1. Saturday September 24, 7:30am - Petrie Island - Ottawa East

Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

Staging areas east of Ottawa are fairly consistent during migration. During September some of the wetlands and fields can produce large numbers of migrants. We will check Petrie Island's various habitats then continue to Milton Road where we hope to see Sandhill Cranes. The vast open fields around here have much potential for birding surprises, especially during migration.

2. Sunday September 25, 7:30am - Andrew Haydon Park & The Ottawa River - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

As the Arctic cloaks itself in ice, the Ottawa River acts as a migratory corridor leading birds to their wintering grounds in the south. Many waterfowl feed and rest along the shallows of Constance Bay, Shirley's Bay and Andrew Haydon Park. Meanwhile, out in the deeper water, diving ducks, loons & grebes frantically feed before continuing their journey. Migratory birds occasionally fly off course, taking them far away from their normal range. This phenomenon often occurs in late fall. So, much of the morning is spent looking for unusual species. This is a very exciting time for many birders.

3. Tuesday September 27, 7:30am - Eastern Lagoons - Ottawa East

Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

Anticipating rare shorebirds wandering from afar, we visit the Eastern Lagoons. If conditions are good, hundreds of migrating shorebirds will land here to feed as they continue their journey toward their final destination, south of the equator. Joined with them on these food-rich waters are a great variety of ducks, many drakes in their breeding colours. Also present are migrant songbirds, and maybe even a rare gull or grebe. Anything is possible on our lagoons at this time.

4. Thursday September 29, 7:30am - Lac Deschênes & Ottawa River - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

This trip explores Lac Deschênes, one of autumn's most dynamic staging grounds in the greater Ottawa area. We'll use several vantage points including Britannia Pier, Scrivens Drive, Andrew Haydon Park and Dick Bell Park to make sure we cover the area carefully. Most of the birds are transients, en-route to the south. We hope to see some northern birds like Snow Geese, Dunlin, Black-bellied Plover, American Pipit, White-winged Scoter, or maybe even something more exotic. Also, a few common residents, mainly hardy songbirds or waterfowl, will still be lingering into the cooler months. If time permits, or if the river fails to entertain, we'll check fields southwest of the city.

5. Saturday October 1, 7:30am - Petrie Island, Eastern Lagoons & Open Country - Ottawa East

Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

As the fall progresses, so does the parade of migratory birds. Many geese, ducks, raptors and songbirds arrive in Eastern Ontario's open fields. The local lagoons also provide suitable habitat for a variety of water birds. There is always a chance for good shorebirds, grebes, gulls and various waterfowl. Since this is a dynamic time, bird numbers can easily change overnight with some migrants leaving while others are arriving. We can expect the unexpected.

6. Tuesday October 4, 7:30am - PHOTO DAY at Jack Pine Trail - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: Jack Pine Trail parking lot off Moodie Drive, south of Hunt Club Road

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

Today's focus will be on capturing photos of birds and other wildlife. Celebrating the intensity of the season, we'll search for every form of nature to capture colors, lines, patterns, birds and mammals. Mushrooms and other typical fall plants should be around to add colourful forms and composition to our wildlife photography. If conditions are favourable, the Jack Pine Trail will provide many excellent photographic opportunities. Throughout the morning, Tony and Nina will point out photo opportunities, discuss their various techniques, and make themselves available to answer all questions.

7. Thursday October 6, 7:30am - Gatineau Fall Colors & Migrants - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: Information Kiosk, corner of Rue Gamelin and Promenade de la Gatineau

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

Gatineau Park boasts some of the best fall colours anywhere in the world. The first week of October is usually the peak of this spectacular natural phenomenon. Aside from the park's rich colour, the migrating birds should be fairly numerous. Most of the warblers will have left. However, thrushes, sparrows, kinglets and raptors should be around. There is always a chance to see unusual birds like eagles, Ruffed Grouse or even a Goshawk. We'll keep our eyes out for interesting mammals as well. While birding some of the productive trails, we'll also check various lookouts to get some breath-taking views of our beautiful city.

