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Ontario Field Ornithologists

Dedicated to the study of birds in Ontario

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  • OFO Rare Bird Ambassador Sign Up

    • 13 Apr 2022
    • 31 Dec 2022
    • Ontario
    • 28 registrants
    Register

    About OFO Rare Bird Ambassadors


    OFO’s Rare Bird Ambassador plan is about empowering Ontario birders with the tools and resources needed so that they can coordinate with property owners to ensure the best outcomes for all parties.


    The goal is to promote positive relations between landowners, birders, and photographers, ultimately resulting in happy people and happy birds. Birders can still decide if they want to share sightings or not; we just hope that this makes the decision easier and spreads out the workload related to managing rare bird observations.


    You don’t have to belong to OFO to participate.


    Being a Rare Bird Ambassador

    As a Rare Bird Ambassador, you are making yourself available to be called into action should a rare bird turn up in your area. The goal is to have enough Ambassadors to cover all areas of the province assuming that not everyone will be available when needed.


    Rare Bird Ambassadors will make contact with hosts of rare birds, help present possible viewing scenarios to them, and/or coordinate the viewing – sometimes by themselves and sometimes by recruiting other local birders and bird photographers to act as Ambassadors to help with crowd control or other site-specific duties where needed.


    Another aspect of being a Rare Bird Ambassador is to communicate information about rare birds, when appropriate, to other Rare Bird Ambassadors or to the Ambassador panel if you are not able to attempt arranging access.


    With the role comes responsibility. Finding out about a rare bird that isn’t public knowledge is a privilege, and Rare Bird Ambassadors are expected not to use the information they gain for personal viewing by themselves or their friends, unless it is in order to assess site logistics.


    Please keep a bird’s presence confidential unless/until the landowner approves of a viewing plan.


    As well, as a representative of the birding community you are expected to adhere at all times to OFO’s Code of Conduct and the Rare Bird Ambassadors Code of Conduct below.


    Rare Bird Ambassador Code of Conduct


    As a representative of the birding community you are expected to adhere at all times to OFO’s Code of Conduct.


    All information is to be kept strictly confidential.


    Do not use this as an opportunity to allow special access for your friends to see the bird.


    Respect the process and the work of other ambassadors.

    If you agree to help, you will have to drop everything and move quickly as birds don’t always stay for long.


    The Ambassador panel can help you find alternates so that you don’t have to be on the hook for too long.

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  • Niagara Gull Weekend: Explore Welland Canal (Saturday morning)

    • 03 Dec 2022
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Niagara
    • 2
    • 38 registrants
    Register

    Niagara Gull Weekend: Explore Welland Canal

    Saturday, Dec. 3rd: 9:30am - 12:00pm


    Leader : Bob Highcock


    Explore one of Niagara's premier local hotspots with leaders from the Peninsula Field Naturalists. Good chances for late-migrant passerines and winter residents, gulls, and water birds.

    Meeting Time and Location: Meet at 9:30am at the yellow gate at the end of Seaway Haulage Rd., Port Weller East, St. Catharines, Ontario. From Lakeshore Road, turn north onto Seaway Haulage Road. At Broadway, Seaway Haulage Road veers left and continues north to the yellow gate.

    Public Transport: St. Catherine's public transport services the general area. However, transport via car is recommended for the Gull Weekend. Please, register for the OFO Discord Server if you would like to car pool, or contact fieldtrips@ofo.ca.

    Contact: Call Bob Highcock at 905-327-5457 for more information.

    Who can come: Trip is for OFO members. One birding guest is allowed where required. Maximum 35 participants.

    What to bring: Winter clothing (it can be cold on the canal), water, sunscreen, and snacks. Please contact trip leader in advance if you require loaner binoculars or accommodations by sending email to: fieldtrips@ofo.ca. 

    Terrain and Pace: Flat terrain with wide, mostly level gravel path. Slow pace

    Facilities: Restrooms not available on site. Please plan accordingly.

    Plan your visit for the Gull Weekend: Two days of birding, learning, and fun

    Saturday, December 3rd

    9:30 - 12:00: Explore Welland Canal

    Explore one of Niagara's premier local hotspots with leaders from the Peninsula Field Naturalists. Good chances for late-migrant passerines and winter residents, gulls, and water birds.

    1:00 - 3:00 Learn about Gulls

    From 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Justin Peter will give a 2-hour presentation about Gulls. Location to be announced.

