Bergen Swamp Field Trip - Registration Opens June 12, 2021
2021-06-19 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.
We will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the main trailhead entrance to Bergen Swamp: 6646 Hessenthaler Rd, Byron, NY 14422. From Rochester, take I-490 west to Exit 2. Take Rt. 33 west and turn right (north) onto Route 19. Turn left at the fire station onto Hunter Road It becomes Swamp Road. Follow Swamp Road west past Pocock Road and turn right onto Hessenthaler Road. The swamp entrance is at the kiosk on the right. Park along the right shoulder, but do not park in front of the caretaker’s house.
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.

Odonata Sanctuary Field Trip - Registration Opens June 13, 2021
2021-06-20 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. The trails pass over streams, around a pond and through woodlands.
No restrooms available.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the sanctuary. Enter the sanctuary at 20 Parrish Road and drive up the long, one-lane driveway.
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.

Barnhart's Camp and Keeney Swamp Field Trip - Registration Opens June 20, 2021
2021-06-27 07:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Shop ‘n Save – Nunda, 9045 State Route 408, Nunda, NY, 14517, United States
We will be birding as we drive (and stop) 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 where restrooms are available. Spotting scopes and FRS Radios would be useful.
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).
COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
UPDATED June 15, 2021 (* major change)
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
* Mask wearing is required for only participants who are not fully vaccinated, it is optional 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.

Continually check our publication sites including Rochesterbirding.org, EventBrite, and RBA Facebook page for the latest requirement updates.
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.

Conesus Inlet State WMA Field Trip - Registration Opens July 24, 2021
2021-07-31 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. This trip is a combination of driving, stopping at overlooks and short walks on trails. It is not handicap/wheelchair accessible. Length about 1.5 mile walking.
Restrooms are available at the meeting place only.
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. Spotting scopes would be very useful.
COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
UPDATED June 15, 2021 (* major change)
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

* Mask wearing is required for only participants who are not fully vaccinated, it is optional 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.

Continually check our publication sites including Rochesterbirding.org, EventBrite, and RBA Facebook page for the latest requirement updates.
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: Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Registration Opens August 1, 2021
2021-08-08 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! There will be a number of stops during this mostly driving trip. Bring binoculars.
Restrooms may not be available at the Visitor Center.
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.
Bring binoculars and, if you have them, spotting scopes.
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
UPDATED June 15, 2021 (* major change)
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

* Mask wearing is required for only participants who are not fully vaccinated, it is optional 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.

Continually check our publication sites including Rochesterbirding.org, EventBrite, and RBA Facebook page for the latest requirement updates.
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.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Field Trip - Registration Opens August 15, 2021
2021-08-22 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. There will be a number of stops during this mostly driving trip. There’s a possibility of a walk on the dikes.
Restrooms may not be available at the Visitor Center.
Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Montezuma visitor center. Pack a lunch. Spotting scopes would be useful.
COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
UPDATED June 15, 2021 (* major change)
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

* Mask wearing is required for only participants who are not fully vaccinated, it is optional 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.

Continually check our publication sites including Rochesterbirding.org, EventBrite, and RBA Facebook page for the latest requirement updates.
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: Charlotte & Turning Point Park - Registration Opens August 28, 2021
2021-09-04 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. Bring binoculars. The Charlotte Beach area can be wheelchair accessible. Low difficulty—one long steep grade at Turning Point Park. Length about 2.0 miles total.
Restrooms are available at Charlotte only.
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.
Bring binoculars and, if you have them, spotting scopes.
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.7

