Spring - Local Excursions and Programs
SPRING BIRDING FIELD TRIPS
Relaxed, Fun, Exciting and Educational Excursions in the Greater Ottawa Area
From Beginner to Expert - Great For All Levels
“Always An Adventure”
Spring Birding Packages
NEW - 3 SPECIAL LIMITED-TIME OFFERS
SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO FIT YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE
- 1) Get the entire Spring Package for only $250 This includes ALL half-day & full-day excursions and overnight trip.
- 2) Only have time on Weekends? For only $170 get all half-day, and full-day excursions that occur on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays)
- 3) Only have time during Weekdays? For only $170 get all the half-day excursions that happen during the week (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
- Offers Expire Apr 30
- Registered Members Can Expect More!
- HURRY, Space Is Limited!!!
To register or for more information contact Tony Beck:
- Tel.: (613) 828-5936
- Email: beck.tony@sympatico.ca
Half-Day Excursions in The Ottawa Area
All Half-Day trips start at 7:30am, and end around noon.
Regular Price: $35 per person, per excursion
- Tuesday Mar 30 - The First Spring Arrivals - Ottawa West
- Thursday Apr 1 - The Greenbelt Trails - Ottawa West
- Saturday Apr 3 - Plaisance Wildlife Reserve - Gatineau East
- Sunday Apr 4 - Mer Bleue & Open Country - Ottawa East
- Saturday Apr 24 - The Urgency of Spring - Britannia Conservation Area
- Sunday Apr 25 - Petrie Island & Migratory Staging Areas - Ottawa East
- Tuesday Apr 27 - Sparrows, Kinglets & Early Warblers - Ottawa West
- Thursday Apr 29 - Petrie Island & Migratory Staging Areas - Ottawa East
- Saturday May 1 - The Intensity of Spring Migration - Ottawa East
- Sunday May 2 - The Intensity of Spring Migration - Ottawa West
- Tuesday, May 4 - Migrants & Nesting Birds - Ottawa West
- Thursday May 6 - Scrubland & Wetland Birds - Ottawa West
- Saturday May 8 - Shirleyís Bay & Peak Spring Birds - Ottawa West
- Sunday, May 9 - Sparrows & Open Country - Ottawa South/East
- Tuesday, May 11 - Gatineau Park - Part 1
- Thursday May 13 - Peak Spring Migration - Ottawa East
- Tuesday, May 18 - Sparrows & Open Country - Ottawa South/East
- Thursday May 20 - Britannia Conservation Area - Late Spring Migrants
- Sunday, May 23 - Gatineau Park - Part 2
- Saturday Jun 26 - Mer Bleue - Rare Nesters of Eastern Ontario
- Sunday Jun 27 - Alvars, Wetlands and Lagoons - Ottawa West
- Tuesday Jun 29 - The First Signs of Fall Migration - Ottawa East
Full Day Excursion in The Ottawa Area
6:00 am to around 6:00 pm
Regular Price: $60 per person
Overnight Excursion outside The Ottawa Area
Two Days/One Night - Regular Price: $160.00 per person - food, transportation and accommodations not included
Tuesday Apr 7, 7:30am: The First Spring Arrivals - Ottawa West
Half-Day Excursions in The Ottawa Area
1 - Tuesday Mar 30, 7:30am: The First Spring Arrivals - Ottawa West
Meet in the Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, east side, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore.
With hints of Spring in the air, many birds rush to the breeding grounds eager to establish territories and find mates. Red-winged Blackbirds and American Robins have already arrived. Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, and possibly other early migrant birds may be present. Some of these include Tree Swallow, Northern Flicker and Eastern Phoebe. Several wintering birds should also still be around like Common Goldeneye, Iceland Gull or Bald Eagle. On the river, we hope to see newly arrived waterfowl and gulls, many sporting bright breeding plumages. If time permits, we will explore agricultural areas for raptors and early open-country birds like Horned Lark, Lapland Longspur and Eastern Bluebird.
2 - Thursday Apr 1, 7:30am: The Greenbelt Trails - Ottawa West
Meet at Jack Pine Trail parking lot off Moodie Drive, south of Hunt Club Road.
