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.

SUMMER Birding Program

Saturday May 27 – Chaffey’s Lock – FULL DAY BIRDATHON – Cerulean Warbler & Other Carolinian Species
Tuesday May 30 – Mer Bleue – Rare Nesters of Eastern Ontario
Thursday June 1 – Sparrows & Open Country – Ottawa West
Thursday Jun 15 – Scrubland & Wetland Birds – Ottawa West
Friday June 16 – Whip-poor-will, Common Nighthawk & Evening Chorus – Ottawa West
Sunday Jun 18 – Alfred Bog & Alfred Lagoons – EXTENDED DAY
Wednesday Jun 21 – Gatineau Park & the Eardley Escarpment
Tuesday Jun 27 – Morris Island – Forest & Wetlands – Ottawa West
Sunday July 1 – Alvars & Wetlands – Ottawa West
Wednesday July 5 – The First Signs of Fall Migration – Ottawa East
Saturday July 8 – Bluebirds, Flycatchers, Towhees & Cuckoos – Ottawa West
Thursday July 13 – Scrublands and Riparian Habitats – Ottawa West
Sunday July 16 – Alfred Bog & Larose Forest – Ottawa East – EXTENDED DAY
Saturday July 22 – Young Birds & Fall Migrants along the Ottawa River – Ottawa West
Tuesday July 25 – Bluebirds, Flycatchers, Towhees & Cuckoos – Ottawa West
Sunday July 29 – Shorebirds & Early Fall Migrants – Ottawa East
Tuesday July 31 – The Gatineau Escarpment
Wednesday Aug 2 – Watercourses, Wetlands & Fields – Ottawa East
Thursday Aug 10 – Lac Deschênes & the Ottawa River – Ottawa West
Saturday Aug 12 – Shorebirds & Early Fall Migrants – Ottawa East
Tuesday Aug 15 – Young Birds & Fall Migrants along the Ottawa River – Ottawa West
Tuesday Aug 22 – Watercourses, Wetlands & Fields – Ottawa East
Thursday Aug 24 – Shorebirds & Other Fall Migrants – Ottawa West
Tuesday August 29 – Juveniles & Adults, Early Fall Migrants – Ottawa East
Saturday Sep 2 – Twitchers Delight – Lac Deschênes & the Ottawa River – Ottawa West

Saturday May 27- FULL DAY BIRDATHON! Chaffey’s Lock – Cerulean Warbler & Other Carolinian Species

Time: 5:30am – 6:00pm – Meet at the Carp Park-n-Ride – Carp Road at Hwy 417 – https://goo.gl/maps/ZrzhVt5iLBUyxVfu9 – Payments: Donation $40 + Guiding fee $95

Participate in the Great Canadian Birdathon! Today’s trip is in conjunction with the Great Canadian Birdathon. This year, we are sponsoring the “Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre”. Help us Help BIRDS!!As a part of our effort to collect funds, we ask that all participants on today’s birding adventure donate $40 towards “Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre” (Link: https://www.canadahelps.org/s/nA67aa). Help us Help BIRDS!! By registering for this outing, we will provide you with all the necessary info regarding our full-day itinerary and how to make the Birdathon donation. All money transfers will be online only. Contact us at TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com for any questions or to register. The Chaffey’s Locks area is the best spot near Ottawa to check for Carolinian species like Cerulean Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Rose-breasted Grosbeak are relatively common nesters here. Other species we’ll look for include Barred Owl, Red-shouldered Hawk, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Louisiana Waterthrush. The forests and scrublands are extremely rich with avifauna. This day can be very productive and immensely entertaining. Since morning is the best time to catch these birds, we need to start very early, and enjoy the full day out in the wilds. Program and information will be sent to all participants a few days before the full day outing takes place.

Tuesday May 30 – Mer Bleue – Rare Nesters of Eastern Ontario

Time: 7:30am to 12:30pm – Meet at entrance to the Dewberry Trail, along the Dolman Ridge Road – https://goo.gl/maps/U3Eb8CXaCmZ2h32d9 – $75.00 per pers HST incl.

