A chance to see dozens of species, sample wines, meet Braddock Bay Raptors in Branchport, NY
From Alyssa D Johnson,
In just a few weeks on May 4th I’ll be leading a bird walk at one of my favorite Finger Lakes wineries: Hunt Country Vineyards on Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes I’m a long time naturalist, birder, environmental educator, and love connecting people with nature. ALL level of bird-enthusiasts welcome!
There is amazing open field habitat that attracts an abundance of breeding grassland bird species like Eastern Meadowlarks, Bobolinks, Savannah Sparrows, and American Kestrels. We will also make our way into the wooded area on site where there is a small stream. Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, Red-eyed Vireos, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Eastern Wood-Pewee are all possibilities to be seen or heard, plus many more.
After our leisurely bird walk, we’ll return to the winery for a private tasting in the old rustic barn. You’ll get to sample some light snacks, sample wines, and meet Daena Ford from Braddock Bay Raptor Research! She’ll be joining us with some feathered ambassador birds who you’ll get to see up close and personal- do NOT forget your camera!
Click the event below to learn more about the event details, pricing, and for registration information. Pre-registration IS required! https://www.huntwines.com/Events/Feathers-and-Flights-2024
More from Hunt Country:
Be Prepared:
This event will run rain or shine, unless severe inclement weather is forecasted to occur.
The route is approximately 1.5 miles total, “there and back”, not a loop. The walk will follow a farm road which is gravel, dirt, and sometimes presents uneven footing. Please wear comfortable shoes, hiking shoes, or sneakers and bring a water bottle! Also, be sure to check the weather and wear layers, and clothing appropriate to the forecast.
We suggest you eat a hearty breakfast before arriving. Outdoor walks always seem to provoke rumbling hungry bellies. You will be able to indulge in the snacks provided during the tasting and Daena’s bird presentation, but also consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the Hunt Country grounds after the event. You can purchase wines by the glass or bottle, local Climbing Bines Beer, or NA beverages from our Tasting Room. We have outdoor seating and beautiful grounds for picnics.
Alyssa Johnson:
Alyssa Johnson is an experienced naturalist, educator, and outdoor recreation guide. Driven by her passion for getting people excited about nature, Alyssa takes pride in providing inclusive, engaging, and fun experiences for all ages. After obtaining her education from Finger Lakes Community College (‘12), and SUNY Cobleskill (‘14), Alyssa traveled the country in pursuit of working in the field of wildlife management and environmental education. She has worked with a variety of entities including the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the National Audubon Society at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Currently, Alyssa’s “day job” is working as program director with Finger Lakes Community Action overseeing a NYS Department of Health grant, “Creating Healthy Schools and Communities”. In late 2022, she launched an environmental education and consulting business, The Bare Handed Naturalist. When she’s not working, you’ll still find her exploring this beautiful region looking and listening for birds, searching for fossils, learning wildflowers, and hiking with her golden retriever, Addie.
Daena Ford:
President of Braddock Bay Raptor Research, Daena Ford currently lives in Honeoye Falls, NY with her family and two dogs. She has a BS in biology and masters in secondary science education. She has been working with Braddock Bay Raptor Research for 30+ years. Starting out as a college intern, she quickly became hooked on raptors after witnessing the amazing spectacle of spring migration that occurs along the south shore of Lake Ontario. She has worked with raptors in both research and educational settings, both of which help the community learn more about the birds and the environment we share with them. Daena’s education work with raptors early on lead her into the classroom where she taught middle school science for 6 years. She currently holds education permits to care for 4 non-releasable raptors, which are used in programs conducted both on site at Braddock Bay, and lucky for us, throughout the community. Daena has also served on the board of directors for the Hawk Migration Association of North America from 2010-18.