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 like Sharp-shinned Hawk, Osprey or Northern Goshawk. Hopefully, the forest birds will serenade us with an early rendition of their dawn chorus. We will likely hear as much as we see. Mammals will also be active, some having spent the winter in hibernation. If time permits, we’ll explore the Stoney Swamp Trails (across the road on the other side of Moodie Drive), or check the fields and creeks near the village of Richmond.
3 - Saturday Apr 3, 7:30am: Plaisance Wildlife Reserve - Gatineau East
Meet in the parking lot of the Information Kiosk, corner of Rue Gamelin and Promenade de la Gatineau.
Today we explore parts of Quebec, heading east along Hwy. 50 and Hwy. 148. We will check various open areas along the Ottawa River, and the Plaisance Wildlife Reserve. This part of the river, at the northern fringe of the St. Lawrence Lowlands, provides a significant staging area for migratory birds as they wait for their northern breeding grounds to thaw. Many local naturalists consider this one of Ottawa’s best spring birding locations. Although many migrants have already passed through, we should still see great diversity of waterfowl and other birds. Flocks will be checked thoroughly for unusual species like Snow Goose and Tundra Swan. Occasionally, we see rare species like White-fronted Goose, Ross’s Goose or Eurasian Wigeon.
4 - Sunday Apr 4, 7:30am: Mer Bleue & Open Country - Ottawa East
Meet at parking lot of the Dewberry Trail, along the Dolman Ridge Road.
Today’s activities depend on the extent of spring thaw, and (if it’s still around) the amount of snow cover. We’ll explore some of the trails and roads around Mer Bleue looking for woodland, wetland, and open country birds. We can expect the marshes to ring with the tunes of Song Sparrows, Swamp Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbirds and possibly some other early wetland creatures. We then drive out to the fields between Carlsbad Springs and Navan, east of the Mer Bleue. If conditions are favourable, we’ll see many birds arriving from the south. Hopefully we’ll catch the first birds on territory, like Eastern Meadowlark, Killdeer and possibly Eastern Bluebird. We’ll observe several spring migrants as well, possibly including Snow Geese, Northern Pintail, Sandhill Crane, and with luck, Lapland Longspur or Short-eared Owl. This is a dynamic time of year, and surprises are frequent.
5 - Saturday Apr 24, 7:30am: The Urgency of Spring - Britannia Conservation Area
Meet at Cassles Road, outside the gate to the Britannia Filtration Plant.
Regardless of the day’s weather, the signs of Spring will surround us. The first new arrivals will already have established territory. And, bird song will ring through the air. The persistent "conkaree" of male Red-winged Blackbirds resonate from the riparian scrub. Ring-billed Gulls, typically bonded pairs in courtship, cackle overhead, dressed in their immaculate plumage. The first Pine Warblers will be singing, and early migrants like Myrtle Warblers will be in evidence. Possibly Wood Duck, Cooper's Hawk, Merlin or other interesting birds, already on their nest, will likely be tending eggs. All around us, the frantic urgency of the breeding season will be in evidence. This is an exciting time, and weíll look for any clues revealing the changing season.
6 - Sunday Apr 25, 7:30am: Petrie Island & Migratory Staging Areas - Ottawa East
Meet at Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection Hwy. 17 and Trim Rd (Orleans).
All around us, the sights and sounds of spring form a distinct contrast to winter’s silence. We start by checking Petrie Island for waterfowl, herons and songbirds. Many migrants will be arriving into the woodlands, including the first warblers. Sparrows should also be around in good numbers, including Swamp, Song, Chipping, White-throated, White-crowned and Dark-eyed Juncos. We’ll check them all for unusual species like Lincoln’s and Fox Sparrows. Afterwards, we’ll continue east along the Ottawa River where there are plenty of birds to study. We’ll watch for species like Rusty Blackbird, Blue-winged Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Vesper Sparrow and Upland Sandpiper.
7 - Tuesday Apr 27, 7:30am: Sparrows, Kinglets and Early Warblers - Ottawa West
Meet at Jack Pine Trail parking lot off Moodie Drive, south of Hunt Club Road.
