Lanark County

Saturday, May 25

Leader: Ken Allison

Meet 7:30 a.m. at the Five Span Bridge Park of the west side of the Five Span Bridge in Pakenham, about 30 minutes west of Ottawa. There is ample parking here and we will start birding the park before moving on through the morning along the edge of the Canadian Shield. This trip will involve a lot of walking on good trails in mostly wooded areas. Possible Eastern Bluebirds, Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings, Broad-winged Hawks and many warbler species.

Type of Trip: Breeding birds, spring migrants, photography.

Location and Directions: Pakenham is a community in the Town of Mississippi Mills in Lanark County. Pakenham is easily accessible off Highway 417.

Public Transportation: None.

Duration: 7:30 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. Rest stops will occur throughout the morning.

Approximate Distance: Driving and walking distance depends on sites visited.

Terrain: Mostly wooded areas with well-maintained trails. Flat, but good footwear required.

Washrooms: At the Five Span Bridge Park in Pakenham.

Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge that this sacred land on which Mississippi Mills is now located has been a site of human activity for over 10,000 years and is rich in Indigenous history. This land is the ancestral and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation. We are grateful to the Algonquin ancestors who cared for the land and water in order that we might meet here today.We recognize with gratitude the knowledge and contributions that the Algonquin Peoples bring to the Town of Mississippi Mills. Today, Mississippi Mills is also home to other Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We extend our respect to all First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for their valuable past and present contributions.

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.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.

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.