Rochester Birding Association

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Field Trip
2015-05-31 07:00 (America/New_York) | Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, NY, United States
We will search for Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, Cerulean Warbler, and other nesting birds at this local natural treasure. We’ll drive to various spots in the Refuge and take an easy walk along one of the very scenic trails.
Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Sweden Corner Plaza in Brockport at the junction of Routes 31 and 19. It is advisable to bring water and snacks or a picnic lunch since there may be no local resources and the trip may last into the afternoon.

Norway Road Field Trip
2015-05-30 07:00 | Norway Road, Norway Road, Murray, NY, United States
This unassuming trip usually racks up one of the longest bird lists of the year. From nesting Cerulean Warbler to Purple Martin along the lake, this trip showcases roadside birding in spectacular fashion! No long walks, no rough terrain, and totally handicapped accessible.
Meet in Ridgemont Plaza in front of Best Buy on Route 104 in Greece at 7:00 a.m.

Oatka Creek Park Field Trip
2015-05-19 07:30 | Oatka Creek Park, Quaker Road & Union Street, Garbutt, NY, 14546, United States
Woods and meadow provide great habitat for nesting species such as Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Blue-winged Warbler, and Field Sparrow.
Meet at the park entrance — intersection of Quaker Road and Union Street in Garbutt at 7:30 a.m.
Take Route 383 (Scottsville–Mumford Road) west 1.5 to 2 miles from its intersection with Route 386 in Scottsville and turn south on Union Street for about 0.5 miles.

Powder Mills Park & the Auburn Trail Field Trip
2015-05-16 07:30 | Powder Mills Park, 199 Park Road, Pittsford, NY, United States
On the east-side, Powder Mills Park is a mature woodland park that can be productive for many species of late migrating or nesting warblers and other songbirds; Blue-winged Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Scarlet Tanager have all nested there.
The trip will continue on to the Auburn Trail, which recent reports suggest is still likely to offer a good mixture of warblers, sparrows, and other migrants and nesting birds even after reconstruction.
Meet at the Powder Mills Park Fish Hatchery parking lot on Park Road at 7:30 a.m.

Island Cottage Woods, Firehouse, and Lake Shore Field Trip
2015-05-10 07:30 | Island Cottage Woods, Island Cottage Road & Edgemere Drive, Rochester, NY, United States
West Side hotspots are highlighted in this multi-stop trip for migrants of various kinds: from warblers to snipe, we’ll show you where to look for spring birds on the west side. Will the Bobolink be back?
Meet at Island Cottage parking lot at Island Cottage Road and Edgemere Drive (Opposite Schaller’s – see the link below) at 7:30 a.m.
Boots are STRONGLY recommended.

Ontario Pathways Field Trip
2015-05-09 07:00 | Ontario Pathways, 2011-2077 New York 96, Clifton Springs, NY, 14432, United States
In a joint venture with the Eaton Birding Society, we’ll look for warblers and other spring migrants along this level, rails-to-trails pathway in Ontario County. This well-maintained trail is an established favorite for wildlife viewing and scenic views.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring some cash for a great brunch at the Blue Ribbon after we walk! At times, the weather can be fickle, but we’ve seen better warblers in the snow on this trip than many trips get on sunny days – please join us!
Meet in the Bushnell’s Basin Park and Ride lot (off Hwy 96 just south of Exit #27 from I-490) at 7:00 a.m. Carpool arrangements may be made before we commute to the trail area parking.

Thousand Acre Swamp Field Trip
2015-05-07 07:30 | Thousand Acre Swamp, Jackson Road and Penfield Center Road, Penfield, NY, 14526, United States
Thousand Acre Swamp is a preserve owned by the Nature Conservancy. It has a bird checklist of 120 species. This easy 2.5 mile walk goes through a variety of habitats, resulting in a variety of breeding bird species and migrants. The habitats include swampy woods, drier woods, a marshy area, meadows, and a pond.
Shortcuts are possible. The entrance and parking lot are on the west side of Jackson Road opposite Penfield Center Road in Penfield. Boots are recommended.
Meet in the parking lot at 7:30 a.m.
For more information, including photos and a checklist, go to http://thegreenjay.com/New TAS Gallery/index.html.

