Summer - Local Excursions and Programs
SUMMER & EARLY FALL BIRDING FIELD TRIPS
Relaxed, Fun, Exciting and Educational Excursions in the Ottawa Area
From Beginner To Expert - Ideal For ALL Levels
“Always An Adventure”
NEW - 3 PHOTOGRAPHY DAYS
included as part of the regular Birding Program
Summer/Fall Birding Packages
3 Special Limited-time Offers Specially Designed To Fit Your Busy Schedule
- 1) Get the entire Summer/Fall Package for only $250 (HST included) This includes ALL half-day excursions, full-day excursions, and the overnight trip to Presqu'ile Park.
- 2) Only have time on Weekends? For only $170 (HST included) get all half-day, and full-day excursions that occur on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays)
- 3) Only have time during Weekdays? For only $170 (HST included) get all the half-day excursions that happen during the week (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
- Offers Expire July 15
- Registered Members Can Expect More!
- HURRY, Space Is Limited!!!
To register or for more information contact Tony Beck:
- Tel.: (613) 828-5936
- Email: TonysAlwaysAnAdventure@gmail.com
Half-Day Excursions in The Ottawa Area
All Half-Day trips start at 7:30am, and end around noon.
Regular Price: $35 (HST included) per person, per excursion
- Tuesday June 28 - Alvars, Wetlands and Lagoons - Ottawa West
- Thursday June 30 - Alfred Bog and Larose Forest - Ottawa East
- Saturday July 2 - Petrie Island and St. Lawrence Lowland Habitats - Ottawa East
- Sunday July 3 - Scrublands and Riparian Habitats - Shirley's Bay Trails - Ottawa West
- Tuesday July 5 - Eastern Lagoons and Early Fall Migrants - Ottawa East
- Thursday July 7 - Young Birds and Fall Migrants Along the Ottawa River - Ottawa West
- Saturday July 9 - Petrie Island and St. Lawrence Lowland Habitats - Ottawa East
- Sunday July 10 - Bluebirds, Flycatchers, Towhees and Cuckoos - Ottawa West
- Tuesday July 12 - Wildlife Photography - Jack Pine Trail
- Thursday July 14 - Scrublands and Riparian Habitats - Shirley's Bay Trails - Ottawa West
- Saturday July 16 - Bill Mason Centre and Open Fields - Ottawa West
- Sunday July 17 - Shorebirds and Waterfowl - The Eastern Lagoons - Ottawa East
- Thursday July 21 - Young Birds and the First Fall Migrants - Ottawa West
- Saturday July 23 - Wildlife Photography - Mer Bleue
- Sunday July 24 - Juveniles and Adults - Migrating Shorebirds - Ottawa East
- Tuesday July 26 - More Shorebirds and Early Fall Migrants - Ottawa East
- Thursday July 28 - King Mountain and Gatineau Park
- Sunday July 31 - Ottawa's Greenbelt - Forest and Wetlands - Ottawa West
- Tuesday Aug 2 - Lac Deschenes and the Ottawa River - Ottawa West
- Thursday Aug 4 - Wildlife Photography - Andrew Haydon Park
- Tuesday Sep 13 - More Shorebirds and Early Fall Migrants - Ottawa East
- Thursday Sep 15 - Peak Fall Songbird Migration - Ottawa West
Full Day Excursion in The Ottawa Area
6:00am to around 6:00pm
Regular Price: $60 (HST included) per person
- Tuesday July 19 - Pontiac County - The Hills of Quebec (Scenery & Wildlife)
- Saturday July 30 - Eastern Ontario and the St. Lawrence River
Overnight Excursion outside The Ottawa Area
Two Days/One Night - Regular Price: $160.00 (HST included) per person, per excursion - food, transportation and accommodations not included
Half-Day Excursions in The Ottawa Area
1 - Tuesday June 28, 7:30am: Alvars, Wetlands and Lagoons - Ottawa West
Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon 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 migrating shorebirds of the fall, like Least Sandpiper, Lesser or Greater Yellowlegs, various waterfowl, or some rare transient from far away.
2 - Thursday June 30, 7:30am: Alfred Bog and Larose Forest - Eastern Ontario's Unusual Nesting Birds
Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)
Starting at Petrie Island, we'll see a collection of wetland species before venturing east to the Alfred Bog. We'll walk the short Alfred Bog Boardwalk in search of birds like Lincoln's Sparrow. The bog should be in bloom with flora & fauna more reminiscent of habitats found further north. We also hope to have Sandhill Cranes fly overhead. Afterwards, we continue through the Larose Forest, an area thick with swampland, coniferous plantations, and deciduous borders. We will hear, and hopefully see, a variety of woodland nesters, and their juveniles. If time permits, we will visit the prairie-like conditions of the Alfred, Embrun or Casselman Lagoons.
