***CANCELLED*** Bergen Swamp Field Trip
2020-06-20 07:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Bergen Swamp, Hessenthaller Road, Bergen, NY, United States
A trip to this unique place is by special permit from the Bergen Swamp Preservation Society and will feature nesting birds. The mix of vegetation zones provides secluded nesting habitat for the usual western N.Y. species as well as those more characteristic of the Canadian zone such as Blue-headed Vireo, Hermit Thrush, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Black-and-white, Canada and Nashville Warblers.
This is a walking trip of 3–5 miles on variably wet and slippery corduroy trails that must be followed closely for safety reasons and because of the fragile habitat. Sturdy boots (rather than sneakers) are STRONGLY recommended, and hiking or ski poles may be useful. Massasauga rattlesnakes are VERY rarely encountered.
Parking at the trailhead is limited, so we will meet at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the 7-11 Gas Station at the junction of Routes 33 and 19. Drive about 20 miles west of Rochester on I-490 to exit 2. Turn right (west) on Route 33 and go about one mile to the junction with Route 19. Turn left onto Route 19, then make an immediate left turn into the parking lot.

***CANCELLED*** Odonata Sanctuary
2020-06-21 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Odonata Sanctuary, 20 Parrish Road, Honeoye Falls, NY, 14472, United States
The 100 acre privately owned Odonata Sanctuary, 20 Parrish Road, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472, is the former home of Joseph W. Taylor, who was a founder of the American Birding Association and president of Hawk Mountain Association. The sanctuary participates in the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) that provides nesting acreage for grassland nesting birds such as Eastern Meadowlarks, Bobolinks, and Dickcissels. The sanctuary is an access point for the observation of migrating birds and monarch butterflies and is also home to one of the largest Eastern Bluebird nest box trails in the USA. There are also streams, a pond and woodlands.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the sanctuary. Enter the sanctuary at 20 Parrish Road and drive up the long, one-lane driveway.

***CANCELLED*** Barnhart's Camp and Keeney Swamp Field Trip
2020-06-28 07:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Shop ‘n Save – Nunda, 9045 State Route 408, Nunda, NY, 14517, United States
Travel throughout the diverse landscapes of Northern Allegany County, 20 minutes south of Letchworth State Park. Grassland, woodland, pond and swampland species such as Prairie and Mourning Warblers, Eastern Bluebirds, Pied-billed Grebes, and maybe a bittern or two should be seen. This trip generally goes all day so we can see as much as possible!
Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Shop N’ Save in Nunda on Route 408. Extra spotting scopes and FRS Radios would be helpful.
Lunch at Barnhart’s camp is a trip tradition-they grill the hot dogs! Bring a dish to pass-your choice (but this is optional).

Conesus Inlet State WMA Field Trip - Registration Required!
2020-08-01 07:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Vitale Park, Vitale Park, Big Tree Rd, NY, 14480, United States
Explore this expansive wetland for Virginia Rails and Wood Duck families. We’ve seen eagles on a reliable basis, Cliff Swallows and more. We will hope for Red-headed Woodpeckers (although they have not been seen recently) and other goodies on this fun trip.

Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Vitale Park on Route 20A in Lakeville. The park entrance is by the Lakeville post office on the south (lake) side of Route 20A and across the street from Smith’s Hardware. There’s a possibility of a trip extension to the Geneseo Airport area.

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 currently allow no more than 25 individuals at an outdoor gathering. All trips will be capped to meet that requirement, and exact capacity limits 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 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 any COVID-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
• Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
• Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
• 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, write “no photo” after your name 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.

***CANCELLED*** Beginner Trip: Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
2020-08-09 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Seneca Falls, NY, 13148, United States
Learn more about the fall migration of shorebirds in this nearby birding treasure. We’ll visit key spots you’ll want to revisit again and again!
Meet at 1:00 p.m. in the Bushnell’s Basin Park and Ride lot. The lot is off Route 96 just south of Exit 27 from I-490. Alternatively, meet up with the group at the first stop, the Montezuma visitor center at 2:00 p.m.
Extra spotting scopes would be very helpful.
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, and we will share our scopes. 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!

