Ontario: Bird Migration Tour
Travel with us to the southern tip of Canada as we watch for birds as they arrive along the shores of Lake Erie
during their migratory stopover. We will visit Point Pelee National Park, known internationally as one of the best locations in North America to observe the northward migration of birds.
May is the ideal time to visit as the numbers of species are high and courting birds are easy to spot in the sparse foliage of early Spring. On an average day in May, birders can often see 75 species with a 3 day total of over 100. We will visit Rondeau Provincial Park, one of the areas best birding hot spots before travelling to the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve. Here, the abundance and diversity of birds can be attributed to the areas unique blend of long beaches, undisturbed sand dunes, grassy ridges, wet meadows, woodlands, marshes and ponds. The different habitats provide ample opportunity to view various species of birds. In addition we will learn about the flora and fauna of the unique Canadian Carolinian Forest.
Our trip is ideal for first time visitors, general nature lovers and serious birders. The trip will be escorted and guided by James Kamstra, an experienced birder and all round naturalist.
Departure Dates & Costs
Departure Date: May 9 to 13, 2012 (5 days)
Will not run in 2013
TOUR COST:
$1,390 p/p twin share (based on 5 people)
$1,450 (based on 6 or 7 people)
$1,265 (based on 10)
- 2% discount for payment by cheque
5% gst tax additional
Trip highlights
• CAROLINIAN CANADA: This region of wetlands, woodlands, prairies and Savannah stretches from the Rouge River Valley in Toronto to Middle Island in Lake Erie with a relatively warm Southern climate. Here we find species that exist nowhere else in Canada including one third of Canada’s rare and threatened species. Our tour will visit three of the many prime areas of Carolinian Canada; Rondeau Provincial Park, Long Point Provincial Park and Point Pelee National Park.
• POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK: Known internationally as a Mecca for spring bird watchers. 350 species have been recorded in the park. Our groups typically record up over 125 species over a three-day period.
• RONDEAU PROVINCIAL PARK: Rondeau is a region of wetlands and forests rich in plant and animal life. It is the second oldest park in Ontario and supports a mosaic of upland hardwoods on ancient beach ridges interspersed between linear sloughs. The forest is made up of a mix of southern tree species, including some very impressive specimens. Hundreds of thousands of birds pass through the park during their spring and fall migration.
• LONG POINT PROVINCIAL PARK: Long Point is one of six World Biosphere Reserves in Canada. Long Point is a major area for sighting waterfowl and wide variety of songbirds. We will see the southern limits of some of the Northern bird species and the Northern limits for many of the southern birds.
Itinerary
May 9 TORONTO – LEAMINGTON: POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK (L,D)
Depart in the morning from Toronto to Leamington. Check into the comfortable Pelee Days Inn Hotel only 5 minutes drive from Point Pelee. After lunch, stop at the Point Pelee Visitors Centre prior to our field excursion in Point Pelee National Park. Enjoy the forest trails and marsh boardwalk. Welcome dinner followed by an orientation.
May 10 POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK (B,L)
An early start today to enjoy a full day of birding in Point Pelee. Dinner on own; escort can assist with recommendations for local restaurants.
May 11 POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK: RONDEAU PROVINCIAL PARK/LONG POINT (B,L)
A pre-dawn rise, breakfast and return to Point Pelee National Park for the first light, when the bird sightings are best. Check out of hotel and depart for Rondeau Provincial Park. Picnic lunch in the park and an afternoon of exceptional birding. In the later afternoon drive to Long Point and check into the Harbour Resort. Dinner on own; escort can assist with recommendations for local restaurants.
May 12 LONG POINT PROVINCIAL PARK (B,L,D)
Weather permitting, we will be up at first light to go to the Old Cut Field Station, part of the Long Point Bird Observatory. Here we will have a field breakfast at the Visitor’s Center. Bird watching in the field and then observe a banding demonstration. After lunch, we continue to Backus Woods Conservation Area which is set in a remaining example of nearly pristine Carolinian Forest. An overview of the region’s flora and heritage and spend some time in the village where historical buildings give an impression of the areas pioneer past. Enjoy a nature walk to see the plants, trees and birds of this endangered Carolinian habitat. An evening to go over our bird lists and discuss the events of the previous days over a Farewell dinner.
May 13 LONG POINT - DEPARTURE (B)
Breakfast and return to Long Point Provincial Park with bird-watching time. We then head to Big Creek Marsh and the Port Rowen Sewage Lagoon, two more birding areas. On our return to Toronto we hope to make stops at a cider house and local peanut farm. We will arrive in Toronto by 5pm.
Additional Information
Extensions can be added to this program
Included:
• Services of a naturalist birding leader
• Transportation from Toronto
• Four nights accommodation
• Meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
• Entrance fees