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: Faraaz Abdool - "Birding the Wildest Islands of the Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago)"
2021-09-09 19:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Venue, NY
Hello RBAers!
We hope you all have enjoyed your summer. RBA will have our first meeting since May on September 9, 2021 at 7 pm. As of this writing (Aug. 7), we do not know if we will be meeting in person or continue on Zoom (email notification to come later). Either way, our first speaker or two will Zoom in, which has the advantage of allowing us to have speakers from faraway places, in this case, from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
I met Faraaz Abdool through a wonderful online organization called Learn the Birds. Based in South Africa, Learn the Birds presents free weekly webinars on a wide range of topics related to birds worldwide. It also holds master classes on bird photography, and Faraaz, who is head of programs for the Americas, holds monthly casual chats called The Bird is the Word. Check it out at: learnthebirds.com.
You can see Faraaz’s great photography and read his thoughtful blogs at: https://www.faraazabdool.com and on https://www.10000birds.com. Please join us as we learn about this superb birding destination.
Jeanne Verhulst, Vice President and Program Chair
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/81375029324
Dial by your location
+1 (646) 558-8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 813 7502 9324
At 7 pm the meeting will begin and everyone but the presenters will be muted. There will be time for Q&A after the talk. You will have a better viewing experience if you use “enter Full Screen” mode. If you are new to Zoom, please visit Zoom Help Center: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697 for more information.
Trinidad and Tobago boasts the second highest species density of birds per unit area in the world. In this talk, the viewer is whisked along on a tour that goes back in time from the formation of the islands to the present day avian cornucopia. Stunning visuals of T&T’s wild spaces and of over 150 species of birds form the backbone of this virtual birding tour of these two continental islands in the Caribbean.
Faraaz Abdool is an internationally published freelance conservation and wildlife photographer/writer who specializes in birds and the issues they face worldwide. He graciously serves on the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Status and Distribution Committee (formerly the Trinidad and Tobago Rare Bird Committee), and leads birding trips on both islands. Faraaz also runs yearly birding and wildlife tours to East Africa.
Faraaz is also the author of “Casual Birding in Trinidad & Tobago”, an extensive volume designed to market T&T as an attractive and easy birding destination as well as to educate the local population about their avian cohabitants. Read a review here: https://newsday.co.tt/2021/04/11/theres-nothing-casual-about-casual-birding/
Although he doesn’t keep a life list, Faraaz has been a keen birder for many years, separating Black and Turkey Vultures at distance as a little boy, skipping class to gaze at Magnificent Frigatebirds as a teenager and quitting his job as an electrical engineer to put all his energy into conservation as an adult.
Faraaz cultivates wildlife consciousness via his words and images in a last-ditch attempt to reconnect humans with nature and save the world.
Faraaz Abdool

New! Whiting Road Nature Preserve Field Trip - Registration Opens September 4, 2021
2021-09-11 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. Restrooms 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.
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.

Durand-Eastman Park Field Trip - Registration Opens September 5, 2021
2021-09-12 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 2-3 hour walk along paved roads.
This trip is wheelchair accessible. Low difficulty—slight grade at one point. Length about 2.5 miles, total. Restroom facilities are not available on this route, but are in other areas of the park.
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 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.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Field Trip - Registration Opens September 11, 2021
2021-09-18 10:30 - 15:30 (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. There will be a number of stops during this mostly driving trip.
Restrooms may not be available at the Visitor Center.
Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Montezuma visitor center. Pack a lunch. 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.

Ganondagan State Historic Site - Registration Opens September 18, 2021
2021-09-25 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 near the parking area, and then walk about 2 miles round trip on the wide trails through fields, shrubland and woodlands to beautiful overlooks.
This trip is not wheelchair accessible. Moderate difficulty in spots–hills. Restroom facilities are available at the center.
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 at the blinking light onto Boughton Hill Road; the main parking lot will be on your right near 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 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.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Field Trip - Registration Opens September 19, 2021
2021-09-26 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. This trip is a combination of driving and walking and includes a boardwalk, forest trail, and dirt road.
Not wheelchair accessible in the forest trail. Low difficulty–flat. Length about 3.5 miles total, walking. Port-a-john available about midway through trip.
Meet at 11:00 a.m. at the Brockport Wegmans parking lot (restroom). 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. 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.

Hamlin Beach State Park Field Trip - Registration Opens October 3, 2021
2021-10-10 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | NY
We’ll start off walking flat 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. Dress appropriately for cooler weather along the lake, and wear comfortable footwear.
Restroom facilities are available.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. in Hamlin Beach State Park, Parking Lot 1. 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.