***CANCELLED*** Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Field Trip
2020-08-23 10:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Seneca Falls, NY, 13148, United States
We’ll be looking for waterfowl and migrating shorebirds. Expect to see herons, eagles and possibly falcons.
Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Montezuma visitor center. Pack a lunch.
Extra spotting scopes would be helpful.

Beginner Trip: Charlotte & Turning Point Park - Registration Open!
2020-09-05 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Charlotte / Ontario Beach Park, Charlotte Park, 4800 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14613, United States
We’ll be looking for shorebirds, warblers, and other fall migrants along the river and lakeshore. At Charlotte Beach, we’ll look for gulls in many plumages and some shorebirds, too. At Turning Point Park, we will look for the usual suspects and fall migrants.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte in the northeast corner of the parking lot, beside the Genesee River outlet.
Note: This is a field trip for beginners. New birders should feel free to join these trips regardless of experience level: bring binoculars and scopes 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
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 currently allow no more than 25 individuals at an outdoor gathering. All trips will be capped to meet that requirement, and exact capacity limits 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 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 any COVID-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
• Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
• Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
• 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.

September Meeting via Zoom!: Jean Iron - "The Nature of Arctic Birds "
2020-09-10 19:00 (America/New_York) | NY
For the remainder of 2020, there will be no in-person meetings. All will be conducted via Zoom. A URL link to the meeting will be emailed out before the meeting. To participate, you will need a laptop, desk top computer, cell phone or iPad or other device with an internet connection. You do not need to have a Zoom account, the URL link will allow you to enter the “meeting” and hear and see the speaker and the presentation.
Arctic birds have a special attraction for birders and are amongst our most sought-after species. In this presentation, Jean will take us north to look at birds whose exceptional endurance and lifestyle are determined by the relentless forces of nature. Physical adaptations of arctic birds, their colour schemes, short breeding season, populations, and impressive migrations are characteristics that Jean will highlight in photos and videos.
Jean Iron is a well-known Ontario birder. She was president of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) for nine years and editor of its newsletter for 14. In 2016, she received the OFO Distinguished Ornithologist Award.
Jean has a special interest in the qualities and adaptations of arctic birds. As an expedition leader for Quest Nature Tours to Canada’s High Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic, she experienced arctic birds in their natural habitats.
Annually since 2002, Jean went north to Hudson Bay and James Bay to survey shorebirds and geese for Canadian Wildlife Service and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Here at home, Jean loves gulls and the Niagara River, where she co-led the OFO Niagara trip for 17 years and gave gull identification workshops and quizzes.
Ivory Gull

Durand Eastman Park Field Trip - Registration Open Sept. 6
2020-09-13 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Durand Eastman Park, Lakeshore Boulevard, Rochester, NY, 14620, United States
We’ll be looking for thrushes and other migrants. Durand can be surprising this time of year. This will be an easy 2-hour walk along paved roads.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the Lake Shore Blvd. parking lot between Zoo Road and Log Cabin Road (Parking Lot D).

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 currently allow no more than 25 individuals at an outdoor gathering. All trips will be capped to meet that requirement, and exact capacity limits 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 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 any COVID-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
• Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
• Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
• 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.

*** CANCELLED *** Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Field Trip
2020-09-19 10:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Seneca Falls, NY, 13148, United States
Note: because the restrooms are closed and because so many sightings require scopes (which we cannot share due to COVID-19), this field trip has been cancelled. We look forward to offering it again in 2021.

We’ll be looking for waterfowl and migrating shorebirds. Expect to see herons, eagles and possibly falcons.
Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Montezuma visitor center. Pack a lunch.
Extra spotting scopes would be very helpful.