3 - Saturday July 2, 7:30am: Petrie Island and Eastern Lagoons - Ottawa East
Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)
We start at Petrie Island to check for migrants and resident birds. In the wetlands and shorelines we might see American Bittern, Pied-billed Grebe, Common Moorhen, or Black Tern. We then continue to some of the best shorebird spots in Ottawa including Cassleman, Embrun and Alfred Lagoons. July is one of the best times to expect rare shorebirds in the greater Ottawa area. Regardless of what's around, because of the variety of plumages for each species, this is an excellent opportunity to rise to birding challenges, and sharpen your observation skills.
4 - Sunday July 3, 7:30am: Scrublands and Riparian Habitats - Shirley's Bay Trails - Ottawa West
Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road
The trails around Shirley's Bay are very rich with avifauna, especially during mid summer when many adult birds are still feeding 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. There's potential for finding the first migrating warblers like Wilson's or Tennessee. We'll also check the Ottawa River for waterfowl and gulls - many of them adults finished with nesting activities. If they cooperate, we'll spend time studying the difference between adult birds and juveniles.
5 - Tuesday July 5, 7:30am: Eastern Lagoons and Early Fall Migrants
Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)
During early summer Ottawa's nesting birds are still actively tending to young while the first signs of fall migration surround us. We might see good numbers of shorebirds moving south - typically unsuccessful nesting adults, or males finished with breeding duties. We should find Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Greater Yellowlegs and Lesser Yellowlegs. Less common, but possible are Wilson's Phalarope, Stilt Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper and Short-billed Dowitcher. Although still a bit early, we may see the first of the migrating juvenile shorebirds. This outing offers an excellent introduction for studying the subtle characters differentiating this challenging group. Although the plumage differences are subtle, shorebirds are very cooperative subjects. If you rise to the challenge, the rewards are endless.
6 - Thursday July 7, 7:30am: Young Birds and Fall Migrants Along The Ottawa River - Ottawa West
Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road
Starting at Ottawa Beach/Andrew Hayden Park, we'll check this excellent migrant trap for shorebirds, waterfowl and gulls. This general area has consistently produced rare migratory birds, even during mid summer. 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 and staging grounds, especially for birds wandering away from their usual summer habitats.
7 - Saturday July 9, 7:30am: Petrie Island and St. Lawrence Lowland Habitats - Ottawa East
Meeting Place: 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 curious naturalist. Recent efforts have been made to preserve its wetlands, shoreline and forest for recreation and appreciating nature. It's an excellent place to observe birds, amphibians and reptiles. After exploring this wonderful spot, we'll continue eastward, visiting key areas along the Ottawa River. Or, we might venture to some of the Eastern Lagoons looking specifically for unusual shorebirds and waterfowl.
8 - Sunday July 10, 7:30am: Bluebirds, Flycatchers, Towhees and Cuckoos - Ottawa West
Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road
This relaxing day will have us exploring the areas around Dunrobin, and the Carp Ridge. Both areas will reveal much evidence of young birds being tended to by their parents. Thanks to concerned property owners and networks of bird houses, 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. Although these species are among our targets, many other animals should be out in full force. Blackbirds will be abundant, and juvenile hawks may also be visible. This is a wonderful time of year, and wildlife thrives outside the city.
9 - Tuesday July 12, 7:30am: Wildlife Photography - Jack Pine Trail
Meet at Jack Pine Trail parking lot off Moodie Drive, south of Hunt Club Road
Today's focus will be on capturing photos of birds and other wildlife. Celebrating the intensity of the season, we'll take advantage of birds being distracted while defending territory, attracting mates or tending to young. Some will still sport breeding colours, tending to young and possibly even singing. We might see a few mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects as well. 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.
10 - Thursday July 14, 7:30am: Scrublands and Riparian Habitats - Shirley's Bay Trails - Ottawa West
Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road
By mid July, the trails around Shirley's Bay, Grandview Drive and Nortel can be very rich with avifauna. Signs of a successful nesting season will be very evident, while the first migrating warblers can be expected. We will also check the Ottawa River for the first migrating water birds of the fall. The scrublands around here include a variety of sparrows, blackbirds, thrashers and other songbirds. We will sort through the flocks studying the difference between adult birds and juveniles.