Cobbs Hill Park Field Trip
2015-05-06 08:00 | Cobbs Hill Park, Culver Road and Norris Drive, Rochester, NY, 14610, United States
With spring in full swing, come to one of Rochester’s best kept birding secrets: Cobbs Hill Park’s Washington Grove. Colorful warblers and other spring migrants arrive in masses to this urban oasis of tall stately trees. Pat Martin will demonstrate birding by ear as we stroll the quiet paths in search of Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green Warbler, Nashville, Black-and-white, and Hooded Warbler, and, if we are lucky, the illusive Cerulean Warbler, among others. We will likely hear the flute-like Wood Thrush and see Hermit Thrush searching the ground for food. Sparrows, orioles, and perhaps a Scarlet Tanager and a Barred Owl will make an appearance. Washington Grove is one of the best spring birding spots in the area.
Meet at 8:00 AM in the grassy area between the road and the woods near the reservoir, up the road from the entrance off Highland Avenue just east of Monroe.

Camp Beechwood and Huckleberry Swamp Field Trip
2015-05-05 07:00 | Beechwood State Park, Campground, Sodus, NY, 14551, United States
This park on the shoreline of Lake Ontario in Wayne County should attract warblers, vireos, thrushes, and other migrants and also boasts a robust Bank Swallow colony.
Bring beverages, snacks or lunch if you plan to attend the second part of this trip to the Olga Fleisher Preserve, a bottomland forest and wetland (known locally as Huckleberry Swamp) with an excellent boardwalk and trail.
Meet at Webster Park, corner of Lake and Holt Roads at 7:00 a.m. or at Forman Park in Pultneyville at 7:30 a.m.

Amy's Pond & Woodsmith Field Trip
2015-05-03 07:00 | Amy’s Ponds – Genesee Land Trust and Conservation Easements, 484 Lake Road, Ontario, NY, 14519, United States
A field trip to the private property of Janet Smith for spring migrants, early nesters, and waterfowl. Two adjacent easements make up 187 acres that include two large ponds, mature woodland, and open fields all within 0.5 mi. of Lake Ontario.
Past trips have yielded eagles, bitterns, Sora Rail, many warblers, Scarlet Tanager, etc., etc., etc. We’ll walk along uneven trails, so bring a walking stick if needed and prepare for a medium-long hike. Excellent trails in an outstanding sanctuary open only by special arrangement — many thanks to GLT!
Meet at Webster Park on the West corner of Holt and Lake Roads at 7:00 a.m., or at Amy’s Pond at 7:30 a.m.
To get to Amy’s Pond, take Route 104 east to County Line Road. Drive north until it ends at Lake Road. Turn right and travel approximately one mile to 484 Lake Road, Ontario, N.Y. and turn down the long gravel driveway (on the south side of Lake Road) until you reach the marked parking area.

Sold out! Rochester Warbler Workshop: Finding & Identifying the Crown Jewels of Spring
2015-05-02 09:00 - 13:00 | Lakeview Community Church, 30 Long Pond Rd, Greece, NY, 14612, United States
This event is sold out. Participants will receive an email with preparation advice a few days before the event.
Join regional birding experts Kevin Griffith and Bob Marcotte for a Saturday workshop designed to enrich and enhance your experience with warblers this season. We’ll cover warbler identification, song, resources and conservation in the classroom. Participants are then invited to their choice of special field trips led by Kimberly Sucy and other talented Rochester birders throughout the month of May.
Registration is required for this limited access, fee-based workshop. Registration ($49 per person) will take place via mail or online
SOLD OUT!
If you wanted to join but missed this year, please consider attending one of our free field trips in April and May.
To join our waitlist, email Jeanne Verhulst at tnjverhulst@rochester.rr.com

