October: Mark Deutschlander - “Radiotracking Migratory Songbirds with the Motus Wildlife Tracking System”
2024-10-10 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Asbury First Methodist Church, 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14607, United States
Thursday, October 10, 2024

Speaker: Mark Deutschlander – “Radiotracking Migratory Songbirds with the Motus Wildlife Tracking System”

Advances in technology have created new opportunities to study avian migration and better understand
Mark Deutschlander
the full life cycle of migratory birds. While tracking technologies allow us to learn where birds go, these technologies also can provide detailed knowledge about the pace of migration, decision making related to breeding constraints or energetic, and the evolutionary trade-offs in migration. Several case studies will help illustrate the impacts of new tracking technologies, particularly radiotracking, and some new regional projects using Motus radiotracking on migratory songbirds will be discussed.
Mark Deutschlander is a Professor of Biology at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he teaches courses about physiology, ornithology, and migration. His research focuses on understanding navigation and orientation mechanisms in migratory songbirds, as well as the energetics of migration.

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!

Batavia Wastewater Treatment Plant
2024-10-13 09:00 - 12:00 | 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 headquarters at the end of Industrial Blvd. (17 Treadeasy Ave.), which is off Pearl Street (Route 33) at the western edge of the city of Batavia. If possible we will carpool from the plant offices. Spotting scopes would be very useful.
Leader: Neal Reilly 518-256-9147 and co-leader Cathy Ballard 585-322-2621

RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

High Acres Nature Area
2024-10-19 08:30 - 12:00 | 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 fall field trip we expect to see various species of migrating birds such as ducks, kinglets, warblers and thrushes, and summer resident birds getting ready to migrate south. As a bonus, the fall colors should be in full glorious display. Our approximately two-mile walk over mostly flat trails will explore about 250 acres at HANA and may include some wet spots if it has been a wet fall.
No restrooms available.
Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the parking lot on Perinton Parkway approximately 1/4 mile east of the Waste Management offices.
Leaders: Brian Rohrs and Gayle Lazoration 585-281-9534

RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

Durand-Eastman Park
2024-10-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Durand Eastman Park, Lakeshore Boulevard, Rochester, NY, 14620, United States
Hermit Thrushes, Kinglets and lingering migrants are possible. We will walk a section of Horseshoe Road, then drive over to Log Cabin Road where we will walk the non-motor vehicle section and parts of Zoo Road. Steady moderate grades at sections. Length about 2.5 miles, total.
Restrooms are available on Log Cabin Road.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Parking Lot D on the north side of Lake Shore Blvd. opposite Log Cabin Road. Please dress for the weather.
Leader: Jeanne Verhulst 585-362-0803 and co-leaders Doug and Elizabeth Rabjohns 585-690-6296

RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

Birds and Brews - Swiftwater Brewing
2024-10-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Swiftwater Brewing, 378 Mount Hope, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
Join us for craft beers and conversation!
A chance to meet up and socialize with people who love birds.
Thursday, October 30, 2024
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Swiftwater Brewing
378 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester
Swiftwater has a wide range of beers, ciders, wines, and canned cocktails,
and a menu of small plates, large plates, sandwiches and cookies. Check it out at https://swiftwaterbrewing.com/

November: Maria Castano
2024-11-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Asbury First Methodist Church, 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14607, United States
Thursday, November 14, 2024

Maria Castano
Doctoral candidate and Biologist, University of Rochester
Flame-rumped Tanager
Maria Castano is a Colombian biologist studying the role of behavior as a driver of population differentiation. The outstanding bird diversity of her home country made her an enthusiastic birder and ornithologist. She earned her BS at Universidad de los Andes, where she completed her undergraduate thesis about the amazing experience of performing a long-term population monitoring study about patterns of space use of montane birds. Maria joined the TropBioLab at the University of Rochester in Fall 2020, with the specific interest in how visual and acoustic signals involved in mate choice are shaped by ecological pressures that ultimately result in reproductive isolation of neotropical birds. Her dissertation project at UR focuses on the Flame-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus flammigerus) subspecies complex—two subspecies that exhibit subtle morphological differences, but dramatic variation in the carotenoid-based plumage color of the rump.

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!

