Saturday-Sunday: April 22-23
Leaders: Martin Parker, Kathy Parker, Kiah Jasper
Trip Description: Meet 8:30 a.m. both days in the parking area of the Spirit Rock Outpost & Lodge on Highway 6 at the north end of Wiarton. The Saugeen Bruce Peninsula between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron is a corridor for migrating birds in the spring migration.
Saturday’s birding will concentrate on sites along the Georgian Bay shoreline and will feature concentrations of Red-necked and Horned Grebes. Migrating hawks will pass overhead if the winds are favourable. Other migrants will add to the day’s birding.
Sunday’s birding will focus on the Lake Huron shoreline with special emphasis on Black Creek Provincial Park Reserve — a mecca for wood warblers — as well as Stokes Bay, Issac and Sky Lakes, and the Oliphant shoreline. Highlights should include early warblers.
The birding each day will be very different. Participants can attend either one or both days. A scope is useful. Bring a packed lunch each day.
Who Should Come? Field trips are for OFO members; one guest is allowed, if required. New birders and photographers are welcome.
Type of Trip: Resident birds, spring migrants, photography.
Location and Directions: The Spirit Rock Outpost & Lodge is located at 877 Berford Street on Highway 60 in Wiarton. Accomodation is available at the lodge (519-534-5168), providing a convenient home base for both field trips.
Public Transportation: None.
Duration: 8:30 a.m. — 3:30 p.m. on both days. Rest stops and coffee/lunch breaks will occur throughout each day.
Approximate Distance: Distances driven depend on local birding info at time of the trip.
Terrain: Mostly flat, but good winter footwear required.
Gradient: Generally level, with some hilly sections.
Trail Surfaces: Various natural surfaces, including bare rock, dirt and sand; unlikely to be much walking involved.
Accessibility: Wet conditions possible.
Washrooms: En route.
Land Acknowledgement :The birders and visitors wish to acknowledge and honour the lands of the Niagara Escarpment as the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples. In both spirit and partnership, we recognize and thank the Anishinaabek, Huron-Wendat, Tionontati, Attawandaron, Haudenosaunee, Métis and all who provided stewardship of these lands over millennia.
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.
