Spring 2022 Updates/Upcoming Bird Walks in the Timmins Area

At one point during our long winter it didn't look like it was going to happen but spring is here! And the White-throated Sparrows, Fox Sparrows and American Robins are singing as I'm writing this update. We had a close-to-record-breaking snow depth paired with very cold temperatures and even if most local lakes are still frozen today on May 1st, rivers and creeks are open, the sun is shining and around 63 migrating species have already arrived in the area - and the best is yet to come!

A few updates...

Spring Arrivals

I am still compiling arrival dates for migrating birds in the larger Timmins Area. This will be the 6th year and it's been a real community effort! See the following page for more info: Spring Arrival Dates.

Fox Sparrow hiding under the cedar hedge in our backyard
One of my favourite signs of spring
27 April 2022

Spring 2022 - Events and Bird Walks

Timmins Public Library - (Online session) Spring Bird Migration in the Timmins Area

Like last year, the Timmins Public Library will be hosting a session dedicated to spring bird migration in the Timmins area. We'll chat about some of the birds we can look for in spring, good birding spots to visit in the area, some tips on how to learn to identify birds, followed by a discussion/question period. It's always a lot of fun; I hope to see you there!

 

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, 4 May 2022 at 6pm (on Zoom)

To register, contact:  libraryprograms@timmins.ca or visit their Facebook page to sign up for the link.

May the 4th be with the birds!

Upcoming Bird Walks in the Timmins/South Porcupine Area

Whether you are an avid birder or just starting to learn about birds, we have some bird walks that you might want to join. Looking for birds together and leaning tricks to identify them is a lot of fun and I hope you will try it out this spring. Here are some opportunities. If you have any questions, about any of these, feel free to contact me.

Wintergreen Spring Migration Bird Walks at Gillies Lake:

• Walk #1: Wednesday, May 18, 2022 (8-10am) 
• Walk #2: Wednesday, May 25, 2022 (8-10am)
• Walk #3: Saturday, May 28, 2022 (8-10am)

Description: Bring your binoculars and join us! We will slowly walk the 2.5 km trail around Gillies Lake while trying to spot various migrating birds. We'll also exchange useful tips on how to identify different species by sight and sounds. Perfect for all skill levels including beginners. 

Space is limited so register early:

Register by calling MRCA: 705-360-2660 or email wintergreen@mattagamiregion.ca

Yellow Warbler - one of the warblers we might see 
during the Wintergreen Spring Bird Walk at Gillies Lake

World Migratory Bird Day at Porcupine Lake

• Saturday, May 14th, 2022 (8:00 am to 10 am) at White Waterfront Conservation Area

Description:  On World Migratory Bird Day, join us to discover some of the migrating birds who stop at Porcupine Lake after their long journey back from the south. We will be walking slowly for approximately 4 km. Bring your binoculars, camera, water, and curiosity. *In the event of heavy rain or wind, the walk will be postponed to Sunday the 15th or later.

Registration: Spaces limited to 15 participants - To sign up, contact friendsporcupineriverwatershed@gmail.com

Smooth Rock Falls OFO Field Trip: Saturday, May 21, 2022 in SRF (7:30am to 2pm)
Porcupine Lake OFO Field Trip: Sunday, May 22, 2022 at Porcupine Lake and area (7am to 2pm)

These walks are for members of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) but if you are not yet a member and there is space left, feel free to contact us if you'd like to try it out! Anyone interested in birds can become a member of OFO (see www.ofo.ca)  I have been an OFO member for 10 years now and I love it: we get access to great publications on birds in Ontario, we can join fun and educational members' meetings online, we can attend any OFO Field Trips in the province (there are some really great upcoming OFO walks in Smooth Rock Falls and Cochrane as well!) and there is a new discussion forum for members on Discord where we can chat and learn about all bird-related topics - there is a dedicated channel for northern Ontario too - join us and check it out! 

Find details and registration info for the OFO walks here: OFO Upcoming Field Trip List and Registration

Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas-3

Last weekend, we kicked off the second year of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. We had some online webinars (available on the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas-3 YouTube Channel) and we had a fun walk at Hersey Lake Conservation Area. To stay updated and learn more about how you can join and help collect data on northern Ontario birds, contact us at timiskaming - at - birdsontario - dot - org (Timmins is in Region 41)

Following Region 41 atlassers Stan and Andrew on the trail
Year-2 Atlas Kickoff walk
At Hersey Lake Conservation Area (24 April 2022)

I hope you all have a wonderful month of May filled with birdsongs!