Saturday: June 17
Leaders: Jeremy Hatt (he/him), Jennifer Nantais (she/her)
Trip Description: Meet 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Ojibway Park in Windsor to join OFO and the Essex County Field Naturalists' Club (ECFNC) for a Pride Month Birding Walk. This second annual walk is a celebration of the LGBTQ2S+ community, but all members of the birding community are welcome. We start by exploring the trails of Ojibway Park before crossing the street to follow the Titcombe path between the Tallgrass Heritage Prairie Heritage Park and the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve.
Who Should Come? As a cooperative effort of OFO and the ECFNC, we invite all who are interested in the outing and encourage newer or first-time birders to come along. Creating a respectful, welcoming and accessible environment is our first priority as we enjoy observing the breeding birds of Ojibway and environs.
Type of Trip: Walking trails for summer breeding birds.
Location and Directions: Ojibway Park is located at 5200 Matchette Road in Windsor.
Public Transportation: The South Windsor 7 bus has a stop at Titcombe Road at the entrance to Ojibway Park.
Duration: 8:30 am. — 12:00 noon. With rest stops, if needed
Approximate Distance: About five kilometres, depending on the birding.
Terrain: Forest, grasslands; close-toed shoes or hiking footwear recommended.
Gradient: Mostly level.
Trail Surfaces: Mostly gravel, but some asphalt and dirt trails.
Accessibility: Asphalt trails in Ojibway Park are accessible, as is the Ojibway Park Nature Centre. Our walk can be modified to accommodate mobility needs of participants. A drinking water station is located in the Ojibway Park Nature Centre.
Washrooms: The Ojibway Park Nature Center has public washrooms, including wheelchair accessible facilities.
Land Acknowledgement: We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, which includes the Ojibwa, the Odawa and the Potawatomie. The City of Windsor honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land.
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.
