Sunday, May 12: Rondeau Provincial Park
Leader: Stewart McDonald
Join Stewart on this journey to one of the most renowned Birding Hotspots in Ontario. Rondeau Provincial Park, located on the north shore of Lake Erie, is known for it's Old Growth Carolinian Forest and its proximity to Lake Erie. Migrant Songbirds are the Park's main attraction at this time of year.
The target species are Warblers in their Spring plumage as they pass through the Park on the way to their breeding grounds. In addition, Flycatchers, Thrushes, Vireos, Orioles, Indigo Buntings and Scarlet Tanagers are sought after species at this time of year.
The "Star of the Show" is often the Prothonotary Warbler which is an Endangered Species in Ontario. Rondeau is usually one of the most reliable places in the Province to see this special bird.
The group will convene at 800 a.m. at the parking lot inside the Park Gate. There is a fee to enter the Park. Please dress according to the weather conditions and wear comfortable walking shoes. The terrain is flat and generally dry. The actual outing will start at "Warbler Way" and clean bathrooms are available there, as well as throughout the Park.
Please bring your binoculars, snacks and water for this excursion. Stewart will send participants an email a few days before the outing and will hopefully be able to answer any questions you may have.
Looking forward to seeing you at Rondeau for a fun day of birding!
Type of trip: Spring birds, photography.
Public Transportation: Not available. Bicycles can be used to bird the park.
Duration: 8:00 - 1:00. Rest stops will occur throughout the morning. Bring a packed lunch and drinks.
Approximate Distance: Distances depend on local birding info at time of the trip.
Accessibility: Mostly flat but good footwear required. Wet conditions possible in the park.
Land Acknowledgement :The land that is known as Chatham-Kent today is the traditional land of the Three Fires Confederacy: the Odawa, Potawatami and Ojibwe. These Indigenous Nations, known as the Anishinaabeg and Lunaapeew, agreed to the mutual sharing of the land, with obligations and responsibilities to the environment. Chatham-Kent neighbours the Lunaapeew at Delaware Nation which is part of the McKee Purchase Treaty, as well as the unceded territory of the Bkejwanong Walpole Island First Nation. Chatham-Kent continues to be home to diverse First Nations Peoples and Métis Peoples. This land was settled through the McKee Purchase Treaty of 1790 and we, as beneficiaries of the treaty, recognize our responsibilities including our collective responsibilities to the land and water. Today these responsibilities and obligations extend to all 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.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.