Indoor Workshop (45 participants max)
May 2, 9-1 pm
Lakeview Community Church
30 Long Pond Road, Greece, NY, 14612
Bring: pen, paper, bag lunch, field guide, binoculars, sturdy mud boots,
Choice of Special Field Trips to Follow
15 workshop participants allowed per trip, sign up during workshop, bring your name badge to each as proof of payment. Locations TBD.
Morning Field Trips

Wednesday, May 13, 8 am
Sunday, May 17th, 8 am
Saturday, May 23rd, 8 am

Afternoon Field Trips

Friday, May 15th, 4 pm

Participants are also welcome to attend any of RBA’s free-and-open-to-the-public field trips all through May.

Beginner Trip: Lakeshore Warbler Hotspots
2015-05-02 07:30 | NY
Learn the basics of identifying our most colorful migrants on this trip, which will stop at several areas where these birds tend to congregate in spring. We’ll be looking for color patterns, song, and the distinctive behaviors that enhance identification skills with these fast-moving beauties: several trails may be very muddy, so boots are strongly recommended!
Meet at the parking lot behind Lakeview Community Church, 30 Long Pond Rd. in Greece (near Edgemere Dr.) at 7:30 a.m.
Note: This is a field trip for beginners. New birders should feel free to join these trips regardless of experience level: bring binoculars if you have them, and we will share our scopes. The pace & focus of Beginner Trips may not be satisfying for experienced birders. Our Beginner Trips focus on teaching identification skills, learning new habitats, and answering questions. Experienced birders are welcome but may be pressed into service as educators!

Lucien Morin Park (formerly Ellison Wetlands) Field Trip
2015-04-30 08:30 | Lucien Morin Park, 1135 Empire Boulevard, Webster, NY, 14609, United States
The park has trails through a mixture of habitats attractive to spring migrants. At the end to the trip we will look for the Bald Eagle nest on the Bay.
We will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Lucien Morin Parking lot off Empire Blvd in Penfield. The parking lot is on the south side of Empire Blvd just east of the bridge over Irondequoit Creek at the south end of Irondequoit Bay. MacGregor’s Bar (1129 Empire) is just west of the parking lot.

Highland Park Field Trip
2015-04-29 08:00 | Highland Park, Reservoir Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14620, United States
Looking for spring migrants and lovely flora. This walk would be gorgeous even without the birds, but it does have birds in abundance! Find out where people have spotted the rarities that do pop up in this urban treasure.
Meet at the Conservatory on Reservoir Avenue at 8:00 a.m.

Braddock Bay Hawk Lookout Field Trip
2015-04-26 09:30 | Braddock Bay Park, 199 East Manitou Road, Greece, NY, 14612, United States
We’ll be looking for the spring hawk flight and migrating songbirds. This is a joint trip with the Buffalo Ornithological Society. Work to identify distant raptors and meet some great new people, too!
Meet in Braddock Bay Park lot off East Manitou Road at 9:30 a.m.

Four Mile Creek Preserve, Webster, NY Field Trip
2015-04-26 08:00 | Four Mile Creek Preserve, Phillips & Lake Road, Webster, NY, United States
This is our first field trip to this new preserve. We will look for early spring migrants along the hiking trails. The trails will most likely be muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
We will meet at 8:00 a.m. in the preserve parking lot at the SE corner of Lake Rd. and Phillips Rd. in Webster.

Trails at High Acres Nature Area (HANA) Field Trip
2015-04-25 08:00 | High Acres Nature Area (HANA), 425 Perinton Parkway, Fairport, NY, 14450, United States
Over 130 bird species have been observed at HANA including more than 70 that nest in the diverse habitats found there. During this field trip we expect to see at least 40 species returning to nest or on their way to northern nesting grounds. Our approximately two mile walk will explore about 250 acres at HANA and include some wet spots requiring ankle high waterproof shoes or boots.
We will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the parking lot on Perinton Parkway approximately 1/4 mile east of the Waste Management offices. Extra spotting scopes would be very helpful.