11 - Saturday July 16, 7:30am: Bill Mason Centre and Open Fields - Ottawa West
Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road
The Bill Mason Centre, north of Dunrobin is another fine example of our local woodlands bordering wetlands. Along the boardwalk we will encounter several marsh species including Wilson's Snipe, Virginia Rail and possibly Sora. Using a variety of techniques, we hope to coax these elusive creatures into view. Other birds present are Alder Flycatcher, Northern Waterthrush, and a few species of raptors. In the nearby scrublands of the Carp Ridge we hope to see Eastern Towhee, Black-billed Cuckoo, or a number of thrushes and warblers. Other target species include Eastern Bluebird and Uplands Sandpiper.
12 - Sunday July 17, 7:30am: Shorebirds and Waterfowl - Eastern Lagoons - Ottawa East
Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)
Today, we visit the Eastern Lagoons anticipating rare birds wandering from afar. We'll start by scanning for wetland birds in the marshes of Petrie Island. After that, if conditions are good, hundreds of migrating shorebirds will land here to feed as they continue their journey toward their final destination - South and Central America. Joined with them on these food-rich waters are a variety of ducks, rails, and maybe even a rare gull or grebe. Anything is possible today.
13 - Thursday July 21, 7:30am: Young Birds and Fall Migrants - Ottawa West
Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road
The area around Andrew Haydon Park will be buzzing with all kinds of birds. Juvenile ducks and geese will be marching behind their parents while young gulls will be looking for handouts. But, we'll be looking for more unusual things like early migrating shorebirds and gulls. Possibilities include Whimbrel, Hudsonian Godwit, Bonapartes Gull, or a long list of other potential surprises. From here we will continue to other key spots along the river that act as consistent staging areas for weary birds wandering from their summer habitats.
14 - Saturday July 23, 7:30am: Wildlife Photography - Mer Bleue
Meet at parking lot of the Dewberry Trail, along the Dolman Ridge Road
Today's focus will be on capturing photos of birds and other wildlife. Celebrating the flurry of the breeding season, we'll take advantage of birds being distracted while defending territory and attracting mates. Some will be in bright breeding colours, and energetically singing. There might even be a few mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects posing for us. If conditions are favourable, The Mer Bleue will provide many photographic moments. Throughout the morning, Tony and Nina will point out photo opportunities, discuss their various techniques, and make themselves available to answer all questions.
15 - Sunday July 24, 7:30am - Juveniles and Adults - Migrating Shorebirds - Ottawa East
Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)
Once again, anticipating rare birds, in particular shorebirds, we visit the Eastern Lagoons. Only this time, we should expect juvenile shorebirds, independent, yet mingling with the adults during their southward migration. The lagoons are also a great place to observe waterfowl, rails, and other birds, all taking advantage of the abundant food supply in these lagoons. If time permits, we'll check local agricultural lands for grassland species like Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, various blackbirds and others.
16 - Tuesday July 26, 7:30am - More Shorebirds and Early Fall Migrants - Ottawa East
Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)
As summer progresses, so does the parade of migrating shorebirds. The lagoons east of Ottawa are Eastern Ontario's best staging grounds for the first wave of long-distance migrants. We'll visit the most active of the lagoons. But first, we check the forests and shallow waters of Petrie Island. We can expect migrating swallows, warblers, flycatchers and others living in the various habitats of this excellent natural area. By the end of the day, we'll have seen a long list of great birds.
17 - Thursday July 28 - King Mountain and Gatineau Park
Meeting Place: The Information Kiosk, corner of Rue Gamelin and Promenade de la Gatineau
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 communicatory call notes. The dense vegetation will be filled with birds. But, locating them might be a challenge. We'll hike some of the more pleasant trails in Gatineau Park, including the King Mountain Trail, an area that brings you through several life zones offering you a glimpse of many different habitats of the park. We should see a variety of warblers, thrushes, raptors and even a few mammals.
18 - Sunday July 31, 7:30am - Ottawa's Greenbelt ñ Forest & Wetland - Ottawa West
Meeting Place: Jack Pine Trail Parking Lot, Moodie Drive. (South of Hunt Club Road)
One of my favourite local trails, the Jack Pine Trail, forms part of the Stoney Swamp NCC Greenbelt trail network. This delightful, diverse and easy-hiking trail always delivers. Songbirds, woodpeckers, raptors, as well as other wildlife, find refuge along the trail's many natural habitats. Late summer can provide an entertaining cross-section of our area's wildlife. Many songbirds, mostly migrants, will be present. We'll detect them by their call notes since the songs of spring have dissipated. Warblers should be present in good numbers, providing us with identification challenges as we sort through their drab fall colours. If the water levels are low, the marshes might reveal migrating shorebirds, waterfowl and herons. If time permits, weëll visit other nearby wetlands.