Birds and Brews - Knucklehead Craft Brewing
2024-11-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Knucklehead Craft Brewing, 426 Ridge Road, Webster, NY, 14580, United States
Join us for craft beers and conversation!
A chance to meet up and socialize with people who love birds.
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Knucklehead Craft Brewing
426 Ridge Road, Webster
Join us for craft beers and conversation! A chance to meet up and socialize with people who love birds.
Knucklehead Craft Brewing serves a selection of its seasonal and flagship beers, as well as a food menu that ranges from wings and mahi mahi tacos to pizzas, burgers, and wraps, with a number of vegan choices.
Check it out at https://knuckleheadcraftbrewing.com/

Niagara River (Joint trip with the Buffalo Ornithological Society)
2024-12-01 09:00 - 17:00 | Niagara River, Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown, NY, 14174, United States
The Niagara River area is famous for the variety and number of gulls in winter. Join us on our birding venture along the Niagara River in both the US and Canada. We will start at Lake Ontario and work our way south to the Falls. Our focus will be on waterfowl and gulls, including Bonaparte’s Gull and Little Gull, with possible late migrating Common Tern, with additional stops for Red-headed Woodpecker, Black Vulture and late migrating passerines. This is a joint trip with the Buffalo Ornithological Society.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the large parking lot next to the swimming pool of Fort Niagara State Park Beach, 1 Scott Avenue, Rt. 18F, Youngstown, NY. Bring beverages and lunch for this is an all day trip. We will be crossing into Canada, carpooling would be very helpful.
Participants MUST bring passports or Enhanced Driver’s licenses. Dress warmly and in layers. Spotting scopes and FRS radios would be very helpful.
Leaders: Tom O’Donnell of the Buffalo Ornithological Society (BOS) 716-622-5185 or tmodonnell@roadrunner.com and Neal Reilly 518-256-9147 and co-leader Cathy Ballard 585-322-2621

RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

Conesus Lake Area
2024-12-07 08:00 - 12:00 | 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 mostly level dirt trails and dikes. Length is about 1.5 mile walking.
Dress warmly and in layers. 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.
Leader: Jim Kimball 585-519-9211 and co-leaders Nick Kachala 585-750-5536 and Andrew Consler 585-991-2154

RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

Beginner Birder Trip – Nations Road
2024-12-08 14:00 - 18:00 | 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. Length about .5 mile walking along the road.
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 possible, carpooling strongly advised. Dress warmly and in layers. Spotting scopes and FRS radios would be very useful.
Leaders: Niki Banke 585-317-3751 and Robert Crandall 585-278-3455
Note: This is a field trip for beginners. New birders should feel free to join these trips regardless of experience level: bring binoculars if you have them. The pace & focus of Beginner Trips may not be satisfying for experienced birders. Our Beginner Trips focus on teaching identification skills, learning new habitats, and answering questions. Experienced birders are welcome but may be pressed into service as educators

RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

December: Dr. Elsie Shogren - "The moment of truth for speciation: Myzomela honeyeaters in the Solomon Islands"
2024-12-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Asbury First Methodist Church, 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14607, United States
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Speaker: Dr. Elsie Shogren – “The moment of truth for speciation: Myzomela honeyeaters in the Solomon Islands”
Dr. Elsie Shogren grew up exploring muddy creeks and observing wildlife around the family farm in Nebraska. She channeled her fascination with biology as an undergraduate at Cornell University, where she discovered field work and ornithology collecting data on Tree Swallows in Ithaca, NY and Alberta, Canada. After graduating, Elsie continued developing her research interests, assisting with projects on Red-backed Fairywrens in Australia, Greater Prairie Chickens in Nebraska, and Piping Plovers in South Dakota. Deciding to focus on the interplay of sexual and natural selection for her PhD at Kansas State University, she studied the consequences of rainfall for survival, behavior, and evolution in sexually-selected Neotropical Manakins. As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Rochester, Elsie is now exploring the genetic, ecological, and behavioral factors that maintain species boundaries between two Myzomela honeyeaters that have recently come into contact and are hybridizing in the Solomon Islands of the south Pacific.

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!

Birds and Brews - TRATA
2024-12-30 18:00 - 21:00 | TRATA, 145 Culver Road, Rochester, NY, United States
BIRDS AND BREWS
Join us for craft beers and conversation!
A chance to meet up and socialize with people who love birds.