Owl Woods Woodcock Courtship Flight Field Trip
2015-04-10 19:00 | Owl Woods, 349 Manitou Beach Road, Rochester, NY, 14468, United States
An evening trip for woodcock courtship flight. If you’ve never seen this spectacle, prepare to be amazed: birds call noisily from the ground in grassy fields before spiraling rapidly up high, descending back down in a zig-zagging noisy frenzy only to start the cycle anew. An amazing sight!
Meet in the parking lot on the right side of Manitou Beach Road just off the Lake Ontario State Parkway and across from the Owl Woods trail head at 7:00 p.m. The Owl Woods Trails may be wet and muddy in spots. Boots are STRONGLY recommended.

Marie Read: Birds of the Mono Lake Basin
2015-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Brighton Town Hall, 2300 Elmwood Avenue, Brighton, NY, 14618, United States
Nationally known bird photographer, Marie Read, takes us on a journey exploring the birdlife of the Mono Lake Basin. Marie’s stunning photography, featured in her recently released book Sierra Wings: Birds of the Mono Lake Basin, reveals the fascinating lives of the birds that breed or migrate through this spectacular birding hotspot.
Iconic Mono Lake, in California’s Eastern Sierra, is famous for bizarre tufa towers and highly saline and alkaline water. Teeming brine shrimp and alkali flies attract numerous breeding and migratory birds, including California Gulls, Wilson’s Phalaropes, and Eared Grebes. The surrounding sagebrush scrub, pinyon-juniper, Jeffrey Pine and conifer-aspen forests support many other species.
Delve into the hidden lives of Pinyon Jay, Violet-green Swallow, Sage Thrasher, Lewis’s Woodpecker and American Dipper. Enjoy Marie’s stories from the field and learn how she obtained some of the behavior shots in the book.
Signed books will be available for purchase.

Marie’s images and articles have appeared in magazines such as Living Bird, Bird Watching, Nature’s Best, Birds & Blooms, and National Wildlife, as well as in books, calendars, and websites. She has authored two previous books: Secret Lives of Common Birds: Enjoying Bird Behavior Through the Seasons (Houghton Mifflin, 2005), and Common Birds & Their Songs (coauthored with Lang Elliott, Houghton Mifflin, 1998).
You can see Marie’s work at http://www.marieread.com.

Beginner Trip: Owl Woods & Hawk Watch Site
2015-03-29 07:30 | Owl Woods, 349 Manitou Beach Road, Rochester, NY, 14468, United States
We’ll look primarily for our smallest visiting owl, the Northern Saw-whet, which returns to this spot on a yearly basis. Long-eared Owl generally put in an appearance, too, although they’re quite shy and great at hiding. After the owl walk we’ll head to the Hawk Watch site to learn how to identify raptors on the wing. At this time of year, we might witness spectacular flights of thousands of raptors!
Meet in the Parking Lot on the right side of Manitou Beach Road across from the Owl Woods trail head at 7:30 a.m. The Owl Woods trails may be wet and muddy in spots. Boots are STRONGLY recommended – they’re almost mandatory!
Note: This is a field trip for beginners. New birders should feel free to join these trips regardless of experience level: bring binoculars if you have them, and we will share our scopes. The pace & focus of Beginner Trips may not be satisfying for experienced birders. Our Beginner Trips focus on teaching identification skills, learning new habitats, and answering questions. Experienced birders are welcome but may be pressed into service as educators!