By now, the forest has grown a leafy green canopy. The sun’s rays have provided much energy to plants and animals alike. Insects thrive in the surrounding water and vegetation. And, the creatures that feed on them have a banquet to enjoy. Frogs, toads, turtles, snakes and birds all have an abundance of food at their disposal. It's a glorious time for all. We’ll walk slowly along the vibrant paths through the varied habitats of the Jack Pine Trail keeping our eyes and ears out for any sign of life. Many songbirds will be present including the first wood-warblers. Colourful gems like Pine Warbler or Yellow-rumped Warbler might delight us with their presence. White-throated Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and maybe even a rusty Red Fox Sparrow will make appearances.
8 - Thursday Apr 29, 7:30am: Petrie Island & Migratory Staging Areas - Ottawa East
Meet at Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection Hwy. 17 and Trim Rd (Orleans).
Today will take us on a similar route to last Sunday's itinerary. All around us, the sights and sounds of spring form a distinct contrast to winter’s silence. We start by checking Petrie Island for waterfowl, herons and songbirds. Many migrants will be arriving into the woodlands, including the first warblers. Sparrows should also be around in good numbers, including Swamp, Song, Chipping, White-throated, White-crowned and Dark-eyed Juncos. We’ll check them all for unusual species like Lincoln’s and Fox Sparrows. Afterwards, we’ll continue east along the Ottawa River where there are plenty of birds to study. We’ll watch for species like Rusty Blackbird, Blue-winged Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Vesper Sparrow and Upland Sandpiper.
9 - Saturday May 1, 7:30am: The Intensity of Spring Migration - Ottawa East
Meet at Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection Hwy. 17 and Trim Rd (Orleans).
Spring continues to unfold with many birds rushing to the breeding grounds, eager to establish territories and find mates. The ongoing sojourn of migrating birds still flows through our parklands while others like Red-winged Blackbirds and American Robins have already begun their nest activities. In terms of diversity, more birds are observed in here during May than at any other time of year. We hope to capitalize on this phenomenon ending the morning with an extensive list of species. Warblers, waterfowl, shorebirds, hawks... the list is long and varied. With so much around, we have great potential to discover something rare and unusual.
10 - Sunday May 2, 7:30am: The Intensity of Spring Migration - Ottawa West
Meet at Andrew Haydon Park East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road.
With the beginning of May we can expect the arrival of many insect-eating birds. New ones will be arriving on a daily basis like Scarlet Tanagers, warblers, thrushes and flycatchers. Some of the Greenbelt trails and river-riparian habitats will be very productive with migrant songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, loons, grebes and others. Ottawa has much green space, so our options are many. Some of the best spots lay close to the Ottawa River, in Ottawa’s west end. We’ll explore some of them with expectations of finding a great variety of birds and other wildlife. Hang on to your hats - there’ll be plenty of birds today.
11 - Tuesday, May 4, 7:30am: Migrants and Nesting Birds - Ottawa West
Meet at Andrew Haydon Park East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road.
During spring migration, we can expect great diversity in the woodlands and wetlands surrounding Ottawa. Many warblers and flycatchers continue to arrive while local nesting birds will be tending to families, or actively involved in courtship. It’s a wonderful time of year with plenty of boisterous song and vibrant colour. Expect to see many wonderful songbirds, especially vocalizing males, all decked-out in bright breeding plumage. We’ll also study and compare the more subtle plumages of the females. We hope to see Baltimore Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and several species of warbler. And, let’s not forget the other birds. We’ll see waterfowl on the river, raptors overhead and woodpeckers in the forests. I anticipate a great day.
12 - Thursday May 6, 7:30am: Scrubland & Wetland Birds - Ottawa West
Meet at Andrew Haydon Park East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road
Open habitats west of the city can provide excellent examples of some of Canadaís shyest birds. We will explore areas around the towns of Richmond and Munster. Here, we should find a variety of birds, some just arriving on territory. Our efforts might produce Black-billed Cuckoo, Willow Flycatcher, Marsh Wren, American Bittern, Sora and Virginia Rails. Weíll need a little luck to find creatures like Sedge Wren or Least Bittern. However, weíll improve our chances by checking their preferred habitats. If conditions warrant, weíll use a variety of techniques to entice them into view.
13 - Saturday, May 8, 7:30am: Shirley’s Bay & Late Spring Birds - Ottawa West
Meet at Andrew Haydon Park East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road.