Monday, December 30, 2024
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
TRATA
The Restaurant at the Armory
145 Culver Road, Rochester

A full menu and a self-serve beer and wine wall—what could be more fun than that? Our seating will be at high-top tables in the bar.
https://tratarochester.com

Irondequoit Bay Outlet and Durand-Eastman Park – Year List Jump-Start
2025-01-01 08:00 - 12:00 | 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 large parking lot next to the Outlet bridge, on the west side of Irondequoit Bay Outlet (Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park). Dress warmly! Spotting scopes would be very useful.
Leaders: Norma Platt and John Boettcher 585-671-9639
RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

Webster Park – Campground Area
2025-01-04 08:00 - 12:00 | 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.
Leaders: Rosemary Reilly 585-748-0802 and co-leader Pat Martin 585-301-5485
RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

Beginner Birder Trip – Mendon Ponds Park Songbird Trail
2025-01-11 09:30 - 12:30 | Mendon Ponds Park, 95 Douglas Road, Honeoye Falls, NY, 14472, United States
This trip will be a leisurely winter walk along rolling trails (approx. 1.5 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 is available at the visitor center or port-a-john.
Leader: John Boettcher 585-671-9639 and co-leader Ann McMican 585-533-1222
Note: This is a field trip for beginners. New birders should feel free to join these trips regardless of experience level: bring binoculars if you have them. The pace & focus of Beginner Trips may not be satisfying for experienced birders. Our Beginner Trips focus on teaching identification skills, learning new habitats, and answering questions. Experienced birders are welcome but may be pressed into service as educators
RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

Birds and Brews - Rising Storm Brewing Co.
2025-01-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Rising Storm Brewing Co., 1880 Blossom Road, Rochester, 14625, United States
Join us for craft beers and conversation!
A chance to meet up and socialize with people who love birds.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Rising Storm Brewing Co.
1880 Blossom Road
Rochester, NY 14625
The former Daisy Flour Mill has been transformed into a spacious brew pub! Beer, wine, cider, and cocktails are all on the menu, as well as an imaginative selection of meals for your dining pleasure. We’ll be on the upper level. https://www.risingstormbrewing.com

Nations Road Area
2025-01-19 14:00 - 17:00 | Nations Road, 2658-2682 Nations Rd, Avon, NY, 14414, United States
We’ll search Nations Road area of Avon and southward toward Geneseo to Huston Road, looking for Northern Shrikes, hawks, Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, and other birds of the fields and farmland in winter. We’ll be mostly driving, but will be getting out of the car at frequent stops along the road. Dress for the weather.
Meet at 2:00 p.m. at Tops Plaza (restroom) in Avon on Routes 5 and 20, two miles west of I-390. Please carpool from Tops, if possible! Spotting scopes would be very useful.
Leaders: Jim Kimball 585-519-9211 and co-leader Rick Stevens 585-425-7849
RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

Lakeshore Plains West
2025-01-26 09:00 - 16:00 | 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 Horned Larks, Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, Northern Shrikes, falcons (possible Merlin or Peregrine) and hawks (hoping for Rough-legged and Northern Harriers) in western Monroe and possibly into Orleans County. Dress warmly in layers; bring snacks (lunch if you wish to continue on into the early afternoon with us) and a thermos filled with a warm beverage. We will drive along backcountry roads for a few hours, stopping where we see bird activity. No restrooms available until we reach Hamlin Beach SP.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Braddock Bay Park main parking lot. Use the East Manitou Road exit from the Ontario State Parkway. Plan on coordinating carpooling, if possible, as this is a driving tour. Fewer cars are better as we pull over on roads potentially with snow banks. Bring your own FRS radios and spotting scopes, if you have them.
Leader: Lynn Bergmeyer 585-576-0422 and co-leader Robert Buckert 585-269-4206

RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

RBA's 50th Anniversary Dinner Celebration
2025-02-02 17:00 - 20:00 | RIT Inn and Conference Center, 5257 West Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY, 14467, United States
When: Sunday, February 2, 2025 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: RIT Inn and Conference Center, 5257 West Henrietta Road, Henrietta
Schedule:
5:00 p.m. – Reception with cash bar
6:00 p.m. – Dinner
6:45 p.m. – Dessert and Program
RSVP:
The dinner is compliments of the RBA, but reservation in advance is required. Please register by Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Winter Waterfowl and Other Possibilities
2025-02-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Irondequoit Bay Outlet, 5000 Culver Road, Rochester, NY, United States
Starting at Irondequoit Bay Outlet, we will look for beautiful Long-tailed Ducks, mergansers, scaup and other ducks. We will also concentrate on locating wintering gulls like the occasional Lesser Black-backed, Iceland and Glaucous Gulls. We will then drive over to Summerville and Charlotte to see what might be in the Genesee River. If Redpolls or winter finches are being seen, we will stop at Durand-Eastman Park along the way. Walking is flat on pavement. Restrooms are available in the Charlotte area.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the large parking lot next to the Outlet bridge on the west side of Irondequoit Bay Outlet (Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park). Dress for the weather. Spotting scopes would be useful.
Leader: Lynn Bergmeyer 585-576-0422 and co-leader Robert Buckert 585-269-4206

RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

February: Denver Holt - "Step into the World of Owls: 35 Years of Research by the Owl Research Institute"
2025-02-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Asbury First Methodist Church, 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14607, United States
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Speaker: Denver Holt – “Step into the World of Owls: 35 Years of Research by the Owl Research Institute”

Founded by Denver Holt in 1987, the Owl Research Institute (ORI) stands as one of the most active owl research groups in the world. For over 35 years, ORI has been dedicated to the pursuit of in-depth and lasting studies that illuminate the enigmatic world of owls and their intricate ecology. While many wildlife biologists have gradually shifted away from fieldwork, ORI continues the determined exploration of owl habitats throughout the entire year.
ORI maintains eight major owl research studies, some of which have 30 to 37 years of data. Simultaneously, younger projects offer 5 to 10 years of invaluable observations. Join owl expert Denver Holt for an insightful overview of ORI’s extensive projects and immerse yourself in his philosophies on the majestic Snowy Owl, the elusive Long-eared Owl, the captivating Short-eared Owl, the regal Great Gray Owl, mysterious Boreal Owl, the adorable Saw-whet Owl, the diminutive Pygmy Owl, and so much more!
Denver Holt is a widely published author who has been featured in many articles from National Geographic to the New York Times, as well as in many television programs. He has educated and entertained people from all walks of life and enjoys guiding, meeting new people, and expanding his knowledge of wildlife and the natural world.

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!

Birds and Brews - Strangebird Brewery
2025-02-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Strangebird Brewery, 62 Marshall Street, Rochester, NY, 14607, United States
Join us for craft beers and conversation!
A chance to meet up and socialize with people who love birds.
Thursday, February 20, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Strangebird Brewery
62 Marshall Street
Strangebird has a wide range of beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails,
and a menu of made-from-scratch, locally sourced seasonal foods.

March: Nathan Senner - "A year in the life of a long-distance migratory shorebird"
2025-03-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Asbury First Methodist Church, 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14607, United States
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Speaker: Nathan Senner, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Topic: “A year in the life of a long-distance migratory shorebird”

Nathan Senner started studying birds at the age of 14. After earning a B.A. from Carleton College, he was awarded a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship to follow Hudsonian Godwits on their annual migration from the Arctic to the southern tip of South America and back. He continued this research while pursuing his PhD at Cornell University with Dr. John Fitzpatrick. From there, he traveled across the Atlantic for a postdoc with Dr. Theunis Piersma at the University of Groningen studying the flexibility of Black-tailed Godwit annual cycles. Following that, he was a postdoc at the University of Montana with Dr. Zachary Cheviron investigating the population dynamics of high-elevation deer mice. He has been an assistant professor since 2019 and in the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst since 2022, where his lab mostly focuses on the population and movement ecology of long-distance migratory birds.

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!

Hamlin Beach State Park
2025-03-15 09:00 - 13:00 | Hamlin Beach State Park, 1 Camp Hill Road, Hamlin, NY, 14464, United States
We will gather at Braddock Bay Park and drive to Hamlin Beach State Park where we will look for waterfowl. On the way there, we will look through fields for migrant waterfowl (Snow, or other rarely seen geese) and lingering winter field birds (Horned Larks, Snow Buntings or Lapland Longspurs). We may stop at Owl Woods in search of migrating owls, if they have been reported that morning. We will end back at the Braddock Bay Park Hawk Watch in hopes of spotting Rough-legged, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Bald Eagles. Dress warmly, as we will be out of the cars often at multiple locations—the lakeshore can be cold this time of year. Trails are flat but can be muddy/snowy. Waterproof boots strongly recommended. Restrooms are available at Hamlin Beach only.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Braddock Bay Park main parking lot. Use the East Manitou Road exit from the Ontario State Parkway. Bring your own FRS radios and spotting scopes, if you have them.
Leader: Mike Tetlow 585-748-5838 and co-leader Lynn Bergmeyer 585-576-0422

RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

Beginner Birder Trip - Owl Woods & Hawk Watch Site
2025-03-22 08:30 - 13:00 | 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 Owls generally put in an appearance, too, although they’re quite shy and great at hiding. After the owl walk, we’ll head to the Braddock Bay Park Hawk Watch site to learn how to identify raptors on the wing. At this time of year, we might witness spectacular flights of thousands of raptors! The Owl Woods trails are flat and likely will be wet and muddy. Boots are strongly recommended–they’re almost mandatory! No restrooms available. Bring binoculars and, if you have them, spotting scopes.
Meet at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot on the right side of Manitou Beach Road across from the Owl Woods trailhead.
Leader: Liz Magnanti 585-748-0309 and co-leaders Doug and Elizabeth Rabjohns 585-690-6296
Note: This is a field trip for beginners. New birders should feel free to join these trips regardless of experience level: bring binoculars if you have them. The pace & focus of Beginner Trips may not be satisfying for experienced birders. Our Beginner Trips focus on teaching identification skills, learning new habitats, and answering questions. Experienced birders are welcome but may be pressed into service as educators
RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

