Welcome to the OFO website. If it’s Ontario birds that you are interested in, then you've come to the right place. While you're here you can see photos of recent sightings, find out about field trips, view the official provincial checklist, read our code of ethics, become a member, and much more. Enjoy the experience.

Robert Maciver, President, OFO


The top places to see spring warblers are the shoreline migrant traps along the Great Lakes such as Point Pelee, Rondeau, Long Point, Leslie Street Spit, Thickson’s Woods, Presqu’ile and Prince Edward Point. Shorelines also offer easier viewing because the cold water of the Great Lakes chills the air, slowing leaf‐out. Expect 20 or more warbler species on many days in May. The late Jim Baillie, ornithologist at the Royal Ontario Museum, said the best time of day for May warblers is between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. because one must wait until the sun warms emerging leaves and insects. See the Spring Warbler Migration Guide in the Articles and Reports section here.


Contents of the February OFO News 30:1

  • Snow Buntings–see how you can help save these charming birds.
  • Hyphenation and Bird Names–learn the truth or ...
  • Project Soar–Loggerhead Shrike Research and Shell Fuelling Change–a way to raise money for endangered species.
  • Loggerhead Shrike from Carden Alvar in Virginia–Where do our birds go in winter?
  • Help conserve Canada’s Boreal Birds: eBirding–a new, easy way for you to contribute.
  • Bluebird Ranch: Gateway to the Carden Alvar Area–Take the Carden challenge.
  • Big Day Birding at Rondeau–relive the excitement of the big day and then plan a visit to Rondeau.
  • Snowy Owls–Pick up on this winter’s influx of these northern ghosts
  • Book Reviews–Two reviews, one for a good book and the other ..... well! Birds of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific, by Ber van Perlo and Birds of North America and Greenland, by Norman Arlott.
  • OFO Biographies–meet the new Board members.
  • Photo Quiz–try your skills on this month’s odd ball view.

Next Field Trip

May 19 2012 (Saturday) Toronto Islands

Leader: Jay Peterson.

May 26 2012 (Saturday) Leslie Street Spit, Toronto

Leader: John Carley. ... more info.

News and Updates

eBird Recent Ontario Sightings

There is a new eBird recent sightings page in the Information section here.

Young Birders Workshop

Young birders aged 13–17 years, click here to find out about the Young Ornithologists’ Workshop at Long Point in August!

iONTBIRDS App Available

OFO member Ivor Williams has written a free app for the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad called iONTBIRDS that interfaces with the ONTBIRDS ListServ. It is available now. Check here to find out more.

‘Ontario Field Ornithologists’ © 1984. All photographs on the site © the photographer.