All levels of naturalists, including beginners,
are most welcome on Eastern Long Island Audubon field trips.
Most trips are free to attend,
however, sometimes the venue we are visiting has a fee.
We try to make a note of it in the notice.
Eileen Schwinn, Field Trip Chair
Please remember to register with the leaders of these trips. Just in the case there are unexpected changes or the weather does not cooperate and plans have to change!
Copyright 2026 Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Winter Field Trips
Saturday, January 31, 2026 -- Meet at 9:30 am
Shinnecock Bay by Boat - Sold Out
This is a joint field trip with Quogue Wildlife Refuge and Southampton Stony Brook Marine Science. Meet at 9:30 am at the Marine Science building, Shinnecock Hills. This two-hour trip will explore all the mammals and winged creatures who call Shinnecock Bay their home during cold winter days. There is a fee for this trip – $40 for QWR and ELIAS members, $45 for non-members. Registration information is available by contacting QWR at [email protected]
Saturday, February 7, 2026. Meeting at 8:15AM
Dune Road in Winter
Meet at 8:15AM, at the Shinnecock Inlet, Hampton Bays
(use Oakland’s Restaurant for your GPS)
Usually, Dune Road is a Summer Destination, but the Winter time can be exciting as well - and much less worry about traffic! Or Permits to Park!!!! We will start our approximate 2 hour drive and stop at the Shinnecock Inlet. The tide will be rising, and food for the winter visiting ducks and water-fowl will be heading toward the ocean. We can watch them in the Bay as well as the area around the rock jetty. Next stop: The Old Bridge and then the Ponquouge Pavillion, which usually hosts Snow Bunting and maybe a surprise Pipit?? Watch for wintering Yellow-rumped Warblers and perhaps a rare gull among the “regulars”. Traveling along, keep your eyes out for hawk and owls (?!?) with luck. We will be stopping at Tiana Bayside as well as the Ocean parking lot.
Restrooms are somewhat limited along Dune Road in the Winter - there is a HUGE porta-potty at the end of the Old Bridge Road, which is surprisingly well-maintained (usually…), so plan ahead, OK? Obviously, DRESS FOR THE WEATHER! Dune Road can feel colder than the mainland - wind is usually a given. Warm shoes, hat, gloves, a sturdy coat, a light snack, and water. Binoculars - if you don’t have any, or wish to try a stronger pair, check out the Loaner Backpacks ELIAS has provided the local Libraries. Scope? If you have one, bring it! Many waterfowl are out quite a distance from shore.
Please register with Eileen Schwinn ([email protected]) - any change of plans, due to weather or anything unforeseen - we will be in contact, OK? The leaders on the trip - a couple of folks on the Board of Directors of ELIAS. It’s a great trip in the summer - but many of us find the winter just as exciting!!! Hope you can make this one - and it’s being offered as an alternative if you just don’t see yourself on a Boat in Shinnecock Bay in the Winter!
Sunday, February 15, 2026 -- Meet at 11:45 for noon departure
Shinnecock Bay by Boat, yes, another opportunity
Another opportunity to see the waterfowl and mammals on Shinnecock Bay by Boat! This time, CRESLI (Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island) leads the trip, with plenty of space for ELIAS members to join in! This two-hour trip begins at 12 noon from the dock at the Marine Science Building in Shinnecock Hills. With a $40 fee, payable to CRESLI, please register with Eileen Schwinn, [email protected], for the trip.
Saturday, March 7, 2026 -- Meet at 8:30 am
Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge
Our annual walk to have birds eating right out of our hands! Starting a 8:30 am, this two/three hour walk along the paths, past fields, woods, freshwater ponds and streams, leads us to Little Peconic Bay. Oh, yes, the leader will provide bird seed to all, to share with the hungry birds along the way! Contact Byron Young, [email protected], to register.