8. Saturday October 8, 7:00am - FULL PHOTO DAY - Parc Omega

Meeting Place: Information Kiosk, corner of Rue Gamelin and Promenade de la Gatineau

Regular Price: $60 (HST included) per person, per excursion

This day is fully dedicated to photography, but is also suitable for others who wish to do something a little bit different. We will slowly approach Parc Omega, stopping along the way to capture beautiful fall scenery. Immediately upon getting inside the park, we will hike one or two walking trails. We'll then drive the route where vehicles are required. Bring lunch and $18 in park fee. It's also a VERY good idea to bring carrots for the deer and other mammals. On route going back to Ottawa, we will take our time and stop for even more colorful fall images. We should arrive back in Ottawa no later than 6pm.

9. Sunday October 9, 7:30am - Andrew Haydon & Shirley's Bay - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

Andrew Haydon has in previous years produced many birds during fall migration. We start with scanning Ottawa Beach to look for shorebirds and waterfowl. Ottawa beach is a magnet for rarities. And with luck, we might get something unexpected. After doing a quick round at Andrew Haydon Park, we will move over to Shirley's Bay where we will hike along the dyke for more shorebirds, waterfowl, herons and raptors. We'll end the day at the Hilda Road Feeder where we might see some interesting songbirds.

10. Tuesday 11 October, 7:30am - Petrie Island - Ottawa East

Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

Staging areas east of Ottawa have proven fairly consistent over the years. During October, some of the wetlands and fields can produce large numbers of migrants. We will check Petrie Island's various habitats, then continue to Milton Road where we hope to see Sandhill Cranes. The vast open fields around here have much potential for birding surprises. If time permits, we will visit some of the lagoons east of the city.

11. Saturday 29 October, 7:30am - Sandhill Cranes, Geese & Raptors - Ottawa East

Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans).

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

By end October, most of our local agricultural fields have been harvested and cut. This provides an open view from the roadside where birds are easily observed as they forage through the stubble. Although many will have already passed through, we will still witness much evidence of migration. After a quick check of the Ottawa River for diving ducks, we will drive through open country east of Ottawa looking for Sandhill Cranes, various geese and various hawks. We might also encounter Northern Shrike, Lapland Longspur or Short-eared Owl. We'll check all flocks of waterfowl for unusual species like Ross's Goose or Greater White-fronted Goose. They're out there. Finding them is just a matter of persistence and luck.

12. Sunday October 30, 7:30am - Ottawa River - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

The Ottawa River continues with its intense flurry of bird activity. Fluctuating bird populations appear as the day progresses. Like bobbing corks, rafts of scaup, scoter and goldeneye rest on the river. In the vegetation lining the shores, migratory songbirds tease us with their skulking behaviour. Along sandy beaches and rocky shoreline, unusual shorebirds, like Red Phalarope, blend into the background with their cryptic plumage. Many high arctic birds, including uncommon ones like Red-throated Loon and Brant, begin moving through as October wanes. Overhead, on the water, or resting on shore, evidence of migration will surround us. Our strategy is to position ourselves at key locations to maximize our ability to observe the river.

13. Tuesday November 1, 7:30am - Gatineau Escarpments, Eagles & Finches - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: Information Kiosk, corner of Rue Gamelin and Promenade de la Gatineau

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

The rugged beauty of the Gatineau Escarpment offers the naturalist opportunity to see many interesting birds. At the edge of the Canadian Shield, northern finches, woodpeckers and raptors recognize habitats similar to their northern breeding grounds. Typically, they're found here more easily than in Ottawa's lowlands. 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. We'll spend the morning exploring the many backroads networked through the hills and lowlands.

14. Thursday November 3, 7:30am - Open Fields & Lagoons - Ottawa East

Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

With winter approaching, many birds take refuge in the food-rich habitats east of our city. Some will stay in the area until the fields freeze, or become covered in snow. Large flocks of geese should contain a few different species like Ross's Goose or Greater White-fronted Goose. The might even be significantly large flocks of Greater Snow Geese, mostly white adults. Sandhill Crane numbers continue to increase each year with the potential for 100 birds or more. On the lagoons, we might find some unusual ducks, grebes or shorebirds. We'll keep our eyes out for interesting raptors like Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Rough- legged Hawk or maybe a Goshawk. There's even a chance for some unusual songbirds skulking through the grassy vegetation. Birding is always adventurous at this time of year.

