Saturday, May 18
Leader: Kevin Shackleton
Trip Description: Meet 6.45 a.m. at the Tim Hortons, 68 Yonge Street South in Elmvale in Simcoe County. Plan for a full day with a hike around the Tiny Marsh Trails, a visit to Wasaga Beach for Piping Plover, the Collingwood Harbour for late migrating waterfowl, and the Collingwood Airport area for grassland species.
Type of Trip: Resident birds, spring migrants, photography.
Location and Directions: Elmvale is approximately 20 minutes north of Barrie at the intersection of Simcoe County Roads 27 and 92 (Queen Street).
Public Transportation: None.
Duration: 6:45 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. Rest/lunch stops will be available throughout the day.
Approximate Distance: Distances driven depend on local birding info at time of the trip. Most of the trip takes place at Tiny Marsh; we will then drive to Wasaga Beach and the Collingwood area.
Terrain: Mostly flat, paved trails. Good footwear required.
Washrooms: Tiny Marsh Visitor Centre, Wasaga Beach, Collingwood.
Land Acknowledgement: Simcoe County acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional land of the Anishnaabeg people. The Anishnaabeg include the Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We are dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nation, Métis and Inuit people.
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.
If you have any questions or concerns, email fieldtrips@ofo.ca.
