| 2012 Beginner Field Trips: |
All RBA field trips are open to everyone (members and non-members alike), they are free of charge and there is no pre-registration required.Any questions regarding length of a trip, level of physical activity needed for a trip, recommended footwear or any other questions should be addressed to the individual leader(s) of each trip.
Trips begin within a few minutes of the starting time so be sure to be at the meeting location about 10 minutes before the listed time. Also, please make sure you have enough gas in your vehicle so the trip doesn't have to wait for you to go fill up.
A field guide, such as The Sibley Guide, Peterson's Field Guide or The National Geographic Guide, are helpful on trips to be able to see what field marks to look at for each bird. If you don't have one, don't worry as the leaders always have some to share. If you have a pair of binoculars, bring them too. If you want to look through someone else's binoculars on a trip please ask. This is an excellent way to get a feel for the differences in binoculars and which binocular works best for you.
The pace and focus of beginner trips may not be satisfying to experienced birders.
Jan 21
Saturday | Irondequoit Bay, Lakeshore, Genesee River Outlet
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, and wear boots with good traction. Bring your spotting scope if you have one, or share ours in turns. Meet at the Irondequoit Bay Outlet at 8:30am. Leaders: Bob M. 264-1704 and Kelly 473-1679. |
Jan 28
Saturday | Mendon Ponds Park Songbird Trail
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. Leaders: Lucretia 467-2474 and Janet 787-0507. |
March 11
Sunday | Charlotte, Braddock Bay, Lakeshore Fields
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 in Charlotte Beach Parking Lot at 8:30 a.m. Extra spotting scopes would be very helpful. Leaders: Cindy 482-7778 and Norma 671-9639. |
April 1
Sunday | Owl Woods and Hawk Watch Site
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 Hawk Watch sight 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! Leaders: Carolyn C. 244-9638 and Kimberly S. 503-2534. |
April 28
Saturday | Durand Eastman Park and Island Cottage Woods Area
Nearing the peak of migration, we want to get out birding every day - hoping for that coveted "fallout!". Both spots can produce an astounding variety of color and song. Meet in the lakeside parking lot off Lakeshore Boulevard just west of Lake Eastman (Parking Lot C) at 7:30 a.m. Trails may be wet and muddy in spots. Boots are STRONGLY recommended. Leaders: Kimberly S. 503-2534 and Cathy 322-2621. |
May 5
Saturday | Durand Eastman Park and Island Cottage Woods Area
Nearing the peak of migration. we want to get out birding every day - hoping for that coveted "fallout!". Both spots can produce an astounding variety of color and song. Meet in the lakeside parking lot off Lakeshore Boulevard just west of Lake Eastman (Parking Lot C) at 7:30 a.m. Trails may be wet and muddy in spots. Boots are STRONGLY recommended. Leaders: Dominic 223-7353 and Carolyn R. 385-2065. |
Aug 18
Saturday | Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Learn more about the fall migration of shorebirds in this nearby birding treasure. We'll visit key spots you'll want to revisit again and again! Meet in the Bushnell Basin "Park and Ride" lot at 2:00 p.m. The meeting site is off Route 96 just south of Exit number 27 from I-490. Extra spotting scopes and FRS radios would be very helpful. Leader: Kimberly S. 503-2534 and John B. 671-9639. |
Sept 9
Sunday | Charlotte and Badgerow Park
Looking for shorebirds, warblers and other fall migrants in Greece and environs. George W. Badgerow Park is a small area that offers good vantage points along pleasant trails, with the occasional surprise rarity. We'll look for gulls in many plumages and some shorebirds, too. Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the northeast corner of the Charlotte Park parking lot beside the Genesee River outlet. Extra spotting scopes would be very helpful. Leaders: Bob M. 865-4864 and John B. 671-9639. |
Oct 13
Saturday | Hamlin Beach State Park
Looking for migrating waterfowl and songbirds. Learn how to watch the lake for passing waterfowl, and then if time allows we'll check the excellent trails for passerines. Meet at Hamlin Beach Parking Lot #4 at 8:00 a.m. Dress warmly in layers. Extra spotting scopes will be very helpful. Leader: Dominic 223-7353. |
Dec 1
Saturday | Nations Road
Sharpen your skills on wintering hawks and Short-eared Owls. Other wintering birds such as Horned Larks, Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspurs are often present. Meet at the Tops Plaza in Avon -- on Routes 5 and 20, two miles west of I-390 -- at 2:30 p.m. Dress warmly. Extra spotting scopes and FRS radios would be very helpful. Leaders: Bob and Sandy 264-1704. |
