Monarchs and Migrants Weekend event at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Sept. 5-6, 2015

Hudsonian Godwit is one of the species of shorebirds

(News Release)

BRIGHTON, Ontario -- The migration season is now underway at Presqu’ile and the 30th annual Monarchs and Migrants Weekend (Sept. 5 and 6, 2015( at the park celebrates this natural spectacle.

Come and join us on the Labour Day Weekend to witness a spectacular scene repeated for millennia by migrating bird and Monarch populations.

The birds and butterflies are stopping at the Park to refuel on their long journeys to the south, heading for points between Mexico and the tip of South America.

On Saturday and Sunday, Presqu’ile will offer Bird Banding demos, Monarch Tagging and informative guided walks and children’s programs. 

Expert butterfly tagger, Don Davis, will be available, has he has been for all 30 years of this event, to help you understand migration theories and provide a hands on experience in tagging and releasing Monarch butterflies Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 3pm at the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre.
Park Naturalist David Bree says “We are seeing modest numbers of Monarchs as of mid-August and I anticipate a fairly good flight this fall with good numbers to be found and tagged at Presqu’ile come Labour Day weekend. Two years ago the Monarch population almost completely collapsed, but recovered somewhat in 2014 and we are hoping that trend continuous this year. 

Presquile bird banding with Elizabeth Kellogg

A bird banding demo, weather dependent, will occur at Owen Pt. Parking Lot between 8am and noon both days. No telling what will show up but this is your chance to get up close and personal with some of our feathered friends as well as learn all about how and why we band birds. There will also be guided walks looking for birds and butterflies on both days. Bird walks along the beach on Saturday at 4pm and on Sunday at 10am.

At the Nature Centre there will be a Butterfly walk at 2pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday and a Children’s Programs at 10am on Saturday and 2pm Sunday about Birds and Monarchs respectively. And don’t forget Mission Impossible: Migration Protocol, our 7pm campfire program featuring mystery, intrigue, monarchs and singing. All events are free but regular park admission fees apply ($14.50/vehicle).

“The miracle of migration is one of the great nature wonders of the world” says Bree, “and Presqu’ile is one of the great places in the world to experience some part of that miracle. I hope people take advantage of what the park offers this weekend and throughout the year to enjoy and learn about our natural world”.

For more information, call David at 613- 475-4324 x 225 or email david.bree@ontario.ca.