*COVID-19 and Birding in Ontario* Last week, we made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel all field trips up to and including April 19th. We, like everyone in this province, are monitoring the unfolding situation and will cancel further activities if necessary. You can read the full text of our statement on our website at *ofo.ca <http://ofo.ca>*. Most of us look forward all year to birding during the spring migration but this year it is looking more and more likely that we will not be able to view the spring migration in our usual haunts. Federal, provincial and many municipal parks are closed. The Beamer Hawk Watch has been cancelled for the season and we are watching the situation for the May Birding Festivals, including the Festival of Birds at Point Pelee. Birding doesn’t have to stop entirely though. Even though opportunities are limited we can spend this time getting to know our local patch – be it an apartment balcony or backyard or even the view outside your window. It’s a great time to practice your song ID and to observe the fascinating behaviour of your local birds as they setup territories. Don’t forget to record your sighting in eBird! *OFO News arriving soon!* OFO News was mailed to OFO members last week, including those whose memberships lapsed in December. Once again, we apologize for the lateness of the issue. We have taken steps to change our process to ensure that OFO News goes out on schedule. This issue is extra-long and filled with fantastic articles. Here’s a taste of what’s included. · Ontario Atlas coordinator Mike Cadman outlines what the next Ontario Bird Atlas from 2021 through 2025 is all about — while issuing a call for the province’s birders to volunteer in the crucial citizen science part of the project. · Lynne Freeman focuses on a common and perhaps overlooked species, the Red-winged Blackbird, and shares some fascinating facts about plumage and biology. · Stu Mackenzie and Josh Sayers of Birds Canada explain how the Motus Wildlife Tracking System works, how it relies on collaboration from multiple partners and how it enhances scientific research to help in future conservation efforts involving birds, bats and large insects. · Calling the recovery of the Kirtland’s Warbler a great triumph in Michigan, ecologist Peter Burke outlines the efforts to establish breeding colonies of this rare bird in Ontario. · Amid the carnage of avian collisions during migration, FLAP Canada’s Michael Mesure tells Bruce Kirkland about his sense of hope — thanks to enhanced building code changes that can save birds. Michael Olsen talks to Anouk Hoedeman, founder of Safe Wings Ottawa, about efforts every birder can do at home to help. · As Otto Peter tells OFO News, the history of Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve is a template for how committed volunteers can conserve small yet significant places for birds. · Angie Williams enthusiastically shares past experiences of birding by canoe with husband Ken, including for breeding bird atlas projects in both Ontario and Manitoba; Mike Cadman follows up with a how-to-get-involved in canoe atlassing in northern Ontario for the next Atlas. We will be testing out the electronic version of OFO News on our website soon. If you are not a member yet, you will be able to read this issue and back issues on our website, so please consider joining OFO to access this fantastic publication. *In Conclusion….* We at OFO wish you and your loved ones health and safety during this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with everyone who has contracted the virus, our medical professionals and all front-line people who are working to keep our community functioning. Stay safe and healthy, Lynne Lynne Freeman OFO President lynnef.to@gmail.com -- Lynne Freeman lynnef.to@gmail.com "Be bold, be brave, be amazing...." Simon de Pury, Work of Art