We’ll hike the trails around the Mer Bleue looking for wetland species, and open country birds. We can expect the marshes to ring with the tunes of male songbirds and furtive wetland creatures. The unique bog habitat of this special area will have many birds actively on territory, including Lincoln’s Sparrow and Eastern (Yellow) Palm Warbler. We hope to observe a flight of Sandhill Cranes, another rare nester in Ottawa’s east end. The nearby marshes and woodlands will also be worthy of our attention. We hope to see many other species today including Broad-winged Hawk, Porcupine, Wood Thrush and with extreme luck, Least Bittern. Contact us for registration at TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Thursday June 1 – Sparrows & Open Country – Ottawa West

Time: 7:30am to noon – Meet at the Carp Park-n-Ride – Carp Road at Hwy 417 – https://goo.gl/maps/ZrzhVt5iLBUyxVfu9 – $75.00 per pers HST incl.

Today we visit the Almonte area to explore The Burnt Lands Provincial Park area, a significant remnant of the first habitats to emerge from the Champlain Sea, around ten thousand years ago. The limestone area supports scrubland avifauna like Grasshopper Sparrow, Clay-coloured Sparrow and Black-billed Cuckoo. The surrounding woodlands may also be interesting for raptors, finches and warblers. If conditions are good, we should see several unique butterflies and plants. If time permits, we’ll check nearby wetlands for waterfowl, waders, rails and wrens. Contact us for registration at TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Thursday Jun 15 – Scrubland & Wetland Birds – Ottawa West

Time: 7:30am 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 pers HST incl.

Open areas west of the city can provide excellent habitats for some of Canada’s shyest birds. We’ll explore back-roads around the towns of Dunrobin and Almonte where we hope to find a variety of birds on territory. Our efforts might produce Black-billed Cuckoo, Alder Flycatcher, Marsh Wren, American Bittern, Sora and Virginia Rails. We’ll look for a variety of sparrows in local Alvars. We’ll also check grasslands for Upland Sandpiper and Eastern Meadowlark. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Friday June 16 – Whip-poor-will, Common Nighthawk & Evening Chorus – Ottawa West

Time (Evening): 6:30 pm to 10:00pm – meet at the Carp Park-n-Ride – https://goo.gl/maps/JTHMpnqkS2m6GrZ26 – $65.00 per person HST incl.

This evening, we will search areas around Dunrobin, and the Carp Ridge for late evening bird activity. The main objective is to search for local breeding nightjars with the hopes of getting good looks. At the very least, provided conditions are reasonably calm, we should hear them. Other birds we might hear include Ruffed Grouse, American Woodcock, Veery, and with extreme luck, perhaps an owl of some sort. We will walk along the roadside looking and listening for these elusive creatures. It might get cool and buggy after dark. So, bring a jacket, sweater, a strong flashlight and insect repellent. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Sunday Jun 18 – Alfred Bog & Alfred Lagoons – EXTENDED DAY

Time: 7:30am to 3:00pm – Meet along the Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina: https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88– $95.00 per pers HST incl.

After quickly checking the Petrie Island marsh for wetland species like Marsh Wren or Least Bittern, we will visit the prairie-like habitats around the Alfred Lagoons, and the northern-like habitat of the Alfred Bog. The timing will coincide with the blooms of bog orchids like Rose Pogonia and Swamp Pink. We’ll also see a variety of waterfowl normally associated with Canada’s Western Prairies. We hope to see birds like Vesper Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Sandhill Crane, Redhead, American Coot, Virginia Rail, and others. We’ll check nearby grasslands and woodlots for summer breeding birds. This area is also known for a few surprises, even during the breeding season. If we’re really lucky, we’ll find a Wilson’s Phalarope or a vagrant from far away. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Wednesday Jun 21 – Gatineau Park & the Eardley Escarpment

Time: 7:30am to noon-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 – $95.00 per pers HST incl.

This excursion into Gatineau Park will take us into the park at the Eardley Masham Road. Besides being one of the best local habitats for a variety of nesting songbirds, this area offers some beautiful scenery. We hope to see and hear many woodland species including vireos, warblers, thrushes and Scarlet Tanager. Using a variety of techniques, we’ll make ethical efforts to bring them into view. Some of the species we hope to see include, Hermit Thrush, Veery, Ovenbird, Black- throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, and Magnolia Warbler. With luck, we hope to see Cape May Warbler, Canada Warbler, Mourning Warbler or something more unusual. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Tuesday Jun 27 – Morris Island – Forest & Wetlands – Ottawa West

Time: 7:30am to noon-ish – meet at the Carp Park-n-Ride – https://goo.gl/maps/JTHMpnqkS2m6GrZ26 – $75.00 per person HST incl.

