Ontario Field Ornithologists Convention, NE edition
For the first time ever, the Ontario Field Ornithologists are holding a NE Ontario version of their annual convention. Bird-watching enthusiasts are invited to Smooth Rock Falls for 3 days of delicious food, interesting presentations, meeting other “birders”, and bird-watching trips led by local experts. Weekend registration fee includes Friday Night “Birds and (Root)beers” meal and program, Saturday evening AGM and banquet, and all field trips. The Friday and Saturday evening events take place at the Smooth Rock Falls Museum (43 3rd Avenue in Smooth Rock Falls). The bird watching field trips take place at various locations between Cochrane and Moonbeam. For more information and to register, visit http://www.ofo.ca or email Angie Williams at [email protected] . If you cannot attend the evening events but would like to go on one of the field trips (no cost), email Angie Williams.
Hourly Schedule
Friday
- 17:00 - 21:00
- Birds & (Root)beers
- Casual dinner followed by livestreamed presentations from the main convention in Leamington, including the famous Bird Quiz. At the Smooth Rock Falls Museum (43 3rd Ave Smooth Rock Falls)
Saturday
- 9:00 - 12:00
- Field trip: Moonbeam Sewage Lagoons
- Guided walk around the Moonbeam sewage lagoons, A well-known local hotspot, good for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds
- 13:00 - 16:00
- Field trip: Moonbeam Walking Trails
- Guided walk along the Moonbeam walking trails, one of the gems of Northeastern Ontario, with varied habitat along easily accessible walkways
- 17:00 - 21:00
- Saturday Banquet and AGM
- A sit down meal is followed by the roundup and livestreamed presentations from the main convention in Leamington, including: the OFO Annual General Meeting, presentation of the Distinguished Ornithologist Award, Certificates of Appreciation, and the Keynote Speech. This year’s Keynote Speaker is Merilyn Simonds, author of Woman, Watching, a biography of Louise de Kiriline Lawrence, an early citizen scientist who retreated in midlife to a log cabin in the bush to study songbirds. Complimentary refreshments will be available starting at 5:00 pm for participants who wish to gather before the meal is served.
Sunday
- 9:00 - 12:00
- Field trip: Lookout Rd, Smooth Rock Falls
- Guided walk along Lookout Road, Smooth Rock Falls --- You never know what birds might turn up here! Starting at the Falls on the Mattagami River.
- 13:00 - 16:00
- Field trip: Greenwater Provincial Park
- Guided walk through Greenwater Provincial Park. The park is now closed to camping and motorized vehicles, but it is definitely open to birding!