Eastport Ponds and Shinnecock Bay

Date: Sunday, January 10, 2027

Leader: Brian Moldashel
Transportation: Carpool Trip: While carpool rides for everyone usually work out, there is no guarantee of enough volunteer drivers to accommodate all participants. The Registrar will work to organize rides and to notify participants when a rental car may be necessary. Registrar will also inform participants of the carpool fee, which is based on the trip location; the cost of any rental cars should be split evenly by those participants.
Meeting Point: After your registration is confirmed, the Registrar will share directions, the exact meeting place, and time with attendees.
Schedule: Expect to start in the early morning. The trip will conclude by mid-afternoon.
Relative Difficulty: We will make multiple stops throughout the day. Be prepared for several short walks, including some on beaches.

Trip Description: Winter on the eastern end of Long Island brings many ducks and other waterfowl to local lakes and coastal waters. Eastport is known for Canvasback, Redhead, both scaup species, American Wigeons, Gadwall, and the occasional Blue-winged Teal, Snipe, and Rusty Blackbird. Shinnecock and Dune Road may have Snowy Owl, Harlequin Duck, King Eider, American Bittern, and Clapper Rail. If time permits—and the birds cooperate—the trip will extend to the lakes in Patchogue to complete the list of ducks. The trip will conclude between 3:00–4:00 pm. Dress for cold and wind, especially along the ocean.

Registration: Registration opens at 9 am on Monday, December 28. After that time, click here to register. Registration closes at 6 pm on Wednesday, January 6. Members (and those who have applied for membership) will be prioritized over non-members.

Please read the About Our Trips page, if you’re going on a field trip for the first time. It details our field trip policies, recommends what to bring on a trip, and offers other useful information, pro tips, and tricks.

If after visiting the About Our Trips page, you still have questions, feel free to contact the Registrar via email.