- 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
2023 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: $75.00 – Extended morning: $95.00 – Full day birding: $135.00 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.
FALL Birding Program
1. Thursday Sep 14 - Fall Migration in Ottawa’s East End
2. Sunday Sep 17 - Fall Migration in Ottawa’s West End
3. Wednesday Sep 20 - Petrie Island and Local Fields - Ottawa East
4. Saturday Sep 23 - Shorebirds & Wetlands - Ottawa West
5. Monday Sep 25 - Petrie Island & St. Lawrence Lowland Habitats - Ottawa East
6. Thursday Sep 28 - Ottawa’s Greenbelt – Forest & Wetland - Ottawa West
7. Sunday Oct 1 - Wetlands, Forest Edge & Open Country - Ottawa East
8. Wednesday Oct 4 - Migration Along The Ottawa River - Ottawa West
9. Thursday Oct 12 - Woodland Trails & Open Fields - Ottawa West
10. Saturday Oct 14: FULL DAY – Global BIG Day – Eastern Ontario
11. Monday Oct 16 - Grandview Trails, Shirley’s Bay & the Ottawa River – Ottawa West
12. Wednesday Oct 18 - Waterfowl & Cranes – Ottawa East
13. Sunday Oct 22 - Diving Ducks, Loons & Other Waterbirds - Ottawa West
14. Wednesday Oct 25 - Petrie Island & St. Lawrence Lowland Habitats – Ottawa East
15. Saturday Oct 28 - Westmeath – Open Country - Cranes & Raptors - EXTENDED DAY
16. Tuesday Oct 31 - Lac Deschênes & the Ottawa River – Ottawa West
17. Thursday Nov 2 – FULL DAY in Algonquin Park
18. Sunday Nov 5 - Eagles & Finches – Gatineau Escarpment
19. TBA
20. TBA
21. TBA
22. TBA
23. TBA
24. TBA
25. Stay tuned...
Thursday Sep 14 – Fall Migration in Ottawa’s East End
Time: 7:30 am to 1:00pm-ish – meet at Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina – https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
While many birds have left us for the south, others are arriving. Insect eaters like warblers, vireos and swallows have mostly gone with a few still present. Meanwhile, waterfowl, sparrow and kinglet numbers should be on the increase. We’ll check a few habitats around Petrie Island before venturing away from the city. Harvested fields, lagoons, and forest edges could be productive for a variety of creatures like shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors. As always, we’ll keep our eyes out for any long-distance migrants wandering outside their normal range. Anything can show up in the middle of September. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Sunday Sep 17 – Fall Migration in Ottawa’s West End
Time: 7:30 am to noon-ish – Meet at Andrew Haydon Park West Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., and Acres Road – https://goo.gl/maps/vx4XAy6CcQ3Pqa9F9 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
With most of the warblers and swallows gone, we begin to experience a second wave of bird migration. We’ll check several hot spots in Ottawa’s West End looking for new arrivals of the season. There should still be a few late warblers and vireos around. Yellow-rumped Warblers should be plenty. However, there should be more ducks, geese and sparrows than previous months. The Ottawa River will likely be active, especially the shoreline. If water levels are low, we might have many shorebirds, gulls, and ducks. In deeper water, we might have several diving ducks, loons and grebes. Something rare often turns up in the Ottawa area at this time of year. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Wednesday Sep 20 – Petrie Island & Local Fields – Ottawa East
Time: 7:30 am to noon-ish – meet at Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina – https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
Staging areas east of Ottawa are fairly consistent during migration. Most of our local wetlands can produce large numbers of birds in September. We will check Petrie Island’s various habitats for a mix of waterfowl, herons, raptors and songbirds, including the last of the rails, warblers, flycatchers and swallows. We’ll then continue to Milton Road where we hope to see Sandhill Cranes and the first flocks of migrating waterfowl. Other migrants we might find include the first arctic songbirds like American Pipit. The vast open fields around here have much potential for birding surprises, especially during migration. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Saturday Sep 23 – Shorebirds & Wetlands – Ottawa West
Time: 7:30 am to noon-ish – Meet at Andrew Haydon Park West Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., and Acres Road – https://goo.gl/maps/vx4XAy6CcQ3Pqa9F9 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
Although the staging areas east of Ottawa are renowned for migrating shorebirds, there are areas west of the city that have good potential for shorebirds as well. Richmond, Carleton Place, or Almonte have had their fair share of good birds. The Ottawa River can also be productive, depending especially on water levels. There might be some harvested fields attracting plovers or perhaps a Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Regardless of where we go this morning, we should find a few spots with good bird activity. Even if shorebirds are scarce, we’ll find other great birds like herons, waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. The end of September is fairly consistent for migration, and it’s an exciting time to be searching for birds. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Monday Sep 25 – Petrie Island & St. Lawrence Lowland Habitats – Ottawa East
