Welcome to Call Notes, OFO’s news and events for OFO members and the birding community.
In this issue
OFO News needs your Moments & Milestones for the June issue
We hope you enjoyed reading OFO members’ Moments & Milestones in the last two issues of OFO News. We want to hear more from you for our June issue.
Finally catch up with that elusive bird you have always wanted to see? Reach a milestone on your life list? Welcome an unexpected visitor at your feeder?
New and experienced birders who are members of OFO, please share your special bird moments and milestones, obtained locally, provincially or globally, with OFO News.
E-mail your Moments & Milestones, not to exceed 200 words, to ofonews@ofo.ca. Submissions will be published in OFO News in the order received, subject to light editing and space limitations.
We can’t wait to read your stories!
Save the Dates for the 2024 OFO Convention
The 2024 OFO Convention and OFO Convention Northern Edition will be taking place on September 27, 28, and 29, 2024, in Leamington and New Liskeard.
For accommodations in Leamington, group rates are available at the Quality Inn (279 Erie Street South, Leamington, N8H 3C4; Telephone: 519-326-9071). King bed rooms at $175.00 per night; two queen bed rooms at $175 per night. There will be a surcharge of 15.00 per night for extra adults; and a surcharge of $7.50 per night for kids ages 0-17. Taxes extra. A complimentary hot breakfast is included, starting at 6AM.
The cut off date is September 1, 2024.
NOTE: Please quote “Ontario Field Ornithologists” when booking. Also note that if you get a better price through a third party provider, please call the hotel.
The OFO Convention Northeast Edition will be held the same weekend as the main convention, at the Hilliardton Marsh. During the daytime, we will offer various trips in the New Liskeard/Hilliardton Marsh area, and also the possibility of attending owl banding at Hilliardton (weather permitting).
In the evenings, we will live stream the speakers and presentations from “down south.”
2024 Alan Wormington Memorial Camp for Young Birders
The Young Birders Camp is back for another year! This year’s camp will take place from August 3rd to 11th and will once again be located in Algonquin Park at the Wildlife Research Station.
Registration will open February 11th. Space will be limited to 14 campers. For more information about the camp, please see the Young Birders Camp page at ofo.ca. which will be updated in the next few days.
Owl Banding at Hilliardton Marsh with Bruce Murphy
Whoo whoo who loves owls? Bruce Murphy, from the Hilliardton Marsh Research and Education Centre, will be giving a presentation about the facility’s owl banding program.
7 Feb 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Register here.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84871008513
Stories from Young Birders Camp
What happens at camp stays at camp… but not anymore! On March 6, some of the youth who attended camp will be sharing their stories about what they saw, what they learned, and how much fun they had.
6 Mar 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Register here.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84871008513
What’s New With Canada Jays, with Dr. Ryan Norris
Dr. Ryan Norris (University of Guelph) discusses some of the current research and what they’re learning about our remarkable national bird, the Canada Jay.
3 Apr 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Register here.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84871008513
For more details, see the Events section of the OFO website.
We are also looking for presenters for our fall 2024 season of monthly member meetings. Requests or volunteers can email Angie Williams at membership@ofo.ca
Upcoming Trips and Events for OFO Members
OFO field trips are for OFO members and a guest. Please register on the ofo.ca website under Upcoming Trips and Webinars.
Spaces are still available for some trips. If the trip is full, please register for the waitlist as spots often become free before the trip.
Haldiman and Norfolk Counties: 24 Feb 2024 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, parking lot of Cayuga Secondary School, Haldiman County
Amherst Island: 25 Feb 2024 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Amherst Island ferry dock
Long Point Area, Norfolk County: 10 Mar 2024 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Birds Canada National Headquarters, 115 Front Road, Port Rowan
Comments? Questions?
We welcome your comments and feedback! Please contact us at: ofo@ofo.ca.
Good birding,
The OFO Team