FIELD TRIPS

UPCOMING OUTINGS

Note: In the event of a forecast of bad weather, an email will be sent to the DRFN distribution list the evening before a trip, with trip cancellation or re-scheduling information. If you are not on the list, you may check the DRFN website or call the outing leader.

To find out about upcoming outings for Pickering Naturalists, check their website: www.pickeringnaturalists.org

Upcoming Outings and COVID-19 Guidance

These are challenging times due to COVID-19. We all embrace nature and long to see our favourite wildflowers, birds, mammals, insects and other wildlife. DRFN will follow the guidance, laws and regulations of Canada, Ontario and local municipalities to limit the spread and minimize the danger.

Next Outings

Saturday, November 16 at 10 AM

Whitby: Hall’s Road – Lynde Shores Conservation Area Nature Walk

Leader: Kristen Osborne

Meet at the south (Hawk Watch) parking lot on Hall’s Road in Whitby. (Take Victoria Street in Whitby to get to Hall’s Road.)

Our plan is to check the nesting boxes that DRFN has installed to identify nesting information. This may also be your first chance to see fall/winter arrivals like Junco and American Tree Sparrow.

Difficulty: Light walking. If you plan to walk into the fields to check with Kristen, be prepared for more walking challenges and the possibility of ticks.

Bring appropriate clothing and footwear based on the weather forecast.

Sunday, December 01 at 10 AM

Niagara Gulls

This will be a joint outing between Pickering Naturalists and DRFN.

If you plan to attend, please register using the on-line booking form. This will provide contact information to organizers and identify those interested in ridesharing from the usual pick-up locations at Oshawa and Pickering GO parking lots. In the event of bad weather, registrants will be informed about any date change.

Niagara Falls is a common destination for gulls in late fall and winter. A variety of interesting birds have been seen in the past including Lesser Black-backed, Slaty-backed, and California Gulls; Black-legged Kittiwake; Brant; Purple Sandpiper; Red Phalarope, Canvasback; Common Loons; Tufted Titmouse, etc. What will this year’s surprise be?

Meet at Dufferin Islands in Niagara Falls (6345 Dufferin Isle Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1A0.) Parking now costs $8/hour and we should be there for up to 3 hours. The Niagara Festival of Lights starts on November 16 so normal access to Burning Springs Hill Road from McLeod may be closed and you may have to access via the Parkway… Basically, take the 401, 427 and QEW to Niagara Falls. Exit at McLeod Road (49) then turn left on Burning Springs Hill Road. Drive until you reach the parking spots just south of the Niagara Parkway. Your GPS, Google Maps, etc. may have you take a different route so check a map so that you’re comfortable with the route you take. The drive to Niagara Falls should take approximately 2 hours.

Difficulty: It can be very cold, wet and/or snowy beside the Niagara River. (It can also be warm and dry…) Dress to stay warm and dry. Wear layers of clothing for flexibility. Casual walking on sidewalks will be required.

Bring water and a lunch or prepare to dine at Tim’s in Chippawa.

Registration form: https://forms.gle/zDcGE9yvfVSpCMMZA