Ganondagan State Historic Site - Registration Open Sept 19
2020-09-26 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Ganondagan State Historic Site, 1488 NY-444, Victor, NY, 14564, United States
We will look for sparrows in the brush and other migrating birds, walking about 2 miles round trip on wide trails through fields, shrub land and woodlands to beautiful overlooks.
We’ll meet at 9:00 a.m. in the main parking lot off County Road 41/Boughton Hill Road. The parking lot is situated below the new museum at 7000 County Road 41, Victor, NY 14564. (From Route 444 from Victor, turn right onto Boughton Hill Road and go down the hill. The main parking lot will be on your right at the bottom of the hill.)

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 currently allow no more than 25 individuals at an outdoor gathering. All trips will be capped to meet that requirement, and exact capacity limits 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 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 any COVID-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
• Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
• Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
• 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.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Field Trip - Registration Open Sept 20
2020-09-27 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, NY, United States
We’ll look for migrant ducks and various passerines in this “get to know Iroquois in autumn” trip.
Meet at 11:00 a.m. at the Brockport Wegmans parking lot.
For those traveling from the west, meet at the Upper Stafford Marsh Overlook near 5999 Albion Road, Oakfield, NY at 11:30 a.m.
Bring a lunch and beverages as this trip can go until sundown.

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 currently allow no more than 25 individuals at an outdoor gathering. All trips will be capped to meet that requirement, and exact capacity limits 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 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 any COVID-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
• Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
• Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
• 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.

Whiting Road Nature Preserve - Registration Opens Sept. 26!
2020-10-03 08:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Whiting Road Preserve, 403 Whiting Road, Webster, NY, 14580, United States
This preserve includes about 240 acres of land that is made up of a variety of birding habitats. This results in decent birding lists throughout the year. The trails are well marked and maintained. However, they do get muddy at times, so appropriate footwear is recommended based on the weather leading up to the trip date. Most of the trails are somewhat flat, but there definitely will be a bit of up and down trail climbing in some sections. Hopefully, our trek will take us on parts of the blue, brown, orange, and red trails. [This trip is not handicap accessible. Moderate difficulty in a few spots. Length about 2.5 miles. Restroom facilities are not available.]
We will meet at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot on Whiting Road in Webster, 0.6 miles south of Lake Road.
Registration for this trip is not yet open.

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 currently allow no more than 25 individuals at an outdoor gathering. All trips will be capped to meet that requirement, and exact capacity limits 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 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 any COVID-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
• Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
• Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
• 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.

October Meeting via Zoom!: Gary Lee - "Birds that have Moved North with Climate Change, and Boreal Birds that have Gone Off the Radar During the Same Time"
2020-10-08 19:00 (America/New_York) | NY
For the remainder of 2020, there will be no in-person meetings. All will be conducted via Zoom. A URL link to the meeting will be emailed out before the meeting. To participate, you will need a laptop, desk top computer, cell phone or iPad or other device with an internet connection. You do not need to have a Zoom account, the URL link will allow you to enter the “meeting” and hear and see the speaker and the presentation.
If you are considering a change of scenery after months of staying in the Rochester area, tune in (via Zoom) to our speaker for the October 8, 2020, RBA meeting. Gary N. Lee, a former forest ranger and long-time resident birder from Inlet, NY, in the Adirondacks, will present on “Birds that have moved north with climate change, and boreal birds that have gone off the radar during the same time.” –Just in time for some fall birding! (A link for the Zoom meeting will be emailed before the meeting.)
Gary Lee lives with his wife of 56 years, Karen, at ‘Eight Acre Wood’ in Inlet, New York where he was the Forest Ranger for 35 years working in the Moose River Wild Forest Recreation Area and West Canada Lakes Wilderness Area. Now retired for 21 years, he works summers for the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, observing, catching and banding loons. In 2018, he received a Special Recognition Award from the Adirondack Council recognizing his work with loons. From 1980-1985 and 2000-2005, he worked on the NYS Birding Atlas. Since the early eighties, he has banded birds at the Crown Point Banding Station, Lake Champlain, and has banded at Eight Acre Wood since getting a license to band in 2006. In 2008, Lee co-authored a book with John M. C. “Mike” Peterson, Adirondack Birding–60 Great Places to Find Birds. He has traveled extensively and has identified and photographed most plants, animals, birds, snakes and butterflies on his journeys. From 1986 to 2019, he wrote a column, “Daybreak to Twilight,” in local papers. Currently, he writes a weekly online blog “Outdoor Adventures with Gary Lee” hosted by the Center for Arts and Culture (viewarts.org), Old Forge, NY. In addition to guiding, he shares his experiences of the natural world through lectures.

