Field trips are listed in the Society's Schedule of Events, which is mailed in late July or early August.  See the News-Letter and this website for changes and additional information.

Trips normally are limited to 12-18 participants.  To join a field trip with registration, contact the registrar (as early in the registration period as possible).  Registration periods normally last two weeks.  When a field trip is over-subscribed, members will have preference over nonmembers and drivers (whether or not members) willing to take others will have preference over everyone.  Space permitting, nonmembers are welcome.

Registration is not required for trips to Central Park, Prospect Park and some other locations in New York City.  Participation in many of the Society's other field trips requires registration.  To participate in a field trip, contact the registrar and obtain information about the meeting time and place, transportation and other matters.  Please call after registration opens, between 9am and 9pm or at other times posted.  When an email address is provided for the registrar, please use email if possible (after 9am the first day of registration).  Registration periods are normally two weeks.  Please contact the registrar as early in the registration period as possible.

Our registrars are volunteers whose efforts make our trips possible; please do not expect special arrangements.  The registrar will tell you a few days before the trip when and where the trip will meet.  Notify the registrar promptly if your plans change.  (Last minute changes are disruptive; if you register for a trip, you are expected to go if you are able.  Similarly, it is very disruptive when drivers cancel at the last minute or leave trips early.)

For trips to Jamaica Bay and other locations accessible by train, participants may use public transportation. Participants who share rides must pay a "ride charge".  The ride charge represents a fair allocation of expenses; we ask that each rider (except the leader) pay the amount of the ride charge (or the rental car pooling amount) to the driver at the start of the trip.

Availability of transportation is a constant problem; rental car pooling is the answer.  If the registrar cannot arrange transportation for you, you can share the cost of a rental car or van with others, so long as someone can drive.  (This shared cost will not significantly exceed the ride charge.)

Our policy is that persons who register for trips requiring transportation (other than drivers) must be willing to join a car rental pool.  Registrars may assign riders on the basis of location and convenience, rather than who registered first. If you sign up for a trip, you thereby agree to join a car rental pool, and we expect you to stay with the pool.

Bring lunch and water.  wear walking shoes and clothing for extended periods outside.  A hat may be useful.  Insect repellent and sunscreen are often necessary.  Bring raingear if rainy weather is likely.  In winter, bring winter gear.  Of course, you will want to have binoculars (and possibily a scope) and a field guide.

For overnight trips, the registrar will arrange accommodations (on a double-occupancy basis to the extent possible) and may ask you to confirm or make a deposit for a reservation in your name.  Note that overnight trips have earlier registration and some extended trips may have very early registration.

Registrars are the people behind the scenes; they make our field trips possible!  Tell Anne Lazarus that you want to be a registrar.  We'll explain how to do it.