Overnight trip: Winter’s Realm from Shinnecock Inlet towards Fire Island Parks

Participant limit: 12

Description: This midwinter excursion, designed for hardy birders, primarily explores the coastal barrier island habitats, with a few stops at mainland preserves. The ocean and surf will captivate birdwatchers with an abundance of waterfowl, while the dunes may offer a birder’s paradise. The journey will unfold from east to west, through tranquil and secluded areas.

Registrar: Peter Dorosh, email Prosbird@gmail.com or Prosbird@aol.com

Registration Period: January 26th-February 5th

Carpool fee: $75. Drivers and members get priority.

Itinerary (Preliminary): Day 1 (Friday): Shinnecock Inlet, Ponquogue Bridge area and barrier island drive; Quogue Wildlife Preserve. Day 2 (Saturday): Wertheim NWR, Fire Island Smith Point and environs, Robert Moses State Park; Captree/Oak Beach

Relative difficulty: generally flat but long walks. Most walking is upon dry surfaces, some beach

Reference: Shinnecock Inlet https://ebird.org/hotspot/L385875

Smiths Point County Park https://ebird.org/hotspot/L621111

Fire Island Smiths Point https://ebird.org/hotspot/L253315

Fire Island NS : https://www.nps.gov/fiis/index.htm

Notes: dress for cold and changeable weather, preferably windproof gear