Hamlin Beach State Park Field Trip - Cancelled
2020-10-11 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | NY
We regret that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the RBA has decided to cancel this trip. Lake-watching requires scopes, and we believe that not being able to share would negatively impact the experience for many.
_____
We’ll start off walking wooded and brushy areas of the park, looking for thrushes, sparrows, and maybe a half-hardy warbler or two. After that, we’ll stop by the lake watch to view ducks on the water and in flight, learning about the lake watch process as we share scopes. Dress appropriately for cooler weather along the lake, and wear comfortable footwear.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. in Hamlin Beach State Park, Parking Lot 1.

Batavia Wastewater Treatment Plant Field Trip - Cancelled
2020-10-17 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Batavia Wastewater Treatment Plant, 9 Treadeasy Ave, Batavia, NY, 14020, United States
We regret that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the RBA has decided to cancel this trip. Potential closures of this facility to the public and the inability to carpool make this trip difficult or impossible at the current time.
_____
Why a wastewater treatment plant? Open water and a great location mean that this spot appears regularly on fall birding lists. We will drive on the banks of the ponds, getting out wherever the birds are congregating. Discover the great opportunity this spot (and its helpful staff) offers.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the wastewater treatment plant at the end of Industrial Blvd., which is off Pearl Street (Route 33) at the western edge of the city of Batavia. From the NYS Thruway (I-90) at Batavia, exit 48, go south on Route 98 into the city of Batavia. At the second light (candy store), make a right turn onto Pearl Street (or Genesee Street), which is Route 33. Go west approximately 0.5 miles to Industrial Blvd. and make a left. Proceed south past the railroad tracks and straight up the hill and through the open gates to the entrance building of the treatment plant (first building on your left).
Or, from Rochester, take I-490 W, to Exit 2 (Route 33 west). Follow Route 33 west through Batavia; turn left onto Oak Street (Route 33), stay right at roundabout, continue on Route 33, 0.5 miles to Industrial Blvd., turn left. Continue straight across the railroad tracks and up the hill. Turn left into the parking lot of the offices.
We will carpool from the plant offices.

Durand Eastman Park Field Trip - Registration Open Oct 24
2020-10-31 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Durand Eastman Park, Lakeshore Boulevard, Rochester, NY, 14620, United States
Waxwings, winter finches, and lingering migrants are possible. We may visit Irondequoit Bay to look for waterfowl.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Lakeshore Blvd. parking lot between Zoo and Log Cabin Roads (Parking Lot D).
Please dress for the weather.

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 currently allow no more than 25 individuals at an outdoor gathering. All trips will be capped to meet that requirement, and exact capacity limits 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 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 any COVID-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
• Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
• Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
• 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.

Niagara River Field Trip - Cancelled
2020-11-08 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Niagara River, Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown, NY, 14174, United States
As the US-Canadian border remains closed, and as this trip relies heavily on scopes, the RBA has regretfully decided to cancel this trip for 2020. We hope that we will be able to offer this gull-a-palooza again next year.
_ _ _ _ _
Join us on our birding venture along the Niagara River in both the US and Canada. We will start at Lake Ontario and work our way south to the Falls. Our focus will be on waterfowl and gulls, including Bonaparte’s Gull and Little Gull, with possible late migrating Common Tern, with additional stops for Red-headed Woodpecker, Black Vulture and late migrating passerines.
Meet at the Old Fort Niagara parking lot at 9:00 am. Bring beverages and lunch, for this is an all day trip. Carpooling is strongly advised, as we will be crossing into Canada.
Participants MUST bring passports or enhanced driver’s licenses.
Dress warmly and in layers. Extra spotting scopes would be very helpful.