Durand Eastman Park & Lakeshore Field Trip
2015-03-22 07:30 | Irondequoit Bay Outlet, 5000 Culver Road, Rochester, NY, United States
We’ll begin the morning at Irondequoit Bay Outlet looking for migrant waterfowl and gulls. After a thorough search we will move on to Durand Eastman Park for early migrants or lingering winter visitors. The trip will conclude at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte where we’ll search the beach and river for waterfowl and gulls.
We’ll meet at 7:30 a.m. in one of the several convenient parking lots on the west side of the outlet at the north end of Irondequoit Bay. Dress warmly and bring a spotting scope if you own one.

Lake Shore Marshes East Wildlife Management Area Field Trip
2015-03-21 07:30 | Lakeshore Marshes East Wildlife Management Area, Broadway Road, North Wolcott, NY, United States
This extensive driving tour of the large natural area to our northeast always turns up some great birds! We’ll look for unusual ducks, late winter birds, and interesting migrants like Fox Sparrow.
Bring a snack to munch on to keep your energy up, and dress for the weather!
Meet in Webster Plaza — at junction of Route 404 and Hard Road — near Starbucks at 7:30 a.m. Extra spotting scopes and FRS radios would be very helpful.

Hamlin Beach State Park Field Trip
2015-03-14 08:30 | NY
Starting at Hamlin Beach State Park we will be looking for migrating waterfowl. We will move to Braddock Bay Hawk Watch in hopes of spotting Rough-legged and Red-shouldered Hawk and eagles. We will stop at Owl Woods in search of migrating owls. Dress warmly as the lakeshore can be cold this time of year.
Meet at Parking Lot 1 at 8:30 a.m.

Diane Henderson & Lucretia Grosshans: Peru Birding Adventure
2015-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Brighton Town Hall, 2300 Elmwood Avenue, Brighton, NY, 14618, United States
Starting in Lima on the Pacific Coast, long-time RBA members and past RBA officers Diane Henderson and Lucretia Grosshans traveled by planes, trains, vans, taxis, buses, boats and even motorcars. What’s a motorcar? From sea level to 14,000 feet elevation they saw over 500 species of birds in three weeks (July 16 – August 3, 2014).
Birds with names like Surf Cinclodes, Parodi’s Hemispingus, and Russet-backed Oropendola made their heads spin. Omar, their fabulous Peruvian guide pointed these out, as well as many other species. The country was beautiful and the people wonderful. Some of the trip pushed Diane & Lucretia’s physical limits but they would go back to Peru – in a heartbeat!

Beginner Trip: Charlotte, Braddock Bay, and Lakeshore Fields
2015-03-08 08:30 | Charlotte / Ontario Beach Park, Charlotte Park, 4800 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14613, United States
Warmer weather is on its way and with it, bird activity picks up. We’ll check water for ducks, fields for inland birds, and watch the skies for raptors as well.
Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte in the north-east corner of the parking lot beside the Genesee River outlet. Extra spotting scopes would be very helpful.
Note: This is a field trip for beginners. New birders should feel free to join these trips regardless of experience level: bring binoculars if you have them, and we will share our scopes. The pace & focus of Beginner Trips may not be satisfying for experienced birders. Our Beginner Trips focus on teaching identification skills, learning new habitats, and answering questions. Experienced birders are welcome but may be pressed into service as educators!

