This is a special Mother’s Day field trip with Rochester Birding Association to the private property of Amanda Smith-Hatch to look for spring migrants, early nesters, and waterfowl.

Amy’s Ponds is a private part of the larger Deer Creek Woods project, which has two public preserve areas as well as two adjacent private easements to make up 200+ acres or protected land. The area includes two large ponds, mature woodlands, and open fields all within 0.5 miles of Lake Ontario.

Past trips have yielded eagles, bitterns, herons, many warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, etc. We’ll walk along uneven trails, so bring a walking stick if needed, and prepare for a medium-long hike in an outstanding sanctuary open only by special arrangement! No restrooms available.

Event details: To reduce the amount of cars we ask that you carpool for this event if possible. To carpool with others, meet at 7:00 a.m. in the Webster Park east parking lot (with Port-a-john and playground) on Holt Road, just before Lake Road, or at Amy’s Pond at 7:30 a.m., 484 Lake Road, Ontario, NY, about 1 mi east of County Line Road. Turn down the long driveway (on the south side of Lake Road). You will be guided where to park.

Leaders: Sheryl Gracewski and Tom Nash 585-261-6975 and co-leader Kevin Farrell 585-748-6919 (Genesee Land Trust’s Director of Conservation Programs.)

RBA Field Trip Guidelines: All field trips go rain or shine unless there is a travel advisory issued. Trips run approximately 2 to 4 hours. Bring binoculars. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Please arrive at the designated meeting location 10 minutes before the start time of the trip. Colds, flu, and COVID are still around–if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Please carpool when possible!

Accessibility: Our inclusion point of contact is Elliotte Bowerman at ebowerman@geneseelandtrust.org or 585.256.2130. They are happy to answer any questions.