Saturday, January 11
Leaders: Jeremy Hatt, Kory Renaud
Trip Description: Meet 9:00 a.m. at Lakeview Park Marina in Windsor. Winter is an excellent time of year to observe waterfowl, gulls and birds of prey that use the open water of the Detroit River. We will start the day at the marina, visit the Little River Corridor, and continue downriver to its end at Ojibway Park. Be sure to dress for the weather and pack some snacks; bring a scope if you have one.
Who Should Come? Field trips are for OFO members; one guest is allowed, if required.
Type of Trip: Winter birds.
Location and Directions: Lakeview Park Marina is located at 9200 Riverside Drive East, Windsor.
Public Transportation: Local bus transport available to this location.
Duration: 9:00 — 3:00 p.m. Due to the duration of the outing, participants can decide whether they want to bring a lunch or stop along the way. We will give a meeting time for Ojibway Park when we leave Little River so that attendees can make their own lunch choice (due to COVID concerns). We will reconvene at the Ojibway parking lot in the early afternoon.
Approximate Distance: We expect to travel 25 kilometres by car.
Trail Surfaces: The marina is paved, but the trails we take at Little River and Ojibway are dirt/gravel. The Little River trail is not wheelchair accessible, although we could alter our route if we have someone that requires it.
Accessibility: A vehicle is required to follow this itinerary.
Washrooms: Available en route.
Land Acknowledgement: We would like to respectfully acknowledge that the land on which we gather today is the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, comprised of the Ojibwe, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi Peoples. We are grateful to learn and live in this area.
What You Need to Know
OFO welcomes all people who are interested in birds and birding and strives to create an inclusive, comfortable and enjoyable experience. OFO trip leaders are volunteers who generously offer their time to share their knowledge and passion for birds with others.
Beginner Birders: Most OFO trips are suitable for beginner birders. Please let the trip leader 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.
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.
Meeting Time: Please arrive a few minutes before the start time. Please contact the trip leaders (if a cell number is provided) if you are running late or cannot attend.
What to Wear: Wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather, season and terrain. Long pants and closed shoes or boots are recommended as protection from the elements, ticks and other biting insects. In bright light, a hat with a large brim will make it easier to see birds.
What to Bring: Please bring your ID and health card, a mask, enough water for the duration of the trip, snacks, a packed lunch for a longer trip 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.
Optics and Cameras: Please bring your choice of binoculars, optional scope and camera. Please contact the Field Trips Coordinator in advance by email at 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.
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.
Contact: Please email fieldtrips@ofo.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