Morris Island, west of Ottawa, near Fitzroy Harbour, is a diverse landscape of natural beauty. The nesting season will be in full swing as we hike the trail network of this large parcel of woodland, wetland and riparian habitats. We should see a good variety of songbirds, including many warblers and other uncommon songbirds. In previous years we’ve had nesting Cape May Warbler, Mourning Warbler, and Sedge Wren. We might also see raptors like Barred Owl, Osprey, and Northern Harrier. With luck, we might encounter a Bald Eagle or Red-shouldered Hawk. This is also an excellent area for a variety of turtles and frogs. If we have any extra time, we’ll check nearby wetlands for rails and bitterns. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Sunday July 1 – Alvars & Wetlands – Ottawa West

Time: 7:30am 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 pers HST incl.

After a quick visit to Andrew Haydon Park, we will check the Almonte area to explore The Burnt Lands, a significant remnant of the first habitats to emerge from the Champlain Sea, around ten thousand years ago. The limestone area supports scrubland avifauna like Grasshopper Sparrow, Clay-coloured Sparrow, Eastern Towhee and Black-billed Cuckoo. The surrounding woodlands may also be interesting for raptors, finches and migrants. If conditions are good, we should see several unique butterflies and plants. Nearby, we have the Almonte Sewage Lagoons where we might find the first of fall’s migrating shorebirds like Semipalmated Plover, Least Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, various waterfowl, or some rare transient from far away. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Wednesday July 5 – The First Signs of Fall Migration – Ottawa East

Time: 7:30am to noon-ish – Meet along the Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina: https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88– $75.00 per pers HST incl.

We’ll start by checking Petrie Island, along the Ottawa River, east of the city. Here, we hope to find many birds, amphibians and reptiles in the area’s rich wetlands and forest. We will likely see much wildlife along the vegetated edges of shallow water. We hope to find birds like Pied-billed Grebe, Common Galinule or Marsh Wren. If we’re lucky, we’ll see Least Bittern or Black Tern. After exploring this delightful spot, we will continue southeastward visiting some open fields, lagoons and the Larose Forest. We’ll end the day by checking the Casselman area for shorebirds and waterfowl. Although I expect lots of birds today, our main target is to see the first fall migrants – shorebirds or warblers from northern habitats. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Saturday July 8 – Bluebirds, Flycatchers, Towhees & Cuckoos – Ottawa West

Time: 7:30am 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 pers HST incl.

This relaxing day will have us exploring areas around Dunrobin, and the Carp Ridge. Both areas will 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 Sedge Wren. Although these species are among our targets, many other animals should be visible. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Thursday July 13 – Scrublands & Riparian Habitats – Ottawa West

Time: 7:30am 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 pers HST incl.

The trails around Shirley’s Bay are normally rich with avifauna, especially during mid-summer when many adult birds tend to their young. We’ll explore the scrublands around here for a variety of sparrows, Indigo Bunting, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher and maybe even Black-billed Cuckoo. We’ll also check open country further west of the city for birds like Upland Sandpiper and Grasshopper Sparrow. In all local habitats, we’ll see both adults and their fledglings. If they cooperate, we’ll spend time studying the difference between adult and juvenile plumages. At this time of year, there’s also potential for finding the first migrating songbirds like Wilson’s Warbler, Tennessee Warbler or Philadelphia Vireo. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Sunday July 16 – Alfred Bog & Larose Forest – Ottawa East – EXTENDED DAY

Time: 7:30am to 3pm – Meet along the Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina: https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88– $95.00 per pers HST incl.

Starting at Petrie Island, we’ll see a collection of wetland species before venturing east to the Larose Forest, an area thick with swampland, coniferous plantations, and deciduous borders. Here we hope to find several warbler species in their adult and juvenile plumages. We hope to see a variety of other woodland nesters including Evening Grosbeak, Broad-winged Hawk and perhaps Ruffed Grouse. Later, we will walk the short Alfred Bog Boardwalk in search of birds like Lincoln’s Sparrow and Eastern Palm Warbler. The bog should be in bloom with flora & fauna more reminiscent of habitats found further north. We also hope to see (and hear) Sandhill Cranes fly overhead. We’ll end the day with a visit to the productive Alfred Lagoons where we hope to see many species of waterfowl. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Saturday July 22 – Young Birds & Fall Migrants along the Ottawa River – Ottawa West

Time: 7:30am 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 pers HST incl.

