We’ll look primarily for our smallest visiting owl, the Northern Saw-whet, which returns to this spot on a yearly basis.  Long-eared Owls generally put in an appearance, too, although they’re quite shy and great at hiding.  After the owl walk, we’ll head to the Hawk Watch site to learn how to identify raptors on the wing.  At this time of year, we might witness spectacular flights of thousands of raptors!  The Owl Woods trails are flat and likely will be wet and muddy. Boots are strongly recommended – they’re almost mandatory! No restrooms available. Bring binoculars and, if you have them, spotting scopes.

Meet at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot on the right side of Manitou Beach Road across from the Owl Woods trail head.

Note: This is a field trip for beginners. New birders should feel free to join these trips regardless of experience level: bring binoculars if you have them. The pace & focus of Beginner Trips may not be satisfying for experienced birders. Our Beginner Trips focus on teaching identification skills, learning new habitats, and answering questions. Experienced birders are welcome but may be pressed into service as educators!

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures

The Rochester Birding Association has instituted the following procedures for all field trips for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. By registering for a field trip, you acknowledge that you have read and will abide by these policies.

Registration Policies:

• Advance registration through Eventbrite is required in order to attend the trip. NYS guidelines for the allowable number of attendees at an outdoor gathering have eased considerably, but out of an abundance of caution, we will continue capacity limits that will be determined on a trip-by-trip basis.
• Individuals who did not pre-register will not be allowed to attend the field trip.
• Should you decide not to attend the trip, we encourage you to cancel your reservation before 1:00 PM the day before the trip to make room for others. Canceling is easily done through the Eventbrite website; see your confirmation email for details.

Health Screening Considerations:

• Full contact information is required at registration in case contact tracing is requested.
• No one who has a temperature of 100.4F or greater (without having taken any fever-reducing medications) should attend.
• No one who has anyCOVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell) should attend.
• No one who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days or who has been instructed to self-isolate or quarantine should attend.
• No one who has been in close (within 6 feet) or proximate (same closed environment, but greater than 6 feet) contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has had symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 14 days, should attend.
• No one who has traveled or who lives with someone who has traveled to a country or state on the New York coronavirus travel advisory list in the last 14 days should attend.
• Participants who test positive for the coronavirus within 14 days after attending a field trip are encouraged to contact the RBA.

Social Distancing and Safety Best Practices

• Mask wearing is required for participants who are not fully vaccinated; it is optional, but encouraged for those fully vaccinated.
• We will continue to encourage social distancing whether or not a mask is worn.
• As long as participants continue to socially-distance, we will allow scope sharing.
• Participants are encouraged to keep hand sanitizer with them in case of accidental contact.

Waive and Release from Liability: By registering for this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event, including potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.

Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, check the appropriate box on the registration form. Otherwise, by registering for this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name and for any lawful purpose including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.