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.
July and August are the time to see southbound shorebirds migrating from the Arctic. The shorelines of the Great Lakes and sewage lagoons are the best places to watch them. Adult shorebirds migrate south before the juveniles, which follow three or four weeks later. Overall numbers often peak about the third week of August when it is possible to see over 20 species in a day at key locations such as Rock Point Provincial Park on Lake Erie and Presqu'ile Provincial Park on Lake Ontario. See Southbound Shorebirds in the Articles and Reports section here.
Recent Photos
There are new photos of Stilt Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Red-necked Phalarope, Wilson's Phalarope, Mourning Dove and Wood Stork in the current gallery.
There are new photos of Stilt Sandpiper, Chipping Sparrow, Wild Turkey, Blackburnian Warbler, Pied-billed Grebe, European Starling, Northern Flicker, Wilson's Phalarope, Wood Stork, Red-necked Phalarope, Bufflehead, Red-shouldered Hawk, Golden Eagle and Broad-winged Hawk in the checklist gallery.
Recent Trips
There are recent trips reports for and Durham Region and Lake Ontario Marshes on the current trip reports page.
Next Field Trips
August 26 (Saturday) Palgrave, Tottenham Sod Farms, Schomberg Lagoons with Dave Szmyr
August 27 (Sunday) Rock Point Provincial Park and Eastern Lake Erie Shore with Marcie Jacklin
September 2 (Saturday) Toronto Islands with Gavin Platt
September 7 (Thursday) Moosonee (5-day trip) with Martin Parker, Kathy Parker
Calling Young Birders!
OFO Young Birders for ages 9 - 19
OFO runs field trips and workshops across the province for young birders aged 9 -19. The only prerequisites are enthusiasm and curiosity about birds. These trips are a great way to meet other young birders who share your interests as well as to learn more about birds and where to find them.
Please email Lynne Freeman at lynnef.to@gmail.com to get on the Young Birders email list.
Check out the 2017 trips!
Ontario Field Ornithologists © 1984. All photographs on the site © the photographer.