Birding Program

2026 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.

April & May Birdwatching Excursions

1. Sunday, April 19: The First Spring Arrivals - Ottawa West

2. Sunday, April 26: The Greenbelt Trails - Ottawa West

3. Sunday, May 3: Waterfowl, Raptors & Spring Migration – Ottawa West

4. Saturday, May 9: Global Big Day of Birding - Ottawa West

Sunday, April 19: The First Spring Arrivals – Ottawa West

Time: 8:00 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.

Even though it’s been a rather cold spring this year, wildlife has erupted with much activity. Male Red-winged Blackbirds will be belting out their familiar “Konka-ree” as they establish their territories in local marshes. American Robins will be inspired to sing their familiar sweet spring melodies. Many adult birds, some already paired off with mates, will be eager to begin their breeding season. While some birds will be arriving, there might still be a few winter birds around. Regardless, there should be plenty of birds around. We’ll attempt to get close views of finches, waxwings, woodpeckers, raptors, gulls, waterfowl and more. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com

Sunday, April 26: The Greenbelt Trails – Ottawa West

Time: 8:00 am to noon – Meet at Jack Pine Trail parking lot off Moodie Drive, south of Hunt Club Road – https://maps.app.goo.gl/qPJePNTbRP6yzhoP9 – $85.00 per person HST incl.

Today we marvel at the wonders of spring’s rejuvenating forces. We start at the Jack Pine Trail off Moodie Drive (part of the NCC Greenbelt Trail Complex). We hope to observe a flurry of activity as animals awaken from winter’s icy grip. While they welcome the season’s warmth, some birds will be establishing breeding territories. Meanwhile, others continue migrating to their nesting grounds further north. We might see a variety of woodpeckers, sparrows, blackbirds and finches. Hopefully we’ll encounter some raptors or other avian surprises. The forest birds will hopefully serenade us with an early rendition of their dawn chorus. We will likely hear as much as we see. Mammals should also be active, some having spent the winter in hibernation. If time permits, we’ll explore the fields and creeks near the village of Richmond. This area should still be attracting migratory waterfowl including some rarities like Greater White-fronted Goose. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com

Sunday, May 3: Waterfowl, Raptors & Spring Migration – Ottawa West

Time: 8:00 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.

As spring progresses, Ottawa’s west end becomes a haven for migratory birds, especially waterfowl, raptors and various songbirds. We’ll search for wildlife in open fields, wetlands and forest edges from our meeting spot and areas southwest of the city. We expect to find large flocks of ducks, geese and gulls. We expect a few raptors within proximity of these flocks, especially eagles. There’s a chance we’ll find Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Tundra Swan and various ducks. We also hope to observe grassland species like Eastern Meadowlark, Upland Sandpiper and Vesper Sparrow. We might even find a few shorebirds en-route to the high Arctic. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com

Saturday, May 9: Global Big Day of Birding – Ottawa West

Time: 8:00 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.

Today we celebrate the 2026 Global Big Day of Birding with a fun excursion around habitats west of Ottawa. Starting at Andrew Haydon Park, we’ll venture out to a few local hotspots looking for as many bird species as possible. Spring migration should be in full swing, and we expect to tally an impressive list of life forms by the end of the morning. We’ll look for raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds, warblers, sparrows, and virtually anything alive. Our goal is to see and log as many bird species as possible. Registration is to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com

Private birding & photography outings available upon request

Contact us at TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com


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.

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