The trails around Shirley’s Bay provide cover for a great variety of scrubland, and woodland birds. Many males will be attracting mates and claiming territory, while a few will still be in transit to nesting grounds further north. In the waters of the Ottawa River, we may see the last of the season’s northern migrants, including some arctic nesters such as shorebirds, loons, and waterfowl, perhaps Brant or Arctic Tern. This area has the potential of being Ottawa’s best birding hotspots in late spring, especially when water levels are low, and visibility is good.
14 - Sunday May 9, 7:30am: Sparrows and Open Country - Ottawa South/East
Meet at Tim Hortons on Hunt Club Road., just east of Riverside Drive. (in front of the Days Inn - across from the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club).
The grassy fields south of Ottawa are home to the region’s best collection of New World Sparrows. Finding these shy little brown birds is relatively easy in the summer since they sing from the tops of exposed perches. We’ll explore the open grassy habitats around Ottawa International Airport for uncommon birds like Grasshopper Sparrow, Clay-coloured Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow and others. Also present will be Eastern Bluebird, Brown Thrasher and, with luck, Black-billed Cuckoo. If time permits, we will venture to the Mer Bleue boardwalk for wetland sparrows like Lincoln and Swamp Sparrows. We may even see Sandhill Cranes fly overhead.
15 - Tuesday, May 11, 7:30am: Gatineau Park - Part 1
Meet in the parking lot of the Information Kiosk, corner of Rue Gamelin and Promenade de la Gatineau.
This first excursion into Gatineau Park will take us up to the Western Trail of Champlain Lookout, and possibly King Mountain. Besides being one of the best habitats for nesting songbirds, this area offers the most beautiful scenery in the entire region. The spectacular views will compete with the many woodland species we’ll find in this varied hilly terrain. We will hear many birds, and using a variety of techniques, we’ll make ethical efforts to bring them into view. Present will be Indigo Bunting, Swainson’s Thrush, Hermit Thrush, Ovenbird, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Scarlet Tanager and with luck, Philadelphia Vireo and Cerulean Warbler (just to name a few).
16 - Thursday May 13, 7:30am: Peak Spring Migration - Ottawa East
Meet at Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection Hwy. 17 and Trim Rd (Orleans).
We start by checking Petrie Island for waterbirds, nesting warblers, Baltimore Oriole and others. Resident birds mingle with migrants continuing their journey north. In the wetlands, herons, ducks, grebes and others display for their mates. All around us, the sights and sounds of spring become testimony to the seasonís rejuvenation. Weíll see numbers of migrating songbirds like White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Blackburnian Warbler, Nashville Warbler and others. If conditions are good,, we may see as many as 20 species of warblers. New arrivals to watch for include Black Tern, American Redstart, Warbling Vireo, Eastern Kingbird and Marsh Wren. If time permits, weíll check out the nearby farm fields for raptors and other birds.
17 - Tuesday May 18, 7:30am: Sparrows and Open Country - Ottawa South/East
Meet at Tim Hortons on Hunt Club Road., just east of Riverside Drive. (in front of the Days Inn - across from the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club).
Today will take us on a similar route to last Sunday's itinerary. The grassy fields south of Ottawa are home to the region’s best collection of New World Sparrows. Finding these shy little brown birds is relatively easy in the summer since they sing from the tops of exposed perches. We’ll explore the open grassy habitats around Ottawa International Airport for uncommon birds like Grasshopper Sparrow, Clay-coloured Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow and others. Also present will be Eastern Bluebird, Brown Thrasher and, with luck, Black-billed Cuckoo. If time permits, we will venture to the Mer Bleue boardwalk for wetland sparrows like Lincoln and Swamp Sparrows. We may even see Sandhill Cranes fly overhead.
18 - Thursday May 20, 7:30am: Britannia Conservation Area - Late Spring Migrants
Meet at Cassles Road, in Britannia, outside the gate to the Britannia Filtration Plant.
Late May in Ottawa still has a few late-spring migrants passing through while other local birds are actively raising families. At this time, natural parkland, like Britannia Conservation Area, supply refuge to transients like Arctic Tern, Little Gull, Blackpoll Warbler or Red-throated Loon. Although we focus on migration, the frantic nesting activities of resident birds will be much in evidence - Britannia being one of the most diverse natural areas within Ottawa’s urban jungle, especially during peak migratory periods.
