Monday, May 8th: Join me, Jon Ruddy of Eastern Ontario Birding, for some incredible spring migration birding at Long Point Provincial Park, Backus Woods and also Turkey Point Beach (time pending). During spring migration in southwestern 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, beautiful shorebirds strolling about in mudflats, 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 tours is designed to be reasonable, offering clients a balance between a morning of birding and relaxed 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. 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: You must make your own reservations and purchases for passes unless otherwise indicated below. An Ontario Parks pass (day pass or season pass) will be required to enter Long Point Provincial Park.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Clients will take care of their own breakfasts at their respective accommodations. This tour will end at lunch hour; there will be no group lunch today. 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. I recommend booking your accommodation ASAP due to the high volume of birders in southwestern Ontario during the month of May. Core areas with all necessary amenities include Leamington, Chatham, Erieau, Blenheim and so on.
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 Long Point Provincial Park. Exact location within the park yet to be determined.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours; included within will be several snack/drink breaks and one 45 min lunch break.
Cost & Payment: $225 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. Payment is due upon registration or, at the latest, by Sunday, March 12th at 5:00 p.m.
Cancellations & Refunds: Partial refunds of 50% of the cost are possible until Sunday, March 19th. No refunds are possible from Monday, March 20th onwards. Sign-ups received after March 20th must accompany full payment upon sign-up.
Register for this outing by using this sign-up form