    3:30 - 5:00 Experience the legendary fly-by 

    From 3.30 -5.00 pm several expert birders will be on-hand for the gull fly-by at the docks at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Expect to see thousands of gulls as they fly past the docks at Niagara-on-the-Lake to their evening roosts on Lake Erie. Good chance for rarities, including Little Gull. 

    Sunday, December 4th

    9:00 am - 3:30 pm: Niagara River Gull Watch (three sessions)

    Register for one of three sessions, each led by experts, to explore the gulls and other birds of the Niagara River - a spectacle not to be missed. Pre-registration on the OFO website is required as each session is limited to 30 people. 

    Dress warmly, bring sun screen, water, and snacks. Prepare to pay parking fees at each location unless you have a Niagara Parks Parking Pass. Carpooling from the meeting place is encouraged.

    Transportation: Car transport is required for the weekend. Car pooling is strongly encouraged to reduce the number of cars and to allow those who do not have a car to attend. Please, register for the OFO Discord Server and post your car pooling request. 

    Niagara Parks Parking Pass: A Niagara Parks parking pass of $40 is strongly recommended for the weekend to avoid paying parking fees at each stopping place. The pass is good for one year from the date of purchase and can be purchased at https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/plan-your-visit/parking-pass/. It's best to purchase this in advance and ask for it to be mailed to your home.

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  • Gull Talk and Quiz with Justin Peter

    • 03 Dec 2022
    • 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
    • School of Horticulture Lecture Hall, 2405 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls Ontario L2E
    • 64
    • 56 registrants
    Register

    Gulls, Gulls, Gulls: Gull Talk & Quiz with Justin Peter

    Doors open at 1:00, talk starts at 1:30

    What makes gull identification fascinating? Join Justin Peter for an entertaining and educational talk to find out why. Learn some fundamentals of gull identification and test your skills too!


    About Justin

    Justin Peter is a Past President of the Toronto Ornithological Club, a Director of Birds Canada, and owner of Quest Nature Tours, Canada's longest-serving nature travel company. He loves watching gulls everywhere he goes in the world.


    Facilities: Washrooms available onsite.

    Land Acknowledgement:  We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement.

    Who can come: Justin's presentation is open to all. Maximum: 120 participants. 

    Parking: Parking is available directly in front of the Hall, as well as parking at the Butterfly Conservatory.

    Niagara Parks Parking Pass: A Niagara Parks parking pass of $40 is strongly recommended for the weekend to avoid paying parking fees at each stopping place. The pass is good for one year from the date of purchase and can be purchased at https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/plan-your-visit/parking-pass/. It's best to purchase this in advance and ask for it to be mailed to your home.

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  • Niagara River Gull Watch Session 2

    • 04 Dec 2022
    • 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
    • Dufferin Islands
    • 16
    • 14 registrants
    Register

    Trip Description: 

    December 4 (Sunday): Niagara River Gull Watch (Session 2)

    Leaders: Gis and Max Segler

    Meet 9:00 a.m. at Dufferin Island (first parking lot on one way road)

    Google pin for meeting location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/43%C2%B004'06.7%22N+79%C2%B004'24.0%22W/@43.0710582,-79.0763044,15.5z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x19f6844120d77fdb!7e2!8m2!3d43.0685148!4d-79.0733346

    Search for birds above the falls before driving North along the Niagara River as far as Niagara-on-the -Lake.

    Terrain: Flat.

    What to bring: Water, sunscreen,  optional packed lunch, snacks, warm clothing, rain gear.

    Facilities: Washrooms available en route.

    Land Acknowledgement:  We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement.

    Who can come: Trip is for OFO members and a guest. One birding buddy may accompany registrant if required.  Maximum: 30 participants. 

    Contact: Please contact trip leader by phone for questions about meeting location, or if you're late: Gis, 416.578.8321. If you require accommodations, loaner binoculars please send email to: fieldtrips@ofo.ca.

    Transportation: Car transport is required for the weekend. Car pooling is strongly encouraged to reduce the number of cars and to allow those who do not have a car to attend. Please, register for the OFO Discord Server and post your car pooling request. 

    Niagara Parks Parking Pass: A Niagara Parks parking pass of $40 is strongly recommended for the weekend to avoid paying parking fees at each stopping place. The pass is good for one year from the date of purchase and can be purchased at https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/plan-your-visit/parking-pass/. It's best to purchase this in advance and ask for it to be mailed to your home.
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  • Niagara River Gull Watch Session 3

    • 04 Dec 2022
    • 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
    • Niagara-on-the-Lake
    • 0
    • 30 registrants
    Join waitlist

    December 4 (Sunday): Niagara River Gull Watch Session 3

    Leaders: Justin Peter and Kiah Jasper

    Meet 9:00 a.m. at Niagara-on-the-Lake at the western end of the golf course at parking lot overlooking the mouth of the Niagara River. Search for birds here and all along the Niagara River as far south as is feasible during the day.