October Meeting: Alvaro Jaramillo - "Birding Fast and Slow"
2021-10-14 19:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Venue, NY
Hello RBAers!
Note: Jared Clarke, Birding Newfoundland, originally scheduled for October 14, will present via Zoom at our meeting November 11, 2021.
Alvaro Jaramillo takes a slightly different approach than many others to birding and the birding tours he leads. While he wants his clients to see the important birds of the area, he does not want to just tick them off a list, he also wants people to learn something about the birds they see, to take the time to appreciate them, and the area in which they are found. He feels so strongly about this, he’s planning to launch a new subscription based online birding community, called “Birding Your Best Life.” Its primary goal is to help people enjoy birds more, regardless of their circumstances and goals. It will include discussion communities, equipment reviews, video tutorials, and much more. You can visit his website, https://www.alvarosadventures.com, for more information. Join us on October 14, at 7:00 PM to hear Alvaro’s thoughts on birding. We will again meet via Zoom, not in person. (Zoom link will be sent a via email a few days before. Zoom room opens at 6:45 PM.)
Jeanne Verhulst
Vice President and Program Chair
Birding Fast and Slow, presented by Alvaro Jaramillo
As we know, birding can be immensely gratifying. As a pastime it is like a good hot sauce, it goes well with everything but there is a lot to it that we do not think about. A brain actually engages in different ways to identify a bird depending on whether you are new to birding or have been doing it for years. Learning about the brain and how we process birding information, can make birding easier, particularly bird identification. Some aspects of what we do as birders is reflexive, other aspects are deeply thoughtful and contemplative. There is a lot to birding, and perhaps what we forget is that it is a privilege to be connected with nature … and it is also fun and absolutely wonderful for your health. Perhaps one day, doctors will prescribe birding to people!
Alvaro Jaramillo, owner of birding tour company Alvaro’s Adventures, was born in Chile but began birding in Toronto, where he lived as a youth. He was trained in ecology and evolution with a particular interest in bird behavior. Research forays and backpacking trips introduced Alvaro to the riches of the Neotropics, where he has traveled extensively. He is the author of the Birds of Chile, an authoritative yet portable field guide to Chile’s birds. Alvaro writes the Identify Yourself column in Bird Watcher’s Digest magazine. Alvaro recently wrote part of the sparrow chapter for the Handbook of Birds of the World, and the new ABA Field Guide Birds of California. He was recently granted the Eisenmann Medal by the Linnaean Society of New York, awarded occasionally for excellence in ornithology and encouragement of the amateur. He organizes and leads international birding tours, as well as a full schedule of pelagic trips in central California. Alvaro lives with his family in Half Moon Bay, California.

Batavia Wastewater Treatment Plant Field Trip - Registration Opens October 9, 2021
2021-10-16 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Batavia Wastewater Treatment Plant, 9 Treadeasy Ave, Batavia, NY, 14020, United States
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.
Restrooms might be available at the plant offices.
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 Oak Street, which is Route 33. Continue on Rt. 33 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.
If COVID guidelines allow, we will carpool from the plant offices. 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.

Birds and Brews @ Faircraft Brauhaus
2021-10-21 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Faircraft Brauhaus, 25 Parce Avenue, Suite 100-105, Fairport, NY, 14450, United States
Birds and Brews is back!

This is a casual evening for members to get together and share birding stories, compare travel destinations, and catch up all while having a pint of Rochester’s finest ale.

Our October get together will be on Thursday, October 21st from 6-9pm at Faircraft Brauhaus. This German influenced brewery not only has a wide variety on tap but has a full menu of food as well.

Hope to see you there!

Location:
Faircraft Brauhaus
25 Parce Ave
Suite 100-105
Fairport, NY 14450

Durand Eastman Park Field Trip - Registration Opens October 23, 2021
2021-10-30 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.
This trip is wheelchair accessible. Low difficulty—slight grade at one point. Length about 2.5 miles, total. Restrooms may be available on this route.
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 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.

November Meeting: Jared Clarke - "Birds of Newfoundland & Labrador: Perched on the Edge of North America"
2021-11-11 19:00 (America/New_York) | TBD, To be determined...., Rochester, NY, United States
Hello RBAers!
In September, we explored the birds of the tropical paradise islands of Trinidad and Tobago with Faraaz Abdool. This month we head north all the way to the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Jared Clarke, expert birder, will entice us to this boreal paradise with a tour of his home province and the many birds that inhabit it. Don’t miss it!
Jared will Zoom in for this presentation at 7:00 PM Thursday, November 11, 2021, whether we meet in person or not. We will keep you posted by email.
Jeanne Verhulst
Vice President and Program Chair
Birds of Newfoundland & Labrador: Perched on the Edge of North America presented by Jared Clarke
Located at the edge of North America, Newfoundland & Labrador is home to a unique mix of birdlife. Join Jared Clarke to learn more about the diversity of species that might be found there – Atlantic Puffin, Northern Gannet, Boreal Chickadee, Mourning Warbler, Willow Ptarmigan … and so many more! From some of the world’s most spectacular (and accessible) seabird colonies to lush boreal forests; subarctic tundra to tranquil lakes and wetlands – Canada’s easternmost province is a wonderful birding destination.
Jared Clarke grew up on the northeast coast of Newfoundland and was introduced to the outdoors at a very young age, mostly by his grandfathers. Always a nature enthusiast, he became interested in birds while working for a local conservation group. Jared soon became one of the most avid birders in the province. Despite his “official” training as a health researcher (Ph.D. Medicine), his love of nature and sharing it with others increasingly led him astray. He currently runs a small bird and nature tour business, called Bird•The•Rock, and routinely leads trips at home and abroad for various tour companies. You can follow his adventures at www.birdtherock.com.

