PRESS RELEASE
BRIGHTON, Ontario -- The Friends of Presqu’ile Park
are pleased to announce that despite the grey, cold, it really is spring.
While
birds have been trickling back north for a couple of months, the big wave of tens
of thousands of songbirds and shorebirds that migrate through Presqu’ile
Provincial Park, are arriving this month.
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| Parula - David Bree photo |
These are some of the most beautiful and sought-after birds for
birdwatchers and this weekend is packed with activities designed to introduce
visitors to these birds and the fine art of bird watching.
On both Saturday May 18 and Sunday
May 19, we will start out with an ultra early bird walk for the ultra keen at
6:30am from the Lighthouse Centre.Want
to sleep a bit longer? We will also
offer a repeat bird walk starting at 10am from the Lighthouse Centre.
“Warblers
are often called the “jewels of the forest” for their varied and beautiful
colours” says Park Naturalist David Bree, “but they can be a challenge to
see.
Our experts can help you find and
identify some of the 20+ species likely present in the park this weekend. While bird watching is best in the early
morning, there is usually some activity all day during migration and we should
see birds on our later walks as well as the early ones.”
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| Sunrise at the park |
There will be a guided walk
starting from the Owen Point Trail parking lot at 2pm to seek out
shorebirds. Bree goes on to say “With
this walk we are going to the other end of the birding spectrum. Warblers are
often hidden, shorebirds stand in the open, Warblers are brightly coloured,
shorebirds are beautiful but are subtle tones of brown, grey, and red.
"Shorebirds too can be a challenge to identify
but having a guide with a spotting scope will help visitors get a good look at
these fascinating creatures. These are true long-distance migrants; many are
travelling from southern South America to the Canadian Arctic and are only
stopping a few days at Presqu’ile to refuel.”
The highlight for many will be a
bird banding demonstration at the Owen Point Trail parking lot from 8am until
noon courtesy of Elizabeth Kellogg and Roger Frost, licensed bird banders. This will allow visitors an unprecedented
chance to see birds up close and learn how and why birds are banded. This activity is weather dependent for the
safety of the birds.
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| Dunlin can number in the hundreds |
The Lighthouse Centre and
Friends’ store will be open 8am to 4pm and this will be the last chance to get
in on our raffle for Bushnell optics. The draw will be held at 4pm on Sunday
for these great binoculars and scope/tripod package generously donated by
Bushnell. The Friends will also host a
fund-raising BBQ on both days at the Lighthouse Centre from 11AM until the
burgers run out.
On Sunday the 19th
only at 9AM, at the lighthouse centre Mike Burrell will be here at 9AM to do a
book signing of his new book: “Best
Places to Bird in Ontario”. Mike was
recently on CBC talking about this book and is a great source of bird and
birding knowledge.
The Friends invite everyone to
share in this event. It makes a great
outing for those that appreciate nature, families and individuals alike. The only cost involved is a $14.00/vehicle
park entrance fee. We hope to see you there.
For more information call 613
475-4324 ext. 225 or email david.bree@ontario.ca
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