Starting at Ottawa Beach/Andrew Haydon Park, we’ll check this excellent migrant trap for shorebirds, waterfowl and gulls. Over the years, we’ve found more rare birds here than at any other location in the greater Ottawa area. If conditions are good, we can expect some unusual birds or possibly some non-breeding vagrants. We’ll also observe many juvenile birds – offspring from the season’s nesting efforts. We’ll watch to see how some show signs of independence while others stay close to their parents. From here we’ll continue to other key spots along the river. These areas act as consistent resting spots, especially for birds wandering away from their usual summer habitats. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Tuesday July 25 – Bluebirds, Flycatchers, Towhees & Cuckoos – Ottawa West

Time: 7:30am 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 pers HST incl.

This relaxing day will have us exploring areas around Dunrobin, and the Carp Ridge. Both areas will reveal much evidence of young birds at various stages of development. Thanks to property owners that maintain networks of birdhouses, Eastern Bluebirds are now 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 fallow grasslands, we’ll look for sparrows, meadowlarks, Bobolink and Upland Sandpiper. Although these species are among our targets, many other animals should be out in full force. This is a wonderful time of year, and wildlife thrives outside the city. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Sunday July 29 – Shorebirds & Early Fall Migrants – Ottawa East

Time: 7:30am to noon-ish – meet at Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88 – $75.00 per pers HST incl.

As summer progresses, so does the parade of migrating birds. The wetlands east of Ottawa are one of Ontario’s best staging grounds for the first wave of long-distance migrants, especially shorebirds. We’ll start by checking the shallow waters of Petrie Island. We hope to see swallows, waterfowl, rails and other wildlife. Some of these birds will be migrating south. After that, we will check a few ponds and wetlands for various waterbirds. Among them, we will look for early fall migrants of post breeding wanderers. By the end of the day, we hope to have a long list of great birds that include local breeders, recently fledged juveniles and some long-distance migrants. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Tuesday July 31 – The Gatineau Escarpment

The upper elevations of the Canadian Shield, in this case the Gatineau Hills, are excellent for a variety of wildlife. Most of the spring songbirds will have abandoned their rich territorial vocalizations for simple communication call notes. The dense vegetation will be filled with birds. But, locating them might be a challenge. We’ll follow the lower parts of the Gatineau Escarpment looking for a variety of wildlife. We’ll also explore parts of the park, including one or two short trails. The beautiful vistas along the backroads are an added bonus. We hope to see a variety of warblers, thrushes, raptors and perhaps a few mammals. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Wednesday Aug 2 – Watercourses, Wetlands & Fields – Ottawa East

Time: 7:30am to noon-ish – meet at Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88 – $75.00 per pers HST incl.

Early August is a transitional time for local wildlife. Some birds have begun their migration south while others are still caring for young. We’ll start by checking around Petrie Island and the Ottawa River. Here, we should find plenty of diversity including young birds and early fall migrants. In the fields south of the river, juvenile birds will be looking to their parents for guidance. In our many local wetlands we’ll find both young and adult birds. Shorebirds, swallows, blackbirds and others will frantically engorge on tiny invertebrates in order to fatten-up for their long journey ahead. We’ll spend most of today traveling around the backroads of Eastern Ontario looking for the signs of the season. There is always potential for exciting rarities, bird-identification challenges and interesting wildlife behaviors. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Thursday Aug 10 – Lac Deschênes & the Ottawa River – Ottawa West

Time: 7:30am 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 pers HST incl.

Lac Deschenes is this area’s widest part of the Ottawa River. The waterway bends here from north to east. Each summer, the relatively shallow depths beside Andrew Haydon Park and Shirley’s Bay provide significant staging grounds for a variety of waterfowl, gulls and migratory shorebirds. Further out, toward the deeper centre, the river attracts loons, grebes and diving waterfowl. Although still early in the season, this general hotspot always has the potential to attract rare migrants. To maximize our chances of finding something interesting, we’ll observe the river from a variety of vantage points. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Saturday Aug 12 – Shorebirds & Early Fall Migrants – Ottawa East

Time: 7:30am to noon-ish – meet at Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88 – $75.00 per pers HST incl.