15. Sat/Sun. Nov. 5-6, - OVERNIGHT EXCURSION - Prince Edward County and Presqu'ile Provincial Park - Start at 6:00am Saturday 5 November

Meeting Place: The Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, northwest corner, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore

Two Days/One Night - Regular Price: $160 (HST included) per person, per excursion - food, transportation, park fee and accommodations not included

Few places in Eastern Ontario have as much potential as Prince Edward County and Presqu'ile Provincial Park for attracting birds, as well as birders. With their diverse habitats, and accessible shoreline, these areas act as beacons for wayward travelers. Presqu'ile Park is a significant staging area for many migrants, having status as an "Important Bird Area" designated by "Birdlife International". Several unusual species regularly show up in Presqu'ile during late fall. Birds we'll look for include Purple Sandpiper, King Eider, Little Gull, or any number of rarities on the park's impressive list of birds.

NOTE: Registration deadline for this event is 3rd October 2011 with email to: TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com

16. Tuesday November 8, 6:00am - FULL DAY - Lake Dore - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: The Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, northwest corner, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore

Regular Price: $60 (HST included) per person, per excursion

Lake Dore is a large body of freshwater that has consistently produced unusual migrant and stray waterbirds, especially during the fall. The Lake provides a good food supply to surface feeders, as well as diving birds like loons, grebes and scoter. The list of exciting rarities that have shown up here is fairly long, including gems like Thick-billed Murre, Little Gull, Sabine's Gull and Ivory Gull. In the past, we've seen Golden Eagle, Gray Jay, Black-backed Woodpecker, Carolina Wren and Red-throated Loon. We will also explore other areas nearby in hopes of making some exciting discoveries. Bring lunch to this FULL DAY event. We should be back in Ottawa no later than 6pm.

17. Thursday November 10, 7:30am - Andrew Haydon Park, Ottawa Beach & Shirley's Bay

Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

Mid November in Ottawa is always a good time to observe the hardiest of northern birds. Having just arrived from the Arctic, many spend time loafing or feeding in the deep water along the Ottawa River. Birds like Surf Scoter, Red-throated Loon, Long-tailed Duck and Horned Grebe will likely be present somewhere along the river. We'll also check the water's edge for late shorebirds like Sanderling, Dunlin, White-rumped Sandpiper or, with luck, Purple Sandpiper. Depending where the birds are concentrated, we'll consider checking places like Andrew Haydon Park, Burnside Pit, Grandview Drive, Shirley's Bay or Constance Bay with hopes of observing a great deal of diversity.

18. Saturday November 12, 7:30am - Chasing Rarities & Late Migrants - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: Coliseum Theater Parking Lot, northwest corner, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

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 rarities with the hopes of generating a rare-bird alert. No doubt, good birds will be present in Ottawa's west end.

19. Sunday November 13, 6:00am - FULL DAY - Amherst Island, Kingston

Meeting Place: The Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, northwest corner, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore

Regular Price: $60 (HST included) per person, per excursion

Most years Amherst Island is a haven for overwintering raptors. Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks can be common, while Bald Eagle, Northern Shrike, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl and Saw-whet Owl are usually present. It might be a little early. However, there's always a chance to see the first Snowy Owls of the season. These birds of prey are attracted to the abundant Meadow Vole population and the vast open spaces, ideal for hunting. The surrounding waters also attract good numbers of waterfowl like Tundra Swan and Long-tailed Duck. There are usually other birds of interest including Ring-necked Pheasant, Lapland Longspur or Red-bellied Woodpecker. We'll also stop in places near Kingston for interesting birds. Past trips have included Eurasian Wigeon and Tufted Duck. We are heading for the 8:30am Ferry from Millhaven to Amherst, and plan to be back in Ottawa no later than 6pm. Bring warm clothing and lunch. Ferry fees are not included in the price = $9 per vehicle.