Niagara River Field Trip - Registration Opens November 21, 2021
2021-11-28 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Niagara River, Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown, NY, 14174, United States
Join us on our birding venture along the Niagara River on the US side of the border. (Due to COVID restrictions and requirements, we will not be crossing into Canada this year.)
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 a.m. Bring beverages and lunch, for this is may be an all day trip. Dress warmly and in layers. 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.

Conesus Lake Area Field Trip - Registration Opens November 27, 2021
2021-12-04 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.
This trip is a combination of driving, stopping at overlooks and short walks on trails. It is not handicap/wheelchair accessible. Low difficulty. Length about 1.5 mile walking. Restrooms are available at Vitale Park only.
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. 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.

Beginner Trip: Nations Road - Registration Opens November 28, 2021
2021-12-05 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.
This trip is a combination of driving and viewing at stops along roads. Accessible if getting in and out of car is not a problem. Low difficulty. Length about .5 mile walking. Restroom facilities are not available except at Tops. Bring binoculars.
Meet at 2:00 p.m. at the Tops Plaza in Avon on Routes 5 and 20, 2 miles west of I-390. If COVID guidelines allow, carpooling strongly advised. Dress warmly. Spotting scopes and FRS radios would be very useful.
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 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.

December Meeting: Paul Bannick - "Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls"
2021-12-09 19:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Venue, NY
Greetings!
For our last meeting of 2021, on Thursday, December 9—via Zoom—we will have a presentation on one of the most awe-inspiring of birds: owls! The photographers among us will appreciate the skill and effort that Paul Bannick uses to capture his incredible images and we will all come away having been informed about the lives of these intriguing birds! Don’t miss this! Look for the Zoom link in your email a few days prior to the meeting. The Zoom Room will open at 6:45 pm. Meeting begins at 7 pm.
Jeanne Verhulst
Vice President and Chair of Programs
Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls presented by Paul Bannick
Join Paul Bannick for a program featuring video, sound, stories from the field and several dozen new images from his award-winning and best-selling bird book: Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls. Paul uses intimate yet dramatic images to follow owls through the course of one year and in their distinct habitats. Audiences will witness the four seasons on territory, as each stage in an owl’s life is chronicled through rare images: courtship, mating, and nesting in spring; fledging and feeding of young in summer; dispersal and gaining independence in fall; and, finally, winter’s migrations and competitions for food. His program shows how owls use the unique resources available to them in each habitat to face those challenges. All 19 species found in Canada and the United States are featured in photos, video and narrative throughout the talk, with a special focus on the Northern Pygmy-Owl, Great Gray Owl, Burrowing Owl, and Snowy Owl. Owl is a stunning follow-up to Bannick’s bestselling title, The Owl and the Woodpecker, giving bird lovers yet another gorgeous photographic tribute, engaging natural history, and a compelling call to preserve the habitats that sustain these most iconic of birds. Nearly ten years of working in some of the most remote parts of the continent, at the darkest hours of the day, tracking owls as they move through their lives has rewarded Paul with striking images that he uses in his book and presentations.
Adult owls often make loud, plaintive noises and wave their wings to get the attention of potential predators and lead them away from the nest or young. Long-eared Owl – © Paul Bannick
Paul Bannick is an award-winning author and wildlife photographer specializing in the natural history of North America with a focus on birds and habitat. Coupling his love of the outdoors with his skill as a photographer, he creates images that foster the intimacy between viewer and subject, inspiring education and conservation.
Paul is both the author and photographer of two best-selling bird books, Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls (Braided River 2016) and The Owl and The Woodpecker, Encounters with North America’s Most Iconic Birds (Mountaineers 2008). Both of Paul’s books were well received. Washington’s State Museum, The Burke, created two traveling exhibits based on his first book, The Owl and the Woodpecker. His second book, Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls, received Gold Medal in the 2017 Independent Publisher Book Awards “Animals/Pets” category.
Paul’s photography won awards from several prestigious photography contests, including those hosted by Audubon Magazine and the International Conservation Photography Awards.
His work can be found prominently in bird guides from Audubon, Peterson, The Smithsonian, Stokes, The National Wildlife Federation, and in several volumes of the Handbook of the Birds of the World. His work has been featured in a variety of publications from The New York Times, Audubon, Sunset, Nature’s Best Photography Magazine, Birds and Blooms, Pacific Northwest (two cover stories), Seattle Times, Alaska Air Magazine, American Way Magazine, and in many other books, magazines, parks, refuges, and other outlets in North America and Europe. He has appeared on NBC Nightly News, Evening Magazine, King 5 and on dozens of NPR stations and programs, including Travels with Rick Steves and BirdNote.
Paul is an accomplished public speaker and has served as the keynote speaker for dozens of festivals, conventions and fundraisers across the country. His photography has been and continues to be a part of several North American traveling exhibits. A special exhibit at the Chi Mei Museum in Tainan, Taiwan recently featured Paul’s work titled Owls of North America: Spirit of the Lands.
After graduating from the University of Washington, Paul worked successfully for 15 years in the computer software industry beginning as one of the original 75 employees of the Aldus Corporation. He later served as a Director for Adobe Systems, and also worked as a senior manager at Microsoft. Wishing to combine his passion for wilderness conservation with his career, Paul turned his attention to non-profit work and currently serves as the Director of Major Gifts for Conservation Northwest, an organization dedicated to protecting and connecting wild areas and recovering native species from the Pacific Coast to the Canadian Rockies.
Young owls, like these Northern Hawk owls are growing fastest at about 2 weeks of age. At this time they seem to never be satiated and often continue to beg after being fed, putting great pressure on parents. Northern Hawk Owls – © Paul Bannick