Time: 7:30 am to 1:00pm-ish – meet at Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina – https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
Petrie Island recreational area is a natural gem. The riparian growth, shallow water and extensive wetlands can reveal an abundance of wildlife. During September, we can expect ample bird activity throughout the island’s various habitats. We hope to see lingering herons, bitterns and rails. Overhead we might see Osprey, Northern Harrier, Broad-winged Hawk or maybe even a Bald Eagle or Red-shouldered Hawk. In the woodlands there might be sparrows, kinglets, or some lingering warblers, vireos, thrushes or flycatchers. Later in the morning, we‘ll explore grasslands and some of the productive wetlands east of the city. If we’re lucky, we might see Sandhill Cranes, or a large number of migrating shorebirds. We can expect a great variety of wildlife today. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Thursday Sep 28 – Ottawa’s Greenbelt – Forest & Wetland – Ottawa West
Time: 7:30 am to noon-ish – meet at Jack Pine Trail Parking Lot, Moodie Drive. (South of Hunt Club Road) – https://goo.gl/maps/RqHuNFYLey4M1wa18 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
One of our favourite local trails, the Jack Pine Trail, forms part of the Stony Swamp Greenbelt trail network. This delightful, diverse, and easy-walking trail always delivers. Songbirds, woodpeckers, raptors, as well as other wildlife, find refuge along its many natural habitats. Many songbirds, including fall migrants, will be present. We’ll detect them by their call notes since they no longer maintain a breeding territory. A sprinkling of warblers or vireos might still be present. They might provide us with identification challenges as we sort through their drab fall colours. If the boardwalk has openings overlooking the marsh, we might see migrating shorebirds, waterfowl and herons. If time permits, we’ll visit other nearby forests, wetlands and open fields. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Sunday Oct 1 – Wetlands, Forest Edge & Open Country – Ottawa East
Time: 7:30 am to 1:00pm-ish – meet at Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina – https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
As the fall progresses, so does the parade of migratory birds. In early October, many geese, ducks, raptors and songbirds arrive in Eastern Ontario’s open fields. The local wetlands also provide suitable habitat for a variety of waterbirds. There is always a chance for good shorebirds, grebes, gulls and various waterfowl. Since this is a dynamic time, bird numbers can easily change overnight. Some migrants may have left while others have arrived. Unusual birds that might be in our area during this time include Ross’s Goose, Lapland Longspur or Long-billed Dowitcher. Anything is possible in early October. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Wednesday Oct 4 – Migration Along The Ottawa River – Ottawa West
Time: 7:30 am to noon-ish – Meet at Andrew Haydon Park West Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., and Acres Road – https://goo.gl/maps/vx4XAy6CcQ3Pqa9F9 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
The Ottawa River continues with a flurry of bird activity. Bird numbers typically fluctuate as the day progresses. Like bobbing corks, small rafts of scaup, scoter and goldeneye rest on the river. In the vegetation lining the shores, migratory songbirds tease us with their skulking behaviour. Along sandy beaches and rocky shoreline, unusual shorebirds, like Red Phalarope, blend into the background with their cryptic plumage. Many high arctic birds, including uncommon species like Red-throated Loon and Brant, begin to arrive from the breeding grounds up north. Overhead, on the water, or resting on shore, evidence of migration will surround us. Our strategy is to position ourselves at key locations to maximize our ability to thoroughly observe the river. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Thursday Oct 12 – Woodland Trails & Open Fields – Ottawa West
Time: 7:30 am to noon-ish – meet at Jack Pine Trail Parking Lot, Moodie Drive. (South of Hunt Club Road) – https://goo.gl/maps/RqHuNFYLey4M1wa18 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
We’ll start the morning by exploring one of the local trails along Moodie Drive. We’ll first check the Jack Pine Trail. With a variety of forest, scrub and wetland habitats, it’s one of our favourite local trails. If the Jack Pine Trail is quiet, we may venture over to the Beaver Trail or Lime Kiln Trail across the street, all part of the Stony Swamp Trail Network. Many woodland birds should be active like woodpeckers, migrating sparrows and a few lingering warblers. With luck, we might encounter some of the first over-wintering finches. After a short hike, we’ll check local farm fields for migrating waterfowl and raptors. There could be Lapland Longspurs and American Pipits feeding in the grains and corn stubble. We’ll search through the abundant Canada Geese for rare waterfowl like Greater White-fronted Goose. This is an excellent time to view a good variety of wildlife. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Saturday Oct 14 – FULL DAY – Global BIG Day – Eastern Ontario
Time: 5:30 am to 5:30pm-ish – meet at the Brophy/Hwy 416 Park-n-Ride, corner of Hwy 416 and Brophy/Bankfield: https://goo.gl/maps/2cPiYGvtgGP7TVRn9 – $135.00 per person HST incl.
