- Poor weather conditions often produce the most interesting birds & wildlife. Therefore, trips will proceed rain or shine. Listen to weather forecasts and dress accordingly. Only the most severe weather conditions will postpone trips.
- Note that customers of Always an Adventure Inc. are responsible for making their own arrangements for accommodation, transportation and payments for such arrangements is at their own expense.
- Transportation will be by personal vehicle (make sure the gas tank is full). Some carpooling might be possible. Contact us if you need a ride
- Some hiking should be expected in areas with active trail networks. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
- Participants should bring their own binoculars and refreshments. Please let us know if you need binoculars. High-quality VORTEX optics can be loaned.
- All transportation cost, ferry cost, park fees, food, accommodation and refreshments are not included in the price.
- During times of hot weather, insect repellent and water comes in handy.
- The trip itinerary is subject to change depending on weather patterns, current local bird activity, scouting results or any unforeseen factors.
- Please register by email
- Payment is by e-Transfer and should be paid within 48hrs of the outing/session. Also accepted are PayPal, cheques & cash. Contact us for more info.
- Always An Adventure Inc. expects all participants to follow local Covid guidelines to all times
- Always An Adventure Inc. is not to be held liable for any unforeseen circumstances that might arise during outings.
- All participants of Always An Adventure Inc. must sign a Release of Liability Form.
- Always An Adventure Inc. is using eBird and participants will receive the day-list per e:mail at the end of the excursion.
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Birding Program
2025 BIRDWATCHING EXCURSIONS
Relaxed, Fun, Exciting & Educational Excursions in the Greater Ottawa Area ~ From Beginner to Expert – Great For All Levels
We offer anything from an hour to full days and overnights. Normal half-day birding: $85.00 – Extended morning: $170.00 – Full day birding: $220.00 HST included. A morning outing normally lasts between 4-6 hours, extended morning 7-9 hrs and a full day birding is 9-12+ hrs depending on bird activity.
Want a private outing? Contact us with your wishes and targets and we will create a customised outing for you.
June & July Birding Program
1. Wednesday, June 18: Scrublands & Riparian Habitats - NCC Trails - Ottawa West
2. Sunday, June 22: EXTENDED Day - Wetlands & Open Country - Ross Marsh & Renfrew County
3. Wednesday, June 25: Bluebirds, Flycatchers, Towhees & Cuckoos - Ottawa West
4. Sunday, July 6: Morris Island - Forest & Wetlands
5. Wednesday, July 9: Bluebirds, Flycatchers, Towhees & Cuckoos
Wednesday, June 18: Scrublands & Riparian Habitats – NCC Trails – Ottawa West
Time: 7:30 am to noon – Meet at Andrew Haydon Park West Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., and Acres Road – https://goo.gl/maps/vx4XAy6CcQ3Pqa9F9 – $85.00 per person HST incl.
The trails around Ottawa’s West End are normally rich with avifauna, especially in early summer when most adult birds tend to their young. We’ll explore the scrublands and various edge habitats for a variety of sparrows, Indigo Bunting, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, and maybe even Black-billed Cuckoo. We’ll also check Shirley’s Bay and the Ottawa River for waterfowl and gulls. We’ll see both adults and the first fledglings. If they cooperate, we’ll study the difference between adult and juvenile plumages. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Sunday, June 22: EXTENDED Day – Wetlands & Open Country – Ross Marsh & Renfrew County
Time: 7 am to 3 pm – Meet at the Renfrew Park-n-Ride. From the intersection of Hwy 60 and Hwy 17, turn right onto Hwy 60 toward Renfrew. Shortly after the traffic circle, across the road from the Walmart, look for the Park-n-Ride lot with a bright yellow “CP Rail Caboose”, and the red tourist info building – link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jje4NyDJMdTXJmjj6 – $170.00 per pers HST Incl.
Ontario’s extensive marshes, swamps, and wetlands allow many shy species to thrive. Among the most productive in our area, Ross Marsh is an open wetland that reveals several fertive and uncommon birds like Least Bittern, Sora, Virginia Rail, Common Gallinule, Marsh Wren, and Trumpeter Swan. Nearby open fields might play host to a few local Sandhill Cranes and Northern Harriers. Throughout the region, we can expect to see plenty of young birds. The lush vegetation of summer will also entertain us with colourful reptiles, amphibians, flowers, and insects. If we’re really lucky, we’ll find Gray Partridge or a rare bird wandering away from its normal breeding grounds. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Wednesday, June 25: Bluebirds, Flycatchers, Towhees & Cuckoos – Ottawa West
Time: 7:30 am to noon – Meet at The Carp Park-n-Ride – https://goo.gl/maps/JTHMpnqkS2m6GrZ26 – $85.00 per person HST incl.
This relaxing day will have us exploring areas around Dunrobin and the Carp Ridge. Both areas will likely reveal much evidence of young birds at various stages of development. Thanks to concerned property owners and networks of birdhouses, Eastern Bluebirds are relatively regular in rural settings around Ottawa. In the scrubby fields along the Carp Ridge, we’ll look & listen for Black-billed Cuckoos and Eastern Towhees. In the wet meadows, we’ll listen for various species, including White-throated Sparrow and Sedge Wren. Although these species are among our targets, many other animals should be out in full force. Blackbirds will be abundant, and juvenile hawks may also be visible. This is a wonderful time of year, and wildlife thrives outside the city. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Sunday, July 6: Morris Island – Forest & Wetlands – Ottawa West
Time: 7:30 am to noon – Meet at The Carp Park-n-Ride – https://goo.gl/maps/JTHMpnqkS2m6GrZ26 – $85.00 per person HST incl.
Just west of Ottawa, near Fitzroy Harbour, lies a delightful network of easy trails known as Morris Island. It’s a diverse landscape containing much wildlife and natural beauty. The nesting season will still be active as we hike the trails through this large parcel of woodland, wetland, and riparian habitats. We’ll look and listen for a variety of songbirds, including warblers, thrushes, and Scarlet Tanager. In previous years, we’ve had nesting Cape May Warbler, Mourning Warbler, and Sedge Wren. We also hope to see a few raptors, including Osprey and Northern Harrier. With luck, we might encounter a Bald Eagle or Red-shouldered Hawk. This is also an excellent area for several species of turtles, frogs, butterflies, and dragonflies. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Wednesday, July 9: Bluebirds, Flycatchers, Towhees & Cuckoos – Ottawa West
Time: 7:30 am to noon – Meet at The Carp Park-n-Ride – https://goo.gl/maps/JTHMpnqkS2m6GrZ26 – $85.00 per person HST incl.
Today, we will explore backroads around Dunrobin and the Carp Ridge. Both areas should be active with young birds at various stages of development. The region is crisscrossed with networks of birdhouses. Eastern Bluebirds are relatively regular in rural settings west of Ottawa. In the scrubby fields along the Carp Ridge, we’ll look & listen for Black-billed Cuckoos, Eastern Towhees, Field Sparrows, and other scrub species. In the wet meadows, we’ll listen for various wildlife, including White-throated Sparrow and Sedge Wren. Although these species are among our targets, many other animals should be out in full force. Blackbirds will be abundant, and juvenile hawks may also be visible. July is a wonderful month, and nature thrives away from the city. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Private outings available upon request
Contact us at TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com
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