November Meeting via Zoom!: Rick Wright - "A Field Guide to the Toucans of Europe "
2020-11-12 19:00 (America/New_York) | NY
For the remainder of 2020, there will be no in-person meetings. All will be conducted via Zoom. To participate, you will need a laptop, desk top computer, cell phone or iPad or other device with an internet connection. You do not need to have a Zoom account, the URL link will allow you to enter the “meeting” and hear and see the speaker and the presentation.
The Zoom meeting link is below. The “meeting” room will be open 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the meeting to allow folks to chat with one another. Join via webcam or call in to the phone number below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81425765663
Dial by your location
+1 (646) 558-8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 814 2576 5663
No, there aren’t any toucans in the Old World–no wild ones, at least. But over the centuries, the natural historians of central Europe have taken the ramphastids to heart as the ultimate emblems of the exotic. Join Rick Wright for an amusing and richly illustrated tour through the earliest literature of the toucans, aracaris, and other big-nosed birds of the American tropics.
Rick Wright leads birds and art tours in Europe and the Americas for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours. A native of southeast Nebraska, Rick attended the University of Nebraska and Harvard Law School, and holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Princeton University. In addition to two scholarly books on the animal literature of the late Middle Ages, he is the author of the American Birding Association’s Field Guide to Birds of New Jersey and the ABA’s Field Guide to Birds of Arizona. His most recent book is the Peterson Reference Guide to Sparrows of North America. Fascinated by birds, birders, and birding–if not necessarily in that order–Rick lives in Bloomfield, NJ, with his family: Alison Beringer, Avril Huang, and their chocolate lab, Gellert.

Conesus Lake Area Field Trip - Registration Opens Nov. 28
2020-12-05 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Conesus Lake Area, Vitale Park, Big Tree Road, NY, 14480, United States
We’ll be looking for Tundra Swans, Canvasback, Redhead and other waterfowl.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Vitale Park on Route 20A in Lakeville. The park entrance is by the Lakeville post office on the south (lake) side of 20A and across the street from Smith’s Hardware.

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 currently allow no more than 25 individuals at an outdoor gathering. All trips will be capped to meet that requirement, and exact capacity limits 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 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 any COVID-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
• Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
• Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
• 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.

Beginner Trip: Nations Road - Registration Opens Nov 29!
2020-12-06 14:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Nations Road, 2658-2682 Nations Rd, Avon, NY, 14414, United States
Sharpen your skills on wintering hawks and Short-eared Owls. Other wintering birds such as Horned Larks, Snow Buntings, and Lapland Longspurs are often present.
Meet at 2:00 p.m. at the Tops Plaza in Avon on Routes 5 and 20, 2 miles west of I-390.
Dress warmly.
Note: This is a field trip for beginners. New birders should feel free to join these trips regardless of experience level: bring binoculars and scopes 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
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 currently allow no more than 25 individuals at an outdoor gathering. All trips will be capped to meet that requirement, and exact capacity limits 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 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 any COVID-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
• Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
• Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
• 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.

December Meeting via Zoom!: Ken Rosenberg - "3 Billion Birds Lost: The Disappearance of North American Birds and What We Can Do About It"
2020-12-10 19:00 (America/New_York) | NY
For the remainder of 2020, there will be no in-person meetings. All will be conducted via Zoom. A URL link to the meeting will be emailed out before the meeting. To participate, you will need a laptop, desk top computer, cell phone or iPad or other device with an internet connection. You do not need to have a Zoom account, the URL link will allow you to enter the “meeting” and hear and see the speaker and the presentation.
In 2019, a landmark publication in Science documented the loss of 3 billion birds from the North American avifauna over the past 50 years. Lead author Ken Rosenberg will describe the scientific results of this study, the unprecedented attention it received in the media and the public, and efforts over the past year to respond to this loss and bring back the birds.
Ken Rosenberg is an Applied Conservation Scientist at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, with a joint partnership appointment at American Bird Conservancy. Ken has been at Cornell for 27 years, after receiving a PhD. in Zoology from Louisiana State University, studying foraging specialization in Amazonian birds, a MSc from Arizona State University, and a BS from Cornell. Ken’s current research focuses on the conservation status and health of bird populations and filling crucial knowledge gaps that impede full annual-cycle conservation of migratory birds—especially the stopover behavior of our ling-distant migrants in Central and South America. Ken has been a long-time leader in Partners in Flight and is on the U.S. Committee of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, where he leads NABCI’s production of U.S. and North American State of the Birds Reports. He is also a Fellow at Cornell’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future. Ken is a lifelong birder and is dedicated to promoting amateur contributions to ornithology and conservation through eBird other citizen science programs.

