Field Trip & Event Guidelines

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! Click here for field trip listings.

RBA Guidelines for General Meetings

Rochester Birding Association meets on the second Thursday of the month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., September through December and February through May. In January, we hold an annual potluck dinner on the second Saturday.

Meetings take place in the Fellowship Hall of Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14607. Enter the parking area from East Avenue or Granger Place, the second right turn from Culver Road. Ample parking is at the rear of the church, as are the entrance doors. A driveway allows for drop-offs in front of the entrance doors (wheelchair accessible). The Fellowship Hall is in the lower level of the church, accessible by elevator or stairs a short distance from the entrance. Meetings include announcements and a guest speaker, followed by social time with light refreshments. Details about each program can be found here.

RBA Guidelines for Birds & Brews

RBA’s monthly social gathering for members and non-members, Birds and Brews is held monthly from September to May, usually in the third week of the month from 6 to 9 p.m. nine months of the year. While usually held on Wednesdays, the day of the week may vary to accommodate members’ schedules and give more people an opportunity to attend. Please be sure to check the Little Gull or this web page for the date and location.
Birds and Brews gives us an opportunity to meet up with fellow birders and friends and exchange news and information in a casual setting. People gather at their leisure throughout the event; arrivals past 6 p.m. are expected, so feel free to drop in for a few minutes or a few hours. We choose a different local brewery or winery each month. Generally, we gather at reserved tables or in a separate room somewhat away from other patrons. All are welcome. Not into beer? Cider, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks are usually available. We do our best to choose breweries that serve food, and some have innovative menus. We look forward to seeing you there!

Waive and Release from Liability

By signing the Field Trip Roster or attending an RBA event, you acknowledge that you assume all risks and hazards incidental to the activities of the event, including potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. You further release, absolve, hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Rochester Birding Association, Inc. and all individually named organizers, leaders, and participants of the event. In case of injury, you hereby waive all claims against all organizers, leaders, and participants.

Photo/Video Waiver

If you do not consent to have your image used by the RBA in the manner next described, write “no photo” after your name on the sign-in roster, or state “no photo” to the person taking photos at the event. Otherwise, by attending a field trip or RBA event, you hereby grant permission to the Rochester Birding Association to take and publish photos or videos of you in connection with the event, with or without your name and for any lawful purpose including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.