September 28th (Saturday): Westmeath Park and Lac Dore
Leaders: Christian Renault, Dan Simpson
Situated on the Ottawa River near Pembroke, Westmeath Park is a noted migration stopover for Nelson’s Sparrow and occasionally Le Conte’s Sparrow. Lac Dore, a fish-filled lake, regularly attracts many small gulls, grebes, and loons along with the occasional rarity. Meet 8:00 a.m. in Cobden at the Cobden Boat Launch.
Type of trip: Search for fall migrants by car and on foot. Locations visited will depend on conditions on the day.
Location and Directions: Meet at Cobden at the Cobden Boat Launch
Public Transportation: Not available
Duration: Rest stops and coffee/lunch breaks will occur throughout the day.
Accessibility: Distances driven depend on local birding info at time of the trip. Flat terrain but there may be some difficult walking in search of rare sparrows. Trail surfaces can be wet and muddy. Bring rubber boots or other appropriate footwear.
Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge today that we are on the unceded, unsurrendered 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.
About OFO Field Trips
OFO trips are for OFO members and one guest only.
OFO strives to create an inclusive, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. Trip leaders are volunteers who generously offer their time to share their knowledge and passion for birds with others. 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.
Cancellation Policy: Space is limited so please cancel your registration if you cannot attend. If you need to cancel your registration on an outing, please go to the Events Registration page at https://ofo25.wildapricot.org/events. If you are registered for an event, you will see "Already registered" on the left side of the brief outing summary. Click on this, and you will see a button you can click to CANCEL REGISTRATION.
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.
What to Bring: Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy, closed toe footwear. Bring ID and health card, water, a packed lunch for longer trips, 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.
Loaner Binoculars: Email fieldtrips@ofo.caif 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 before you go.
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.
