Saturday, March 8
Leaders: Matt Fuirst, Emma Buck
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Birds Canada National Headquarters, 115 Front Road, Port Rowan (coordinates and Google Map link below). Lunch will likely be outside or on your own, although an indoor option at Old Cut Research Station may be possible. Dress very warmly, especially if it’s windy, as it can sometimes be bitterly cold. The focus is waterfowl, Tundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes and early spring migrants. A telescope is very useful. We will visit sites featured in the Long Point Birding Trail available at https://birdscanada.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Birding-Trail-brochure-2021.pdf. For a summary of Long Point bird life, please visit the Long Point Bird Observatory Sightings Board at https://birdscanada.org/lpbo.
Type of Trip: Winter birds and early migrants, photography.
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: 9:00 — 1:00 p.m. Rest stops and coffee/lunch breaks will occur throughout the morning and early afternoon. Trip ends between noon and 1:00 p.m. at Old Cut Research Station on Long Point.
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.
