Sunday: April 30
Leader: Ellen Smout
Description: Meet 8:00 a.m. at the Rondeau Provincial Park Visitor Centre. Park entrance fee. Spring migrants. There will be a side trip to the wetland at the nearby Keith McLean Conservation Lands.
Who Should Come? Field trips are for OFO members; one guest is allowed, if required. New birders and photographers are welcome.
Type of Trip: Spring birds, photography.
Location and Directions: If you do not have an annual Ontario Parks pass, pay entry fee at park entrance and proceed to Visitor Centre to meet group.
Public Transportation: None, but it is feasible to bird the park by bicycle.
Duration: 8:30 a.m. — 3:30 p.m. Rest stops and lunch break will occur throughout the day. It is advisable to bring a packed lunch and drink.
Approximate Distance: Distances depend on local birding info at time of the trip.
Terrain: Mostly flat, but good footwear required.
Gradient: Level.
Trail Surfaces: Paved, dirt, wooden boardwalks in park; grass and dirt in Keith McLean wetland.
Accessibility: Wet conditions possible, with muddy areas possible in Keith McLean wetland.
Washrooms: At several locations in the park, including the marsh boardwalk, the Visitor Centre and the campground area.
Land Acknowledgement: The land that is known as Chatham-Kent today is the traditional land of the Three Fires Confederacy, comprising the Odawa, Potawatami and Ojibwe. These Indigenous Nations, known as the Anishinaabeg and Lunaapeew, agreed to the mutual sharing of the land, with obligations and responsibilities to the environment. Chatham-Kent neighbours the Lunaapeew at Delaware Nation, which is part of the McKee Purchase Treaty, as well as the unceded territory of the Bkejwanong Walpole Island First Nation. Chatham-Kent continues to be home to diverse First Nations and Métis Peoples. This land was settled through the McKee Purchase Treaty of 1790 and we, as beneficiaries of the treaty, recognize our responsibilities, including our collective responsibilities to the land and water. Today these responsibilities and obligations extend to all 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 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.
