| Upcoming 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.
NOTE: The entire year's schedule of Beginner Field Trips are now listed here to make your scheduling easier.
May 18
Saturday | Ontario Pathways
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 AM. Carpool arrangements may be made before we commute to the trail area parking.
Leaders: Kimberly Sucy (585) 503-4226 and members of the Eaton Birding Society. |
May 19
Sunday | Letchworth State Park
This trip frequently boasts more birds than any other trip: of course, it gets an early start! We’ll look for birds not frequently seen on other trips, such as Acadian Flycatcher and Barred Owl. We’ll do some vigorous walking, if you’re able, as well as some roadside birding. Meet at the west side (inside the park near the Rt. 36 entrance) Mt. Morris Dam Overlook parking lot at 6:00 a.m. Pack a lunch or snacks as the trip may last into midday. Extra spotting scopes and FRS radios would be very helpful.
Leader: Kimberly Sucy (585) 503-4226. |
May 21
Tuesday | Oatka Creek Park
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.
Leaders: Jay Greenberg 256-0485 and Ursula Kopp 226-8380. |
Jun 1
Saturday | Norway Road
This unassuming trip usually racks up one of the longest bird lists of the year. From nesting Cerulean Warblers to Purple Martins 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 Route104 in Greece at 7:00 a.m.
Leaders: Kimberly Sucy (585) 503-4226 and Cathy Ballard 322-2621. |
Jun 8
Saturday | The Finger Lakes National Forest
This field trip is mainly a driving, “stop and go” 10 – 20 mile trip through a series of bird-rich habitats between the lower third of Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. We’ll be looking for the resident warblers, vireos, flycatchers, sparrows, upland sandpipers, etc. Bring a picnic lunch. Meet in the Bushnell Basin “Park and Ride” at 6:00 a.m. The meeting site is off Hwy 96 just south of Exit #27 from I-490.
Leaders: Kevin Griffith 225-7004 and Kimberly Sucy 503-2534. |
Jun 9
Sunday | Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
We will search for Prothonotary Warblers, Yellow-throated Vireo, rails and other nesting birds at this local natural treasure. Recent trips have yielded Cerulean Warblers, nesting Kestrels, and the Bald Eagle for great views. 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. near the Rite Aid Drug Store 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.
Leaders: Kimberly Sucy 503-2534 and Jay Greenberg 256-7485. |
Jun 15
Saturday | Canadice Lake
Down the east side of the lake for a variety of nesting passerines, especially warblers and vireos. There will be a short walk at the south end of the lake but mostly we’ll drive-and-park along the shore. Meet at the Rush Town Hall parking lot on the south west corner of E. Henrietta (Rt. 15A) and Rt. 251 (Rush-Mendon Rd) at 7:00 a.m. Extra spotting scopes and FRS radios would be very helpful.
Leaders: Kimberly Sucy 503-2534 and Doug Daniels. |
Jun 16
Sunday | Bergen Swamp
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 2–5 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. Parking at the trailhead is limited so we will meet in the parking lot of the Sunoco Gas Station at the junction of Routes 33 and 19 at 7:30 a.m. Drive about 20 miles west of Rochester on I-490 to exit 2. Turn right (north) on Route 33 and go about one mile to the junction with Route l9. Turn left (west) and then immediately left into the parking lot. Park near the "Drop Off” sign.
Leaders: Jay Greenberg 256-0485, Sheryl G. & Tom Nash 360-4537. |
Jun 22
Saturday | Barnhart's Camp and Keeney Swamp
Northern Allegany County, 20 minutes south of Letchworth State Park. Grassland, woodland, pond and swamp-land species such as Prairie, Blue-winged, Black-throated green and blue, Hooded warblers, Ovenbird, Savannah sparrow, Bobolink, Meadowlark, etc. Meet at former Border's Bookstore on Hylan Drive (across from Marketplace Mall) at 6:30 a.m. where possible car pool arrangements can be made or at ShurFine in Nunda on Rt. 408 at 7:30 a.m. Lunch at Barnhart's Camp is a trip tradition. Bring a dish to pass - your choice but this is optional.
Leaders: Jerry & Carolyn Barnhart 385-4026 & Carolyn Ragan. |
| AUGUST IS AN EXCELLENT MONTH TO OBSERVE THE HAWK FLIGHT
Counters gather under the trees at Braddock Bay park (bring your own chair). Most of the birds are immature Red-tailed Hawks but Ospreys, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Goshawks, Broad-winged Hawks, Kestrels and Peregrine Falcons are also seen. Southwest winds are the best conditions for watching.
August 3
Saturday | Conesus Inlet State Wildlife Management Area
Explore this expansive wetland for Virginia Rails and Wood Duck families. We’ve seen eagles on a reliable basis, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Cliff Swallows and more. Meet at Vitale Park on Route 20A in Lakeville at 7:30 a.m. The park is between Nothnagle’s and the US Post Office on the south (lake side) of 20A. There’s a possibility of a trip extension to the Geneseo Airport area. Extra spotting scopes and FRS radios would be very helpful.
Leaders: Jim Kimball 243-0316 and Judy Gurley 582-2349. |
August 17
Saturday | Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Beginner Trip
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.
Leaders: Kimberly Sucy 503-2534 and John Boettcher 671-9639. The pace and focus of beginner trips may not be satisfying to experienced birders. |
August 24
Saturday | Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Looking for ducks and shorebirds in migration. Expect to see herons, eagles and possibly falcons. Meet in Bushnell Basin "Park n Ride" at 10:00 a.m. Pack a lunch. 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.
Leaders: Dominic Sherony 223-7353 and Mike Tetlow 425-7849. |
August 25
Sunday | Durand Eastman Park
Looking for thrushes and other migrants. Durand can be surprising this time of year – just when you thought the birding was quieting down, you run into a pocket of birds here that boggle the mind. Meet in Lake Shore Blvd. parking lot between Zoo Road and Log Cabin Road (Parking Lot D) at 8:00 a.m.
Leaders: Bob Haggett 924-3874 and Shirley Shaw 385-3907. |
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