*April 3, 2020* *More about birding and COVID-19*
We hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe during this difficult time. Like all organizations, OFO is constantly monitoring the COVID-19 situation and has taken further decisions in response to the ongoing crisis. We are doing what we can to flatten the curve. *Until further notice, OFO does not endorse travelling for birding or birding in groups of any size as per municipal, provincial, and federal guidelines.* Rarities tend to attract crowds. If a rarity is reported, please think twice about going to see the bird. Can you view it safely, distant from others? We all know that it is difficult to maintain proper physical distancing when observing birds at close quarters, so please be careful. Despite these limitations, we can still enjoy the spring migration wherever we are — in our backyards, from our balconies, or during our daily walks. This is also an excellent time to brush up on our birding skills and knowledge in preparation for the time — hopefully in the not too distant future — when we can go birding once more. *OFO Publications Available to all on ofo.ca <http://ofo.ca/>!* Normally, only OFO members can access the most recent two years of our publications on our website. The Board has decided to remove access restrictions on OFO News and Ontario Birds for the duration of this crisis so *all* birders can enjoy our publications and learn more about Ontario’s birds. These publications are now available to everyone on our website at ofo.ca. Please spread the word and enjoy. I want to thank the people who made this possible, especially Ivor Williams who spend many hours building the technology and Judie Shore who helped greatly with the effort. To access our publications, go to *ofo.ca <http://ofo.ca/>,* select the Publications option from the menu, then the publication you want to read. You will see the cover page of all back issues. Select the issue you are interested in reading in your browser. Please note that the most recent two years are in a Flipbook format, while older issues are in PDF format. This is new technology and there may be glitches. Please let us know what you think at *[email protected] <[email protected]>*. *OFO Field Trips Cancellation* Sadly, all OFO field trips up to and including May 18th are cancelled. Martin and Kathy Parker are working to reschedule the Pelee Island trip to a date in October. The June 5/6 trip to the Bruce Peninsula is cancelled as well. We are monitoring the situation closely and may need to cancel further trips depending on the status of the COVID-19 outbreak. *Birdathon Postponed* The Birdathon to raise money for Birds Canada and OFO will take place in the Fall. We will let you know more when the details are available. *Hillman Marsh Shorebird Nights Cancelled* Hillman Marsh Shorebird Nights are cancelled. OFO volunteers will not be helping visitors identify shorebirds this year. *Princeton Books Discount for OFO Members* Finally, we have some good news for OFO members! Princeton University Press is offering members of Ontario Field Ornithologists a 30% discount on birding field guides, photographic guides, reference works, and products (such as illustrated birding checklists, calendars, and flash cards). To do some armchair shopping (and birding), visit PUP's website at *https://press.princeton.edu/books?subjects[]=22671* <https://ofo25.wildapricot.org/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode=B989waklqJgvGH7jw3cnMlezsSdAMEmqwpGd4xHvTtbclG4KpJAudGold0r4HS3UEYbvqc%2fVrQRoNqQYBurjlmRzcVLsjdgWEOmdxjTUx1U%3d> and enter code *BIRD30*. *We want to hear from you!* Your feedback is important — please write to me at [email protected] or anyone else on the board to share your thoughts. We are in this together. Lynne Freeman OFO President -- Lynne Freeman [email protected] "Be bold, be brave, be amazing...." Simon de Pury, Work of Art _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
