Niagara Gull Weekend: Explore Welland Canal
Saturday, Dec. 3rd: 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader : Bob Highcock
Explore one of Niagara's premier local hotspots with leaders from the Peninsula Field Naturalists. Good chances for late-migrant passerines and winter residents, gulls, and water birds.
Meeting Time and Location: Meet at 9:30am at the yellow gate at the end of Seaway Haulage Rd., Port Weller East, St. Catharines, Ontario. From Lakeshore Road, turn north onto Seaway Haulage Road. At Broadway, Seaway Haulage Road veers left and continues north to the yellow gate.
Public Transport: St. Catherine's public transport services the general area. However, transport via car is recommended for the Gull Weekend. Please, register for the OFO Discord Server if you would like to car pool, or contact fieldtrips@ofo.ca.
Contact: Call Bob Highcock at 905-327-5457 for more information.
Who can come: Trip is for OFO members. One birding guest is allowed where required. Maximum 35 participants.
What to bring: Winter clothing (it can be cold on the canal), water, sunscreen, and snacks. Please contact trip leader in advance if you require loaner binoculars or accommodations by sending email to: fieldtrips@ofo.ca.
Terrain and Pace: Flat terrain with wide, mostly level gravel path. Slow pace
Facilities: Restrooms not available on site. Please plan accordingly.
Plan your visit for the Gull Weekend: Two days of birding, learning, and fun
Saturday, December 3rd
9:30 - 12:00: Explore Welland Canal
Explore one of Niagara's premier local hotspots with leaders from the Peninsula Field Naturalists. Good chances for late-migrant passerines and winter residents, gulls, and water birds.
1:00 - 3:00 Learn about Gulls
From 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Justin Peter will give a 2-hour presentation about Gulls. Location to be announced.
3:30 - 5:00 Experience the legendary fly-by
From 3.30 -5.00 pm several expert birders will be on-hand for the gull fly-by at the docks at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Expect to see thousands of gulls as they fly past the docks at Niagara-on-the-Lake to their evening roosts on Lake Erie. Good chance for rarities, including Little Gull.
Sunday, December 4th
9:00 am - 3:30 pm: Niagara River Gull Watch (three sessions)
Register for one of three sessions, each led by experts, to explore the gulls and other birds of the Niagara River - a spectacle not to be missed. Pre-registration on the OFO website is required as each session is limited to 30 people.
Dress warmly, bring sun screen, water, and snacks. Prepare to pay parking fees at each location unless you have a Niagara Parks Parking Pass. Carpooling from the meeting place is encouraged.
Transportation: Car transport is required for the weekend. Car pooling is strongly encouraged to reduce the number of cars and to allow those who do not have a car to attend. Please, register for the OFO Discord Server and post your car pooling request.
Niagara Parks Parking Pass: A Niagara Parks parking pass of $40 is strongly recommended for the weekend to avoid paying parking fees at each stopping place. The pass is good for one year from the date of purchase and can be purchased at https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/plan-your-visit/parking-pass/. It's best to purchase this in advance and ask for it to be mailed to your home.
