Ontario Field Ornithologists

Events

Upcoming events

  • Young Birders - Winter Bird Behaviour Workshop at the Guelph Arboretum

    • 01 Feb 2020
    • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • J.C. Taylor Nature Centre, The Arboretum, University of Guelph
    • 15
    • 5 registrants
    Register

    Leader: Chris Earley.

    Workshop runs from 9:30 to 12:30 followed by lunch and optional afternoon birding until 3:30 with Lynne Freeman.

    Meet 9:30 at the  J.C. Taylor Nature Centre, The Arboretum, University of Guelph. Learn about behavior of birds in winter and their survival strategies. Age 11 – 18. Maximum 20 participants.


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  • Amherst Island with optional extension to Kingston and Wolfe Island

    • 23 Feb 2020
    • 8:00 AM
    • Amherst Island, Kingston, Wolfe Island
    • 0
    • 20 registrants
    Join waitlist

    Leader: Jon Ruddy

    Meet 8:00 am at the Amherst Island ferry dock on Highway 33 in Milhaven (44.193057, -76.741106). Take 8.30 am ferry. Fee required. Carpooling from the dock encouraged. Bring packed lunch and hot drinks. Wintering owls, raptors. Maximum 20 participants.


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  • Canada Jay Weekend for Young Birders

    • 03 Apr 2020
    • 7:30 PM
    • 05 Apr 2020
    • 1:00 PM
    • Algonquin Park
    • 11
    • 4 registrants
    Register

    The famous Canada Jay weekend is back! Spend a weekend at Algonquin Park exploring winter birds and learning about Canada Jay breeding behaviour on territory with Canada Jay researcher Matthew Fuirst.

    Basic accommodation at the Wildlife Research Station at KM 33 off Highway 69 across from the Mew Lake campground. Food will be self-catered and menu and cost will be determined before the weekend.

    Meet Friday evening after 7:30 pm or Saturday morning before 10:00 am at the Wildlife Research Station, Director’s Cabin. Canada Jay birding begins at 10:00 am Saturday morning with departure after lunch on Sunday.

    Maximum 15 young birders. Birders under 16 years must be accompanied by a parent / guardian but one person can be responsible for more than one young birder. Cost is $80 pp / night and shared food costs will be $20.00 pp in addition.

    Algonquin Wildlife Research Station

    The Algonquin Wildlife Research Station is nestled on the edge of a small lake and surrounded by mature forest. Originally a collection of simple cabins built for university researchers, it now also hosts nature groups and naturalists.

    What to expect: Accommodations are basic! We will use various cabins and our headquarters will be at the Director’s Cabin which has a full kitchen and gathering space. Space heaters keep the cabins comfortable but sweaters and slippers will be needed. We’ll sleep in shared rooms on bunk beds. Attendees will need sleeping bags and pillows.

    Bathroom Facilities: Indoors bathrooms are available for adults. However due to the septic system the young birders will need to use the outhouses unless there is an emergency.

    How to get there: The Wildlife Research Station is off highway 60 on the North side at km 30.5 on the unmarked gravel road directly across the highway from the Mew Lake Campground entrance. You will wind your way around toward the bunk houses, and there's a bit of signage along the way.

    Cell Phone Reception: There is no cell phone reception. To get reception, you need to drive out to Highway 60 about a 2-minute drive.

     


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  • Date TBA - Spring Waterfowl Migration East of Ottawa

    • 05 Apr 2020
    • 8:00 AM
    • Petrie Island Causeway on Trim Road at the bottom of the hill north of Jeanne D'Arc Boulevard.
    • 5 registrants
    Register

    Leader: Bob Cermak

    Date will depend on the timing of peak migration. Meet 8:00 am along Petrie Island Causeway on Trim Road at the bottom of the hill north of Jeanne D'Arc Boulevard. Take Highway 417 east, then Highway 174 east and turn north on Trim Road in Orleans. After a stop at Tim Hortons, We will search for migrating geese, ducks, Sandhill Cranes, raptors and early spring migrants on Milton Road, Frank Kenny Road, Russell Road and the flood plains east of Bourget. Bring a scope if possible. Trip ends at 2:00 pm. You will be emailed the date when it is determined.


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  • Nesting Ravens and Raptors in Ottawa

    • 19 Apr 2020
    • 8:00 AM
    • Meeting place will be emailed to registrants before the event.
    • Be the first
    Register

    Leader: Langis Sirois

    Meet 8:00 am. Meeting place, which depends on location of birds, will be posted in advance on Ontbirds and OFO website. Visit areas in Ottawa's East end and possibly seasonally flooded fields in the Milton Road area. Raven’s nest is guaranteed; raptor nests are possible. Trip ends at noon; extension to 2:00 optional.

