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 Photo Galleries of recent sightings, find out about Upcoming Field Trips, view the official Ontario Checklist, read our Code of Ethics, Become a Member, and much more. Enjoy the experience.
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.
Recent Photos
There are new photos of and Eastern Bluebird in the current gallery.
There are new photos of Snowy Owl and Lesser Black-backed Gull in the checklist gallery.
Recent Trips
There are recent trips reports for Fisherville Area, Haldimand and Norfolk Counties and Amherst Island with optional extension to Kingston and Wolfe Island on the current trip reports page.
Next Field Trips
April 5 (Sunday) CANCELLED - Spring Waterfowl Migration East of Ottawa - Date TBA with Bob Cermak
April 19 (Sunday) CANCELLED - Algonquin Provincial Park with Ron Tozer
April 19 (Sunday) CANCELLED - Minesing Swamp with Mark Cranford
April 25 (Saturday) Peterborough Area with Dave Milsom, Matthew Tobey
OFO's Response to COVID-19
Trips cancelled to at least April 19th
The OFO Board has taken a decision to cancel all field trips up to and including April 19th. If you do go out, please bird safely (not in groups) and enjoy the well-being we all get from being outside. Don't forget that the virus can live on surfaces such as binoculars and scopes, so please avoid sharing. If you must share, we recommend sanitizing and gloves. These are the times we live in!
The full text of OFO's COVID-19 response can be read here.
We wish you all good health.
The OFO Board
Attention Young Birders!
2020 events for young birders
OFO has many exciting events for birders up to 18 years old. Our events are geared towards people will a keen interest in birds and some experience is preferred. Please join OFO to receive advance notice of events and any updates. Membership is free for young birders and a subscription to our publications is $10.00 / year.
2020 Events
Jan 19 - A day at the ROM
Feb 1 - Winter Bird Behaviour Workshop at the Guelph Arboretum
Apr 3 - Canada Jay and Winter Birding Weekend at Algonquin Park
Apr 25 - Sparrow and Warbler ID Workshop
May 9 - Young Birders Big Weekend at Point Pelee
Jun 13 - Summer Birding at Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto
Aug 15 - Alan Wormington Memorial Camp for Young Birders
Sep 25 - Young birder hikes at the OFO Convention in Peterborough
Nov 7 - Young Birders Choice
Please go to the Field Trip list for the full description. and follow the link to register. Search for Young Birder on the trip list to find the event quickly.
Join OFO / Renew your membership
Explore Ontario's birds with OFO
OFO members have access to over 60 field trips and workshops across Ontario, the annual convention, OFO News, Ontario Birds and more. Your membership supports Ontbirds, the Ontario Rare Bird Committee, the young birders program and conservation efforts. Membership costs only $45 / year and includes up to four people at the same address. Join / renew today!
Donate to OFO
Support Us
Donations are vital to OFO's work. Donations support special programs and enhanced services to our members. This year we are fundraising for the Alan Wormington Memorial Camp in Algonquin Park which provides teens, led by expert volunteers, with an extraordinary opportunity for immersive birding and a week-long nature experience available few other places in Canada. We need your support to continue the program.
Donations over the amount of $10 are tax-dedutible. Donate now!
Ontario Field Ornithologists © 1984. All photographs on the site © the photographer.