February: Brett Ewald - Feathered Jewels - The Birds of Southeastern Arizona
2015-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Brighton Town Hall, 2300 Elmwood Avenue, Brighton, NY, 14618, United States
Southeastern Arizona is often considered the premier birding location in North America, with over 200 breeding species and a checklist of over 475 species. Join us for a virtual trek through desert scrubland, riparian canyons, and forested mountain ridges in our quest for this region’s special birds. The amazing diversity is highlighted by 11 species of owls, nightjars, trogons, many species of flycatchers, grassland sparrows, and much more! Most popular are the hummingbirds, with 15 species possible!! We will search for regional specialties like Elegant Trogon, Five-striped Sparrow, Mexican Chickadee, Yellow-eyed Junco, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Olive Warbler, and Rufous-winged Sparrow – most found no where else in the United States. This area has also hosted a phenomenal number of Mexican strays, such as Flame-colored Tanager, Rufous-capped Warbler, and Plain-capped Starthroat. Spectacular scenery and world renowned places like Madera Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, Patagonia-Sonoita Creek, and Cave Creek Canyon will be the backdrop on this unforgettable excursion!
Brett Ewald is a biologist and naturalist who has been studying and enjoying birds and nature for over 35 years. His passion for birds and their conservation has led to his involvement in many research and educational projects, specializing in migration and distribution patterns. These endeavors have taken him from the mountains of New Mexico to the beaches of New Jersey. Locally, he conducted the Hawkwatch at Braddock Bay for several years and was the Director of the Hamlin Beach Lakewatch for Braddock Bay Raptor Research, co-authoring a publication on waterbird movements on Lake Ontario. He is the founder of Lakeshore Nature Tours and has led over 60 Extended Tours in North America since 2000 – putting his knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to work for you.

Avon and Lima Rural Field Trip
2015-02-01 15:00 | Nations Road, 2658-2682 Nations Rd, Avon, NY, 14414, United States
We’ll revisit the Nations Road area to look for Northern Shrike, hawks, Snow Bunting, and other birds of the fields and farmland in winter. Mostly driving, with frequent stops – carpooling would be appreciated!
Meet at Tops Plaza in Avon — Routes 5 and 20, two miles west of I-390 — at 3:00 p.m. Extra spotting scopes and FRS radios would be very helpful.

Beginner Trip: Mendon Ponds Park Songbird Trail
2015-01-24 09:30 | NY
A leisurely winter walk featuring some very close looks at our winter passerines! Bring some sunflower seeds and your camera!
Meet at the Visitor’s Center on Pond Road near Clover Street at 9:30 a.m.
Note: This is a field trip for beginners. New birders should feel free to join these trips regardless of experience level: bring binoculars if you have them, and we will share our scopes. The pace & focus of Beginner Trips may not be satisfying for experienced birders. Our Beginner Trips focus on teaching identification skills, learning new habitats, and answering questions. Experienced birders are welcome but may be pressed into service as educators!

Lakeshore Plains West Field Trip
2015-01-18 09:00 | Braddock Bay Park, 199 East Manitou Road, Greece, NY, 14612, United States
A driving tour of the farm fields and open lands to the West of Rochester, this trip will search for Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, Northern Shrike, and hawks in the plains and country roads of western Monroe and Orleans counties. If the weather cooperates, we may venture as far as Golden Hill State Park for a look at the lake and a short walk. Dress warmly in layers, bring a snack and a thermos filled with cocoa, and drive along for a few hours: barring the possible walk at Golden Hill, this trip should be handicapped-accessible.
Meet at Braddock Bay Park on East Manitou Rd. in Greece at 9:00 a.m. Extra FRS radios would be very helpful.

Beginner Trip: Irondequoit Bay, Lakeshore, and Genesee River Outlet
2015-01-17 08:00 | Irondequoit Bay Outlet, 5000 Culver Road, Rochester, NY, United States
In open areas of water, we’ll look for some of the spectacular waterfowl that visit each winter, and with luck even see a few rarities! The spots we visit feature good, close looks with very little walking. Dress warmly as we may be standing outside for some time. Wear boots with good traction.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. in one of the several convenient parking lots on the west side of the outlet at the north end of Irondequoit Bay. Bring your spotting scope if you have one, or share ours in turns.
Note: This is a field trip for beginners. New birders should feel free to join these trips regardless of experience level: bring binoculars if you have them, and we will share our scopes. The pace & focus of Beginner Trips may not be satisfying for experienced birders. Our Beginner Trips focus on teaching identification skills, learning new habitats, and answering questions. Experienced birders are welcome but may be pressed into service as educators!