    Meeting place will be emailed to registrants before the event.


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  • Photography Workshop

    • 25 Apr 2020
    • 8:00 AM
    • Whitby Harbour parking lot
    • 12
    • 3 registrants
    Register

    Leader: Tim Thorington

    Meet 8:00 am at Whitby Harbour parking lot to photograph birds at the harbour and the Lynde Shores/Cranberry Marsh areas. No experience required. You just need a keen interest in birds, a willingness to learn and a DSLR or mirrorless camera and lens combination. A basic understanding of your camera menu is helpful. Popular lenses for nature photography are zooms in the 100-400 mm range; 300 mm or longer lenses are ideal for birds. At Whitby Harbour we hope to photograph waterfowl in flight. At Lynde Shores Conservation Area, we focus on passerines. 


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  • Young Birders - Sparrow and Warbler ID Workshop

    • 25 Apr 2020
    • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Camp Kawartha Environment Centre at 2505 Pioneer Rd, Peterborough
    • 19
    • 1 registrant
    Register

    Leader: Dan Chronowic.

    Spend a day at the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre learning advanced ID and song recognition for the sparrows and warblers migrating to Ontario. The workshop will include birding in the field. Meet at 8:00 am at the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre at 2505 Pioneer Rd, Peterborough. Workshop ends at 12:00 with optional birding in the afternoon. Bring your lunch and birding gear. Maximum 20 participants. 


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  • Prince Edward County

    • 26 Apr 2020
    • 8:00 AM
    • Sobeys parking lot on Main Street in Picton, Ontario
    • 7 registrants
    Register

    Leader: Mike Burrell

    Meet 8:00 am at the Sobeys parking lot on Main Street in Picton. Prince Edward County is southern Ontario's hidden birding gem with good birding at all times of the year. We'll explore the Prince Edward County South Shore Important Bird Area for early migrants, waterfowl and maybe some interesting birds on the lake. Rubber boots recommended. Trip ends early afternoon. 


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  • Minesing Wetlands by Canoe or Kayak

    • 02 May 2020
    • 8:30 AM
    • Put-in location to be determined before the trip and emailed to registrants
    • 9
    • 3 registrants
    Register

    Leaders: Friends of Minesing Wetlands.

    Meet 8:30 am at a put-in location to be determined before the trip.

    The Friends of Minesing Wetlands will lead this spring trip into the Minesing Wetlands via canoe or kayak. Expect to paddle for about five hours or 18 km. The route will be chosen at the discretion of the leaders based on water levels, as well as wind direction and speed. Final route, put-in location and other details will be emailed to participants on the Wednesday before the trip.

    Both canoes and kayaks are welcome but remember that canoes carry more people. Basic paddling knowledge is required. Your vessel must include the required safety equipment: life jackets, bailer, whistle, light and throw rope.

    Friends of Minesing Wetlands does not rent equipment. If you do not have your own vessel, local providers include Eagle Adventures, Free Spirit Tours and Sojourn Outdoors. Maximum 12 vessels.

    Please - one registration per vessel. List all people in vessel on registration form.



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  • Young Birders Big Weekend at Point Pelee

    • 09 May 2020
    • 6:00 AM
    • 10 May 2020
    • 12:00 PM
    • Point Pelee National Park, Visitor's Centre, Leamington, Ontario
    • Be the first
    Register

    The second weekend in May is typically the birdiest time at Point Pelee National Park in Leamington. This year, young birders who are in the area can share their tallies, ebird lists, stories and best birds at the Young Birders Roundup at the park on Sunday, May 10, from 12 – 1:30. OFO will provide lunch and lead the roundup get together. Detailed instructions will be provided before the event.

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  • Northern Ontario Field Trip - South Porcupine, Timmins

    • 23 May 2020
    • 7:00 AM
    • White Waterfront parking lot at the end of Bloor Avenue in South Porcupine
    • Be the first
    Register

    Leaders: Roxane Filion, Pierre Noel

    Meet 7:00 am at the White Waterfront parking lot at the end of Bloor Avenue in South Porcupine.

    Explore Porcupine Lake's trails looking for spring warblers, waterfowl and other migrants. Then go to Hollinger Tailings Ponds in Timmins. Trip ends at 2:00 pm.

    may change depending on weather and changes will be announced on Ontbirds and emailed to registrants.  Contact roxanefilion7@hotmail.com for more information.


