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Porcupine Lake, Timmins

  • 22 May 2022
  • 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Porcupine Lake, Timmins
  • 24

Registration

  • Field trip rules for 2022.

Registration is closed

Porcupine Lake Area - May 22, 2022 (Sunday)

Leader: Roxane Filion .

We meet at 7am at White Waterfront Conservation Area at Porcupine Lake (GPS: 48.478879987, -81.20512287) The focus will be on spring songbirds along the Prospector or Dead Man Point Trail (sparrows, warblers, vireos, flycatchers, etc.). After a 4 km walk, we will drive a short distance, and stroll along grassland and shrubby habitat (more sparrows and warblers, with a possibility of birds of prey) and explore another location along Porcupine River to observe some migrating waterfowl.

Land Acknowledgement: This walk will take place on Treaty #9 territory, and on and near traditional territories of Indigenous Nations including the Mattagami First Nation, Mushkegowuk (Cree), Anishinabewaki and Métis.

Who should come? Field trips are for OFO members (one guest is allowed but must be registered beforehand). If number of registrants allow, non-OFO members can request to join; contact trip leader for more info: roxanefilion7@hotmail.com Type of trip: A slow-paced introduction to migrating birds in the Porcupine Lake area, taking our time to listen to songs and calls, and observe and identify the species we encounter.   Meeting location and directions: White Waterfront Conservation Area is situated on the south-west shore of Porcupine Lake. Free parking at the end of Bloor Street in South Porcupine. GPS: 48.47887998, -81.20512287

Public transportation: Bus access to the meeting point: take Timmins Transit 16 to the corner of Main Street and Bruce Avenue and walk east for 300 meters to the White Waterfront meeting area. There is no public transportation to the second birding location, but it can be reached by walking/cycling a few km if needed.

Duration/rests: We start with a 4 km slow walk (approx. 3.5 to 4 hrs) followed by a short break at Bristol Bay (with an opportunity to stop at a restroom on the way) We then move a short distance to the Bart Thomson Trail section near Shallow Lake (Slow walk for approx. 1.5 to 2 hrs.)Approximate distance: walking 6-7 km. Driving 4 km. Trail surfaces/Terrain: Trails are hard packed with possible wet areas near the lake. Mostly flat terrain with one or two short hills.

Accessibility: Slow walking for an approximate total distance of 6 to 7 kms. (4 to 5 km at the first location and 2 km at the second location)

Washrooms: There are no washrooms along the trails. The closest public washrooms are in Tim Hortons or in the west entrance of Porcupine Mall on Highway 101 near the lights. We will do a quick stop there between the 2 birding locations.

Who should come? Field trips are for OFO members One guest is allowed if required.  New birders and photographers are welcome.

Type of trip: Northern birds, spring migrants,  photography. 

Location and Directions: see above.

Public Transportation: only in Timmins: see above.

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 footwear required.

Gradient: Flat.

Trail Surfaces: see above.

Accessibility: wet conditions possible. 

Washrooms: at Tims and other locations.


What you need to know


OFO welcomes all people who are interested in birds and birding and strives to create an inclusive, comfortable, and enjoyable experience. OFO trip leaders are volunteers who generously offer their time to share their knowledge and passion for birds with others. 


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.

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