Lake Shore Marshes East Wildlife Management Area
2025-03-23 07:30 - 12:00 | Webster Plaza near Starbuck’s, 994 Hard Road, Webster, NY, 14580, 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 Sparrows. One portion of the trip is walking on a wide, mainly flat, sometimes muddy, trail. Bring a snack to munch on to keep your energy up, and dress for the weather! Restrooms are available at Sodus Point Park and Chimney Bluffs State Park.
Meet at 7:30 a.m. in Webster Plaza at the junction of Route 404 and Hard Road near Starbucks. Spotting scopes would be very useful.
Leader: Kinsley Whittum 585-872-7334 and co-leader Christina Hoh 973-224-7009

RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

Birds and Brews - Three Heads Brewing
2025-03-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Three Heads Brewing, 186 Atlantic Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14607, United States
BIRDS AND BREWS
Join us for craft beers and conversation!
A chance to meet up and socialize with people who love birds.
Monday, March 24, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Three Heads Brewing
186 Atlantic Avenue, Rochester
We’ll enjoy sitting outside, weather permitting,
at this neighborhood favorite brew pub.
Three Heads doesn’t serve meals (just some limited snacks),
but you are welcome to bring your own takeout.
(Old Pueblo Grill and Le Petit Poutine are right across the street.)
https://threeheadsbrewing.com

Woodcock Courtship Flight at Owl Woods
2025-04-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Owl Woods, 349 Manitou Beach Road, Rochester, NY, 14468, United States
This will be an evening trip for woodcock courtship flight. If you’ve never seen this spectacle, prepare to be amazed: birds call noisily (peenting) from the ground in grassy fields before spiraling rapidly up high, making twittering, kissing-like sounds at the apex of their ascent and descending silently back down, only to start the cycle anew. An amazing sight!
Fields may be wet and muddy. Boots are strongly recommended. Bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Meet at 7:00 p.m. in the parking lot across from Owl Woods. Take the Manitou Beach Road exit from Ontario State Parkway. Turn north then right into the parking lot.
Leader: Neal Reilly 518-256-9147 and co-leader Robert Buckert 585-269-4206

RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

April: Randi Minetor - "How Birds Created the World … and Other Stories from The Complete Language of Birds"
2025-04-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Asbury First Methodist Church, 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14607, United States
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Speaker: Randi Minetor – “How Birds Created the World … and Other Stories from The Complete Language of Birds”

Ancient Egyptians believed that the Earth began as an egg laid by a giant goose. Ojibwa people of America’s northern plains tell of a Great Flood that swept away the world’s evils, and the bird that braved the deep waters to bring a bit of soil up from the bottom to restore land at the surface. European scientists once believed that swans survived the winters by turning themselves into barnacles and adhering to the bottoms of ships, transforming back into swans in spring. These and many other tales told in Randi Minetor’s latest book, The Complete Language of Birds, bring us back to a time when birds seemed like magical beings with the answers for so many of the world’s questions.
Bestselling author Randi Minetor has written more than 90 books, including the Birdfinding and Best Easy Bird Guides series for Falcon Guides/Globe Pequot Press, and she is the author of Backyard Birding and Butterfly Gardening for Lyons Press. Her most recent book, The Complete Language of Birds, is an encyclopedia that unites classic illustrations, science, folklore, and mythology about more than 400 bird species around the world. She writes for Birding Magazine, serves as an editor of regional reports for North American Birds, and has served as president of the Rochester Birding Association.

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!

High Acres Nature Area
2025-04-19 08:00 - 12:00 | 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 over mostly flat trails will explore about 250 acres at HANA and include some wet spots requiring at least ankle-high waterproof shoes or boots. No restrooms available.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the parking lot on Perinton Parkway approximately 1/4 mile east of the Waste Management offices.
Leader: Rosemary Reilly 585-748-0802 and co-leaders Brian Rohrs and Gayle Lazoration 585-281-9534

RBA Field Trip Guidelines
All field trips go rain/snow or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!
Waive and Release from Liability: By participating in this field trip you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.
Photo/Video Waiver: If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, upon arrival at the trip, please write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in Field Trip Roster. Otherwise, by attending this field trip you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event listed above, with or without your name, and for any lawful purpose including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.
