April 23 and/or 24 (Saturday/Sunday): Cabot Head and Bruce Peninsula
Leaders: Martin & Kathy Parker, and Kiah Jasper
Trip Description: The Bruce Saugeen Peninsula between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron is a corridor for migrating birds in the spring migration.
Saturday’s birding will concentrate on sites along the Georgian Bay shoreline and will feature concentrations of Red-necked & Horned Grebes. Migration hawks will be passing overhead if the winds are favourable. Other migrants will add to the day’s birding.
Sunday’s birding will focus on the Lake Huron shoreline with special emphasis on Black Creek Provincial Park Reserve (a mecca for wood warblers), Stokes Bay, Issac & Sky Lakes and the Oliphant shoreline. Highlights should include early warblers.
The birding on the two days will be very different. One can attend one or both days. The meeting location for both days is the parking area for the Spirit Rock Outpost and Lodge on Highway #6 at the north end of Wiarton at 8:30 am.
Accommodation is available at Spirit Rock (519-534-5168). Bring a packed lunch.
Who Should Come? Field trips are for OFO members One guest is allowed if the participant requires assistance. New birders and photographers are welcome.
Type of Trip: Resident birds, spring migrants, photography. Scope useful.
Location and Directions: See above.
Public Transportation: N/A.
Duration: Rest stops and coffee/lunch breaks will occur throughout the day.
Approximate Distance: Distances driven depend on local birding info at time of the trip.
Terrain: Mostly flat but good winter footwear required.
Gradient: Flat. Some hilly sections.
Trail Surfaces: Paved. Unlikely to be much walking involved.
Accessibility: Wet conditions possible.
Washrooms: On route.
Land Acknowledgement :The birders and visitors wish to acknowledge and honour the lands of the Niagara Escarpment as the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples. In both spirit and partnership, we recognize and thank the Anishinaabek, Huron-Wendat, Tionontati, Attawandaron, Haudenosaunee, Métis, and all who provided stewardship of these lands over millennia.
Beginner Birders: Most OFO trips are suitable for beginner birders. Please let the trip leader know if you are new to birding when you arrive.
Code of Conduct and Code of Birding Ethics: Participants are expected to review OFO’s Code of Conduct and Code of Birding Ethics before the trip.
Transportation: All participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the field trip. Public transit information, if available, is included in the trip description. Car pooling is not encouraged at this time due to COVID-19.
Meeting Time: Please arrive a few minutes before the start time. Please contact the trip leader if a cell number is provided, If you are running late or cannot attend.
What to Wear: Wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather, season, and terrain. Long pants and closed shoes or boots are recommended as protection from the elements, ticks, and other biting insects. In bright light, a hat with a large brim will make it easier to see birds.
What to Bring: Please bring your ID and health card, a mask, enough water for the duration of the trip, snacks, a packed lunch for a longer trip, and money for park entrance and ferry fees. Depending on the season, sunscreen, insect repellant, and a topical insect bite treatment such as Afterbite or Benadryl are recommended.
Optics and Cameras: Please bring your choice of binoculars, optional scope, and camera. Please contact the Field Trips Coordinator in advance by email at fieldtrips@ofo.ca if you require loaner binoculars. We will do our best to provide a pair.
Leaving Early: Trip leaders understand that not everyone will be able to stay for the duration of the trip. If you must leave early, please inform the trip leader.
Rest Stops and Lunch Breaks: Trip leaders will include rest stops and lunch breaks but if you require additional rest stops, please inform the trip leader, so they can accommodate your request.
Safety and First Aid: Trip leaders are volunteers. They are not trained in first aid and cannot provide medical help in the case of an accident or administer medication. When driving, please follow the rules of the road. Exercise caution when parking on the side of the road and getting out of your car.
Accessibility: OFO aims to provide accessible birding trips which are welcoming and enjoyable for all. If you have any questions about the trip, or require accommodations, please contact the trip leader in advance, by emailing fieldtrips@ofo.ca. Please allow a few days for a response.
Contact: Please email fieldtrips@ofo.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
