June 7 2025
Leader: Mark Calhoun
Limestone Islands Provincial Park
10am Departure
We will be on board a chartered boat and will cruise the 30 000 Islands, the world's largest fresh water archipelago. The Limestone Islands are 20km out into Georgian Bay and are the very farthest westerly Islands in the archipelago. During our boat ride we will travel through the McCoys and Mink Island chains as well.
The Limestone Islands Provincial Park has two large islands which host large breeding colonies of the following species: over 1000 nests of Common Tern which represents 2.5 per cent of the North American population, 300 Caspian Tern nests. 16 000 nests of Ring Billed Gull which is 2 per cent of their global population. As well, other nesting birds include American Herring Gull, Double Crested Cormorant and Great Blue Heron.
Return to Gillys Marina at 4 30 pm
Cost is $ 305.10 per person which includes HST.
This fee is based on a full boat of 7 passengers plus the OFO guide.
The Limestone Islands Provincial Park event we will be chartering a boat and enjoying the 30 000 Islands Archipelego all day long.
We have special permission from the Park superintendent to visit Limestone Islands Provincial Park. here there is a large colony of Ring Billed Gull, 16 000 nests which is 2 per cent of their global population.
The Common Tern has a colony of 1000 nests which is 2.5 percent of the North American population.
The Caspian Tern has a smaller colony of 300 nests. As well, there are other nesting colonies of Great Blue Heron, Double Crested Cormorant and American Herring Gulls on the Islands. Various shorebirds will be present as well as Prairie Warbler.
Please DM me for more information.
Deposit will be required as the charter must be paid for in advance. Limited seating as well as this trip is designed for 8 passengers.
Departure at the Gillys Marina in Snug Harbour, Parry Sound District.
For more information please contact Mark Calhoun
289 338 9741 or
Intothewildwithmarkcalhoun@gmail.com
Type of trip: Breeding birds, Spring migrants, photography.
What to bring: Bring a packed lunch.
Location and Directions: see above.
Public Transportation: n/a
Duration: see above
Approximate Distance: 40 kms by boat
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 trips are for OFO members and one guest only unless they are public 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.
