Saturday: April 1
Leaders: Dave Milsom, Cathy Douglas, Brian Wales
Trip Description: Meet 9:00 am at entrance to Nephton Mine site at north end of County Road 6 in Nephton. Permission has been granted for our OFO group to go by school bus to a ridge overlooking the mine site, as well as much of Petroglyphs Provincial Park and beyond. After arrival and car parking, we will follow the mine escort by bus to the overlook. Migrant raptors, waterbirds and passerines should be seen. Some resident birds are likely, too. A scope is extremely useful to view distant birds. Bring warm clothing, lunch, snacks, drinks, sunscreen and a chair for comfortable viewing.
Important Note: Due to the access permissions and the arrangements for the bus, participants will be required to remain with the leaders until our departure from the site at 3:30 p.m.
Who Should Come? Field trips are for OFO members. One guest is allowed, if required. New birders and photographers are welcome.
Type of Trip: Migrant and resident birds, photography.
Location and Directions: The Nephton Mine entrance is at the north end of County Road 6 in the former community of Nephton, located in the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen in Peterborough County.
Public Transportation: None.
Duration: 9:00 a.m. — 3:30 p.m. Rest stops and lunch break will occur throughout the day.
Approximate Distance: The bus ride to the overlook is about two kilometres.
Terrain: Hilly; good footwear required if you hike near the overlook site.
Gradient: Level at overlook, hilly around site.
Accessibility: Icy or wet conditions possible. No washrooms available after leaving mine entrance.
Land Acknowledgement: As we stage this event in the Kasshabog Lake region, we are reminded to respect and nurture our sacred relationship to this land as well as to its First Peoples, both past and present. We acknowledge that this lake and its surroundings reside upon the traditional lands of the Mississauga Anishinaabe.
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 leaders 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.
Meeting Time: Please arrive a few minutes before the start time. Please contact the trip leaders (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 leaders.
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 leaders, 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 leaders 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.