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  • Two Days of Birding in Rainy River

    • 05 Jun 2020
    • 7:00 AM
    • 06 Jun 2020
    • 12:00 PM
    • Junction of Worthington Road & Highway 11, about 10 km east of Rainy River, three sideroads east of town
    • 8 registrants
    Register

    Leader: Frank Pinilla.

    Meet Friday 7:00 am at the junction of Worthington Road & Highway 11, about 10 km east of Rainy River, three sideroads east of town. Carpooling required from meeting place.

    American White Pelican, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Marbled Godwit, Sandhill Crane, Black-billed Magpie, Connecticut Warbler, Le Conte’s Sparrow.

    Trip ends Saturday noon. Registration required and registration closes May 1.


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  • Nature Journaling and Bird Sketching, Point Pelee National Park

    • 07 Jun 2020
    • 9:00 AM
    • Visitor's Centre, Point Pelee National Park, Leamington, Ontario
    • 12
    • Be the first
    Register

    Leader: Sarah Rupert.

    Meet 9:00 am at the Visitor’s Centre. Spend the morning in the Visitor Centre classroom practicing the basics of sketching, then head out into the park to put your new skills to work.

    Bring a sketchbook/journal, pencil, packed lunch and a folding chair. Park entry fee required. Maximum 12 participants.


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  • Young Birders - Summer Birding at Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto

    • 13 Jun 2020
    • 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto, Ontario
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    Leader: Lynne Freeman.

    Meet 7:30 am at entrance of Tommy Thompson Park at the foot of Leslie St in Toronto. Birding during summer is challenging but worth the effort. Join Lynne Freeman on a hike through the park and learn the protocols you will need to participate in the 3rd Breeding Bird Atlas starting in 2021. Trip ends at 12:00. 

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  • Birds Songs and Calls, Presqu’ile Provincial Park

    • 20 Jun 2020
    • 1:00 PM
    • 21 Jun 2020
    • 1:00 PM
    • Presqu’ile Provincial Park at the Lighthouse parking lot
    • 9
    Register

    Leader: Ian Shanahan

    Meet 1:00 pm on Saturday in Presqu’ile Provincial Park at the Lighthouse parking lot. Park entry fee required.

    "Look for birds with your ears" is a useful guiding principle; during the breeding season, it is sometimes the only option. Join this workshop to apply time-tested listening techniques in a broad range of habitats. Sunday’s meeting time and location will be confirmed during the Saturday workshop. Trip ends Sunday at 1:00 pm. Maximum 15 participants.


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  • Birding for Beginners at Evergreen Brick Works, Toronto

    • 21 Jun 2020
    • 7:00 AM
    • Evergreen Bricks Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, at pond behind the Farmer’s Market Building
    • 30
    • Be the first
    Register

    Leader: Lynne Freeman.

    Meet 7:00 am in the Evergreen Bricks Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, at pond behind the Farmer’s Market Building. Learn to identify common urban birds and find out more about them. Binoculars and / or camera will be helpful but not required.  Open to non-OFO members. Maximum 30 participants.


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  • Algonquin Provincial Park, Hailstorm Creek Paddle

    • 28 Jun 2020
    • 6:30 AM
    • Algonquin Outfitters Opeongo Road launch site
    • 14
    • 5 registrants
    Register

    Leaders: Jeff Skevington, Angela Skevington.

    Meet 6:30 am sharp at the Algonquin Outfitters Opeongo Road launch site and paddle along Hailstorm Creek until 4:00 pm. Breeding Sandhill Cranes, warblers, marsh birds.

    Bring packed lunch, drinks, insect repellant and / or bug hats and shirts. Jeff and Angela will be birding on Saturday, June 27, and welcome trip participants to join them. Email them at jhskevington@gmail.com to coordinate.

    Cost: $75.00 pp. Cost includes water taxi to and from launch site, canoes, paddles and life preservers.  

    Maximum 20 participants.

    Rain date is July 5.


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  • 2020 Alan Wormington Memorial Young Birders Camp

    • 15 Aug 2020
    • 12:00 PM
    • 22 Aug 2020
    • 2:00 PM
    • Algonquin Provincial Park
    • 14
    • Be the first
    Register

    Register now for the Alan Wormington Young Birders Camp!

    The OFO (Ontario Field Ornithologists) summer camp for teen birders and naturalists will take place the second last week of August, Saturday August 15th to Saturday, August 22th. This year will be the camp's fourth year. 