20. Tuesday November 15, 7:30am - PHOTO DAY - Fletcher Wildlife Garden

Meeting Place: Fletcher Wildlife Garden Parking Lot, Prince of Whales Road, east side, between Baseline and the Arboretum/Traffic Circle (look for sign)

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

The Fletcher Wildlife Garden (FWG) is a natural gem in our city. Situated between the Experimental Farm and Dow's Lake, it provides a slice of nature deep inside an urban setting. With a network of trails and bird feeders, there is always something of interest here. The FWG has started a group online which is a place for the photographers to show their works, and for admirers, visitors, friends, and fans, to view the wonders of the Fletcher Wildlife Garden. Our goal today is to capture a few wonderful images from the garden to submit to the online group here: http://the-fwg.deviantart.com/ As usual, Tony & Nina will assist and guide you photographically. Bring bird seeds.

21. Thursday November 17, 7:30am - Coniferous, Woodland & Trails - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: Coliseum Theater Parking Lot, northwest corner, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

Today we will visit coniferous woodland trails west of Ottawa. This is a great time to search for northern birds that seek shelter and food in spruce forests. White-winged Crossbills, Pine Siskins, Evening Grosbeaks, or even something more unusual could be present. If conditions are favourable, we might even find a Three-toed Woodpecker, or (with extreme luck) a Boreal Owl. Whatever is present, we'll use various visual and auditory clues to find these elusive creatures.

22. Saturday November 19, 7:30am - Late Fall Migration - Ottawa East

Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

With winter at our doorstep, migration flows with a hurried intensity. Depending on temperatures, by mid November some local waters begin to freeze. However, as long as there is some open water and open fields, birds will find food there. Goldeneye, Canada 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 the unusual.

23. Sunday November 20, 7:30am - Andrew Haydon & Fletcher Wildlife Garden - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

Today we start at Andrew Haydon Park and Ottawa Beach scanning the river for late migrants and unusual species. We'll be looking for any lingering shorebirds, waterfowl or rare gulls. From there, we'll move over to Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and its fine network of feeders and trails. We'll check for migrant raptors and the first overwintering songbirds. There should also be some good photo opportunities. Since we have fun feeding the Chickadees, it's a good idea to bring bird seeds.

24. Tuesday November 22, 7:30am - Petrie Island, Open Country & Eastern Lagoons - Ottawa East

Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans).

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

As the autumn wanes, a few hardy birds still linger around Petrie Island. Sometimes Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, a few northern gulls and various waterfowl might feed on the sandy shoreline or shallow wetlands. There will be thousands of ducks and geese feeding in the nearby flat, open farm fields. Rough-legged Hawks and other raptors will be hunting over these same areas. Sandhill Cranes might still be lingering in the fields around Navan. If conditions are good, we might encounter Ross's Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Golden Eagle, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Lapland Longspur. As always, we will study the birds closely looking for the unusual.

25. Thursday November 24, 7:30am - Chickadees, Nuthatches, Sparrows & Others - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: Jack Pine Trail Parking Lot, Moodie Drive. (South of Hunt Club Road)

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

Jack Pine Trail is one of Ottawa's most entertaining natural areas. The woodlands and marshes always reveal wildlife of some sort. In late fall, we typically see resident songbirds foraging together in small flocks like Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch and Red-breasted Nuthatch. Woodpeckers are usually present including Pileated, Hairy and Downy with a chance for Black-backed or Three-toed. Several migratory sparrows should be present like Tree, White-throated, White-crowned and maybe Fox and/or Lincoln's. Hopefully we will see some northern finches, or something unusual. 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.