19 - Tuesday Aug 2, 7:30am - Lac Deschenes and the Ottawa River - Ottawa West
Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road
Lac Deschenes is this area's widest part of the Ottawa River. Here, the waterway elbows from north to east. Each fall, the relatively shallow depths beside Andrew Hayden Park and Shirley's Bay provide significant staging grounds for a great variety of waterfowl, gulls and shorebirds. Further out, toward the deeper centre, the river attracts loons, grebes and diving waterfowl. Although still early in the season, this general ìhotspotî always has the potential to attract rare migrants. We will observe the river, and its shoreline habitats from a variety of vantage points.
20 - Thursday Aug 4, 7:30am: Wildlife Photography - Andrew Haydon Park
Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road
Today's focus will be on capturing photos of birds and other wildlife. Celebrating the intensity of the season, we'll take advantage of birds migrating through this important staging area. Some local nesting birds might still be tending to young. Others might be changing plumage, exchanging their breeding colours, for fresher & cleaner winter plumage. There might even be a few mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects posing for us. If conditions are favourable, Andrew Haydon Park 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.
21 - Tuesday Sep 13, 7:30am - More Shorebirds and Early Fall Migrants - Ottawa East
Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)
As the month of September progresses, it reveals an intense movement of birds. In the forests and shallow waters of Petrie Island, we will observe migrating swallows, warblers, flycatchers and others. The lagoons east of Ottawa offer shorebirds and open-country birds a place to feed en-route to the south. We'll visit the most active of the local lagoons looking for a great variety of swallows, waterfowl, shorebirds and others. This trip has a great potential to produce several uncommon, or rare birds.
22 - Thursday Sep 15, 7:30am - Peak Fall Songbird Migration - Ottawa West
Meeting Place: Andrew Haydon East Parking Lot, off Carling Ave., West of Bayshore, East of Acres Road
Over all other times of year, the greatest diversity of birds in the Ottawa area is now ñ the middle of September. The forest is filled with migrating warblers and flycatchers, while the first sparrows and kinglets may be present. Waterfowl, shorebirds and gulls litter the shallows along the Ottawa River. Broad-winged Hawks are on the move, as are blackbirds and others. The last of the insect-eating birds will pass through, and there is always a chance for something unusual. We will pay attention to recent reports of bird movements and plan our morning accordingly. We will likely spend most of the morning checking woodlands and shorelines near the Ottawa River.
Full Day Excursion
1 - Tuesday July 19, 6:00am - Pontiac County - The Hills of Quebec (Scenery & Wildlife)
Meeting Place: The Information Kiosk, corner of Rue Gamelin and Promenade de la Gatineau
This full day outing explores the beautiful Gatineau range through Pontiac Township. We will enter Gatineau Park along the escarpment of Steele Line, north of Quyon. From there we'll venture through the swampy wetlands around Bryson, and explore the fields around Shawville. There's much to explore, so we'll spend the entire day in this rustic part of Canada's Capital area. Some birds we might get include Grasshopper Sparrow, Uplands Sandpiper, various marsh species and countless others. Bring refreshments for the day. We will likely stop somewhere for a lunch break.
2 - Saturday July 30, 6:00am - Eastern Ontario and the St. Lawrence River
Meeting Place: Petrie Island Causeway, north of intersection at Highway 17 and Trim Road (Orleans)
This trip is designed to coincide with peak numbers of shorebirds, and other bird, migrating through Eastern Ontario. Starting at the Petrie Island Causway, we'll search for early migrants, wetland species and anything wandering through this part of the world. Separated from Quebec and United States by two mighty rivers, Eastern Ontario has many different habitats that attract a lot of birds seldom seen anywhere else, or at any other time of year. We'll visit the area's best lagoons and we'll stop at various areas along the St. Lawrence River like Cooper Marsh, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and the Long Sault Parkway. If time permits we'll look for Loggerhead Shrike in the Napanee Plain, west of Kingston. Bring refreshments for the day. We will likely stop somewhere for a lunch break.
Overnight Excursion
1 - Saturday/Sunday August 6 & 7 - Overnight to Prince Edward County and Presqu'ile Park. Start at 6:00am, Aug 6
Meeting Place: The Coliseum Theatre Parking Lot, northwest corner, 3090 Carling Ave., east of Bayshore
This overnight excursion is in conjunction with peak fall shorebird migration. Prince Edward County and Presqu'ile Park are Eastern Ontario's best birding hot spots, acting like a beacon to a large variety of migrants before they cross the Great Lakes. Shorebirds, swallows, flycatchers, warblers and others will be coming through, hopefully in good numbers. This provides ample opportunity to study confusing fall plumages. And, we can always expect a few rare birds to show up. Please advise as soon as possible since this is a popular excursion, and accommodations need to be reserved.