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 Braddock Bay Park 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 trailhead.
Leader: Liz Magnanti 585-748-0309 and co-leaders Doug and Elizabeth Rabjohns 585-690-6296
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
RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. 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, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending 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.
