Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO)

OFO Rare Bird Ambassador Sign Up

Start
01 Jan 2000
End
31 Dec 2030
Location
Ontario
Registered
42 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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2026 OFO Convention: Oct 2, 3, 4 Point Pelee and Surrounding Region

Start
27 May 2026
7:00 AM
End
20 Sep 2026
11:00 PM
Location
Point Pelee and Surrounding Area
Spaces left
280

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2026 OFO Convention

Join OFO members and guests for three days of birding, celebration and enjoyment in Point Pelee National Park and surrounding birding destinations.

At this time of year you can expect to see migrating songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and abundant raptors. Many people consider September and October to be the best birding months of all!

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 follows 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

NOTE: Registration Deadline is September 20, 2026, or earlier once we reach our capacity of 300.

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.

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

For more Field Trip information please click the link below:

2026 Field Trip Brochure

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.

At this time of year you can expect to see migrating songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and abundant raptors. Many people consider September to be the best birding month of all!

Banquet Location:

Roma Club of Leamington

19 Seacliff Dr., E. Leamington, ON N8H 2L3

Evening activities include Friday night's Birds and Beers -- a casual buffet dinner followed by Certificates of Appreciation, a short presentation of local interest, and the famous Bird Quiz.

The Saturday Banquet and AGM is the heart of the convention. A sit down meal is followed by the roundup with Mike Burrell, the OFO Annual General Meeting with Mark Peck, presentation of the Distinguished Ornithologist Award - John Black and Kayo Roy and the Keynote Speaker, Amar Ayyash.

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

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2026 OFO Northern Convention: Oct 2, 3, 4 North Bay, Ontario

Start
15 Jun 2026
8:00 AM
End
20 Sep 2026
9:30 PM
Location
North Bay area
Spaces left
48

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Northern OFO Convention 2026: Oct 2nd, 3rd, 4th

Join OFO members and guests for three days of birding, celebration and enjoyment in and around North Bay, Ontario.

The North Bay area offers many wonderful birding areas such as Laurier Woods, Cache Bay and Verner Lagoons. North Bay is located about 3.5 hours drive north of Toronto and about 4 hours west of Ottawa.

Convention participants may choose from a variety of trips in the North Bay area.

Birding trips are open to the public at no cost.

Where possible we have noted the GPS coordinates for each trip. ebird is a great resource as well for locations.

Please Note: Members and non-members are welcome to register for trips and the evening programs. Daytime trips are open to the public, no registration necessary.

**If you are not a member of OFO, you may not be able to register online. If that happens, please email membership@ofo.ca.

Important Information for Visitors

● Accommodations: The Best Western North Bay Hotel & Conference Centre is offering OFO members a 15% discount since we are hosting our event at the West Ferris Legion, Branch 599 located at 30 Legion Rd., R.R. #5, North Bay, ON P1B 8Z4.

● Other Amenities: there are several campgrounds in the area; please contact the campground directly for reservations.

● Other Safety Information: check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Cell service may be inconsistent. There could be bears around; if you have bear spray, please bring it along.

At this time of year, you can expect to see migrating songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and abundant raptors. Many people consider September and October to be the best birding months of all!

For further Field Trip information:

***Please note: the attachment below is not available yet. Trips are listed on the next page of the registration form. Details regarding location, etc. will be posted closer to the event.

2026 OFO Convention Activities - North Bay

After a fun day of birding, registrants are invited to gather at the West Ferris Legion, 30 Legion Rd., R.R. #5, North Bay, which will be open at 5:00 pm for beverages and socializing. Dinner will be held at this location as well and is being catered by the Legion Ladies' Auxiliary. We will have a table set up for people to sell/give away used books and optics. Supper will be served at 6, followed by the evening program to be live-streamed from the main convention in Leamington.

Registering for the Convention: If you need help with the registration page, please email membership@ofo.ca. You must be a paid registrant to attend the evening programs and suppers.

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?

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

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Durham / Lake Ontario Marshes

When
09 Aug 2026
7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location
Location : Lynde Shores Conservation Area
Spaces left
0
Registered
35 registrants

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Sunday, August 9, 2026

Leader : Geoff Carpentier

Meet 7:30 a.m. at Lynde Shores Conservation Area parking lot on Halls Road (east side ) just south of Victoria Street in Whitby. Exit Hwy. 401 at Brock Street (Exit 410). Turn left (south) onto Brock Street. Turn right (west) onto Victoria. Go 2.5 km to Halls Road on the south side. Visits to Cranberry Marsh, Oshawa Second Marsh, Corner Marsh & Frenchman’s Bay. Early Fall migrant warblers, vireos, flycatchers, shorebirds, butterflies.

Type of trip: Breeding birds, fall migrants, photography.

Location and Directions: see above.

Public Transportation: n/a.

Duration: Rest stops and coffee/lunch breaks will occur throughout the day.

