** MINESING RAPTORS **
Jim Spruce (705) 728-3884
When? February 16th Saturday, 8:30 am
Where? meet at LLPL
Search for "birds of Prey" in these well-known wintering grounds called the Minesing Floodplains. The area supports an abundant population of Owls, Eagles, Hawks and Shrikes.
This outing is done primarily by auto with some short walks. With a little luck view a Snowy Owl or
even a Great Grey Owl if they are back again this year.
** HORNED LARKS and TIFFIN PANCAKES **
Kitchen-John & Beth Doll (705) 737-3978, Trip Guide - Brian Gibbon
When? March 08th Saturday, 9:00 am
Where? meet at LLPL
Horned Larks are migrating through our area at this time of year. Searching the local fields in the Minesing Floodplain may turn up Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, Rough-Legged Hawks and the odd Snowy Owl as well. Then we are off to the Tiffin Conservation Centre for pancakes & sausages for lunch. Remember to bring your own dishes and cutlery and a small charge to defray costs
** MINESING FLOODPLAINS **
Ian Cook (705) 727-4004
When? March 29th. Saturday, 8:00 am
Where? meet at LLPL
The spring runoff and the overflow of the Nottawasaga and the Mad Rivers contribute to the flooded fields of the Minesing Floodplain. This annual phenomenon attracts a large assortment of waterfowl, shorebirds and on occasion Bald Eagles. This is a great opportunity to see uncommon birds for this area.
** UHTOFF TRAIL - WALK **
John Doll (705) 737-3978
When? April 12th Saturday, 8:30 am
Where? meet at LLPL
Enjoy a walk along one of the first rail-trails in our area. This scenic route leads out of Orillia through the countryside to the old quarries at Uhtoff. Bring a lunch & beverage – 3 to 4 hr ++ walk
**YELLOW & BLUE SPOTTED SALAMANDERS**
Peter Mills (705) 739-1094
When? April 18th Friday, 7:30 to 10:30 pm
Where? LLPL
To observe courting and mating rituals of the salamanders. A process known as Liebesspiel. Peter is our reptile and amphibian expert, this should prove to be very rewarding.
** NORTH SIMCOE RAILTRAIL CLEANUP **
Bob Furyk (705) 728-2822 & John Doll (705) 737-3978
When? April 26th Saturday, 9:00 am
Where? meet at LLPL
Enjoy the spring weather and spend the morning cleaning up along the Railtrail. A hot dog BBQ lunch will end off the morning's chore.
**GABLES PROPERTY**
Phyllis Tremblay (705) 737-2580
When? May 1st. Thursday, 6:00 pm
Where? meet at LLPL
The Gables Property consists of 42.7 acres of land and is a City owned natural park with maple/beech woodlands including pine plantations, open spaces and Kempenfelt Bay. In this varied habitat we hope to see migrating and breeding birds. Naturalized spring bulbs such as Spring Squill and Yellow Anemones along with our early North American native wild flowers can be viewed along the numerous walking trails. For additional information contact Phyllis 737-2580
** MATCHEDASH BAY **
Judy Randall (705) 735-0503
When? May 10th Saturday, 7:30 am
Where? meet at LLPL
Celebrate spring at Matchedash Bay. The group will be looking for waterfowl, marsh birds, shorebirds, and songbirds. Judy guarantees Brewer's Blackbirds and Redheaded Woodpeckers on this trip.
**LITTLE LAKE**
Phyllis Tremblay (705) 737-2580
When? May 14th Wednesday, 8:30 am
Where? meet at LLPL
This is a 2-part walk. We will spend about 45 minutes birding the park surrounding our meeting place, then we will drive to the opposite side of the Lake for a 3 to 4 hour walk looking for forest birds and mid spring wildflowers. Also a side trip to the new Heronry on Georgian Drive extension
**ARDAGH BLUFFS**
Volker 705-727-9071
When? May 17th. Saturday, 8:30 am
Where? meet at LLPL
Join Volker for a tour around this unique wild area right inside the City boundaries. As well as birds and wild flowers there are many mammal and reptile species living in this area.
**CAMPING AT POINT PELEE**
Lyn Pope (705) 739-5031
When? May 23rd. to 26th.
A visit to Point Pelee at the height of the spring migration is always a great thrill. This is a camping outing so we request that you PRE-REGISTER with Lyn at least 2 weeks in advance so that she can ensure that there are sufficient camping sights for everyone. Departure time and location will be forwarded to all registered attendees.
** FEVERSHAME GORGE & EUGENIA FALLS **
Jim Spruce (705) 728-3884
When? May 31st. Saturday, 8:30 am
Where? meet at LLPL
This is a new area for us to explore. Jim knows the area and is an excellent field guide. He will lead you through forest and field with scenic views, wildflowers, and a large variety of birds. The area is located on the Niagara Escarpment in Bruce County. This is an all day outing; you will be back to Barrie around 4:00 – 4:30. Bring a lunch. Excellent photo opportunities!
** TURTLE NESTING**
Peter Mills (705) 739-1094
When? June 6th. Friday, 7:00 pm sharp
Where? meet at LLPL
Peter will lead us observe Snapping & Painted Turtles nesting. This should be very informative as this is a busy nesting time for these turtles
** WILD FLOWER WALK **
Phyllis Tremblay (705) 737-2580
When? June 7th. Saturday, 8:00 am
Where? meet at LLPL
Visit Copeland Forest's rich woods to see the last of the early spring flowers and explore what's growing in the acidic soil of the hemlock groves. This will give us an appreciation of the flow of seasons and the different habitats. Forest bird songs should be at its best..
** ORO RAIL-TRAIL **
Brian & Lynne Gibbon (705) 721-4599
When? June 28th Saturday 8:30 am
Where? meet at LLPL
This is an interesting area that Lynne and I enjoy. It is an area that the Club has only visited once before. Depending on conditions we may check out the shoreline for area shorebirds.
** DRAGON FLY OUTING **
Chris Evans (705) 722-1136
When? July 5th. Saturday, 9:00 am
Where? meet at LLPL
Chris will take you to some prime Dragon & Damsel Fly territory and with the aid of butterfly nets capture and identify the various species of dragon and damselflies
** VESPRA TRAIL **
Brian Gibbon (705) 721-4599
When? July 12th Saturday, 8:30 am
Where? meet at LLPL
A pleasant walk primarily under the cool forest canopy, not out in the hot sun. Enjoy wild flowers, herbs and plants that are abundant at this time of the year as well as butterflies, dragonflies and moths.
Don't be afraid to ask questions and have members show you how to use field guides or other resource materials. We were all novices at one point and we are all still learning.