19 - Sunday, May 23, 7:30am: Gatineau Park - Part 2
Meet in the parking lot of the Information Kiosk, corner of Rue Gamelin and Promenade de la Gatineau.
We’ll first walk around the meeting place, an excellent spot for a number of woodland and scrubland birds like Chestnut-sided Warbler and Indigo Bunting. From here we head west of the city, following the lower edge of the Gatineau Escarpment toward the town of Eardley. We drive into the park from one of its southwest access points. This area has fewer people, and more variety of habitats. We should see a great diversity of woodland and open-country species, including many male songbirds on territory. Hawks, Northern Ravens and Turkey Vultures will use the escarpment updrafts to soar effortlessly overhead. And, the scenery will compete with the wildlife for our attention. We hope to see Broad-winged Hawk, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Mourning Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Alder Flycatcher, or any number of other birds and mammals.
20 - Saturday Jun 26, 7:30am: Mer Bleue - Rare Nesters of Eastern Ontario
Meet at parking lot of the Dewberry Trail, along the Dolman Ridge Road.
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 Sparrow and possibly Eastern Palm Warbler. We hope to observe a flight of Sandhill Cranes, another rare nester in the east. The nearby marshes and woodlands will also be active and worthy of our attention.
21 - Sunday Jun 27, 7:30am: Alvars, Wetlands and Lagoons - Ottawa West
Meeting Place: Andrew Hayden East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road.
Today we visit 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 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 should see the first of fallís migrating shorebirds like Semipalmated Plover, Least Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, various waterfowl, or some rare transient from far away.
22 - Tuesday Jun 29, 7:30am: The First Signs of Fall Migration - Ottawa East
Meet at Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)
Petrie Island, along the Ottawa River, east of the city, has a variety of habitats accessible to the naturalist. Recent efforts have created a wonderful public area for recreation and nature viewing. Many birds, amphibians and reptiles use its wetlands and forest. There will likely be much wildlife in evidence in areas of shallow water. We might see Pied-billed Grebe, Common Moorhen, or Black Tern. After exploring this delightful spot, we will continue eastward visiting key areas along the Ottawa River or venture to some of the Eastern Lagoons for shorebirds and waterfowl. Today we have a chance to see the first fall migrants - shorebirds from northern habitats.
Full Day Excursion
1 - Saturday May 22, 6:00am: Chaffeys Locks - Cerulean Warbler And Other Southern Birds
Meet at the Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, east side, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore.
The Chaffey’s Locks area is the best spot near Ottawa to check for Carolinian species. Cerulean Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo and Scarlet Tanager are relatively common nesters. Other species we’ll look for include Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Louisiana Waterthrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Red-shouldered Hawk. The forests and scrublands are extremely rich with avifauna. The day can be very productive and immensely entertaining. Since morning is the best time to catch these birds, we need to start early, and enjoy the full day out in the wilds.
Overnight Excursion
1 - Saturday/Sunday May 15 & 16: Overnight to Prince Edward County and Presqu'ile Provincial Park - start @ 6:00am, May 15.
Meet at the Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, east side, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore.
We head slowly down Hwy. 416 to Hwy. 401, then through Marysville on Hwy. 2 which takes us south into Prince Edward County. We wind our way through the back roads, eventually reaching Prince Edward Point and Sand Banks Provincial Park. We’ll check the area for a variety of migrant land birds and waterbirds. Warblers should be passing through in good numbers while ducks, gulls and terns frequent Lake Ontario waters. Well before the sun sets, we get to Brighton, near Presqu’ile Park, checking into our hotel around dinner time. Early next morning, after breakfast, (about 7:00am), we go into Presqu’ile Park. We’ll explore the shores around the beach and at Owen Point. several waterfowl, gulls and shorebirds should be present. But, we’ll also check the woodlands and marshes for interesting songbirds. Wetland species we’ll look for include Least Bittern and Black Tern. The woodlands should have several spring migrants in the form of warblers and flycatchers. We will spend the entire day in the park, leaving only for lunch. Reluctantly, we head back home around 5:30pm, getting back home around 8:30 - 9:00.