Thursday Nov. 28 – The Last Fall Migrants – Ottawa West
Time: 8:00am – meet at the Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, east side, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore – $40.00 per person
With winter around the corner, this could be our last opportunity to view migrants along the river and open country. Depending on temperatures, local waters begin to freeze toward the end of the year. However, as long as there is some open water and exposed crop stubble in the farm fields, birds will make use of it. Diving ducks, geese, mergansers and other hardy fowl all seem to prefer their water cold. Many northern gulls, like Glaucous or Iceland, also use the frigid shoreline to feed and rest. Occasionally, Snowy Owls, Peregrine Falcons, or even Gyrfalcons, patrol these areas hoping to find an easy meal. As always, we will study the birds closely looking for rare or unusual species.
Sunday Dec 1 – Late Fall in Ottawa’s Greenbelt – Ottawa West
Time: 8:00am – meet at Jack Pine Trail Parking Lot, Moodie Drive. (South of Hunt Club Road) – $40.00 per person
Jack Pine Trail is one of Ottawa’s most entertaining and diverse areas. The woodlands and marshes always reveal wildlife of some sort. In late fall, much activity has dwindled. However, resident birds and late migrants continue to forage together in small flocks. The ever-present Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker and Hairy Woodpecker will mingle with more elusive species like Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Pileated Woodpeckers. Several migratory sparrows should be present like Tree, White-throated, White-crowned and maybe Fox or Lincoln’s Sparrows. We also hope to observe the first eruptive overwintering species like Purple Finch or Evening Grosbeak, or something even more unusual like a rare species from afar. The possibilities are endless. Bring some sunflower or peanuts to hand-feed the chickadees & nuthatches. If time allows, we’ll check nearby fields and ponds for raptors and waterfowl.
Tuesday Dec 3 – Chasing Rarities & Early Winter Birding – Ottawa West
Time: 8:00am – meet at the Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, east side, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore – $40.00 per person
Today will be open to tracking down recent reports of unusual birds. So often, at this time of year, interesting birds come into the Ottawa area. Perhaps a Black-backed Woodpecker is consistently visiting a stand of conifers, or a Townsend’s Solitaire has discovered a grove of Crab Apple. Whatever excitement is being reported, we will engage in a quest. If nothing special has been reported by the local network of birders, we will attempt to find our own rarity with the hopes of generating a rare-bird alert. No doubt, a variety of good birds will be present in Ottawa’s west end including raptors and waterfowl.
Saturday Dec 7 – Early Winter Specialities – Ottawa West
Time: 8:00am – meet at the Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, east side, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore – $40.00 per person
Winter is what makes Ottawa one of the most unique birding destinations on this continent, and even the world. Each year, Ottawa attracts birds like White-winged Crossbill, Evening Grosbeak, Black-backed Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing or Snowy Owl. Birders from across the globe have come here just to glimpse a few of these gems that would otherwise be more elusive elsewhere in their range. Following up on reports from local birding networks, we’ll search Ottawa’s west end for the early arrivals of these over-wintering birds. Some of the possibilities include Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Common Redpoll, Northern Hawk Owl or Gyrfalcon.
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 and car pool. Passengers are encouraged to contribute to fuel costs. Please let us know if you need transportation.
- 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 NIKON 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 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 (go to “About us” and then “Contact us”), or through our Facebook Club (https://www.facebook.com/groups/AAAIncClub/)
- Payment is by cheque, PayPal or e-Transfer. Make cheque payable to “Always An Adventure Inc” and contact us for payment by PayPal and e-Transfer.
- Morning birding excursions normally last for 5.5-6+ hours. Full day birding excursions normally last for 12 hours.
- Always An Adventure Inc. is not to be held liable for any unforeseen circumstances that might arise during outings.
- Always An Adventure Inc. might ask participants to sign a waiver depending on the day’s activities and sightings
- Always An Adventure Inc. is using eBird and participants will receive the day-list per e:mail at the end of the excursion.