Rochester Christmas Bird Count – Sunday, December 19th, 2021
2021-12-19 06:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NY
On Sunday, December 19, 2021 we will conduct the Rochester Christmas Bird Count. This traditional activity demonstrates our commitment to science and birding. This will be the 118th count in the Rochester area.
These sector leaders for the RCBC have consented to coordinate the field work for the count of our winter birds. To participate in the count, contact a sector leader or Norma Platt. Be sure to ask your leader for details.
Bob and Susan Spahn 671-5690 Braddock Bay to Long Pond Road
Greg Lawrence Long Pond Road to Dewey Avenue
Jay Greenberg Dewey Avenue to Charlotte Harbor
Dominic Sherony 223-7353 Summerville to Culver Road
Sheryl Gracewski and Tom Nash Culver Road to Baker Road (Webster)
Shirley Shaw 385-3907 Parks and neighborhoods (Highland, Genesee Valley, Mt. Hope Cemetery), crow roost
Andrea Patterson Seneca Park
Rosemary Reilly Maplewood & Turning Point Parks, Holy Sepulchre and Riverside Cemeteries
Brian Morse 269-9576 West of airport/south of the canal/north of the river
Count Compiler: Norma Platt 585-260-5221

Little Lakes Christmas Bird Count – Saturday, December 26th, 2021
2021-12-26 06:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NY
This year marks the 122nd count nationwide and the 70th count for the area. The count date is Saturday, December 26, 2021. 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. New birders can be paired up with experienced birders. If you are interested, contact one of the leaders.
Sadly, due to Coronavirus concerns, there will be no compiling meeting this year.
Pat Martin, Compiler
Home: 585-582-2761 Cell: 585-301-5485
Area Leaders
Conesus Lake Jim Kimball 243-0316
Hemlock Lake Bill Howe 301-2646
Canadice Lake Phil Opdycke 385-6189
Honeoye Lake Bob Spahn 671-5690
Northern Area Robert Buckert 269-4206

Irondequoit Bay Outlet & Durand Eastman Park - Year List Jump-Start Field Trip - Registration Opens December 25, 2021
2022-01-01 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Irondequoit Bay Outlet, 5000 Culver Road, Rochester, NY, 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.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot on the west side of the Irondequoit Bay outlet. 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 - Registration Opens January 1, 2022
2022-01-08 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 mostly level walk, partly on dirt road, partly on wooded dirt trail that can be uneven in places. Wear boots with good traction and dress warmly as we may be outside for 2-3 hours, although you are free to leave at any time; trip length will depend upon trail and weather conditions. No rest rooms available.
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
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 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

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.

