OFO – Next Generation

Blog

  • Sample Trip Report

    Currently, Dave Milsom uses a custom admin screen to add his trip reports to the OFO site. If we move to WordPress, he would create a Post, then give it the category of “Trip Report”.

    A post created in this way will automatically appear in this list, most recent first.

    I went to the current OFO site and copied the content of the most recent trip report. Then, I created a new post on this site, pasted the content, added the category, and set the publication date to an appropriate value (rather than the default of today). You should see the result below.

  • November 16 2025 (Sunday) Presqu’ile

    Leader: Jake Nafziger, Julie Ann Prentice.

    Sunday November 16th – Presqu’ile Provinical Park

    Leaders: Jake Nafziger & JulieAnn Prentice

    A group of 13 birders braved the blustery weather to search for waterfowl and shorebirds at Presqu’ile Provincial Park, tallying 42 species throughout the day. We met at the park store at 8am and started with a loop out to Owen Point. From the point we spotted several species of waterfowl bobbing amongst the whitecaps including Long-tailed Ducks, White-winged Scoters, Common Goldeneye, and Buffleheads. A Cooper’s Hawk was seen flying off High Bluff Island towards the mainland, and a Great Black-backed Gull loafing on the shoreline with some American Herring Gulls. The group split up and 6 of us ventured through the water crossing to explore Gull Island. No Purple Sandpipers had arrived yet, but we were treated to fantastic views of Snow Buntings and 2 Black-bellied Plovers. Cool non-bird find was a large Burbot that had washed up on a shoal between Owen Point and Gull Island, an interesting deep-water fish species native to Lake Ontario.

    After making it back to the mainland, our group reconvened and decided to check out a couple other spots in the park. First was the lighthouse, where we found shelter from the wind and had nice views of Redheads and a Horned Grebe off the point. Two immature Bald Eagles flew off the point and continued east over the lake, flushing large flocks of Scaup and Redhead in the distance. Just before we moved on, a Carolina Wren was heard singing loudly in the parking lot.

    After a brief stop at the calf pasture, the remaining participants continued on to the last spot of the day in Gosport. Here we got nice scope views of several dabbling ducks including Green-winged Teals, Gadwalls, and a Northern Pintail. We also had two Bonaparte’s Gulls foraging on the mudflats, and the last bird of the day was a Pied-billed Grebe. Despite the difficult birding conditions, spirits remained high throughout the trip and the group had a great time!

  • 2025 Convention Evening Programs – Sarnia

    Birds & Beers: Friday evening September 19, 2025

    • 5:00PM – 6:00PM Registration
    • 6:00 – 7:00PM Buffett
    • 7:00PM Greetings from Lambton Wildlife, Bird Friendly Sarnia, and other local guests
    • Certificates of Appreciation
    • Birding Challenge Quiz by Sarah Rupert
    • Times are Approximate

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    Saturday Evening September 20, 2025

    Annual Meeting, Distinguished Ornithologist and Speakers

    • 4:00PM Registration, vendor display, Bucket Raffle
    • 6:00 – 7:30PM Family style meal
    • 7:00PM Opening remarks
    • Annual Meeting
    • Distinguished Ornithologist – Doug McRae
    • Keynote Speakers – Amar Ayyash

    Both Evenings Are Live streamed to the Northern Convention at Hilliardton Marsh

    Details for Friday & Saturday Evening Programs – Click Here

  • 2025 Hilliardton Convention Description & Trips

    September 19 to 21, 2025 – Thank You for a Great Event!

    Location: Hilliardton Marsh Research and Education Centre, 952130 ON-569, Hilliardton

    Friday evening:
    Meet & Greet: 5:00 pm (Books/optics swap)
    Dinner: 6:00 pm
    Live streamed program, including the famous Bird Quiz: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

    Saturday evening:
    Meet & Greet: 5:00 pm (Books/optics swap)
    Dinner: 6:00 pm
    Live streamed program, includes OFO’s AGO, Distinguished Ornithologist Award, Keynote speaker 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

    Itinerary & Field Trips – Click Here

    Northern Accommodations – Click Here

    Northern Convention Registration – Now Closed

    Please Click Here for “How to Register”

    Thank You for a Great Event!

  • 2025 Convention Where to Stay – Sarnia

    Days Inn Sarnia – Registration Deadline August 1, 2025

    505 Harbour Road

    Sarnia, ON N7T 5R8

    Telephone: 519-337-5434

    King $105.00 per night; Taxes Extra

    CUT OFF DATE: August 1, 2025

    Complimentary Hot Breakfast included starting at 6AM

    NOTE: Please quote “Ontario Field Ornithologists” when booking.

