Sunday, April 21
Leaders: Ron Tozer, Dawn Sherman
Meet 9:00 am at the Algonquin Provincial Park Visitor Centre. We will search for Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Canada Jay and other species.
Important Note: Your paid daily permit must be reserved in advance: Trip registrants are required to reserve a daily permit for April 21 and can do so only during the five days prior to the date of the visit and not before that. Reserve online at OntarioParks.com or by phone at 1 -888-668-7275. Daily permits are not available at the Visitor Centre due to the recently introduced quota system for visitors. The quota is not expected to be reached on April 21, but you still need to register with the park.
Type of Trip: Winter and boreal birds, photography. Suitable for people new to birding.
Location and Directions: The park's Visitor Centre is located at kilometre 43 on Highway 60; there are posted kilometre markers along the highway from the West Gate to the East Gate.
Public Transportation: None.
Trip Duration: 9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Approximate Distance: Distances driven and walked depend on local birding info at time of the trip.
Accessibility: Dirt, some boardwalks. None of the trails is paved and there will be considerable walking necessary and relatively little birding from the vehicle. Expect to find icy and snow-packed areas where we will walk.Some trails are moderately sloped. Not suitable for people requiring mobility aids.
Washrooms: Washrooms are available at Visitor's Centre and Spruce Bog Trail. Pit toilets elsewhere.
Food and Drink: The Visitor Centre restaurant no longer operates. But self-serve beverages (including coffee) and snacks are available. There are no other food and beverage facilities in the park. Please bring your own lunch, and also extra snacks and beverages for periods when we are on the move.
Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge that Algonquin Provincial Park is situated on the traditional lands of the diverse Algonquin Nation. We acknowledge that our field trip today is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinabek and Huron-Wendat Peoples.
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.
