Saturday, May 4
Leader: Mark Calhoun
Meet 8.00 a.m at parking lot on James Bay Junction Road.
The first part of the trip is a walk along the Rose Point Trail which is a linear path along the former JR Booth Rail bed. It includes mature woodland, several beaver ponds, small lakes, a river and a large sedge meadow. About 60 bird species are expected.
Next we will visit the Parry Sound Sewage Lagoons on Macfarlane Street where we can expect waterfowl, swallows, and Bald Eagles. The last stop is the Parry Sound Salt Dock at the end of Salt Dock Road. This spot is good for gulls, Prairie Warbler and other migrants.
Type of Trip: Resident birds, spring migrants, photography. A scope is useful.
Location and Directions: The Rose Point Trail runs between James Bay Junction Road and Rose Point Road south of Parry Sound. If arriving by Highway 400, exit at Bowes Street, go west to the first left turn, drive south on Oastler Park Drive for 2.6 kilometres, turn right on James Bay Junction Road, drive 1.5 km and the parking lot is on the left.
Public Transportation: None.
Duration: 8:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. Rest stops will be available throughout the day. There are many benches on the trail. Bring a packed lunch and a drink.
Approximate Distance: We will bird along the trail for three km and then turn around, for a total of six km.
Accessibility: Mostly flat terrain with grassy trails. Good footwear required. Washrooms are available between trail locations.
Land Acknowledgement: The District of Parry Sound wishes to acknowledge that we work on and enjoy the lands that have been inhabited by Indigenous peoples from the beginning. Indigenous families know these lands as the hunting grounds, medicine areas, and gathering places. The District of Parry Sound is home of the Anishinaabeg/Anishinaabek – Ojibway, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples, and the territory of the Wasauksing, Shawanaga, Magnetawan, Dokis and Henvey Inlet First Nations and is under the Robinson-Huron Treaty. As we are all treaty people, it is important to learn about the lands we stand on and the people who live here.
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.
