2026 OFO Convention October 2 to 4, 2026
Grow • Learn • Share
Join birders and nature enthusiasts from across Ontario for the 2026 Ontario Field Ornithologists Convention, taking Place Oct 2 to 4, 2026, in two host communities – Leamington and North Bay.
For the first time in North Bay, the convention offers the opportunity to attend from either location while sharing many of the same highlights through live connections between the two venues. Choose the location that’s most convenient for you and enjoy a welcoming weekend of birding, learning, and connecting with others who share a passion for birds and nature.
Whether you’re new to birding, an experience birder, a nature photographer, or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll find something to inspire you!
Every convention registration includes opportunities to:
Explore outstanding local birding destinations on guided field trips led by knowledgeable and experienced local birders. Discover new birds, habitats, and conservation stories while enjoying the company of fellow participants.
Be inspired by keynote speaker Amar Ayyash, author of The Gull Guide: North America, along with presentations, workshops, and discussions led by experienced birders, naturalists, and conservationists.
Meet fellow birders from across Ontario, celebrate the Annual General Meeting, recognize the 2026 Distinguished Ornithologists, and enjoy the unique experience of one convention shared between two communities through live evening programs.
Both convention venues offer guided birding hikes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday along with Friday and Saturday evening programs that connect participants in both communities.
Leamington Convention:
Roma Club of Leamington, 19 Seacliff Dr., East, Leamington, ON N8H 2L3
Experience world-renowned fall migration at Point Pelee National Park and the exceptional birding destinations in Essex County.
NOTE: Registration Deadline is September 20, 2026, or earlier when the respective venue reaches capacity. Early registration definitely is encouraged.
Where to Stay: group rates are available at local hotels and other venues in the area. The information can be accessed for both locations using this link: OFO - Accommodation Convention
We look forward to welcoming you as we Grow • Learn • Share
together this October!
Evening activities include Friday night's Birds and Beers- registration 5PM - 6PM- a casual dinner starting at 6PM, followed by a short presentation of Essex Field Naturalist Club, Certificates of Appreciation and the famous Bird Quiz hosted by Sarah Rupert!
Join us on Saturday evening for the Raffle followed by a sit-down Banquet and the Annual Meeting. Celebrate our 2026 Distinguished Ornithologists, John Black and Kayo Roy! John and Kayo follow in the footsteps of many outstanding recipients of this award. Stay tuned for updates on a "Meet and Greet" with John and Kayo. Registration from 4PM to 6PM, Dinner at 6PM
We are also very pleased to announce our Keynote Speaker Amar Ayyash, author of "The Gull Guide: North America". Amar will be sharing his extensive knowledge on Gulls. Check out the website: Anything Larus
Both evening events take place at the Roma Club, 19 Seacliff Dr., East., Leamington, Ontario. The club has ample parking and is wheelchair accessible. Evening events are preceded by vendor exhibits, and a chance to vie for one of the fabulous door prizes. A cash bar will be available at each event.
For more Field Trip information please click the link below:
Friday October 2nd - All Day
St Clair NWR and Vicinity. Leader: Pete Read. Meet 9:00AM at St Clair NWR headquarters at #5633 Balmoral Line off Town Line Road. Stay right at Balmoral Line to reach parking area.
Objibway Nature Centre more information to follow
Holiday Beach Leader: Paul Pratt
Kayak/canoe trip on Pelee Marsh. Leaders: TBA. Meet 8:30 am at Marsh Boardwalk parking area in Point Pelee National Park. Bring own canoe/kayak or rent at the Marsh Rental Centre. Maximum 15 boats. Separate registration on OFO website is required.
Kopegaron Woods, Wheatley area, Onion Fields, Hillman Marsh. Leader: Peter Sproule. Meet 8:30AM at Hillman Marsh CA parking lot (1826 Mersea Rd 2)
Onion Fields, Hillman Marsh, Wheatley. Leader: Dave Milsom. Meet 7:30 am at Roma Club parking lot. End time flexible based on location activity.
Friday October 2nd - Morning
Tip of Point Pelee National Park. Leader: TBA Meet 7:00 am at Point Pelee National Park Visitor’s Centre Tram.
West Beach Trail. Leader: TBA Meet 8:00am at Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre.
Friday October 2nd - Afternoon
Tilden's Woods - more information to follow
Saturday October 3rd - All Day
Harrow Sewage Lagoons to Amherst Point on the Detroit River. Leader: TBA. Meet 8:30 am at entrance to Harrow Sewage Lagoons, Concession Road 3, just north of Harrow.
Objibway Nature Centre more information to follow
Holiday Beach Leader: Paul Pratt
Kayak/canoe trip on Pelee Marsh. Leaders: TBA. Meet 8:30 am at Marsh Boardwalk parking area in Point Pelee National Park. Bring own canoe/kayak or rent at the Marsh Rental Centre. Maximum 15 boats. Separate registration on OFO website is required.
Onion Fields, Hillman Marsh, Wheatley. Leader: Dave Milsom. Meet 7:30 am at Roma Club parking lot. End time flexible based on location activity.
Saturday October 3rd - Morning
Gull Workshop 9AM - 12PM Leader Amar Ayyash
Tip of Point Pelee National Park. Leader: TBA Meet 7:00 am at Point Pelee National Park Visitor’s Centre Tram.
West Beach Trail. Leader: TBA Meet 8:00am at Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre.
Kopegaron Woods, Wheatley area, Onion Fields, Hillman Marsh. Leader: Peter Sproule. Meet 8:30AM at Hillman Marsh CA parking lot (1826 Mersea Rd 2)
Saturday October 3rd - Afternoon
Caldwell First Nation Hike 12:30PM - 3PM Leader: Carrie Ann Peters
Tilden's Woods 1PM - 3PM
North-West Beach 1PM - 3PM
Sunday, October 4th - All Day
Rondeau Provincial Park and Blenheim Lagoons. Leaders: TBA Meet 8:30AM at Rondeau Park gates.
Erieau Area. Leaders: Leaders: TBA. Meet at Erieau Harbour at 8.30 am.
Onion Fields, Hillman Marsh, Wheatley. Leader: Dave Milsom. Meet 7:30 am at Roma Club parking lot. End time flexible based on location activity.
North-West Beach Leader: TBA 1PM-3PM
Sunday, October 4th - Morning
Point Pelee National Park Tip. Leader: TBA. Meet at 8:30AM Point Pelee National Park Visitor’s Centre for tram.
West Beach Trail. Leader: TBA Meet 8:00am at Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre.
Tilden's Woods 8AM -12PM
First Nations Hike 9AM - 12PM Leader: Carrie Ann Peters
Young Birders
Saturday October 3rd - All Day
Point Pelee and area. Leader: Mike Burrell et al. Meet 7:30AM at Park Point Pelee National Park Visitor’s Centre. Day ends at 3 pm.
Sunday October 4th - All Day
Birding Point Pelee Tip and Trails. Leader: Mike Burrell et al. Meet 7:30 am at Tip. Day ends at 12:00 pm.
Code of Conduct and Code of Birding Ethics: Participants are expected to review OFO’s Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics before the trip.
Need information?
If you are unable to register online, please contact
Sue Suess E: ssuess@rogers.com or M: 519-852-3409
Dan Suess E: dansuess@rogers.com or M: 519-860-7895
For details on where to stay, the venues, and activities, please view the convention details on OFO's website under Events/Convention.
Questions? Email convention@ofo.ca