26. Sat/Sun Nov. 26-27 - OVERNIGHT EXCURSION - Algonquin Provincial Park - Start at 6:00am Saturday 26 November

Meeting Place: The Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, northwest corner, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore

Two Days/One Night - Regular Price: $160 (HST included) per person, per excursion - food, transportation, park fee and accommodations not included

Algonquin Park is famous for its extensive northern forest habitats. Its large stands of spruce and pine often attract a variety of finches and raptors. It also harbours several northern residents that are considered rare in the Ottawa area. Here we look for Gray Jays, Boreal Chickadees, Spruce Grouse, Evening Grosbeak and Black-backed Woodpecker. A mixture of large lakes, boggy wetlands, boreal and hardwood forests, this is Ontario's most accessible northern wilderness. On the lakes, we should see and hear Common Loons, while mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks, Beaver, River Otter, Black Bear and Moose lurk nearby. From our starting point, we head straight for the park, spending a few hours exploring the east side before we have lunch somewhere in the park. We check into our hotel in late afternoon returning back to the park for dusk. If conditions are good, we will stay and listen for owls and maybe even wolves. The following morning, we go into the park immediately after breakfast. We will spend the entire day there, hiking some of the leisurely trails, leaving around 5:30pm. We can expect to be back home around 8:30 - 9:00pm.

NOTE: Registration deadline for this event is 28th October 2011 with email to: TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@Gmail.com

27. Tuesday November 29, 7:30am - Petrie Island, Open Country & Lagoons - Ottawa East

Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

With winter around the corner, this could be our last opportunity to view migrants passing through areas east of Ottawa. Most of the birds have left. But, the first over-wintering birds will be present. Rough-legged Hawk, Snow Bunting and Horned Lark should be around. We might see a Northern Shrike, an early Snowy Owl, or something more unusual like Northern Hawk Owl. There could still be a few leftovers from the autumn including Sandhill Crane, Eastern Meadowlark, Snow Geese, or any number of waterfowl. This transition period has a lot of potential.

28. Thursday December 1, 7:30am - Gatineau Park & Escarpments - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: Information Kiosk, corner of Rue Gamelin and Promenade de la Gatineau

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

By early December, the first overwintering birds will be present at the edges of the Ottawa Valley. If it's a good year for seeds and cones, we might have lots of finches and Bohemian Waxwings. Maybe we'll be treated to large numbers of Boreal Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches or Black-backed Woodpeckers. There's always a chance this will be a good winter for northern owls and other raptors. Whatever the season has to offer, we'll make the most of it while exploring the beautiful Gatineau Escarpment, northwest of Ottawa.

29. Saturday December 3, 7:30am - Andrew Haydon & Shirley's Bay - Ottawa West

Meeting Place: The Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, northwest corner, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore.

Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion

By early December, bird numbers thin out along the Ottawa River. We may even see some freezing along its shoreline. Regardless, we'll still observe birds of great interest. There are always late migrants of the more hardy species. We might see a variety of diving fowl like Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser and any of the three scoters. We'll keep our eyes out for Red-necked Grebe, Horned Grebe and Red-throated Loon. Geese should still be around with the chance of Cackling Goose or White-fronted Goose. And, there can always be something more unusual like a Gyrfalcon, Purple Sandpiper, or a vagrant from afar.

30. Sunday December 4, 6:00am - FULL DAY - Exploring Eastern Ontario

Meeting Place: The Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, northwest corner, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore

Regular Price: $60 (HST included) per person, per excursion

As the year ends, we begin a new season of birding. Eastern Ontario provides refuge for many species, some en-route to warmer climate, while others arriving for the winter. We'll witness the last of the migrating flocks congregating at important staging areas. Recent trends have produced large flocks of Snow Geese feeding in the fields east of Ottawa. We'll study them for more unusual birds like Ross's Geese, or Greater White-fronted Geese. We'll also see the first of the overwintering species, typically things like finches, Northern Shrike, Rough-legged Hawk, and possibly Snowy Owl. Some birds arrive in unexpected numbers, a phenomenon known as "winter irruption". Perhaps we'll see lots of Pine Siskins, Evening Grosbeaks, Northern Hawk Owls or with extreme luck, a Gyrfalcon. We'll explore the St. Lawrence Lowlands from Ottawa to Kingston to Cornwall to Alfred, or maybe even a bit further. We'll be back in Ottawa's West End for dusk. Our goal is to capture the flavor of the natural world in transition between fall and winter.