    Campers will stay at the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station in the heart of the park. Situated beside a small private lake in an untouched forest, the station is a hub for wildlife researchers and a perfect base for exploring the Algonquin Park natural environment. 

    Led by professional scientists and guides, the camp is designed to give campers an in-depth experience of the birds, moths, dragonflies, snakes, mushrooms and ecology of the park. Campers will also have an opportunity to learn from the active researchers at the station and practice their wildlife photography skills.

    Previous camps have been a lot of fun! Highlights have included canoe trips, wolf howls, mothing and tracking frogs and salamanders during their night time movements.

    The cost is $950 for the week which includes accommodations and meals. Please contact Lynne Freeman at lynnef.to@gmail.com for further information or if you know about a young birder or naturalist who may be interested.



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  • Southbound Shorebird ID Workshop

    • 22 Aug 2020
    • 8:00 AM
    • Owen Point Trail parking lot at Presqu’ile Provincial Park
    Register

    Leader: Jean Iron.

    Meet 8:00 am at the Owen Point Trail parking lot at Presqu’ile Provincial Park. Workshop will focus on the identification, plumages and aging of southbound shorebirds. Expect to walk between viewing points along beaches to Owen Point. Scope recommended. Park entry fee required. Morning only. Water levels on Lake Ontario may change itinerary. 


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  • Trees for Birders

    • 30 Aug 2020
    • 7:30 AM
    • Riverwood Conservancy, 4300 Riverwood Park Lane, Mississauga
    • 21
    • 9 registrants
    Register

    Leader: Reuven Martin

    Meet 7:30 on the north side of main parking lot at the Riverwood Conservancy, 4300 Riverwood Park Lane, Mississauga. Riverwood contains a wonderful selection of Ontario’s native trees and we will learn how to recognize many of them in the field. We also look at the close connections between trees and the birds that use them, and how you can use those connections to find birds and understand their behaviour. Maximum 30 participants.


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  • Amherst Island and Kingston Area Hotspots

    • 04 Oct 2020
    • 7:30 AM
    • Amberst Island Ferry carpool lot south of 401 at exit 593 (Camden East Road)
    Register

    Leader: Mike Burrell

    Meet 7:50 am at the carpool lot south of 401 at exit 593 (Camden East Road). Ferry fee required. We'll check Amherst Island and, time-permitting some other Kingston area hotspots for late migrants including sparrows, waterfowl, gulls and other waterbirds. Bring a packed lunch. Trip ends mid-afternoon. 


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  • Northern Ontario - Saw-whets and Sandhills

    • 17 Oct 2020
    • 8:00 AM
    • 18 Oct 2020
    • Hilliardton Marsh Banding Station on Highway 569 north of Hilliardton
    Register

    Leader: Bruce Murphy

    Meet 8:00 am both days at the Hilliardton Marsh Banding Station on Highway 569 north of Hilliardton. As the moon will be full, you will have the chance to see Northern Saw-whet Owls, Boreal Owls and, perhaps, Long-eared Owls being banded. During the day, bird local hotspots to see thousands of Sandhill Cranes and boreal specialties including Canada Jays and Boreal Chickadees. Accommodations available at one of several moderately priced motels in New Liskeard, Englehart and Earlton. 


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  • Young Birders Choice

    • 07 Nov 2020
    • 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • TBD
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    Location TBD by a young birder’s poll. Please register to be notified when the poll is available.

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  • William Loane Memorial Waterfowl Workshop

    • 28 Nov 2020
    • 8:00 AM
    • Sunnyside, on western Toronto lakeshore at the Sir Casimir Stanislaus Gzowski monument
    • 29
    Register

    Leader: Glenn Coady.

    Meet 8:00 at Sunnyside, on western Toronto lakeshore at the Sir Casimir Stanislaus Gzowski monument. Join Glenn to learn to identify ducks and other waterfowl at a distance and in flight at various stops along Lake Ontario. The workshop will cover count protocols, moult stages and call recognition. Bring packed lunch, dress warmly. Scope recommended but not required. Maximum 30 participants.


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  • Gull Celebration Weekend - Port Weller East

    • 05 Dec 2020
    • 9:30 AM
    • Yellow gate at the end of Seaway Haulage Road, St. Catharines.
    • Be the first
    Register

    Leaders: Peninsula Field Naturalists

    Meet 9:30 am at the yellow gate at the end of Seaway Haulage Road, St. Catharines. Call Bob Highcock at 905-688-1260 or 905-327-5457. Open to all. To determine number of attendees, registration required.


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