    Four Points by Sheraton Sarnia – Registration Deadline August 18, 2025

    1498 Venetian Blvd

    Sarnia, ON N7T 7W6

    Telephone: 519-336-4130

    NOTE: Please use Group/Name Code OFO

    Link:  Book your group rate for Ontario Field Ornithologists

    1 King $129.00 plus applicable taxes per night

    2 Queen $129.00 plus applicable taxes per night

    CUT OFF DATE: August 18, 2024

    Questions? Contact us at: convention@ofo.ca

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    Where to Camp

    CAMPING SARNIA LAMBTON AREA
    Lambton County Family Campground6602 Lakeshore Road, Lambton Shores, ON N0N 1J7519-786-5663http://www.lambtoncentre.com/ 
    A.W. Campbell Conservation Area8477 Shiloh Line, Alvinston, ON N0N 1A0519-847-5357https://www.scrca.on.ca/portfolio/a-w-campbell-conservation-area/ 
    Pinery Provincial Park9526 Lakeshore Road, Grand Bend N0M 1T0519-243-2220 or 888-668-7275https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/pinery 
    Mooretown Campground1094 Emily Street, Mooretown, ON N0N 1M0519-867-2951 or 888-294-0938http://www.twp.stclair.on.ca/ 
    Oakridge Family Campground9910 Northville Crescent, Lambton Shores, ON N0M 2N0519-243-2500http://www.oakridgefamilycampground.com/ 
         

    Questions? Contact us at: convention@ofo.ca

  • 2025 Annual Convention – Sept. 19-21

    Thank You to All for a Great Event!!

    Our Southern Convention will be held in Sarnia at the Dante Club, 1330 London Rd., Sarnia, ON, Canada

    Sarnia Location Only:

    See Evening Programs for Itinerary

    All members are able to register a guest. 

    For non-members that aren’t guests, please email: ssuess@rogers.com if you would like to attend the convention and for pricing etc.

    Please provide your telephone number and number of people you wish to register.

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    The Northern group will be meeting again in Hilliardton – Click Here for that page

    Accommodations – Special rates for the Sarnia area are now posted in ” Where to Stay “

    Sarnia Field Trips – Click Here

    Sarnia Convention Registration – Closed

    Thank You to All for a Great Event!!

  • Bird of the Year 2025

    Congratulations to Jenny Boulger! Jenny’s beautiful artwork showcasing the summer and winter plumages of the Long-tailed duck gained the most votes in this year’s competition and becomes OFO’s 2025 logo. You can purchase a variety of cool swag featuring the new logo at the OFO Redbubble store.
    Keep scrolling to see the other submissions.

    OFO Bird of the year logo winner of a Long-tailed duck

    Thank you to all the artists who submitted work – we are delighted to display your art.

    OFO Bird of the year logo of a Long-tailed duck
    Allanah Vokes
    OFO Bird of the year logo of a Long-tailed duck
    Ainsley Brinn
    OFO Bird of the year logo of a Long-tailed duck
    Clare Holden
    OFO Bird of the year logo of a Long-tailed duck
    Ellowyn Stovel
    OFO Bird of the year logo of a Long-tailed duck
    Hannah Stockford
    OFO Bird of the year logo of a Long-tailed duck
    Jamie Muise
    OFO Bird of the year logo of a Long-tailed duck
    Janet McCullough
    Long-tailed duck face
    Lucas Foerster
    Photo of a long-tailed duck
    Michael Powell
    Long-tailed duck drawing
    Raspberry Yow-Fairs
    OFO Bird of the year logo of a Long-tailed duck
    Ellen Klein

  • 2024 Certificates

    Essex Region Conservation Authority, Pelee Wings Nature Store, and Point Pelee National Park, nominated by Jean Iron and Dave Milson for an Award of Special Merit

    For their ongoing support of OFO Shorebird Nights and shorebird education at Hillman Marsh each spring.  These organizations have contributed funds, promotions and opportunities for birders to join OFO volunteers and learn about shorebird migration.  The Essex Region Conservation Authority is recognized for creating and maintaining habitat specifically for shorebirds.  Point Pelee National Park has championed shorebird observation opportunities through their programming during the Festival of Birds and managing the 3-day Birding Pass program, in partnership with the Essex Regional Conversation Authority, allowing entry to the park and Hillman Marsh.  Pelee Wings is recognized for their contributions to education through their support of the creation of the shorebird blind at Hillman, and providing optics and guides during the shorebird viewing opportunities.

    Deryl Nethercott, nominated by Mike Burrell

    For his efforts in almost single-handedly sharing photos and information for all of Lambton County for the BirdingHotspots.org initiative.

    George Naylor, nominated by Bruce Mackenzie

    For his efforts in protecting the Cliff Swallow colony on the Hwy 6 Bridge in Caledonia, ON.

    Marion and Norm Maier, nominated by Brett Fried

    For graciously hosting birders to view the Harris’s Sparrow that appeared at their home in Reidsville, ON on January 19, 2024.

    Eric Baldo, nominated by Jack Alvo

    For his work as lead counter at Toronto’s Whimbrel Watch at Colonel Sam Smith Park in Toronto, ON.

