Friday, June 9 to Friday, June 16 (but come for any portion of that)
Leaders: Mike Cadman and Anna Sheppard
This Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Square Bash brings volunteers together to canoe, camp and atlas over a one week period with the goal of covering key gaps in Atlas coverage.
Meet at Hartley Bay Marina about 100 km north of Parry Sound. Camping in the park is being provided free of charge to registered participants.
Participants will atlas in small groups (2-4 people) each day, covering squares between Hartley Bay and Georgian Bay. A river of national historic significance, the French River is the first designated Canadian Heritage River. The survey area includes a rich mix of forest, wetland and riverside habitats, home to numerous warblers and thrushes, and is well known for its Common Nighthawk and Eastern Whip-poor-will populations.
Who Should Come? Open to anyone collecting data for the Atlas. Canoe-camping is free for participants. Participants should have experience with back-country and/or canoe-camping.
Type of Trip: Atlas Square Bash. This is a back-country camping and canoing trip (50 km loop). Find out more about Square Bashes at: www.birdsontario.org/square-bashes/
Location and Directions: Meet at Hartley Bay Marina about 100 km north of Parry Sound.
Duration: June 9 - 16, but participants can come for any portion of that period. Each day, atlassing will begin at dawn and continue throughout the morning, weather permitting. Afternoons will be optional free time and evenings will involve planning for the next day and some crepuscular surveys.
Approximate Distance: At the discretion of participants. Atlassing 5 to 10 km from the campsite daily. We will be moving campsites every couple of days.
Terrain: Paddling and atlassing on water, with some forays onto dry land as required to target certain habitats. Navigation on water and on land will require use of maps, compass, GPS and/or other navigation tools.
Gradient: Varied. Level to steep, depending on location.
Trail Surface: Various, from paved to mud.
Accessibility: This trip requires the ability to canoe and hike in back-country situations.
Washrooms: There are no washrooms on site.
What You Need to Know: OFO and the Atlas welcome all people who are interested in birds and birding and strive to create an inclusive, comfortable and enjoyable experience. Trip leaders are volunteers who generously offer their time to share their knowledge and passion for birds with others.
Atlassers should be self-sufficient as far as canoeing, camping and birding gear, including food. Hartley Bay Marina rents canoes and some camping gear. Daily parking fees will apply. Atlassers should have canoeing and back-country camping experience. Maps will be provided.
Beginner Birders: Most OFO and Atlas trips are suitable for beginner birders. Please provide information on your birding experience when you register and let the trip leader 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: The initial get-together will be at 4 pm, June 9, at the Hartley Bay Marina, to launch the canoe/kayak trip.
What to Wear: Wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather, season and terrain. Long pants, rain gear, and rubber or waterproof 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: Participants should be completely self-sufficient for eating, camping and birding. Please bring your ID and health card, a mask, food for the duration of the trip (groceries available locally). Sunscreen, bear spray, insect repellant and a topical insect bite treatment such as Afterbite or Benadryl are recommended. If you would like to use your own canoe or kayak or bicycle for atlassing, please bring them along - with all of the appropriate safety gear of course, and battery backup if possible.
Groceries are not available locally. Participants should arrive with eight days-worth of food. Food must be stored in bear-proof containers. A full list of recommended gear will be provided to registered participants.
Optics and Cameras: Please bring your choice of binoculars, optional scope and camera. Please contact the OFO 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. Please inform the trip leaders of your plans when you register, and each day when at the event.
Rest Stops and Lunch Breaks: At the discretion of participants.
Safety and First Aid: See (link) for suggestions. 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 and Atlas-3 aim 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 Anna Sheppard at: manitoulin@birdsontario.org. Please allow a few days for a response.
Contact: Please email Anna Sheppard at: manitoulin@birdsontario.org if you have any questions or concerns.
