BIRDING DESTINATIONS: Fair Haven State Park, Little Sodus Bay and Barrier Bar Park
OPTION 1 CAR-POOL from Baldwinsville:
DIRECTIONS: From Syracuse take Interstate 690 West which becomes NY 690 beyond the NYS Thruway exit. Stay on NY690 North toward Baldwinsville. Take Exit for NY 31 West/Baldwinsville/Jordan.
At end of the Off Ramp- take a RIGHT on to Downer St. McDonald’s is at 2234 Downer St., Baldwinsville, NY. We will meet Gene Huggins, Onondaga Audubon Field Trip leader in parking lot.
Vehicles will leave McDonald’s at 8 A.M. and travel as caravan to Fair Haven State Park approximately 45 minutes away.
SCHEDULE: As this is a free event, open to the public and sponsored and lead by Onondaga Audubon, we must plan on being prompt and ready to roll when the event leader directs us. With this goal in mind, let’s be at McDonald’s by 7:45 A.M. and we can determine if/how we’d like to car pool to Fair Haven.
(I have a van that could accommodate 6 ,including driver, comfortably.)
DURATION OF TRIP: 7:45 A.M. to 2:15 P.M. (includes travel time to venue and return to starting place.)
OPTION 2 MEET AT LOCATION:
DIRECTIONS: From State Rte 104A in the village of Fair Haven - turn onto State Park Road. Proceed north past the Park Office and past Drumlin Camping area on your right.
Bear right as you pass the cottages on your left to get to the Main Parking Lot. In this lot you will be facing the beach area and Lake Ontario. To your left will be concession building and rest rooms and to your right will be a channel that leads from Sterling Pond into Lake Ontario. Look for Grey Toyota van (among other vehicles).
NOTE: If you bear left instead of right as you approach the cottages on your left- you will find Sabin Hall Recreation Building up a little hill and on the right which is a heated building that is open year round and contains heated rest rooms as well.
SCHEDULE: Arrive by 9 am to meet up with the rest of the group
WHAT TO BRING: As this event is mid-November and outdoors along the shore of Lake Ontario, please dress appropriately for conditions. Dress in layers, hat, gloves, sturdy shoes/boots (may want to bring rain/snow gear as needed) being mindful that it is usually much more windy along the shorelines. Bring a packed lunch, water and perhaps a thermos with a hot beverage. Bring your binoculars, field guide and camera if desired). The walking should be relatively easy though could be damp or muddy in spots.
This may seem like a lot of preparation and getting out and about early “with the birds” but I am told the pay-off is worth it! We are fortunate to have an event leader who is a very knowledgeable and experienced birder on our quest see Purple Sandpipers, Red-Throated Loons, Bald Eagles, Snow Buntings, Dunlins and perhaps even a Snowy Owl! If you are not familiar with these species yet, that is perfectly fine. Novice birders (and even non-birders) are very welcome to participate.
ADMISSION: Free. (this is a public event)
NOTE: The trip leader has asked that I provide him with a head count for our group on the day prior to event so deadline to sign-up is Thursday, November 15. Only the threat of extremely severe weather will cancel this popular annual event.
RSVP and Cancellations – IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ
Please respect the trip leader and update your RSVP if you sign-up but then are unable to attend. Please also RSVP early, especially if there are only a few signed up. Events may be cancelled due to lack of attendance, as well as changes in weather or other circumstances. So be sure to RSVP and share your cell phone number when asked, as events may have changed and you will not receive notification. If you must cancel at the last minute, call or text the event host/trip leader, as not all leaders have access to the Meetup app on their phones (let her know who it is who is calling/texting). Contact information is included in your registration confirmation. Be sure to copy down the address, directions, and trip leader contact information to bring with you as there might not be good cell service at the event location.
This free event is open to members and non-members of Women Outdoors. Non-members are invited to join us on two events to see what you think. The third time's a charm - we'll ask you to join Women Outdoors at that point. You can join now by clicking on Join Us
