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.

Winter 2023 Birding Program

1. Thursday Nov 23: Eagles & Finches – Eardley Escarpment

2. Tuesday Nov 28: Coniferous Woodland Trails – Ottawa West

3. Friday Dec 1: Amherst Island and the Kingston Area - FULL DAY

4. Sunday Dec 3: Late Fall/Early Winter birding - Ottawa West

5. Thursday Dec 7: Eagles & Finches – Eardley Escarpment

6. Wednesday Dec 20: Winter Water Birds - Ottawa West

7. Friday Dec 22: Raptor Search - Ottawa West

8. Saturday Dec 30: Raptor Search - Ottawa East

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Thursday Nov 23: Eagles & Finches – Eardley Escarpment

Time: 8 am to 1pm – Meet at The Information Kiosk (Gatineau Park Welcome Area), Promenade de la Gatineau (Gatineau Parkway), North of Tache Blvd. https://goo.gl/maps/Mwx238Wx8CS8jz7P6 – $75.00 per person HST incl.

The hills of Quebec provide endless habitat for attracting boreal species. At the edge of the Canadian Shield, northern finches, woodpeckers and raptors recognize habitats similar to their northern breeding grounds. With luck, we might find the first overwintering finches like redpolls, crossbills, Pine Siskin, Pine Grosbeak or Evening Grosbeak. Usually, they’re found here more easily than in Ottawa’s lowlands, especially in winter. 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 and luck. We occasionally find Red-shouldered Hawk and Northern Goshawk here as well. 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 [email protected]

Tuesday Nov 28: Coniferous Woodland Trails – Ottawa West

Time: 8 am to noon-ish – Meet at Coliseum Theatre (Cineplex Cinema) – 3090 Carling Ave: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mGrETi6d4YYk2P2W9 – $75.00 per person HST incl.

Today we’ll start by quickly checking the Ottawa River for passing migrants. From there, we’ll then visit one of many coniferous woodland trails west of Ottawa. Besides the ever-present Black-capped Chickadees and nuthatches, we may see a Ruffed Grouse cross the trail. This is also a good time to start searching for the first over-wintering migrants seeking shelter and food in our local forests. White-winged Crossbills, Pine Siskins, Evening Grosbeaks, or even something more unusual could be present. Some years we get Boreal Chickadee, Boreal Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker or even Three-toed Woodpecker. Whatever is present, we’ll use various visual and auditory clues to help us find these elusive creatures. Registration is to [email protected]

Friday Dec 1: Amherst Island and the Kingston Area – FULL DAY

Time: 5:45 am to 7pm – meet at the Hwy 416 & Bankfield Park-n-Ride – https://goo.gl/maps/2cPiYGvtgGP7TVRn9 – $135.00 per person HST incl.

Most winters Amherst Island is a haven for overwintering raptors. Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks can be common. Snowy and Short-eared Owls are usually present in the open fields of the island. All these different birds of prey visit here in winter to take advantage of the abundant Meadow Vole population. The open spaces sprinkled with small, sheltered woodlots make this area ideal for predators that hunt for small prey like Meadow Voles. The surrounding waters also attract good numbers of waterfowl like Redhead and Long-tailed Duck. With luck, we might be able to compare the subtle differences between 3 species of swan. There are usually other birds of interest as well, including Northern Shrike, Ring-necked Pheasant, Red-bellied Woodpecker or any number of unusual species. The shores should also reveal migrating waterfowl like Redhead, Bufflehead, Gadwall and all three species of Merganser. Past trips have included exciting birds like Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck and Gyrfalcon. NOTE: We’re not planning to enter the “Owl Woods” on this excursion as the woods are closed for hunting. Registration is to [email protected]

Sunday Dec 3: Late Fall/Early Winter birding – Ottawa West

Time: 8 am to noon – Meet at Coliseum Theatre (Cineplex Cinema) – 3090 Carling Ave: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mGrETi6d4YYk2P2W9 – $75.00 per person HST incl.

Early December in Ottawa is a when the last migratory birds move through, and the first over-wintering birds appear. Today, we hope to find many samples of both. We’ll start by checking the river for hardy waterfowl like Long-tailed Duck or Red-breasted Merganser. After that, we’ll visit open fields and forest edges west of the city. Here we hope to find more waterfowl and various raptors. Many predators hunt over the flat terrain of local agricultural fields. Red-tailed Hawks regularly occur here, sometimes throughout the entire year. Although still a bit early in the season, this is a reliable area for Snowy Owl in winter. Similar to their breeding grounds on the tundra, Snowy Owls are perfectly adapted to seek prey that venture above or near the snow cover. With luck, we may see other interesting animals like Coyote, Red Fox, Gray Partridge, Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Short-eared Owl or Lapland Longspur. If time permits, we’ll check woodland edges and suburban areas for finches or any over-wintering songbirds. Registration is to [email protected]

Thursday Dec 7: Eagles & Finches – Eardley Escarpment

Time: 8 am to 1pm-ish – Meet at The Information Kiosk (Gatineau Park Welcome Area), Promenade de la Gatineau (Gatineau Parkway), North of Tache Blvd. https://goo.gl/maps/Mwx238Wx8CS8jz7P6 – $75.00 per person HST incl.