Rochester Christmas Bird Count – Sunday, December 20th, 2020
2020-12-20 06:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Enjoy the company of other birders! Participate in citizen science!
Join us for the 121th Christmas Bird Count of the National Audubon Society and the 117th Rochester CBC. If you cannot bird in the field, watch your feeder and phone results to the area leader.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the count will operate differently this year. We likely cannot pair new birders with experienced ones, and we will forgo the traditional post-count tally gathering.
It is crucial this year that you contact the circle compiler to receive up-to-date information on the count, and to receive an assignment.
Count Compiler: Norma Platt 585-260-5221
Birds seen during the count week, December 17 to 23, may be called in to the area leaders.

Little Lakes Christmas Bird Count – Saturday, December 26th, 2020
2020-12-26 06:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NY
This year marks the 121th count nationwide and the 69th count for the area. The count date is Saturday, December 26, 2020. Birds seen during the count week of December 23 to December 29 may be called in to the leaders for inclusion in the tally.
The center of the 15 mile diameter circle is the outlet of Hemlock Lake, at the north end of the lake. The circle includes all of Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice and Honeoye Lakes, and a large area to the north. The dividing line between the lakes is the height of land between the lakes. It is important for the coverage in each of the 5 areas to be as consistent as possible, year to year, for meaningful evaluation of the count area. Your participation in this worthy endeavor would be greatly appreciated. Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is crucial to contact the circle compiler this year to receive an assignment and to receive up-to-date information on any changes to the regular count procedure.
Pat Martin, Compiler
Home: 585-582-2761 Cell: 585-301-5485
Area Leaders (Note: These are from 2019 and may not be current.)
Conesus Lake Jim Kimball 243-0316
Hemlock Lake Bill Howe 301-2646
Canadice Lake Phil Opdycke 385-6189
Honeoye Lake Bob Spahn 671-5690

Irondequoit Bay Outlet & Durand Eastman Park - Year List Jump-Start Field Trip ***CANCELLED***
2021-01-01 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Sandbar Park, 302 Lake Road, Webster, NY, 14580, United States
Get started on your annual list!
We’ll look for winter waterfowl on the Bay, then move to Durand-Eastman Park where we will stroll Log Cabin Road and Zoo Road looking for finches, waxwings, and resident birds. This trip is mostly on paved roads. No restrooms available.
New rendezvous location: Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the large parking lot at Sandbar Park. It’s about 0.6 miles east of the outlet bridge on the north side of Lake Road (across from the Bay Side Pub at 279 Lake Road). Dress warmly! Spotting scopes would be very useful.

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 change frequently. Exact capacity limits will be determined on a trip by trip basis, and they may be subject to change.
• 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 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 any COVID-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
• Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
• Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
• 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.

Webster Park - Campground Area Field Trip ***CANCELLED***
2021-01-09 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Webster Park – Campground Area, 1034 Lake Road, Webster, NY, 14580, United States
In mature forest and scrubby areas we’ll look for overwintering resident birds, lingering migrants such as Hermit Thrush and special winter visitors such as Evening and Pine Grosbeaks, White-winged and Red Crossbills and Bohemian Waxwings.
This is a flat walk. Dress warmly as we may be outside for 2-3 hours, although you are free to leave at any time. Wear boots with good traction. No rest rooms available. Trip length will depend upon trail and weather conditions.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot on the south side of Lake Road across from Kanatota Lodge.

