Oct. 10, 5:00pm–6:00pm

Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call Bryant Park home during migratory season with guided tours by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow.

Located in the heart of Midtown, Bryant Park is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will’s-widow!

Tours will take place on Tuesdays at 8am and Thursdays and Fridays at 5pm. Meet at Heiskell Plaza, near the corner of 6th Avenue and 42nd Street. No pre-registration is required.

Learn More
View Event →
FREE Prospect Park Bird Walk with NYC Bird Alliance
Oct
3

FREE Prospect Park Bird Walk with NYC Bird Alliance

Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) to get to know the fall migrants of “Brooklyn's Backyard,” beautiful Prospect Park. The meadows, forests, and waterways of Prospect Park attract a dazzling variety of migratory birds on their way south, including warblers, tanagers, cuckoos, and more.

Registration required. Free. Limited to 30 participents.

Accessibility and Directions:
Prospect Park trails are paved and mostly flat. Multiple restrooms can be found all across the park. There is no onsite parking; the nearest is on 51-81 Parkside Ave. Various public transportation stop by the meeting point, including the B41 and B69 buses, as well as the B and Q lines. For more information on directions, visit the Prospect Park website.

Register
View Event →
FREE Fall Birding Thursdays in Bryant Park
Oct
2

FREE Fall Birding Thursdays in Bryant Park

Thursdays, Sept. 4-Oct. 9, 5:00pm–6:00pm

Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call Bryant Park home during migratory season with guided tours by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow.

Located in the heart of Midtown, Bryant Park is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will’s-widow!

Tours will take place on Tuesdays at 8am and Thursdays and Fridays at 5pm. Meet at Heiskell Plaza, near the corner of 6th Avenue and 42nd Street. No pre-registration is required.

Learn More
View Event →
Wednesday Evening Migration Walk in Central Park
Oct
1

Wednesday Evening Migration Walk in Central Park

Witness the spectacle of autumn migration as songbirds follow the Atlantic Flyway to their tropical wintering grounds. Look for tanagers, warblers, and other neotropical migrants in the wilds of Central Park, and learn the finer points of ID.

6 Wednesdays, September 10 to October 15, 2025.

$30 per walk - register for all 6 walks or individually. Limited to 15.

Register
View Event →
FREE Fall Bird Walk at The Battery
Oct
1

FREE Fall Bird Walk at The Battery

Join us for a bird walk at The Battery! Explore the diversity of migrating birds that find food and habitat in The Battery.

The walk will be led by Gabriel Willow, an experienced birder and naturalist, well-versed in the ecology and history of New York City. He has been leading city nature walks for over twenty years, guiding new and experienced birders and naturalists in all five boroughs and beyond.

After the walk, we hope you will linger to enjoy the nation's largest perennial garden open 365 days free to the public. Learn more about The Battery at www.thebattery.org.

The Battery is located at the southern tip of Manhattan. Take the 1 train to South Ferry, the R train to Whitehall Street, or the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green.

RSVP is requested for participation.

Register
View Event →
Tuesday Evening Migration Walk in Central Park
Sep
30

Tuesday Evening Migration Walk in Central Park

Witness the spectacle of autumn migration as songbirds follow the Atlantic Flyway to their tropical wintering grounds. Look for tanagers, warblers, and other neotropical migrants in the wilds of Central Park, and learn the finer points of ID.

6 Tuesdays, September 9-October 14, 2025.

$30 per walk - register for all 6 weeks or individually. Limited to 15.

Register
View Event →
FREE Fall Birding Tuesdays in Bryant Park
Sep
30

FREE Fall Birding Tuesdays in Bryant Park

Tuesdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 7, 8:00am–9:00am

Discover the surprising diversity of birds that call Bryant Park home during migratory season with guided tours by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow.

Located in the heart of Midtown, Bryant Park is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will’s-widow!

Tours will take place on Tuesdays at 8am and Thursdays and Fridays at 5pm. Meet at Heiskell Plaza, near the corner of 6th Avenue and 42nd Street. No pre-registration is required.

Learn More
View Event →