Monday, May 20: I am excited to be your guide as we enjoy some incredible spring migration birding at Presqu’ile Provincial Park! 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. Late season migrants, shorebirds and rarities/migration overshoots will be in-focus during today’s tour. 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. 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: Ontario Parks (day pass or season pass). You must book your pass using Ontario Parks’ online registration system, regardless of whether you possess a season pass.
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.
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 lunch break.
Meet-up time and location: We will be meeting at 8:00 a.m. at Presqu’ile Provincial Park’s front registration building: 328 Presqu’ile Pkwy, Brighton, ON K0K 1H0. When you check in with the attendant, please proceed to the parking area just past (south-of) the registration building. You can park on the side of the road there.
Duration: 7 hours of guiding.
Cost & Payment: $160 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 deadline: TBD.
Register for this outing by using this sign-up form