Winter in the Gatineau Hills can be a wonderful time for many interesting species. At the edge of the Canadian Shield, northern finches, woodpeckers and raptors recognize habitats similar to their northern breeding grounds. Early December is when we usually see the first overwintering finches like redpolls, crossbills, Pine Siskin, Pine Grosbeak or Evening Grosbeak. Often, they’re more common here than in the lowlands below the escarpment. We’ll also look for birds of prey, especially along the escarpment. Throughout fall and winter Bald Eagles are found regularly while Golden Eagles require a bit of persistence and luck. Past trips have produced sightings of Northern Goshawk and Northern Hawk Owl. 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 [email protected]

Wednesday Dec 20: Winter Water Birds – Ottawa West

Time: 8 am to noon – Meet at Coliseum Theatre (Cineplex Cinema) – 3090 Carling Ave: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mGrETi6d4YYk2P2W9 – $75.00 per person HST incl.

Every winter, regardless of temperature, our local rivers remain open where waters run fast. Tolerant of extreme cold, many hardy ducks enjoy our rivers simply because they’ve adapted to finding food in these extremes. They wouldn’t survive otherwise. Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Mallard and even a few Black Ducks should be visible. We should also find a few uncommon species mixed among them like Barrow’s Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, or maybe something more unusual like a Wood Duck, Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, Northern Pintail or Harlequin Duck. We might also find some overwintering “white-winged” gulls on the ice edge like Glaucous, Iceland or (with luck) Thayer’s. The open waters are also patrolled by hunters like Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle or Cooper’s Hawk. With extreme luck, we might catch a glimpse of a Gyrfalcon, one of the most sought-after birds of prey. Registration is to [email protected]

Friday Dec 22: Raptor Search – Ottawa West

Time: 8 am to noon – Meet at Coliseum Theatre (Cineplex Cinema) – 3090 Carling Ave: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mGrETi6d4YYk2P2W9 – $75.00 per person HST incl.

Similar to areas east of the city, Ottawa’s west end plays host to a number of raptors, especially in winter. While a few birds might still be wandering around in search of productive feeding grounds, others will have established routines. Consistent areas include open country, forest edges and the trail road landfill site. We’ll also pay attention to reports from local birding networks and spend some time at these locations, especially if there are reports of rare birds from afar. Our main targets however include Snowy Owl, Rough-legged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Lapland Longspur or any number of northern specialties. Contact us for more info and registration at [email protected]

Saturday Dec 30: Raptor Search – Ottawa East

Time: 8 am to 12:30pm-ish – meet at Millennium Park-n-Ride off Trim Rd., beside Cumberland Millennium Sports Park/Gisèle-Lalonde High School – https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVdCMz4VKpx972pRA – $75.00 per person HST incl.

This trip will focus on birds of prey found east of the city. As winter progresses, some raptors form fairly predictable routines. Meanwhile, others might be wandering around in search of productive feeding grounds. We’ll mainly check open country – the most consistent local places to see over-wintering raptors. However, based on recent reports from local birding networks, we’ll concentrate our efforts in locations where they’re currently being seen. Some of our targets include Snowy Owl, Northern Goshawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Northern Shrike, Gray Partridge and Lapland Longspur. Regardless, the end of the year can produce some interesting over-wintering species like Gyrfalcon or Northern Hawk Owl. Registration is to [email protected]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Field Trip Guidelines & Useful Info:

  • 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.
 

Sunday Feb 26 – The Gatineau Escarpment & The Steele Line

Thursday March 2 – Raptors & Winter Specialties – Ottawa West

Sunday March 5 – FULL DAY to Amherst Island & the Kingston Area

Tuesday March 7 – Kemptville, Winchester & Ottawa South

Thursday March 9 – Early Spring Arrivals on the Ottawa River – Ottawa West

Saturday, March 11 – The First Spring Arrivals – Ottawa East

Friday May 12 to Monday May 15 – OVERNIGHT to Prince Edward Point & Presqu’ile Park

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