Field Trips

*NEW* Alder Pond, with Ken Haas 

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - 8:00 – 10:30am - pay attention to the recent time change.

 5915 NY-79, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA 

Ken Haas is once again offering a field trip starting at his home (Alder Pond) near Mecklenburg, with 10 acres including a half acre pond, mixed deciduous and coniferous young forest with some dense undergrowth, a swampy area and some shrubby areas. Single track and double track trails meander through most of the property. Easy walking, but the grass may be wet - wear appropriate footwear. We’ll check out the feeders and rest of the property for lingering Fall birds and new Winter arrivals. Directions from Ithaca: take 79 west to Mecklenburg. Continue 0.8 miles out of the village up the hill and around to a straight stretch. Shortly before the road curves again, Turnpike Road comes in from the left. The driveway to Alder Pond is to the right directly opposite Turnpike Road. There is space for five cars to park on the property; if that is full, park along Turnpike Road (i.e., if you see cars parked on Turnpike Road, the lot is probably full at the property).

Annual Loon Watch, with Jared Dawson & Scott Sutcliffe

November 7, 8 or 9, depending on the weather conditions for migration Check calendar for exact date as the weekend approaches. Meet at 6 am to be in place for the sunrise which will happen 17-19 minutes after 6 am.

Meet at the Taughannock State Park lakeshore at sunrise. This is an annual event to look for migrating loons (predominantly Common Loons) that head south for winter. Initially, there will be flights of loons from northerly portions of Cayuga Lake. After about an hour, we will see loons coming over from Lake Ontario and points north. You might also witness other migrating waterfowl like scoters and Long-tailed Ducks, as well as the occasional Red-throated Loon. Migration is a weather-dependent event; on good north-wind days you might see thousands of loons migrating over Cayuga Lake. North wind means cold and blustery, so dress properly for the weather. Bring warm gloves and hats. Also carry warm liquids to keep you warm. 

 Golden Eagle Migration Watch at Franklin Mountain with Wes Blauvelt

Sometime Tuesday November 10-Saturday November 14, 8:00am-4:30 pm

Wes Blauvelt will lead a field trip to the Franklin Mountain Hawk watch, in Franklin NY, near Oneonta. The exact timing will be dependent on weather conditions favorable for the golden eagle migration. Please check the Cayuga Bird Club calendar for precise updates about date.  It is roughly a 2 hour drive. Meet at the East Hill parking lot, across from CTB (Collegetown Bagels), 329 Pine Tree Road at 8:00 am. We will decide carpooling there for a return around 4:30.  

Be prepared for cold and windy conditions as Franklin Mountain’s elevation is approximately 2,000’. There is a short climb to the elevated viewing platform. Scopes can be helpful but are not needed on hawk watching days. We will be standing throughout the day so if you like to sit, bring a folding chair. Bring a lunch and water.

Mann Library Birding Exhibits with Marie Read and Tim Gallagher

Saturday, November 21, 1:00-4:00 pm

Meet in the lobby of Cornell’s Mann Library.  (Note that campus parking is free on Saturdays.) We’ll view the Last Call Bird Decline & the Threat of Extinction with Tim Gallagher commenting on the work of the Peregrine Fund and the extinct woodpecker quests which are highlighted in this excellent exhibit. Then, we’ll see Keeping Common Birds Common, with award-winning nature photographer, Marie Read, sharing about her photography in this show.  A stop at the Cornell Dairy Bar for treats and conversation will end up the afternoon.  Consider this to be an “indoor field trip” for late November. Mann Library and the Dairy Bar are accessible sites.

*NEW* Mindful Birding, with Inbal Ravreby

Sunday, November 22, 8:00-11:00 am

Meet at the Nevins Welcome Center in the Cornell Botanic Gardens, 124 Comstock Knoll. In this mindful birding field trip, we will watch the birds’ behavior, let them come close to us for human-watching while we watch them, and explore with a naive mindset. It will also be an opportunity to study what such experiences change the way we feel and look around. Check out Dr. Ravreby’s interview about her research on mindful birding on this podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WDdGFW3RvFUaqowyGKZiA  Also available on Apple and other platforms.

Where the Birds Are, with Diane Morton and Ken Kemphues

Saturday, December 12, 8:00 am-Noon

Meet at Stewart Park’s east end (turn right once across the railway tracks). Join Diane and Ken for a half day to look for winter birds on Cayuga Lake, in the fields of Lansing, or anywhere else interesting birds have been recently reported. Contact Diane (dianegmorton@gmail.com) if you have questions. Stewart Park is flat. Restrooms and water are not available during winter.

Lake Ontario Shore, with Bob McGuire

Saturday, January 9, 8:00 am-5:00 pm

Save the date! Details to be announced about this trip to see waterfowl and more up on Lake Ontario’s shores.

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