SERIES INFO: This mystery cache is part of a series. Each hide in the series contains a special code word that will help you find the series final, and become an Arboretum Expert. Make sure that you record this information when you make the find. Other caches in the series include GC7NZFB, GC7P33F, GC8171H, GC8171B, and GC81712. The final cache in the series is Arboretum Expert.
NOTE: There is no need to go to the posted coordinates in order to solve this puzzle, and the final is located within 2 km.
THE ARBORETUM: Located next to the University of Guelph main campus, the Arboretum is open year-round from dawn until dusk. The numerous trails offer a wealth of ecological diversity, and visitors can enjoy the gardens, trees, ponds, and sculptures. At the time of publication, parking was free for visitors and is waypointed. This puzzle series is hidden along the Acorn Trail, north of College Ave.
THE PUZZLE: In order to solve this puzzle, watch the video below. Chris Earley, Interpretive Biologist at the Arboretum, will present a set of eight bird calls. Your task is to identify the four North birds, and the four West birds, based on their songs. Once you have identified the birds, follow the instructions below to determine the final coordinates for this hide.
Watch the Arboretum Birdsong Puzzle here
CALCULATING FINAL COORDINATES: Using the standard letter-to-number cypher (a=1, b=2, c=3, etc) calculate the numerical value of each bird name by adding up the values of all the letters in the name. Do not use the digital root. Add up the values for all the North birds, divide this value by 1000 and add it to the fictitious coordinates below. Do the same for the West birds. You will need to use the full name for each bird. For example, if you think you heard a robin, you will need to use the full name of this bird: American Robin. Using a=1, b=2 cypher, American adds up to 64 (1+13+5+18+9+3+1+14 = 64) and Robin adds to 58. Therefore the total for this bird would be 122 (64+58).
FICTITIOUS COORDINATES: N43 32.057 W080 12.545
THE BONUS BIRD: This is meant to be a fun extra, and is not part of the puzzle. Feel free to make your best (or funniest) guess as to the identity of the bonus bird in your log.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Thank you to Chris Earley for contributing to this puzzle, and to the Arboretum for welcoming geocaches onsite.