Today is the Global Big Day of Birding. Join us for this event as we contribute all of today’s sightings to Citizen Science. Although we’ve just passed the peak of fall colours and warbler migration, birds should still be fairly numerous. Replacing the warblers, swallows and flycatchers are the sparrows, kinglets, waterfowl and raptors. We’ll start fairly early looking for owls near our meeting spot. As the day progresses, we’ll check various habitats looking for things like shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, unusual waterfowl and rarities. If it’s convenient, we’ll follow-up on any rare birds being reported in the area. By the end of the day, we should have an impressive list of wildlife sightings. Drivers need to have a full tank of gas. Bring refreshments for the day. We will likely stop somewhere convenient for a lunch break. We will continue into late afternoon. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Monday Oct 16 – Grandview Trails, Shirley’s Bay & the Ottawa River – Ottawa West
Time: 7:30 am to noon-ish – Meet at Andrew Haydon Park West Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., and Acres Road – https://goo.gl/maps/vx4XAy6CcQ3Pqa9F9 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
The Ottawa River shoreline connected to Ottawa’s Greenbelt can be very productive, especially during mid October. We’ll start at Andrew Haydon Park checking the river and associated riparian vegetations. On the water, we hope to see numbers of grebes, scoters, loons and other water birds. Hopefully, water levels will be low enough to attract shorebirds and gulls. We’ll continue toward Shirley’s Bay making several short hikes along the way, including the excellent Grandview Drive trail network. This scrubby area can hide secretive migratory songbirds as well as the first of the over-wintering finches. There should also be a variety of sparrows passing through like Fox or White-crowned. We can expect some raptors migrating overhead like Sharp-shinned Hawk or perhaps even a Red-shouldered Hawk. If we’re really lucky, we might find a number of angry chickadees and kinglets mobbing a roosting Saw-whet Owl. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Wednesday Oct 18 – Waterfowl & Cranes – Ottawa East
Time: 7:30 am to 1:00pm-ish – meet at Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina – https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
Today we’ll start by checking Petrie Island for passing migrants. Then, we’ll travel through open country outside of the city. We’ll look mainly for flocks of geese and Sandhill Cranes. Other species that should be present include various raptors and songbirds like Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Rusty Blackbird, American Pipit and Lapland Longspur. Although a little early in the season, we’ll look for the first over-wintering migrants like Snow Bunting. Our prime objective is to find unusual geese amongst the larger flocks of Snow Geese and Canada Geese. There should be Greater White-fronted Geese and Ross’s Geese somewhere in the region. With luck, we might stumble across something really exciting like a Pink-footed Goose or Barnacle Goose. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Sunday Oct 22 – Diving Ducks, Loons & Other Waterbirds – Ottawa West
Time: 7:30 am to noon-ish – Meet at Andrew Haydon Park West Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., and Acres Road – https://goo.gl/maps/vx4XAy6CcQ3Pqa9F9 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
Late October in Ottawa is always a good time to observe the hardiest of northern birds – some just arriving from the Arctic, while many spending time loafing or feeding in the deep water along the Ottawa River. Birds like Surf Scoter, Red-throated Loon, Long-tailed Duck and Horned Grebe will likely be present somewhere along the river. We’ll also check the water’s edge for late shorebirds like Sanderling, Dunlin, White-rumped Sandpiper or, with luck, Purple Sandpiper or Red Phalarope. Depending where the birds are concentrated, we’ll consider checking places like Andrew Haydon Park, Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds, Grandview Drive, Shirley’s Bay or Constance Bay with hopes of observing much late-fall diversity. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Wednesday Oct 25 – Petrie Island & St. Lawrence Lowland Habitats – Ottawa East
Time: 7:30 am to 1:00pm-ish – meet at Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina – https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
Petrie Island is a natural gem. The riparian growth, shallow water and extensive wetlands can reveal an abundance of wildlife. In late October, much movement should be visible throughout the island’s various habitats. We hope to see lingering herons, bitterns and waterfowl. Overhead we might see Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk or maybe even a Bald Eagle. In the woodlands there might be sparrows, kinglets, or some lingering warblers. Later in the morning, we‘ll explore grasslands and some of the productive wetlands east of the city. If we’re lucky, we might see Sandhill Cranes, or a large number of migrating shorebirds. We can expect a great variety of wildlife today. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Saturday Oct 28 – Westmeath – Open Country – Cranes & Raptors – EXTENDED DAY
Time: 6:00am to 3:00pm-ish – meet at the Carp Park-n-Ride – https://goo.gl/maps/JTHMpnqkS2m6GrZ26 – $95.00 per person HST incl.