As summer progresses, so does the parade of migrating birds. The wetlands east of Ottawa are Eastern Ontario’s best staging grounds for the first wave of long-distance migrants, especially shorebirds. We’ll start by checking the shallow waters around Petrie Island. We can expect juvenile swallows, warblers, flycatchers and other birds. With luck, we might see various waders like Least and American Bitterns. After this, we’ll head toward some wetlands, lagoons or muddy fields in search of the migrating shorebirds. We should see plenty of birds today including resident breeders, their young families, and also some migrants enroute south. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Tuesday Aug 15 – Young Birds & Fall Migrants along the Ottawa River – Ottawa West

Time: 7:30am 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 pers HST incl.

Starting at Ottawa Beach/Andrew Haydon Park, we’ll check this excellent migrant trap for shorebirds, waterfowl and gulls. Over the years, we’ve found more rare birds here than at any other location in the greater Ottawa area. If conditions are good, we can expect some unusual birds including some non-breeding vagrants. We’ll certainly be surrounded by many juvenile birds – offspring from the season’s nesting efforts. We’ll study the character differences between the young birds and their adult parents. We’ll also watch their behaviours and interactions. From here we’ll continue to other key spots along the river including Shirley’s Bay. These areas act as consistent resting spots, especially for birds wandering away from their usual summer habitats. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Tuesday Aug 22 – Watercourses, Wetlands & Fields – Ottawa East

Time: 7:30am to noon-ish – meet at Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88 – $75.00 per pers HST incl.

Mid-August is a transitional time for local wildlife. Some birds have begun their migration south while others are still caring for young. We’ll start the morning by checking around Petrie Island and the Ottawa River. Here, we should see plenty of diversity including many young birds and early fall migrants like shorebirds or warblers. In the fields south of the river, juvenile birds will be looking to their parents for guidance. In our many local wetlands we’ll find both young and adult birds, often interacting with each other. Shorebirds, swallows, blackbirds, and others will frantically engorge on tiny invertebrates in order to fatten-up for the long journey ahead. We’ll spend most of today traveling around the backroads of Eastern Ontario looking for the signs of the season. There is always potential for exciting rarities, bird-identification challenges, and observations of unusual wildlife behaviors. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Thursday Aug 24 – Shorebirds & Other Fall Migrants – Ottawa West

Time: 7:30am 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 pers HST incl.

We start at Andrew Haydon Park where we look for early shorebirds migrating through. There will likely be many other birds around including waterfowl, gulls, terns, herons, egrets and a variety of songbirds. From here we’ll continue west of the city checking various wetlands and lagoons specifically looking for wetland species. We hope to get out as far as Carleton Place, Almonte, or some other area with productive wetlands and mudflats. If we’re really lucky, we might find an unusual species wandering far from its usual breeding grounds. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Tuesday August 29 – Juveniles & Adults, Early Fall Migrants – Ottawa East

Time: 7:30am to noon-ish – meet at Petrie Island Causeway, beside Ozile’s Marina https://goo.gl/maps/ewFSCV91WabU6EZ88 – $75.00 per pers HST incl.

Anticipating significant bird migration, in particular shorebirds and insect-eating songbirds, today we’ll explore Eastern Ontario’s shorelines, wetlands and forest edges. In August, we should be able to compare the fresh plumages of juveniles to the worn feathers of adults. We also hope to have opportunities to observe waterfowl, rails, swallows, and many other birds, all of them taking advantage of an abundance of food that the summer season offers them. We should also have time today to check local open country for grassland species like Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, various blackbirds and possibly a few surprises. Contact us for registration to TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com

Saturday Sep 2 – Twitchers Delight – Lac Deschênes & the Ottawa River – Ottawa West

Time: 7:30am 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 pers HST incl.

The shoreline habitats of Lac Deschenes have a great potential to attract many species, especially waterfowl, gulls, terns, herons and shorebirds. The deeper waters offshore can also be productive, especially for loons, grebes and diving ducks. We start at Andrew Haydon Park checking for unusual species and cooperative wildlife to photograph. From here, we’ll check other habitats along the river. There is such a great potential for rare birds at this time of year, we stand a good chance of finding something very exciting like a stray shorebird or gull. If we get any rare-bird alerts of unusual species, we’ll alter our itinerary and do a little bit of “twitching”. Contact us for registration to 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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