Hello all, This is a long edition of Call Notes. We have a lot to talk about and some exciting announcements of upcoming events. First, we want to acknowledge that this is a difficult time for many of us and that world events are affecting our birding community and beyond. This past week has shone a light on the issue of racism and birding. We went back to OFO’s Mission Statement and the first of OFO’s core values is: “Inclusion of all people with an interest in birds and birding, regardless of their expertise”. We need to clarify this statement to show the OFOs commitment to include * all people equally*, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, ability, gender, or sexual orientation. The board is carefully considering OFO’s response and steps we will take to show leadership in the birding community. In upcoming communications to our members and the Ontario Birding Community as a whole, we will address these important issues and how the OFO will translate them into concrete actions to remove barriers which prevent people from birding. In the meantime, we all have a lot of birding and learning to look forward to! Lynne Freeman OFO President *OFO is excited to announce OFO's Birding at Home Challenge – June Extension!* OFO’s Birding at Home Challenge succeeded beyond our wildest expectations, with 45 out of 50 birding regions represented, 226 species talled and over 8,000 checklists! As a result, *we have decided to extend the challenge through June! * If you submit at least 20 yard lists during the month of June, you will be eligible for a fabulous prize to be awarded randomly on July 1st. If you are already registered, there is no need to register again. But, if you want to join the challenge now, go to *Events/Birding at Home Challenge* <http://ofo.ca/birdingathome>. Keep submitting your yard lists and let’s see what we can discover -- together. The complete results are posted on the OFO website at ofo.ca. *Upcoming Events* *Monday, June 8th, 7:30 PM - **Shades of greenish-grey: Revealing the evolutionary history of Willow and Alder Flycatchers* The Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC) has graciously invited OFO members and others to join its virtual meeting on Monday, June 11 at 7:30pm. Ashley Bramwell, of University of Toronto at Scarborough will be presenting: *Shades of greenish-grey: Revealing the evolutionary history of Willow and Alder Flycatchers*. Follow this link to register. Attendance is limited. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6978049853513494285?source=OFO *Sunday, June 14: OFO Workshop – Nature Journaling with Sarah Rupert* Sarah Rupert, well-known birder, naturalist, and artist will be giving an online workshop on Nature Journaling. Join Sarah to learn the basics of sketching in the field, observation skills and shortcuts to recording what you see. *To register your interest, go to: * https://ofo25.wildapricot.org/event-3687009 *Sunday, June 21: OFO Workshop: Bird Songs and Calls with Ian Shanahan* "Look for birds with your ears" is a useful guiding principle; during the breeding season, it is sometimes the only option. Join this workshop to apply time-tested listening techniques applicable to a broad range of habitats. *To register your interest, go to: * https://ofo25.wildapricot.org/event-3687010 *Tuesday, June 23rd, 7:00pm: Interview with David Sibley: What It’s Like to be a Bird* Please join Justin Peter, President of the Toronto Ornithological Club as he interviews, David Sibley whose most recent book is “What It’s Like to be a Bird”. To register go to: http://torontobirdcelebration.ca/event/david-allen-sibley-talks-about-whats-its-like-to-be-a-bird/ *May 28th – 30th - OFO Sault Ste. Marie Birding Festival – Save the Date!* We are thrilled to announce a new birding festival! Please join OFO and the Sault birding community to experience Spring migration in the heart of the Algoma District in 2021! Good Birding, Lynne Freeman OFO President -- Lynne Freeman lynnef.to@gmail.com "Be bold, be brave, be amazing...." Simon de Pury, Work of Art