Wednesday, October 26: Today, we will try something new and exciting! Over the years, I’ve solo-birded Point Petre in Prince Edward County and have been taken aback by the number of hawks migrating along the coastline there. Each fall visit, I encountered hawks, and my sightings were more or less incidental and made during a rather short visit. For example, during a 30 min. stay on 31 October 2016, I located a kettle of 4 Golden Eagles followed by a single Red-shouldered Hawk! Other observers have also noted high numbers of Golden Eagles in particular, all during somewhat short stays, and none of their details included a stationary count. Today, we will bring comfy lawn chairs, field guides, snacks, lunch, drinks etc. and “set up camp” near the lighthouse at Point Petre. We will endeavour to observe a wide array of migrating birds of prey, as well as loons and other waterbirds. Large numbers of Songbirds migrate along PEC’s coastline, and we’re likely going to observe flocks throughout the day.
Disclaimer: If the winds are poor for hawkwatching, we will switch gears and enjoy some general-interest birdwatching at Point Petre and Sandbanks Provincial Park.
What to pack/What to know: Please dress for the season, and be sure to take a look at the forecast for the region in which we will be birding a few days out from the tour. Please pack your lawn chair and a cooler with the food and drink of your choice. Pack your optical and photographic equipment, as well as your field guides should you wish to consult them during the tour. Please also pack your spotting scope, if you have one.
eBird Checklists: I will take care of all of the checklists for the day, and share them with you when the tour is complete. Your eBird statistics will automatically update when you accept the checklist. If you are not an eBird user, that is perfectly fine; I will email the checklists when I arrive home. You’ll be able to browse through the sightings list without having to be an eBird user.
Washrooms: There are no washrooms at Point Petre Wildlife Area. You’ll have to use the great outdoors. Thankfully, it is a quiet area with plenty of quiet paths.
Activity rating: 1/5.
Meet-up time and location: 9:30 a.m. at Point Petre, near the lighthouse.
Duration: 6 hours.
Cost: $120 per person (HST-included). I do not have a preference when it comes to payment type; I accept e-transfer, cash and cheque.
Register for this outing by using this sign-up form