Approximate Distance: Distances driven depend on local birding info at time of the trip.

Terrain: mostly flat but good footwear required.

Gradient: Flat.

Trail Surfaces: paved/grass. Some walking involved.

Accessibility: wet conditions possible.

Washrooms: at Tim Horton's and other locations.

Land Acknowledgement for Durham

We respectfully acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties. 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.

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.

If you have any questions or concerns, email fieldtrips@ofo.ca.

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2026 Alan Wormington Memorial Camp for Young Birders

Start
15 Aug 2026
2:00 PM
End
23 Aug 2026
2:00 PM
Location
Algonquin Provincial Park
Registered
26 registrants

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About the Camp

This year's OFO's Alan Wormington Memorial Camp will take place from Saturday, August 15th to Sunday, August 23rd. Campers will stay at the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station situated beside a small private lake surrounded by old growth pines. The station is a hub for wildlife researchers and a perfect base for exploring Algonquin Park.

Activities

During the week, we will explore various habitats throughout the park. The week will include a short canoe trip and camping.

Birding is the focus of activities, but all areas of natural history are explored. Boreal residents like Black-backed Woodpecker, Canada Jay and Spruce Grouse are our birding targets. Campers will also have chances to encounter moose, beavers, wolf and other mammals.

Campers should have a keen interest in birds and natural history. Activities will be adjusted according to the interests of the campers, but campers should expect long days in the field. There is usually a pre-breakfast outing when bird activity is at its peak.

In previous years, campers have done herping, mammal tracking, mushrooming, dragonflying and mothing. Between scheduled activities, campers enjoy plenty of free exploration time and can swim and canoe in the small private lake at the Wildlife Research Station.

Registration, Application Deadlines and Selection

Space is limited to a maximum of 14 campers aged 13-17.

Registration (but not payment) is required to be considered for the camp. We are requesting that campers submit a paragraph or short video describing why they want to attend the camp. Videos or written submissions can be emailed to youngbirders@ofo.ca.

Please note that registration is not a guarantee of acceptance. The number of applicants will likely exceed the number of spaces again this year. While we invite all interested people to apply, preference will be given to older applicants and those who have birding experience. OFO will review all applications when registration closes on March 23rd and notify campers no later than March 31. Payment is required when acceptance is confirmed.

The cost of the camp is $1,000, which is heavily subsidized by OFO through fundraising and donations. We'd like to thank the Hamilton Naturalists’, North Durham Nature, Ottawa Field Naturalists’, Toronto Ornithological and Woodstock Field Naturalists’ Clubs and the Ontario Eastern Bluebird Society for their past and continued support. This year, costs are higher again, and for families who can afford it, we would appreciate a donation to cover the true cash cost of running the camp which is actually $1,600 per camper. Tax receipts will be issued for donations.

Bursaries and scholarships are available for qualifying campers who cannot otherwise afford to attend. Please register, and email youngbirders@ofo.ca to discuss financing options.

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Southbound Shorebird ID Workshop

When
23 Aug 2026
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Spaces left
0
Registered
9 registrants

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Sunday, August 23 2026

Leader: Jean Iron

Description: Meet at Presqu’ile Provincial Park at Beach 1 parking lot at 8:00 a.m. Workshop will focus on identification, plumages and aging southbound shorebirds. Expect to walk between viewing points along beaches to Owen Point. Scope recommended. Vehicle daily entry fee or provincial park permit plus reservation required. Morning only. Water levels on Lake Ontario may change itinerary.

Location: Presqu'ile Provincial Park: Ontario Parks requires advanced bookings for day use at Presqu’ile Provincial Park. This applies to daily vehicle permit and season permit holders. Registrants MUST have a reservation ahead of time. Please obtain your vehicle reservation 5 DAYS IN ADVANCE for Sunday, 23 August 2026. Go online to: Ontario Parks Reservation System and select Day Use. You will need to create an account to purchase a daily vehicle permit or to register if you already have an Ontario Parks seasonal permit. Follow instructions either to purchase a daily vehicle permit or to enter your seasonal pass number. You also need your vehicle licence plate number. Ontario Parks Reservation phone number: 1-888-668-7275.

NOTE: If no one is on duty at the Presqu’ile main gate and you do not have an Ontario Parks daily permit or seasonal permit, purchase a daily permit at the self-serve machine. Display it on your dash and proceed to Beach 1 to meet the group at 8 am.

At the main gate, if you have an Ontario Parks sesonal permit, display it in your vehicle and proceed to Beach 1 parking lot to meet the group at 8 am.

Please do not wait at the gate until staff arrives since this could cause you to miss meeting the group.

Terrain: Flat terrain. Slow pace.

Land Acknowledgement: Visitors today to Northumberland County respectfully acknowledge that Northumberland County is located on the Mississauga Anishinaabek territory and is the traditional territory of the Mississauga.