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 change frequently. Exact capacity limits will be determined on a trip by trip basis, and they may be subject to change.
• 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 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 any COVID-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
• Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
• Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
• 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.

Beginner Birder Trip: Mendon Ponds Park Songbird Trail ***CANCELLED***
2021-01-16 09:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | NY
This trip will be a leisurely winter walk along rolling trails (approx.1-1/2 miles) featuring some very close looks at our winter passerines! Bring your binoculars, some sunflower seeds, and your camera! This is a family-friendly field trip.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the visitor center on Pond Road near Clover Street. Restroom available at the visitor center.
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
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 change frequently. Exact capacity limits will be determined on a trip by trip basis, and they may be subject to change.
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 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 any COVID-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

Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
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.

January Meeting via Zoom!: Laura Erickson - "The Love Lives of Birds"
2021-01-16 18:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Laura Erickson will talk about how courtship, mating, and parenting vary wildly among different birds, from the lifelong devotion of American Crows to the dalliances of Eastern Bluebirds, from Bald Eagles’ focus on home improvements to the female Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s Rosie the Riveter’s lifestyle. Come along on a romance-fueled romp through the love lives of several New York birds, with illustrations from The Love Lives of Birds and photos from her Into the Nest: Intimate Views of the Courting, Parenting and Family Lives of Birds. Laura weaves accurate scientific fact with humorous and insightful parallels between human and bird.
Laura Erickson, former science editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is author of twelve books about birds, a former wildlife rehabber who specialized on nighthawks, and a columnist and contributing editor for BirdWatching magazine. In 1986, Laura created “For the Birds,” the longest-running radio program about birds in the United States. In 2014, she was given the American Birding Association’s Roger Tory Peterson Award. To learn more about Laura, please visit her website: lauraerickson.com.

Avon and Lima Rural Tour Field Trip - Registration Opens January 16, 2021
2021-01-23 14:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Nations Road, 2658-2682 Nations Rd, Avon, NY, 14414, United States
We’ll search the Nations Road area, looking for Northern Shrikes, hawks, Snow Buntings, and other birds of the fields and farmland in winter. We’ll be mostly driving, with frequent stops along the road. If COVID-19 guidelines allow, please carpool!
Meet at 2:00 p.m. at Tops Plaza (restroom) in Avon on Routes 5 and 20, two miles west of I-390. Spotting scopes would be very useful.
COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 currently allow no more than 25 individuals at an outdoor gathering. All trips will be capped to meet that requirement, and exact capacity limits 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 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 any COVID-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

Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
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.

Lakeshore Plains West Field Trip - Registration Opens January 24, 2021
2021-01-31 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Braddock Bay Park, 199 East Manitou Road, Greece, NY, 14612, United States
A driving tour of the farm fields and open lands to the west of Rochester, this trip will search for Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, Northern Shrikes, and hawks in the plains and country roads of western Monroe and Orleans Counties. If the weather cooperates, we may venture as far as Golden Hill State Park for a look at the lake and a short walk. Dress warmly in layers; bring a snack and a thermos filled with cocoa. We will drive along backcountry roads for a few hours, stopping where we see bird activity. Barring the possible walk at Golden Hill, this trip should be handicapped-accessible. No restrooms available.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Braddock Bay Park main parking lot. Use the East Manitou Road exit from the Ontario State Parkway.
Bring your own FRS radios and spotting scopes, if you have them.
COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rochester Birding Association is instituting the following procedures for all field trips. By registering for this 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 currently allow no more than 25 individuals at an outdoor gathering. All trips will be capped to meet that requirement, and exact capacity limits 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 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 any COVID-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

Participants will be required to stay 6 feet apart at all times and wear a mask whenever they are outside of their car.
Participants that reside in the same household may share binoculars or scopes, but we regret that otherwise optics cannot be shared. We realize this may be frustrating for those who do not have their own spotting scopes. To the extent possible, we will choose birding locations that do not require advanced optics.
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.
