2022 OFO Convention, Northeast Edition
The First Ever OFO Simulcast Convention in Northern Ontario!
September 23 - 25, 2022, Smooth Rock Falls
Birders in Northern Ontario now have their own version of the OFO Convention! The Northeast Convention runs simultaneously with the Point Pelee event, with trips centred around the Smooth Rock Falls area, delicious food, and camaraderie with other local birders. Evening presentations from the main convention will be livestreamed.
Join OFO members and guests for three days of birding, celebration and enjoyment in Northeastern Ontario. At this time of year you can expect to see migrating songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and of course boreal specialities such as Spruce Grouse and Black-backed Woodpecker.
Your registration includes access to field trips, the Friday Night “Birds & (Root)Beers” meal and program, and the Saturday Evening AGM and banquet.
Field Trips
Saturday, September 24 a.m. Moonbeam sewage lagoons --- A well-known local hotspot, good for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Guides: Pierre Noel & Mark Joron
Saturday, September 24 p.m. Moonbeam walking trails --- One of the gems of Northeastern Ontario, with varied habitat along easily accessible walkways. Guide: Lynne Stephenson
Sunday, September 25 a.m. Lookout Road, Smooth Rock Falls --- You never know what birds might turn up here! Starting at the Falls on the Mattagami River. Guides: Pamela Dallaire and Andrew Davis
Sunday, September 25 p.m. Greenwater Provincial Park --- This park is now closed to camping and motorized vehicles, but definitely open to birding! Guides: Rhonda Donley and Angie Williams
Warm clothing and sturdy waterproof footwear are recommended, as September weather can be quite variable and sometimes chilly.
Friday Night "Birds & (Root)Beers"
Friday night’s Birds & (Root) Beers is a casual dinner followed by livestreamed presentations from the main convention in Leamington, including the famous Bird Quiz hosted by Sarah Rupert.
Complimentary refreshments will be available starting at 5:00 pm for participants who wish to gather before the meal is served.
Saturday Night Banquet and AGM
The Saturday Banquet and AGM is the heart of the convention. A sit down meal is followed by the roundup and livestreamed presentations from the main convention in Leamington, including: the OFO Annual General Meeting, presentation of the Distinguished Ornithologist Award, Certificates of Appreciation, and the Keynote Speech. This year’s Keynote Speaker is Merilyn Simonds, author of Woman, Watching, a biography of Louise de Kiriline Lawrence, an early citizen scientist who retreated in midlife to a log cabin in the bush to study songbirds.
Complimentary refreshments will be available starting at 5:00 pm for participants who wish to gather before the meal is served.
Evening Event Location
Both evening events take place at the Smooth Rock Falls Museum, located at 43 3rd Avenue in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario. The museum has free parking and is wheelchair accessible.
Where to Stay
The nearest motel is the Moose Motel, in Smooth Rock Falls, conveniently located next to two restaurants and the local grocery store. There are several Air B&B’s in Smooth Rock Falls. Alternatively, Cochrane (57 km to the east) and Kapuskasing (63 km to the west) both have a variety of hotels/motels.
COVID Precautions: Safety is our first concern. We will follow provincial and regional guidance regarding Covid safety and adjust the convention as required.
Questions? Email Angie Williams at: membership@ofo.ca