Annual Meeting and Elections via Zoom with Speaker Paul Bannick - "The Owl and the Woodpecker" - Thursday, January 13, 2022
2022-01-13 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Venue, NY
Happy New Year everyone! We had hoped our January annual meeting and elections could be held in person, but out of an abundance of caution, considering the high rates of COVID-19 in our area, our meeting will be held via Zoom.
A silver lining to this, however, is we will have an encore presentation by Paul Bannick, who was so well attended last month that we quickly reached our Zoom capacity and many people could not get in to watch his presentation. This will not be a repeat of his December talk, but a new presentation, “The Owl and the Woodpecker.” It will be informative and again feature his amazing photos.
The meeting will take place on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 7:00 PM. (Note: This is a change from the previously advertised date.) Please mark your calendars! Look for the Zoom link in your email a few days prior to the meeting. The Zoom Room will open at 6:45 PM. Don’t wait until the last minute to sign on, you might be left out!
It has been my pleasure to serve as Vice President and Chair of Programs for the past five years. I’ve enjoyed the research and discovery of so many people in the bird world who have presented to RBA! In January, I will hand over the reins to a new vice president. You will be in good hands going forward!
Jeanne Verhulst, Vice President and Chair of Programs
The Owl and the Woodpecker
A Lewis Woodpecker squeezes out of his nest cavity in an oak snag. Lewis Woodpeckers are weak cavity excavators, and thus are one of the few woodpeckers that will reuse a cavity in successive years. Lewis Woodpeckers are unique in that they spend the majority of their hunting energy catching insects on the wing.
Paul’s presentations on owls and woodpeckers take audiences on a visual and auditory exploration of habitats of North America through the owls and woodpeckers that most define and enrich these places. This photographic field report celebrates the ways the lives of these two iconic birds are intertwined with one another, and their role as keystone and indicator species for their environment. Audiences are immersed in the sights and sounds of forest, grassland, arctic, and desert, and in the entertaining and informative details of Paul’s narrative. The hidden life of these birds is obvious for those who know how to find it. Paul knows how to find it, and how to bring it to life for his audiences through photos, sound, and story.
A female Pygmy Owl pops up to fill the nest cavity entrance, where she calls for her mate to deliver food. Northern Pygmy Owls nest predominately in woodpecker-created cavities, especially those excavated by Hairy Woodpeckers.
Paul Bannick is an award-winning author and wildlife photographer specializing in the natural history of North America with a focus on birds and habitat. Coupling his love of the outdoors with his skill as a photographer, he creates images that foster the intimacy between viewer and subject, inspiring education and conservation.
Paul is both the author and photographer of two best-selling bird books, Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls (Braided River 2016) and The Owl and The Woodpecker, Encounters with North America’s Most Iconic Birds (Mountaineers 2008).
Paul’s photography has won awards and his work can be found prominently in bird guides from Audubon, Peterson, The Smithsonian, Stokes, and The National Wildlife Federation to several volumes of the Handbook of the Birds of the World, the New York Times, and in many other books, magazines, parks, refuges, and other outlets in North America and Europe. He has appeared on NBC Nightly News, and on dozens of NPR stations and programs, including Travels with Rick Steves and BirdNote.
After graduating from the University of Washington, Paul worked successfully for 15 years in the computer software industry beginning as one of the original 75 employees of the Aldus Corporation (Pagemaker). He later served as a Director for Adobe Systems, and also worked as a senior manager at Microsoft. Wishing to combine his passion for wilderness conservation with his career, Paul turned his attention to non-profit work and currently serves as the Director of Major Gifts for Conservation Northwest, an organization dedicated to protecting and connecting wild areas and recovering native species from the Pacific Coast to the Canadian Rockies.

Beginner Birder Trip: Mendon Ponds Park Songbird Trail - Registration Opens January 8, 2022
2022-01-15 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
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 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

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.

Avon and Lima Rural Tour Field Trip - Registration Opens January 15, 2022
2022-01-22 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
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 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

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.
