| 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.
Feb 5
Sunday | Avon and Lima Rural Tour
We'll revisit the Nations Road area to look for Northern Shrikes, Hawks, Snow Buntings, 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. Leaders: Norma 671-9639 and Kimberly S. 503-2534. |
March 11
Sunday | Beginner Birder Trip - Charlotte, Braddock Bay and 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. The pace and focus of beginner trips may not be satisfying to experienced birders. |
March 17
Saturday | Hamlin Beach State Park
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 Hawks 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 am.
Leaders: Mike 425-7849 and Gary 281-7973. |
March 24
Saturday | Lakeshore Marshes East Wildlife Management Area
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. Bring a snack to munch on to keep you 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. Leaders: Kinsley 872-7334 and Bob H. 924-3874 |
March 25
Sunday | Durand Eastman Park and Lakeshore
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 AM in one of the several convenient parking lots on the west side of the bay bridge. Dress warmly and bring a spotting scope if you own one. Leaders: Gary 281-7973 and Greg 227-5837. |
April 1
Sunday | Beginner Birder Trip - Owl Wood and Hawkwatch 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 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! Leaders: Carolyn C. 244-9638 and Kimberly S. 503-2534. The pace and focus of beginner trips may not be satisfying to experienced birders. |
