2026 OFO Convention
October 2 – 4, 2026
Leamington, ON
NOTE: Registration Deadline is September 20, 2026, or earlier when the respective venue reaches capacity. Early registration is encouraged.
We look forward to welcoming you as we 🌿 Grow • 📚 Learn • 🤝 Share together this October!
Convention Details
Evening activities include Friday night’s Birds and Beers- registration 5PM – 6PM- a casual dinner starting at 6PM, followed by a short presentation of Essex Field Naturalist Club, Certificates of Appreciation and the famous Bird Quiz hosted by Sarah Rupert!
Join us on Saturday evening for the Raffle followed by a sit-down Banquet and the Annual Meeting. Celebrate our 2026 Distinguished Ornithologists, John Black and Kayo Roy! John and Kayo follow in the footsteps of many outstanding recipients of this award. Stay tuned for updates on a “Meet and Greet” with John and Kayo.
Registration from 4PM to 6PM, Dinner at 6PM
We are also very pleased to announce our Keynote Speaker Amar Ayyash, author of “The Gull Guide: North America”. Amar will be sharing his extensive knowledge on Gulls. Check out the website: Anything Larus
Both evening events take place at the Roma Club, 19 Seacliff Dr., East., Leamington, Ontario. The club has ample parking and is wheelchair accessible. Evening events are preceded by vendor exhibits, and a chance to vie for one of the fabulous door prizes. A cash bar will be available at each event.
Code of Conduct and Code of Birding Ethics: Participants are expected to review OFO’s Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics before the trip.
Need information?
If you are unable to register online, please contact
Sue Suess E: ssuess@rogers.com or M: 519-852-3409
Dan Suess E: dansuess@rogers.com or M: 519-860-7895
For details on where to stay, the venues, and activities, please view the convention details below.
Questions? Email convention@ofo.ca
Evening Programs
Times are approximate and subject to change. Both evenings to be live-streamed to the Northern Convention in North Bay.
Banquet Location: Roma Club of Leamington, 19 Seacliff Dr., E. Leamington, ON N8H 2L3
Evening activities include Friday night’s Birds and Beers — a casual buffet dinner followed by Certificates of Appreciation, a short presentation of local interest, and the famous Bird Quiz.
The Saturday Banquet and AGM is the heart of the convention. A sit down meal is followed by the roundup with Mike Burrell, the OFO Annual General Meeting with Mark Peck, presentation of the Distinguished Ornithologist Award – John Black and Kayo Roy and the Keynote Speaker, Amar Ayyash.
Friday, October 2
Roma Club of Leamington, 19 Seacliff Dr E, Leamington, ON
| 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Registration |
|---|---|
| 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Buffet |
| 7:00 p.m. | Greetings from TBA & local guests Certificates of Appreciation Birding Challenge Quiz by Sarah Rupert |
Saturday, October 3
Birds and Beers • Roma Club of Leamington, 19 Seacliff Dr E, Leamington, ON
| 4:00 p.m. | Registration, vendor display, Bucket Raffle |
|---|---|
| 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Family style meal |
| 7:00 p.m. | Opening remarks Annual Meeting Distinguished Ornithologists – John Black and Kayo Roy Keynote Speaker – Amar Ayyash |
Field Trips
Click here to view the field trip schedules.
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure and bring a packed lunch for the full day trips.
Trip leaders are knowledgeable and mostly local birders. Car pooling from the meeting place is encouraged. Note that the field trip scheduled may be adjusted.
At this time of year you can expect to see migrating songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and abundant raptors. Many people consider October to be the best birding month of all!
Where to Stay
Reserve your rooms early for OFO group rates!
Quality Inn
279 Erie Street South, Leamington, ON N8H 3C4
519-326-9071
- King/Queen: $179 per night
- Extra Adults: $15 extra, Kids 0-17: $7.50 per night
- Taxes extra
- Complimentary Hot Breakfast starting at 6 a.m.
- NOTE: Please quote “Ontario Field Ornithologists” when booking. If you get a better price through a third-party provider, please call the hotel.
CUT OFF DATE: September 20, 2026
Best Western Plus
566 Bevel Line Rd., Leamington, ON N8H 3V4
519-326-8646
- 1 King: $180 + resort tax 3.5% per night
- 2 Queen $180 + resort tax 3.5% plus applicable taxes per night
- Extra Adults: $15 extra, Kids 0-17: $7.50 per night
- Taxes extra
CUT OFF DATE: August 20, 2026
Sponsor
The OFO Convention is generously sponsored by:
