Trip Description
September 30 (Saturday) Ottawa (all day to 5 pm )
Leaders: Jeff Skevington, Michelle Martin.
Meet 7:30 a.m. along Cassels Road, outside the gate to the Britannia Filtration Plant. Experience the diversity of Ottawa’s avifauna during the peak of Fall migration. Expect to see warblers, sparrows, waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls and others. Study the subtle differences between similar species as we explore the Ottawa River from different vantage points. We start at Britannia, and move slowly west, visiting some of Eastern Ontario’s best migratory staging areas. Bring a lunch.
Land Acknowledgement for Ottawa: We acknowledge that we are settlers living on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial. We recognize the Algonquins as the customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed and its tributaries. We honour their long history of welcoming many Nations to this beautiful territory and uphold and uplift the voice and values of our Host Nation.
Further, we respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across this land, and will continue to honour the commitments to self-determination and sovereignty we have made to Indigenous Nations and Peoples.
Who should come: OFO members . One guest per member allowed if required.
Directions: see above
Public Transportation: Ottawa bus transportation available.
Duration: all day
Approximate Distance: 30 kms.
Terrain: generally flat
Trail Surfaces: even
Accessibility: generally accessible to all with vehicles.
Washrooms: enroute. Leaders will provide washroom breaks at suitable locations.
About OFO Field Trips
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.
COVID-19 Rules: All trip leaders are vaccinated. We require that all trip attendees are fully vaccinated. The trip will comply with current government COVID-19 rules. Before the trip, please use the Government of Ontario COVID-19 Self Assessment to determine if you should attend. Please cancel your registration if Government of Ontario COVID-19 Self Assessment recommends that you stay home, if you have symptoms, have been exposed to a person with COVID, or are waiting for test results.
Who should come? Field trips are for OFO members One guest is allowed if required. New birders and photographers are welcome.
Beginner Birders: Most OFO trips are suitable for beginner birders. Please let the trip leader know if you are new to birding when you arrive so they can answer your questions.
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. Car pooling is not encouraged at this time due to COVID-19.
Meeting Time: Please arrive a few minutes before the start time. If a cell number is provided, please contact the trip leader 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. If you required loaner binoculars, please contact the Field Trips Coordinator in advance by email at fieldtrips@ofo.ca. 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 leader.
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 leader, 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 leader in advance, by emailing fieldtrips@ofo.ca. Please allow a few days for a response.
Questions: Please email fieldtrips@ofo.ca if you have any questions or concerns.