Waterfowl and Early Spring Migrants in the Port Rowan and Long Point Area
Leader: Stewart McDonald
Long Point Provincial Park is the 4th oldest Provincial Park in Ontario, established in 1921. It has been designated as a World Biosphere Reserve. It is also one of the largest Waterfowl Staging areas in North America.
Please join Stewart MacDonald, who has birded Long Point for over 30 years, on this outing. It is possible to see over 20 Species of Waterfowl, including the possibility of seeing the hard to find Eurasian Wigeon, as well as Raptors, Shorebirds, Wading Birds, Gulls, Terns and Sandhill Cranes. We will also search for early Songbird arrivals, which could include Rusty Blackbird, Brown Thrasher, Hermit Thrush, Eastern Phoebe and Sparrow Species.
The excursion will begin at the Birds' Canada Office in Port Rowan, where washroom facilities are available. There is also a washroom at Old Cut Observatory.
Participants should dress warmly (in water resistant gear if it rains), and wear good walking shoes. The terrain will be level and dry most of the time, but could be a bit muddy in spots. A spotting scope will be available, but feel free to bring a scope if you have one, as well as binoculars, snacks and water.
Participants will receive an email from Stewart a few days before the outing, which will give you an opportunity to ask any questions about this outing. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Location and Directions: Morning meeting location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Birds+Canada/@42.6149302,-80.4593303.18.5z/d
Public Transportation: None.
Duration: 8.30 — 1:00 p.m. Rest stops will occur throughout the morning .
Approximate Distance: Distances driven depend on local birding info at time of the trip.
Accessibility: Trails are mostly level and paved. There is unlikely to be much walking involved. However, icy or snowy conditions are possible, good winter footwear required. Bring rain gear. Washrooms available at Birds Canada National Headquarters and Old Cut Research Station.
Land Acknowledgement: We would like to acknowledge the territory of the Anishnawbe, Haudenosaunee and Attawandaron, where we stage this event and where many of us live and work.
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.
