Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) upcoming events

OFO Rare Bird Ambassador Sign Up (01 Jan 2000)

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 05:00:00 GMT

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.

Niagara Hotspots (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Saturday, October 24th: Niagara hotspots including the Eastern Lake Erie Shoreline

Leaders: Bob Highcock, Jean Hampson.

Meet at Grimsby Wetlands: Biggar lagoons : 624 Winston Road, Grimsby. Shorebirds, waterfowl and other Fall migrants.

Who can come: Trip is for OFO members. One birding buddy is allowed where required. Maximum: 30 participants.

What to bring: .Water, sunscreen, insect repellent , snacks, (lunch). Please contact trip leader in advance if you require loaner binoculars or accommodations by sending email to fieldtrips@ofo.ca. A telescope is useful for this outing.

Terrain: Flat terrain. Easy pace. Driving to several different spots.

Facilities: Restrooms and lunch stop will be included in the itinerary.

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.

October 24 and/ 25th: Fall Birding on the Bruce Peninsula (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:30:00 GMT

October 24 (Saturday) and/or October 25 (Sunday): Fall Birding on the Bruce Peninsula

Leader: James Turland

Fall Birding on the Bruce

The Bruce Peninsula between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron is a corridor for migrating birds.

Saturday’s birding will concentrate on sites along the eastern shore of the Bruce/Saugeen Peninsula. Highlights include Red-necked Grebes, scoters and other waterbirds on Georgian Bay and other birds migrating through the upper Bruce Peninsula. Flocks of Sandhill Cranes will be a highlight.

Sunday’s birding will focus on the Lake Huron shoreline with special emphasis on Black Creek Prov. Park Reserve, Stokes Bay, Issac & Sky Lakes and the Oliphant shoreline.

The leader for this weekend’s activities is Martin Parker who has been leading birding and nature tours to the Bruce Peninsula for over fifty years.

The birding each day will be very different. Participants can attend one or both days.

The meeting location for both days is the parking area for the Spirit Rock Outpost and Lodge on Highway #6 at the north end of Wiarton at 8:30 a.m.

Accommodation is available at Spirit Rock (519-534-5168). Bring a packed lunch.

Land Acknowledgement: The birders and visitors wish to acknowledge and honour the lands of the Niagara Escarpment as the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples. In both spirit and partnership, we recognize and thank the Anishinaabek, Huron-Wendat, Tionontati, Attawandaron, Haudenosaunee, Métis, and all who provided stewardship of these lands over millennia.

Field trips are for OFO members One guest is allowed if required. New birders and photographers are welcome.

Type of trip : Fall birds, photography.

Location and Directions: see above.

Public Transportation: n/a .

Duration: Rest stops and lunch breaks will occur throughout each 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: see above.

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. Car pooling is not encouraged at this time due to COVID-19.

Meeting Time: Please arrive a few minutes before the start time. Please contact the trip leader 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 leader.

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 leader, 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 leader 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.

Nephton Mine (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

October 24 (Saturday): Nephton Mine, 9:00 - 3:00 pm

OFO/PFN Joint Trip.

Leaders: Dave Milsom, Brian Wales, Cathy Douglas.

Trip Description: Permission has been granted for an OFO group to go by school bus to a ridge overlooking the mine site, as well as much of Petroglyphs Provincial Park and beyond. Meet 9:00 am at entrance to mine site at north end of County Road #6. After car parking is set up, we will follow mine escort by bus to overlook. Participants will be required to remain with leaders until departure at 3:00 pm., or around noon when we transfer to the 2nd overlook.

Migrant raptors, waterbirds, passerines should be seen. Some resident birds likely too. We will particularly scan skies for eagles, hawks, falcons, Brant geese, and ducks .

Scope extremely useful to view distant birds. Bring warm clothing, (chair), lunch, snacks, drinks, sunscreen.

Type of Trip: Migrant and resident birds, photography. Scope very useful.

Public Transportation: N/A

Accessibility: Hilly; good footwear required if hiking near the site. Wet conditions possible. No washrooms available after leaving mine entrance.

Land Acknowledgement :

We respectfully acknowledge that we are gathered on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations.

What You Need to Know:

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.

Meeting Time: Please arrive a few minutes before the start time. Please contact the trip leader 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.

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 leader.

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 leader, so they can accommodate your request.

Hawk Cliff and Area (25 Oct 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

October 25 (Sunday) Hawk Cliff & Area South-west of London

Leader: Dave Brown.

Maximum: 25 participants.

Meet 9:30 a.m. at Hawk Cliff. From Hwy. 401 Exit 177, take Hwy. 4 south through western part of St. Thomas until it becomes Sunset Drive. Continue about 8 km to Union. Go east on County Road 27, Sparta Line Road. Go east one road (about 3 km ) to County Road 22 (Fairview Road). Head south. The 2nd road south is County Road 24 (Dexter Line) and you will meet a stop sign. Looking south, you will see the sign for Hawk Cliff. Go south on the dirt road to the lake. Park along road allowance. Location not accessible via public transportation.

The outing is mainly to watch for late raptor migration with the hope of American Goshawk and Golden Eagle. There is a platform to stand on, or we can stand along the roadway. Depending on the number of migrants that day, and interests of the participants, we may opt to try other venues. There are several trails that could be walked in the Hawk Cliff Woods on site (approximately 1 km) looking for late fall migrant passerines. Also, not far away the Port Stanley Sewage lagoons have platforms for waterfowl and possibly shorebird viewing. Should you want to take part in that aspect please bring your spotting scope.

Raptors, waterfowl, gulls, shorebirds, and late migrants, especially Golden Eagle.

Washrooms on site.

Land Acknowledgement: The Municipality of Central Elgin would like to acknowledge that we gather today on land of the McKee Purchase, the traditional territory of the, Haudenosaunee, Attiwonderonk (Neutral) and Mississauga Nation.

What to bring: Lunch if birding all day, water, sunscreen, folding chair, snacks. Please contact trip leader in advance if you require loaner binoculars or accommodations by emailing admin@ofo.ca.

Terrain: Fairly flat terrain. Slow pace. Travel by car between locations.

What to bring: Lunch if birding all day, water, sunscreen, snacks. Please contact trip leader in advance if you require loaner binoculars or accommodations by emailing admin@ofo.ca.

Terrain: Fairly flat terrain. Slow pace. Travel by car between locations.

About OFO Field Trips

OFO trips are for OFO members and one guest only unless they are public trips. New birders and photographers are welcome.

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.

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

October 26 (Sunday) Hawk Cliff & Area South-west of London

Leader: Pete Read.

Maximum: 30 participants.

Meet 9:30 a.m. at Hawk Cliff. From Hwy. 401 Exit 177, take Hwy. 4 south through western St. Thomas until it becomes Sunset Drive. Continue about 8 km to Union. Go east on County Road 27, Sparta Line Road. Go east one road (about 3 km ) to County Road 22 (Fairview Road). Head south. The 2nd road south is County Road 24 (Dexter Line) and you will meet a stop sign. Looking south, you will see the sign for Hawk Cliff. Go south on the dirt road to the lake. Park along road allowance. Location not accessible via public transportation. Washrooms available locally.

Raptors, waterfowl, gulls and late migrants, especially Golden Eagle.