37th annual Presqu’ile Waterfowl Weekend attracts thousands

The Friends of Presqu’ile Park are pleased to announce that Spring will follow winter!  And with Spring comes the return of tens of thousands of ducks, geese and swans to Presqu’ile Bay.

Waterfowl of up to 25 different species arrive each spring to rest and feed here before moving on to nesting areas further north and west.  Each year, for the past 37 years, the Friends of Presqu’ile have been happy to sponsor the Presqu’ile Waterfowl Weekend to celebrate this natural phenomenon.  The tradition continues in 2013 with the 37th annual weekend on March 16-17, from 10am to 4pm daily.

“This is truly a world-class natural spectacle” says Park Naturalist David Bree.  “While these birds are present in March in numbers at various places along the Lake Ontario shoreline, Presqu’ile has some of the greatest concentrations, and has easy access to good viewing locations”.  Bree goes on to say. “The big advantage to coming to the park during this weekend is you have access to spotting scopes to look through and knowledgeable volunteers to help you find and identify the many species present, and of course we have some added attractions people can take advantage of at the Lighthouse Centre and Nature Centre”. 

The Nature Centre will feature children’s activities and crafts, duck displays, and a taxidermy display from Feather and Down Taxidermy, with Steve Dingman there to answer your questions.  We will also have Adam from Henry’s Camera present.  This is your chance to see and test the latest and biggest camera equipment on the market.

The Lighthouse Centre will feature Photography and Art displays by Jim Brown and Sherrie Greig, and Dave Richards from Bushnell will be there to showcase and sell their line of optics.  Of course the Friends’ Gift Shop will also be open.  The Friends will also host a BBQ where lunch, hot drinks and snacks can be purchased starting at 11am.  “The BBQ was a great hit last year, a warm burger was just the thing come noon and I am glad we are able to offer this again this year” says Bree.  The Lighthouse Centre is also the location of the indoor washroom facilities, an attraction in their own right on a cold March day.

The Friends invite everyone out to share in this event.  It makes a great outing for those that appreciate nature, families and individuals alike.  The only cost involved is an $8.00/vehicle park entrance fee or show your Annual/Seasonal Park Pass.  Proceeds from this weekend will go towards The Friends’ projects in the Park.  We hope to see you there.

For more information: www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca;call 613 475-4324 ext. 225. or email david.bree@ontario.ca