    Scarborough Environmental Association, nominated by Lauren Pragg

    For their work arranging several naturalist led bird walks throughout Scarborough to encourage new birders to take up the hobby.

    Igor Kabic, nominated by Aaron Hywarren

    For his efforts with the OFO Ambassador Program supporting the Western Tanager that visited Ottawa, ON from January – March 2024.

    Michele Carnerie, nominated by Susan Nagy

    For hosting birders to view the Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch at her home in Aylmer, ON on November 12, 2023.

    Karen McDonald, Andrea Chreston and Liam Graham, nominated by Chip Weseloh

    For designing, seeking expert opinion and implementing a science-based plan to protect the first pair of nesting Bald Eagles in the City of Toronto amid the demand and desire for control of co- nesting Double-crested Cormorants.

    Brian Gibbon, nominated by Jack Alvo

    For 12 years of excellent service as an OFO Board member and Treasurer.

    Mike McCabe, nominated by Paul F.J. Eagles

    As Engineering Manager of Rogers Media Inc., he agreed to delay the grassland harvest at the Rogers Radio Tower Field adjacent to the Grass Lake/Paris Cranberry Bog Reserve in North Dumfries Township in the Region of Waterloo, ON until after July 14, 2024 to enable successful nesting.

  • 2024 Hilliardton Convention Description & Trips 

    Convention

    Location: Hilliardton Marsh Research and Education Centre, 952130 ON-569, Hilliardton

    Friday evening:
    Meet & Greet: 5:00 pm (Books/optics swap)
    Dinner: 6:00 pm
    Live streamed program, including the famous Bird Quiz: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

    Saturday evening:
    Meet & Greet: 5:00 pm (Books/optics swap)
    Dinner: 6:00 pm
    Live streamed program, includes OFO’s AGO, Distinguished Ornithologist Award, Keynote speaker 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

    Want to Register? – Click Here

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    Field Trip Details

    Field Trip Brochure – Click Here

    Friday

    Morning Trip 1: Hilliardton Marsh Songbird Banding and Marsh Hike *Open to paid registrants only.
    Time: 8:00 am – 11:30 am
    Meet: Hilliardton Marsh Education Centre (aka “The Hive”)

    Morning Trip 2: Englehart Sewage Lagoons and Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park
    Time: 8:00 am – 11:30 am
    Meet: Englehart Tim Horton’s parking lot (north end of town at Hwy. 11)

    Afternoon Trip 1: New Liskeard Sewage Lagoons
    Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Meet: at New Liskeard Walmart Parking Lot, Northwest corner

    Afternoon Trip 2: Driving Tour, Cranes and Raptors
    Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Meet: at Hilliardton Marsh south parking lot

    Evening Owl Banding (Weather dependent) *Open to paid registrants only.
    Time: 9:30 pm – 10:30 pm
    Meet: Hilliardton Marsh “birdhouse” (across the parking lot

    Saturday

    Morning Trip 1: Hilliardton Marsh Songbird Banding and Marsh Hike *Open to paid registrants only.
    Time: 8:00 am – 11:30 am
    Meet: Hilliardton Marsh Education Centre (aka “The Hive”)

    Morning Trip 2: Englehart Sewage Lagoons and Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park
    Time: 8:00 am – 11:30 am
    Meet: Englehart Tim Horton’s parking lot (north end of town at Hwy. 11)

    Afternoon Trip 1: New Liskeard Sewage Lagoons
    Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Meet: at New Liskeard Walmart Parking Lot, Northwest corner

    Afternoon Trip 2: Driving Tour, Cranes and Raptors
    Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Meet: at Hilliardton Marsh south parking lot

    Evening Owl Banding (Alternate, in case of poor weather on Friday) *Open to paid registrants only.
    Time: 9:30 pm – 10:30 pm
    Meet: Hilliardton Marsh “birdhouse”

    Sunday

    Morning Trip 1: Hilliardton Marsh Songbird Banding *Open to paid registrants only.
    Time: 8:00 am – 9:30 am
    Meet: Hilliardton Marsh Education Centre (aka “The Hive”)

    Morning Trip 2: Lake Temiskaming Waterfront, New Liskeard to Haileybury
    Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
    Meet: TBA

    Morning Trip 3: Backroads Birding, South Temiskaming
    Time: 8:00 am – 11:30 am
    Meet: TBA

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    Questions?  Email convention@ofo.ca

  • 2024 Convention Evening Programs

    Save the date!

    September 27 to September 29, 2024

    Leamington, Ontario

    Evening events take place at the Portuguese Club, located at 217 Talbot St., West, Leamington, Ontario

    OFO Convention – Leamington

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    September 27 to September 29, 2024

    Hilliardton, Ontario

    Evening events take place at Hilliardton Marsh Research and Education Centre, located at 952130 ON-569, Hilliardton, Ontario

    OFO Convention Northeast Edition – Hilliardton