OFO Gull Celebration Weekend: Nov. 30 – Dec. 1

Saturday, November 30

Port Weller East Field Trip led by the Peninsula Field Naturalists

9:30 am – early afternoon. Port Weller, St. Catharines, Ontario

Explore one of the premier local hotspots with leaders from the Peninsula Field Naturalists. Meet at 9:30 am at the yellow gate at the end of Seaway Haulage Rd., St. Catharines, Ontario. Call Bob Highcock at 905-688-1260 or 905-327-5457. Open to all. Pre-registration preferred to determine number of attendees.

Gull Identification Workshop with Gull Expert Amar Ayyash

11:00 - 1:00 pm. Macbain Community Centre, 7150 Montrose Rd., Niagara Falls - Register here

2:00 – 4:00 pm. Niagara Falls Public Library, 4848 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls, Ontario - Workshop Full

Gulls have gained a love-hate relationship with many birders. Among these are some of the most coveted bird species in the world, but not without their challenges. Recent genetic data and frequent hybridization in this family compel us to reassess the very concept of a species. Amar will touch on these topics as he highlights identification obstacles that aren’t often addressed in many field guides. This workshop will emphasize several essential topics in gull identification such as the aging process, variable plumages and feather molt. Come join us and take your Gull ID skills to the next level!

Amar Ayyash is both an expert on gull identification and an evangelist for “gull recreation.” He hosts several websites devoted to gulling, including anythinglarus.com. Ayyash has published various technical articles on gull ID and range shifts, is affiliated with several gull banding programs throughout the continent, and is a frequent speaker at birding events. Open to OFO members only. 25-person limit. Cost is $30.

Gull Talk and Quiz with Justin Peter and special guest Amar Ayyash

4:30 – 6:00 pm at the Niagara Falls Public Library, 4848 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls, Ontario

Join Justin Peter and special guest Amar Ayyash for an entertaining talk about some of our favourite birds – the gulls. Then test your knowledge with the ever-challenging gull quiz! Open to all. 110-person limit.

Sunday, December 1

Niagara River Gull Watch with Amar Ayyash, Jeremy Bensette, Amanda Guercio and Marcie Jacklin

9:00 am – late afternoon. Niagara River Hotspots

Meet 9:00 am at the Sir Adam Beck Generation Station Overlook on the Niagara River Parkway south of the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge to USA. Ten or more species of gulls are possible. Open to all. Pre-registration not required. OFO encourages carpooling from the hotel or Adam Beck meeting place. A carpooling sign-up sheet will be available at the front desk of the hotel. Registration not required.

Accommodations

A block of rooms has been arranged for OFO at the Ramada Hotel by the River, 4357 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON. Phone 905-358-5555, press 0 for the Front Desk and mention OFO. Cost per night is $54.95 for Thursday, Friday and Sunday and $79.95 for Saturday. Parking is $8.00 per night. Rooms will be held until October 28.

Any questions? Please email Lynne Freeman at lynnef.to@gmail.com