Killarney Provincial Park

Thanksgiving weekend, October 10, 11 and 12.

Leader: Mark Calhoun

Thanksgiving weekend, October 10, 11 and 12.

We will give thanks while exploring the beautiful Killarney Provincial Park and area over a three day event. Killarney is considered Ontario's Crown Jewel in the Park system. It is also home to a rich and diverse northern bird population in which we will be able to observe fall migration. 

Saturday October 10th          :     8am

Cranberry Bog Trail 

This is a 4km loop Trail which visits several different wetland habitats. This trail is a great opportunity to see Ruffed Grouse, waterfowl, White Crowned Sparrow and other migrants.

Lunch We will have lunch at the picnic benches beside the George Lake beach.

1pm   Chikanishing Trail 

This is a 3 km loop Trail which visits a cliff overlooking the La Cloche Mountains.  This is a mixed mature forest habitat very good for Thrushes, Warblers and Vireos.  It also is great spot to observe soaring raptors such as Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture and other migrating Hawks.

Sunday October 11    ;  9 am

George Island Trail

From the scenic  town of Killarney we will take a short ferry ride to George Island. The trail is part of Killarney Provincial Park trail system. It is a 7km loop trail over the exposed rock of Georgian Bay.  This trail is excellent for migrating songbirds. It is amongst the very best places to see the American Pipit. 

Parking for the ferry is located at the Sportsman Inn. There is also a nominal fee for this ferry service. 

Lunch

We will have lunch in the town of Killarney. You can pack your own lunch or you can opt to partake in the popular and well known local fish and chips restaurant.  

After Lunch

We will visit both of the Sewage Lagoons located in town.  These are excellent places for waterfowl, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat and other Warblers. 

3pm     :   Tar Vat Trail

This is a 7km linear trail which begins at a scenic Lighthouse within the town of Killarney and follows the shoreline of Georgian Bay.  

Monday  October 12th

The Crack

We will meet in the parking lot of The Crack at 8am. This is a 6km " rugged"  trail which will take about 5 to 6 hours to complete. It follows a young deciduous forest for most of its duration. This forest is very good for Vireos, Jays and Ruffed Grouse. The last portion of the trail ascends steeply into the La Cloche Mountain. There will be very good views from the various lookouts along the way which is very good for more typical Boreal species like Canada Jay, Crossbills, Common Raven, soaring raptors and other migrants. The final view from atop of the Crack is amongst the most scenic locations in all of Ontario 

It should be said that this hike is amongst the very best day hikes in all of Ontario.  It should also be said that this trail  is rugged and solid footwear is imperative.  Only those with a medium physical ability should sign up for this day hike.

Accommodations 

Camping is available in Killarney Provincial Park at George Lake.  This is a busy Campground and reservations should be made early. I will be camping here this weekend. 

Lodging is available in the close by town of Killarney at the Sportsman Inn and Killarney Mountain Lodge. 

Washrooms are available at most trail heads. 

Type of Trip: Resident birds, migrants, photography. 

Land Acknowledgement:  

Our park and its surrounding territory is on the traditional lands of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation, signatories to the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. We are honoured to work with them in partnership and friendship toward a future that is successful for the next seven generations.

We thank them for their contributions to the vibrancy of our communities and to the guardianship of the lands in which we share. We also recognize the contributions of the Metis, Inuit and other Indigenous people in shaping and strengthening our community.

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.