Members’ Only Outing – Birding by Car Blitz with Michael Runtz

Date:            Wednesday 14 December 8:00 am to noon (approx.)

Rain date:    n/a.  

Meeting Location:  Arnprior Metro store parking lot (South East corner)

Guide: Michael Runtz besides being our club President and a professor at Carleton University, will be participating in the upcoming Pakenham-Arnprior Christmas Bird Count. He is hopeful that this outing will help familiarize club members with local birding hotspots in the Arnprior area.  Sites which may be visited are the Madawaska Headpond and the Ottawa River in several locations for waterbirds, and local fields for hawks and owls.

(Level of difficulty 1 out of 5) Most of the sites will be very short walks (if any at all) away from the comfort of your car.  Please make sure you are warmly dressed (hands and feet can get especially cold).  A thermos of something warm to drink (non-alcoholic of course) is a good idea.  At this time of year with snow and changing temperatures, slippery spots are possible so please ensure stable outdoor footwear and a walking stick if you need for balance.

Please bring a pair of binoculars (let me know if you need a pair – the club has a few to lend for the outing), a spotting scope and a camera if you have them.

We will be maintaining physical distancing requirements.  Please bring a non-medical mask to be worn when physical distancing is not possible. Please do not come if you are ill (COVID, Flu etc.) or have come in contact with someone who is.  Notification of cancellation as soon as possible would be appreciated.

Register at mfncfieldtrips@gmail.com no later than Friday 9 December at noon.

Participation will be on a first come first registered basis but as this is a car blitz in fairly open environments, I expect to be able to accommodate a larger group size than on previous outings.

It would be appreciated if you could please arrange carpooling in advance with others if you are comfortable as fewer cars will make for a safer and more pleasant outing for all.

Please let me know when you register if you are carpooling and with whom or if you have room for others or if you would like to carpool with someone.

Please include the full names of all in your household who wish to attend;

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.  Hope you can join us.