Saturday, May 20th: Join me, Jon Ruddy of Eastern Ontario Birding, for some incredible spring migration birding at Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. During peak spring migration in southeastern Ontario, it is more or less the norm to encounter 90-100+ species of birds per day. Stunning warblers decked out in their breeding finery, gorgeous orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks, flycatchers, vireos, sparrows, hummingbirds, Indigo Buntings, and so much more…are all within our view. You’ll be given countless insights into the identification of various birds, and likely see numerous “lifers” as we slowly cover ground and search a variety of habitats for migrant birds. The pace and layout of the tour is designed to be reasonable, offering clients a balance between a busy birding day and relaxed late afternoon and evening. I can’t wait to enjoy the spring birding spectacle with you!
What to pack each day: Please dress for the weather by keeping an eye on the forecast for the region(s) in which we’ll be birding. Pack snacks, water, coffee/tea, and be sure to pack a lunch. There may be cafeteria-style selections available at Rondeau, however, due to the volume of visitors, it would be best to ensure your own food is packed. Pack your field guides/reference material, as well as your camera (if you use one), binoculars and spotting scope (if you have one). We will be able to revisit our parked cars during our lunch break, so we’ll be able to leave all our various items there (vs. having to lug them around with a backpack).
Transportation: We will be travelling to-and-from the birding sites in our own vehicles. Please ensure that you have gas in your vehicle ahead of each day, and that you have a working GPS device for navigation to-and-from the sites.
Permits & Passes: None required for this tour.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Clients will take care of their own breakfasts at their respective accommodations. We will have a socially-distanced outdoor lunch (either tailgate, or, on picnic tables) during the tour. Clients are in charge of their own dinner plans (including selection of the restaurant and the respective reservations ahead of visiting) after the tour, each evening.
Accommodations: Clients are in charge of their own Hotel/Motel/Cottage/Air BnB/B&B selections and reservations for this tour. Picton-area and Belleville/Trenton are three core areas to choose from. I recommend booking your accommodation ASAP due to the high volume of birders and sightseers in southeastern Ontario during the month of May.
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 you the checklists when I arrive home. You’ll be able to browse through the sightings list without having to be an eBird user.
Washrooms: I will schedule a washroom break every 90-120 minutes.
Activity rating: 2/5. Moderate level. We will be slowly birding by foot. The terrain is flat and well-packed. Please note that I will be scheduling at least two short breaks and one 45 min break each day, as well.
Meet-up time and location: We will be meeting at 8:00 a.m. at Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory parking area located at 6056 Long Point Road.
Duration: Our day will begin at 8 a.m. and will end between 4 and 4:30 p.m.
Cost & Payment: $180 per person (HST-included). Payment is made by Interac e-transfer or mailed cheque to: Eastern Ontario Birding, 751 Namur Street, Embrun Ontario, K0A 1W0.
Registration for this event is now closed.