Habitats northwest of Ottawa have recently proven excellent staging areas for a variety of species, especially in fall. We plan to visit various wetlands and open country looking for flocks of Sandhill Crane and waterfowl. We should also find raptors like Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier and others. There’s a chance we may even find a Golden Eagle or Northern Goshawk. In some of the extensive wetlands, we might find lingering Common Gallinule, Virginia Rail. We’ll also check for American Coot, or any number of dabbling ducks like Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail or American Wigeon. The open fields of Westmeath have recently become a significant staging area for Sandhill Cranes. With luck, we might find hundreds of them. We’ll also check parts of the Ottawa River and Muskrat Lake for migratory waterbirds like loons and grebes. This is the time of year where almost anything can show up including a rare flycatcher or something equally as exciting. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Tuesday Oct 31 – Lac Deschênes & the Ottawa River – Ottawa West
Time: 7:30 am to noon-ish – Meet at Andrew Haydon Park West Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., and Acres Road – https://goo.gl/maps/vx4XAy6CcQ3Pqa9F9 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
This trip explores Lac Deschênes, one of Ottawa’s most dynamic staging areas, especially in the fall. We’ll use several vantage points including Britannia Pier, Scrivens Drive, Andrew Haydon Park and Dick Bell Park to make sure we cover the area carefully. Most of the birds are transients en-route to the south. We hope to see some northern birds like scoters, Long-tailed Duck, Brant, Red-throated Loon, Red Phalarope or maybe even something more exotic. Also, a few common residents, mainly hardy songbirds or waterfowl, will still be lingering into the cooler months. If time permits, or if the river fails to entertain, we’ll check fields southwest of the city. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
Thursday Nov 2 – FULL DAY in Algonquin Park
ime: 6:00am to 9:00pm-ish – meet at the Carp Park-n-Ride – https://goo.gl/maps/JTHMpnqkS2m6GrZ26 – $135.00 per person HST incl.
Algonquin Park is famous for its extensive northern forest habitats. Its large stands of spruce and pine often attract a variety of birds including uncommon finches and raptors. It also harbours several northern residents that are considered rare in the Ottawa area. Here we look for Gray Jays, Boreal Chickadees, Spruce Grouse, Evening Grosbeak and Black-backed Woodpecker. We might even find a few early winter finches like Pine Grosbeak, Pine Siskin or Common Redpoll. By late October, diversity is greatly reduced compared to summer. Regardless, the park’s waterways, boggy wetlands, boreal and hardwood forests, should reveal species normally associated with Ontario’s northern wilderness. On the lakes, we hope to find Ring-necked Duck, mergansers and perhaps a few Loons. The mammals in the region might include Beaver, River Otter, Black Bear, Red Fox and Moose. If we’re really lucky, we’ll see American Martin or Timber Wolf. We might even find a few surprises like Golden Eagle, Northern Goshawk or a rare straggler from far away. From our meeting spot, we head straight for the park spending a few hours exploring the east side before we have lunch. At some point in the day, we’ll go to the Visitor’s Centre where we can gather information from the Park Staff. The lookout at the Visitor’s Centre is also a highlight that includes a bird-feeding station and a spectacular southward-facing view. If we have time, we’ll venture to the west end of the park with its rich hardwood forests. We plan on leaving the Park around 4:00-5:00pm. We can expect to be back home around 8:30 – 9:00pm. Mandatory registration must be sent to: tonysalwaysanadventure@Gmail.com
Sunday Nov 5 – Eagles & Finches – Gatineau Escarpment
Time: 7:30am – meet at Gatineau Park entrance P3 at southern park entrance and Promenade de la Gatineau – https://goo.gl/maps/c7vhXBdJLRcub1BA7 – $75.00 per person HST incl.
The rugged beauty of the Gatineau Escarpment provides us with opportunity to see many interesting birds. At the edge of the Canadian Shield, northern finches, woodpeckers and raptors recognize habitats similar to their northern breeding grounds. Typically, they’re found here more easily than in Ottawa’s lowlands. Besides migrating sparrows and kinglets, we’ll look for raptors using the updrafts created by the escarpment. Throughout fall and winter Bald Eagles are found regularly, while Golden Eagles require a bit of persistence. We hope to find other birds of prey including the first Rough-legged Hawks of the season. With luck, we might encounter a Northern Goshawk or an owl of some sort. To maximize our chances of finding our target species, we’ll spend the morning exploring the many backroads networked through the hills and lowlands. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com
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