Sunday: May 21
Leader: Roxane Filion
Trip Description: Meet 7:00 a.m. at White Waterfront Conservation Area at Porcupine Lake. We will focus on spring songbirds along the Prospector or Dead Man Point Trail, looking for sparrows, warblers, vireos, flycatchers, etc. After a four kilometre walk, we will drive a short distance and stroll along grassland and shrubby habitat, looking for more sparrows and warblers, with a possibility of birds of prey. We will explore another location along the Porcupine River to observe migrating waterfowl. Note that this date was chosen to coordinate with the trip scheduled for the Smooth Rock Falls area in Cochrane District on May 20.
Who Should Come? Field trips are for OFO members; one guest is allowed, if required. Non-OFO members can request to join and will be welcome if there is room. Contact trip leader for more info: roxanefilion7@hotmail.com.
Type of Trip: Northern birds, spring migrants, photography. This will be a slow-paced introduction to migrating birds in the Porcupine Lake area, taking our time to listen to songs and calls, and to observe and identify the species we encounter.
Location and Directions: The White Waterfront Conservation Area is situated on the southwest shore of Porcupine Lake. Free parking is available at the end of Bloor Street in South Porcupine (GPS: 48.47887998, -81.20512287).
Public Transportation: There is bus access to the meeting point: Take Timmins Transit 16 to the corner of Main Street and Bruce Avenue and walk east for 300 metres to the White Waterfront meeting location. There is no public transportation to the second birding location, but it can be reached by walking/cycling a few km, if needed.
Duration: 7:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. We start with a four-km slow walk that takes approximately three and a half to four hours, followed by a short break at Bristol Bay with an opporunity to stop at a restroom on the way. We then move a short distance to the Bart Thomson Trail section near Shallow Lake. Here we will have a slow walk for one and a half to two hours.
Approximate Distance: Slow walking for an approximate total distance of six to seven km, with four to five km at the first location and two km at the second location. Driving covers four km.
Terrain: Generally flat.
Gradient: Mostly level with one or two short hills.
Trail Surfaces: Hard-packed dirt.
Accessibility: Possible wet area near the lake.
Washrooms: There are no washrooms along the trails. The closest public washrooms are in Tim Hortons or in the west entrance of Porcupine Mall on Highway 101 near the lights. We will do a quick stop there between the birding locations.
Land Acknowledgement: This walk will take place on Treaty #9 territory, and on and near traditional territories of Indigenous Nations including the Mattagami First Nation, Mushkegowuk (Cree), Anishinabewaki and Métis.
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.
