Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, 35th Annual Tom Davis Memorial Shorebird Walk

Date: Saturday, August 21, 2027

Leader(s): Leader: Tom Stephenson
Transportation: Carpool Trip: Jamaica Bay is accessible via public transportation. However, an effort will be made by the registrar to provide rides, though there is no guarantee of enough volunteer drivers to accommodate all participants. Registrar will also inform participants of the carpool fee, which is based on the trip location.
Meeting Point: After your registration is confirmed, the Registrar will share directions, the exact meeting place, and time with attendees.
Schedule: Half-day, ending in early afternoon.
Relative Difficulty: Expect to walk 3-4 miles on mostly flat terrain. Muck boots likely necessary for the East Pond area and there can be mosquitoes.

Trip Description: This annual memorial walk honors Tom Davis, who was, by many accounts, from the birders who knew him, an incredible observer of wildlife especially interested in shorebirds. He was also well known for imparting his knowledge to others and ensuring that others would see the unique birds he sighted. This year’s walk, led by Tom Stephenson, will also be guided by those principles.

The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge includes over 12,600 acres of salt marshes, freshwater and brackish-water ponds, upland fields and woods, an open bay, and islands. It is one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern United States and a great place to observe seasonal bird migration and resident species. This walk is scheduled for peak shorebird concentrations at Jamaica Bay and will likely include a visit to the East Pond, which may require mud boots to navigate comfortably.

Registration: Registration opens at 9 am on Monday, August 9. After that time, click here to register. Registration closes at 6 pm on Wednesday, August 18. 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.