- 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: $130.00-140.00 – Full day birding: $200.00 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.
February & March Birding Program
1. Sunday, Feb 23: Raptor Search – Westmeath & Pembroke Area
2. Sunday, Mar 2: Extended Day ~ Amherst Island & the Kingston Area
3. Sunday, Mar 9: The Gatineau Escarpment & The Steele Line
4. Sunday, Mar 16: Raptors and Other Winter Specialties – Ottawa West
5. More excursions to come, incl. a day-trip to Algonquin Park!
6. Stay Tuned!
Sunday, Feb 23: Raptor Search – Westmeath & Pembroke Area
Time: 8 am to noon – Meet at the Renfrew Park-n-0Ride. 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 – $85.00 per person HST incl.
The picturesque lowlands following the Ottawa River between Arnprior and Pembroke can be productive for Bald Eagles and other birds of prey, especially in winter. In the open fields, we also hope to encounter flocks of Snow Buntings and Horned Larks. If they’re cooperative, we’ll check them for Lapland Longspur, or other unusual songbirds. Recent reports of Gray Partridge continue to come from the area. We also have chances for various hawks, falcons, and owls. The open fields might produce Snowy Owl, American Kestrel, Merlin, Northern Harrier, Rough-legged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, or Northern Shrike. If we’re really lucky, we might find a Golden Eagle, American Goshawk, Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, or even Gyrfalcon. Registration is to [email protected]
Sunday, March 2: Extended Day ~ Amherst Island & the Kingston Area
Time: 8:15 am to dusk – Meet at Millhaven Wharf in Bath, west of Kingston – link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RFV4g3Kk79dXYWkw8 – $140.00 per person HST incl.
Most winters Amherst Island is a haven for raptors. Northern Harriers, Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks can be common, while Bald Eagle, American Kestrels, Northern Shrike, Snowy Owl, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl and Saw-whet Owl are usually present. Various birds of prey are attracted to the abundant rodent and bird populations flourishing across vast open hunting grounds. The surrounding waters also attract good numbers of waterfowl like Long-tailed Duck, Redhead, and three species of swans. There are often other birds of interest including Ring-necked Pheasant, Lapland Longspur and Red-bellied Woodpecker. If time permits, we’ll stop in places near Kingston for interesting species. Past trips have included Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck and Gyrfalcon. In case of bad weather, we will reschedule this excursion. Registration is to [email protected]
Sunday, Mar 9: The Gatineau Escarpment & The Steele Line
Time: 8:00am to noon: Meet at Park-and-ride Allumettières, 305 Rue des Hautes-Rives, Gatineau, Quebec – link: https://g.co/kgs/V5erNnc – $85.00 per pers HST Incl.
This winter, the Gatineau Escarpment has revealed several interesting over-wintering birds. At the edge of the Canadian Shield, northern finches, woodpeckers, and raptors recognize habitats similar to their northern breeding grounds. Well-adapted to these forests, they’re often easy to locate by noting their feeding behaviors, persistent vocalizations, and habitat preference. We’ll also look for raptors using the updrafts created by the escarpment. Throughout winter Bald Eagles are found regularly while Golden Eagles might require a bit of persistence and luck. We’ll spend the morning exploring the many backroads networked through the hills and lowlands, including the famed Steele Line. This winter, some of the species we might encounter include: American Goshawk, Northern Hawk Owl, Great Gray Owl, Ruffed Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Northern Shrike, Evening Grosbeak, White-winged Crossbill, and Red Crossbill. Registration is to [email protected]
Sunday, Mar 16: Raptors and Other Winter Specialties – Ottawa West
Time: 8 am to noon – Meet at the Coliseum Theater Parking Lot, east side, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore – https://goo.gl/maps/xpSTaC22YFD1zdz4A – $85.00 per person HST incl.
As winter light lengthens, and spring around the corner, we can expect wildlife activity to change. Most overwintering birds should still be present. Meanwhile, some local breeders will be courting, and some birds simply wandering through. We’ll check several local habitats including agricultural fields, open country, forest edges, and frozen wetlands. We hope to see Red-tailed Hawks, Bald Eagles, and Snowy Owl. We’ll also check spots where owls are being regularly reported. With luck, we might find Great Gray Owl, Rough-legged Hawk, Golden Eagle, Short-eared Owl, or even Gyrfalcon. If time permits, we’ll also follow up on rare or unusual bird reports. While our main targets today will be raptors, we’ll get excited with any of our region’s northern specialties. Registration is to [email protected]
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