Sunday, May 26
Leaders: Michael Werner, Bruce Murphy, Mark Milton
If you have questions regarding the trip, especially if there is a certain species you would like to know about, contact Bruce Murphy by email (birdboy369@gmail.com).
Trip Description: Meet 8:00 a.m. at the Banding Station in Hilliardton Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area. Because the station usually opens 30 minutes after sunrise, keen birders are welcome to arrive early to start seeing many of the 23 warbler species that have been banded at the marsh in past years.
Starting at 8:00 a.m., visitors will witness bird banding in action, provided it is not raining. If it is raining, we will tour the marsh for the morning and then visit the nearby New Liskeard Sewage Lagoon, which is also a very productive birding spot. Participants can expect to see at least 12 duck species as well as several species of shorebirds as they wing their way on their northern migration. There can be more than 3000 individual ducks at a time.
A spotting scope is useful. We will have a couple on hand that the marsh has recently purchased for public use. If the weather allows, the banding will appeal to beginners and seasoned birders, with Mourning Warbler a particular attraction. Other expected warblers include Wilson's, Tennessee, Northern Parula, Nashville, Chestnut- sided, Magnolia, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow, American Redstart, Canada and the ubiquitous Yellow-rumped Warbler. There are others possible. Sparrows include Swamp and Lincoln's. You can also expect Veery and Swainson's Thrush, as well as Red-eyed and Philadelphia Vireos. After banding we will do a tour of the marsh, with the opportunity to see and potentially photograph breeding Black Tern and American Bittern, as well as waterfowl such as Ring-necked Duck, Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon and the occasional Trumpeter Swan.
Donations are encouraged and welcomed to help fund our continuing research at the marsh. Hilliardton Marsh memberships can be purchased on our website (www.thehilliardtonmarsh.com). You can also see the list of the 164 species we have banded, along with the number of individuals recorded over our years of banding.
Type of Trip: Breeding birds, spring migrants, photography.
Location and Directions: Hilliardton Marsh is on Highway 569 north of Highway #11 (north of North Bay).
Public Transportation: None.
Duration: 8:00 a.m. — 3:30 p.m. Rest stops and lunch breaks will occur throughout the day.
Approximate Distance: Mostly short hikes.
Terrain: Level wetland, fields, wood edges, marsh. Trail surfaces are pavement, wooden boardwalks and sand. Good footwear required.
Washrooms: on site.
Land Acknowledgement: Hilliardton is on the Robinson-Huron Treaty territory and the land is the traditional territory of Cree, Ojibway and Algonquin Peoples, as well as Beaverhouse First Nation.
About OFO Field Trips
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.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 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.
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.
If you have any questions or concerns, email fieldtrips@ofo.ca.
