Birding Trails

Braddock Bay Bird Observatory maintains a loop approximately .4 mile in length, and the trail connects to other trails that wind through the Owl Woods/Rose’s Marsh and the Manitou Beach Preserve. From April 15 – May 31 and August 15 – October 31, portions of BBBO’s trail are closed from sunrise until approximately 1:00 PM, so as not to disrupt the research protocol. Visitors during these times should check in at the banding station. The trails are freely open at all other times, although guests should note that the trails are not maintained in the winter. Details from our eBird hotspot might help you time your trip.

Banding Station

A male American Redstart perches on a twig, showing off his bird band

Braddock Bay Bird Observatory is one of only a few banding stations in North American that is open to the public. Visitors to the station are able to accompany our trained volunteers to the nets to see how we safely catch birds, and they are able to watch the banding process as they observe our experienced banders identify, band, age, measure, and release each bird. Guests learn about bird migration and our research, as they have the opportunity to see birds in the hand.

Some tips to make your visit more enjoyable:

    • The station operates daily from April 15 – May 31 during spring migration, and from August 15 – October 31 during fall migration. May and September are the optimum months for numbers and diversity of birds, but almost every day has something interesting to offer.
    • We open our nets 15 minutes before sunrise, and we keep them open for 6 hours. Migratory birds are generally more active early in the morning.
    • To ensure the safety of the birds, the station is only open when the weather permits. Wind, rain, and excessive heat or cold can prompt an unscheduled closure. If you are in doubt, check our status before you come by calling 585-227-3490.
    • Well behaved children are welcome, but please leave your pets at home.
    • The ground can be muddy – come with appropriate footwear if you hope to visit the net lanes.

Group Visits

Groups larger than ten or more hoping to visit the station should make arrangements in advance. We welcome visits from school-age groups, university classes, scout troops, garden clubs, senior living homes, and other community organizations. Depending on the size and age of the group, we may incorporate a variety of additional activities into the visit to ensure that every participant has a great experience without compromising the safety of our birds or the integrity of our research. To make arrangements, contact us.

Accessibility

BBBO strives to make our facility accessible to those with disabilities, but we are not yet fully accessible to everyone with mobility challenges. Our building has doors wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, and we have sufficient seating for those who cannot stand. However, guests should know that our trails – while well maintained – are surfaced with crushed rock or mulch and are frequently muddy. Furthermore, our only restroom is a porto-john that is not large enough for a wheelchair.

Getting Here

Our station is located at 10 Braddocks Ave., Hilton NY, 14468. From the Lake Ontario State Parkway, take the Manitou Beach Road exit and head toward the lake. Follow Manitou Beach Road for 7/10 mile and take the first left on to Braddocks Ave. Follow it to the gravel driveway which is the entrance to the parking lot.