    Terrain: Flat

    What to bring: Water, sunscreen, optional packed lunch, snacks, warm clothing, rain gear.

    Facilities: Washrooms available enroute.

    Land Acknowledgement:  We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement.

    Who can come: Trip is for OFO members and one guest. Maximum: 30 participants. 

    Contact: Please contact trip leader in advance if you require accommodations, loaner binoculars by sending email to: fieldtrips@ofo.ca.

    Transportation: Car transport is required for the weekend. Car pooling is strongly encouraged to reduce the number of cars and to allow those who do not have a car to attend. Please, register for the OFO Discord Server and post your car pooling request. 

    Niagara Parks Parking Pass: A Niagara Parks parking pass of $40 is strongly recommended for the weekend to avoid paying parking fees at each stopping place. The pass is good for one year from the date of purchase and can be purchased at https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/plan-your-visit/parking-pass/. It's best to purchase this in advance and ask for it to be mailed to your home.
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  • Niagara River Gull Watch Session 1

    • 04 Dec 2022
    • 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
    • Niagara Falls
    • 0
    • 45 registrants
    Join waitlist

    December 4 (Sunday): Niagara River Gull Watch (Session 1)

    Leaders: Jeremy Bensette, Marcie Jacklin, Kate Derbyshire

    Tour hotspots along the Niagara River in search of gulls and Niagara specialties. 

    Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm (approximately)

    Meeting Location: 9:00 am at Sir Adam Beck Generating Station, Niagara Falls

    Directions: From QEW take Hwy 405 towards USA and exit at Stanley Avenue. YOU MUST EXIT HWY at STANLEY AVENUE. Turn left, crossing over Hwy 405, then immediately right onto Portage Road which parallels Hwy 405 for 3 km. At Brock Monument traffic circle take first right exit, Niagara Parkway, signed "The Falls". Follow for 1.8 km to Sir Adam Beck overlook on left.

    Public Transportation: Not available. However, car pooling is encouraged from the meeting place. Ride sharing requests can be posted on the OFO Discord server.

    Terrain: Flat with slow pace.

    What to bring: Water, sunscreen,  optional packed lunch, snacks, warm clothing, rain gear for the spray close to the falls. 

    Facilities: Washrooms available en route.

    Land Acknowledgement:  We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement.

    Who can come: Trip is for OFO members and a guest. One birding buddy may accompany registrant if required.  Each session is limited to 30 participants. 

    Contact: Please contact trip leader in advance if you require accommodations, loaner binoculars by sending email to: fieldtrips@ofo.ca.

    Transportation: Car transport is required for the weekend. Car pooling is strongly encouraged to reduce the number of cars and to allow those who do not have a car to attend. Please, register for the OFO Discord Server and post your car pooling request. 

    Niagara Parks Parking Pass: A Niagara Parks parking pass of $40 is strongly recommended for the weekend to avoid paying parking fees at each stopping place. The pass is good for one year from the date of purchase and can be purchased at https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/plan-your-visit/parking-pass/. It's best to purchase this in advance and ask for it to be mailed to your home.
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  • Toronto Lakeshore

    • 11 Dec 2022
    • 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Colonel Sam Smith
    • 0
    • 35 registrants
    Join waitlist

    December 11 (Sunday) Toronto Lakeshore

    Leader: John Schmelefske.
    Meet 9:00 a.m. at Colonel Sam Smith  parking lot (coordinates: 43.5921499-79.5135325 ). Off the QEW,  take the exit at Kipling. Go south. Cross Lakeshore Road, then turn left into the parking area.  Winter species: ducks, gulls, waterbirds, finches, raptors.

    Who can come: Trip is for fully vaccinated OFO members/guests. One birding buddy may accompany registrant if required.  Maximum: 25 participants. 

    Location: Colonel Sam Smith Park.

    What to bring: Water, sunscreen, snacks, warm/rain gear, cameras. Please contact trip leader in advance if you require loaner binoculars or accommodations by sending email to: admin@ofo.ca.

    Terrain: Flat terrain. Slow pace. Wear suitable footwear for the weather.

    Facilities: Restrooms nearby. Washroom/lunch break location to be chosen by leader.


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