Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO)

OFO Rare Bird Ambassador Sign Up

Start
03 Apr 2023
End
02 Jan 2024
Location
Ontario
Registered
36 registrants

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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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Toronto Lakeshore

When
10 Dec 2023
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location
Colonel Sam Smith
Spaces left
14
Registered
21 registrants

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December 10 (Sunday) Toronto Lakeshore

Leaders : Max Segler, Colleen Reilly

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 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.

Land Acknowledgement for Toronto :"The land in Toronto (Tkaronto) in what we now know as Canada, from where we are meeting, includes the traditional territories of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

We also acknowledge that Toronto and this area of Toronto have been included under the Williams Treaty, the Toronto Purchase - Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum inter-nation peace agreement.

We are doing a land acknowledgement today to recognize the communities of peoples that were present and inhabited the lands before us and the traditional territories of the peoples whose lands we are fortunate to share, live on and present from today. Also, in effort to continue to improve our ongoing inter-relations with members of First Nations and Indigenous communities today. We are mindful of broken covenants and the need to reconcile with all our relations. Together, may we care for this land and each other, drawing on the strengths of our mutual nation building through peace and friendship being mindful of generations to come."

What you need to know

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Toronto Lakeshore

When
16 Dec 2023
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location
Colonel Sam Smith
Spaces left
17
Registered
18 registrants

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December 16 (Saturday) Toronto Lakeshore

Leader: William Konze

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 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.

Land Acknowledgement for Toronto :"The land in Toronto (Tkaronto) in what we now know as Canada, from where we are meeting, includes the traditional territories of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

We also acknowledge that Toronto and this area of Toronto have been included under the Williams Treaty, the Toronto Purchase - Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum inter-nation peace agreement.

We are doing a land acknowledgement today to recognize the communities of peoples that were present and inhabited the lands before us and the traditional territories of the peoples whose lands we are fortunate to share, live on and present from today. Also, in effort to continue to improve our ongoing inter-relations with members of First Nations and Indigenous communities today. We are mindful of broken covenants and the need to reconcile with all our relations. Together, may we care for this land and each other, drawing on the strengths of our mutual nation building through peace and friendship being mindful of generations to come."

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Peterborough Area

When
01 Jan 2024
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location
Peterborough
Spaces left
24
Registered
1 registrant

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Monday: January 1 2024

Leaders: Dave Milsom, Cathy Douglas

Trip Description: Meet 8:30 a.m. at parking lot of Peterborough's zoo on Water Street, just south of Trent University. Bring good hiking shoes and warm gear. A telescope is useful. Possible owls, hawks, falcons, ducks, gulls, Bohemian Waxwings and winter finches.

Who Should Come? Field trips are for OFO members; one guest is allowed, if required. New birders and photographers are welcome.

Type of Trip: Winter birds, photography.

Location and Directions: Peterborough's Riverside Park and Zoo is located at 1300 Water Street.

Public Transportation: Available only in Peterborough.

Duration: 8:30 a.m. — 3:30 p.m. Rest stops and coffee/lunch breaks throughout the day.

Approximate Distance: Driving distances depend on local birding info at the time of the trip.

Terrain: Mostly flat, but good winter footwear is required.

Gradient: Mostly level, with some hilly sections possible.

Trail Surfaces: Paved, unlikely to be much walking involved.

Accessibility: Icy or snowy conditions are possible.

Washrooms: At local Tim Hortons.

Land Acknowledgement: We respectfully acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabe. We offer our gratitude to our First Nations for their care for and teachings about our earth and our relations. May we continue to honour those teachings.

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 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.

Transportation: All participants are responsible for their 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.

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Understanding the Language of the Forest: Online

When
03 Jan 2024
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location
Zoom
Registered
56 registrants

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Understanding The Language of The Forest -- by Kristi Dranginis

Did you know that a particular call of a bird can tell you that a deer is sneaking away from you or that a cougar is nearby or that another person is approaching you on the trail, giving you advance notice and the time you’d need to respond?

Kristi Dranginis, founder of Bird Mentor and author of Identify Any Bird Anywhere, will help you learn the skills of instinctive birding, interpreting what the language of the forest looks and sounds like through this interactive and engaging workshop.

Not only can the birds teach us to identify when a predator is moving through the landscape, understanding their language will also help us learn how to quiet our minds, blend in and attune to our senses, and become sensitive to our effect on the natural world and those around us.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84871008513

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Toronto Winter Birds: Tommy Thompson Park

When
06 Jan 2024
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Location
Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto
Spaces left
16
Registered
9 registrants

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Saturday: January 6

Leader: Karl Konze

Trip Description: Meet 9:00 a.m. at the base of Tommy Thompson Park (a.k.a. the Leslie Street Spit) in the parking lot near the intersection of Leslie Street and Unwin Avenue. Walk the spit for winter birds, Snow Buntings, Northern Shrike, sparrows, waterfowl and gulls.

Who Should Come? Field trips are for OFO members; one guest is allowed, if required. Beginner birders are welcome.

Type of Trip: Winter birds, photography.

Location and Directions: With access from Unwin Avenue just west of Leslie Street, the park's parking lot at the entrance is free. There is also free parking along the Unwin Avenue roadside.

Public Transportation: The TTC's southbound #83 Jones bus will take you to the intersection of Commissioners Street and Leslie Street, which is a 500-metre walk from the park entrance. The #83 bus leaves from the Donlands subway station on the Danforth Line.

Duration: 9:00 — 3:30 p.m. Dependent on trail and weather conditions. Washrooms are available at the park entrance. Bring snacks and water. Participants may leave when they wish but are asked to inform the leader before doing so.

Distance and Terrain: Hiking distance could be as much as 10 km, depending on the species found. The paths are mostly level with some minor uneven side trails. The central walking roadway is paved. Side trails are gravel covered or dirt.

Accessibility: You need to be fit enough to walk up to 10 km. Icy trails are possible.

Washrooms: Three Port-a-Potties are available at about one km intervals.

Land Acknowledgement: The land in Toronto (Tkaronto) in what we now know as Canada, from where we are meeting, includes the traditional territories of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

We also acknowledge that Toronto and this area of Toronto have been included under the Williams Treaty, the Toronto Purchase - Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum inter-nation peace agreement.

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Winter Birds of the Detroit River: Windsor

When
07 Jan 2024
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location
Windsor
Spaces left
24
Registered
1 registrant

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Sunday: January 7

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.

Terrain: Flat.

Gradient: Level.

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.