Field Trips

Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Cornell Raptor Barn

Saturday, September 26, 9:00-11:00 am - THIS TRIP IS FULL

Meet at Cornell Lab of Ornithology Auditorium for an orientation. Then, we’ll carpool over to the Cornell Raptor Barn for a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities and an introduction to our resident birds of prey. Learn how non-releasable raptors support education, research, and outreach at Cornell and throughout the surrounding community, meet the birds up close, and hear from students about their hands-on experiences caring for the raptor ambassadors and educating the public to inspire appreciation and conservation of these remarkable species.

Limited to 30 people--this trip is full.

Fall Sparrows and Warblers, with Meena Haribal & Leigh Stivers

Sunday, September 27, 8:00-11:00 am

Meet at Cornell Community Gardens Parking Lot on Freese Road. We’ll walk Blue Grass Lane and in the Community Gardens area to find fall sparrows and migrating warblers. Mostly flat but some unpaved uneven walking surfaces. No restroom or water nearby.

Fall Gardening for Bird Habitat with Steve Kress

Saturday, October 3⋅8:00 – 10:00am  THIS TOUR IS FULL.

Join Steve Kress for a special visit to Snyder Hill where Steve and Elissa have created a haven for birds and other pollinators. Fall is an ideal season for planting native trees and shrubs, so come and see the possibilities for creating better bird habitat in grasslands, forests, and ponds. Limit: 15 people--THIS TRIP IS FULL.

Where the Birds Are, with Stephanie Herrick

Sunday, October 4, 8:00-11:00 am

Meet at Stewart Park east parking area. Where we go from there will be determined by reviewing our local hot spots to see “where the birds are.” We’ll start at Stewart Park and car pool from there to find them.  Stewart Park is flat with restrooms and water available. Conditions at other locations to be shared that morning.

West Side of the Lake, with Ken Haas

Saturday, October 17, 8:00-11:00 am

Meet at the Ithaca Children’s Garden parking lot. From there, we will bird a short way up the Black Diamond Trail, then travel over to the Alan Treman Marine Park to bird at Hog Hole and other locations on the west side of Cayuga Lake.  Expect gentle hills and some flat walking  conditions.  Port-a-potty and water available at the Ithaca Children’s Garden.

Annual Loon Watch, with Jared Dawson

Early November—exact date and time to be announced

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. 

*NEW* 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.

*NEW*  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.

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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