Sunday: April 16
Leaders: Ron Tozer, Dawn Sherman
Trip Description: Meet 9:00 am at the Algonquin Provincial Park Visitor Centre. We will search for Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Canada Jay and other species.
Important Note: Your paid daily permit must be reserved in advance: Trip registrants are required to reserve a daily permit for April 16 and can do so only during the five days prior to the date of the visit and not before that. Reserve online at OntarioParks.com or by phone at 1-888-668-7275. Daily permits are not available at the Visitor Centre due to the recently introduced quota system for visitors. If you have an annual 2023 Ontario Parks permit, you still need to reserve day use, but there will be no charge. The quota is not expected to be reached on April 16, but you still need to register with the park.
Who Should Come? Field trips are for OFO members. One guest is allowed, if required. New birders and photographers are welcome.
Type of Trip: Winter and boreal birds, photography. Suitable for people new to birding.
Location and Directions: The park's Visitor Centre is located at kilometre 43 on Highway 60; there are posted kilometre markers along the highway from the West Gate to the East Gate.
Public Transportation: None.
Trip Duration: 9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Approximate Distance: Distances driven and walked depend on local birding info at time of the trip.
Terrain: Forest and marsh trails.
Gradient: Some trails are moderately sloped.
Trail Surfaces: Dirt, some boardwalks. None of the trails is paved and there will be considerable walking necessary and relatively little birding from the vehicle. Expect to find icy and snow-packed areas where we will walk.
Accessibility: Not suitable for people requiring mobility aids.
Washrooms: Washrooms are available at Visitor's Centre and Spruce Bog Trail. Pit toilets elsewhere.
Food and Drink: The Visitor Centre restaurant no longer operates. But self-serve beverages (including coffee) and snacks are available. There are no other food and beverage facilities in the park. Please bring your own lunch, and also extra snacks and beverages for periods when we are on the move.
Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge that Algonquin Provincial Park is situated on the traditional lands of the diverse Algonquin Nation. We acknowledge that our field trip today is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinabek and Huron-Wendat Peoples.
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 attempt to 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.
