Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory
Last Updated: May 13th 2012
Spring Birding Festival Has Begun!
Welcome to another busy schedule of spring birding activity in Prince Edward County and at Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory.
To view detailed information of the events that are taking place during the month of May the click on the name for each of the following in the list below.
PEPtBO Spring Bird Count and Baillie Birdathon 2012
Prince Edward County Spring Birding Festival May 12 – 21
PEPtBO Annual General Meeting & Baillie Birdathon Wrap-up Dinner May 26
For accommodations in the area click here.
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SPRING BANDING OPERATIONS 2012
Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory opened for spring banding operations on Monday April 9th. Banding begins daily at dawn and finishes approximately six hours later around noon, weather permitting. The station will close for the season on May 31, 2012. Visitors are welcome.
For Directions to Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory click here.
Yellow (Eastern) Palm Warbler. Photo© David Okines.
PEPtBO Bander-in Charge David Okines explains the banding process to a group of visitors to the station.
Come and spend some time in beautiful Prince Edward County and learn about what an important role Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory plays in monitoring the annual spring bird migration.
Photo© Bruce Parker.
WEEK 5 - NEW SPECIES AND TWO MORE BANDING RECORDS!
Mary 4th - May 10th Reports
Bird of the Week
May 4th - May 10th 2012
(Mouse over the image to see another photo.)
Orange-crowned Warbler. Photos© David Okines, Phil Wilson.
Latest Spring News From the Observatory
Observation Highlights May 4th - May 10th
The first BROAD-WINGED HAWKS arrived on the 6th, 6 of them and have occasionally been seen since. A GREATER YELLOWLEGS and 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS were seen on the 6th, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER arrived on the 5th, 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen around the harbour on the 7th and a SOLITARY SANDPIPER was at the end of the harbour on the following day. 2-4 RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS are visiting the feeders every day. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen near the harbour on the 7th. The first YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER arrived on the 8th and 2-4 LEAST FLYCATCHERS are present daily. A few vireos are being seen and the first PHILADELPHIA arrived on the 7th and the first RED-EYED was seen on the 10th. 5 VEERY were seen on the 9th as were 3 SWAINSON’S THRUSHES and 3 WOOD THRUSHES. Highlights included a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER on the 6th, a GOLDEN-WINGED on the 7th, 4 TENNESSEE’S on the 10th. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were seen on the 5th and 6th. NASHVILLE WARBLERS numbered 20 on the 7th and 6 NORTHERN PARULAS were seen on the 8th. The first BAY-BREASTED WARBLER arrived on the 4th and have been seen on three dates since. SCARLET TANAGERS arrived on the 6th and have been seen daily since. RUSTY BLACKBIRDS can still be found occasionally in the woods and 2 ORCHARD ORIOLES arrived in the apple trees on the other side of the harbour on the 6th and have been seen there occasionally since. A VIRGINIA RAIL was seen at the end of the harbour on the 9th.
152 species have been seen so far this SPRING. The highest total of species observed for the week was on May 7th with 91.
For up to date Daily and Weekly Observation Reports check out What's Around The Point.
Orchard Oriole. Photo© Bruce Parker.
Banding Highlights May 4th - May 10th
493 birds representing 49 species were banded during the week as more diversity in migrants continues. Some of the new species trapped included RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER, VEERY, AND WILSON'S WARBLER. New spring record totals were established for HERMIT THRUSH and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.
Bird of the week was an Orange-crowned Warbler banded on May 5th.
For a Weekly Summary of the number of each species and the totals banded go to the Weekly Banding Statistics menu item.
To compare the number of each species banded for the same period in 2011 and for the last 4 weeks go to the Comparative Statistics menu item.
Wilson's Warbler. Photo© Bruce Parker.
Philadelphia Vireo. Photos© Bruce Parker.
To View the Previous Week's Reports click here. |
Warblers and Spring Migrants at Prince Edward Point
Brewster's Warbler. Photo© Bruce Parker.
PEPtBO Spring Bird Count and Baillie Birdathon 2012
Every May birders and their supporters across Canada participate in this 24-hour fund raising challenge. Through the efforts of our local paticipants the “Baillie” annually contributes about 30% of the funds needed to run the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory.
If you would like to join us, contact Cheryl Anderson at 613-471-1096 or cherylanderson23@sympatico.ca
Eager Birdathon Participants seeking out more species for their tally.
Birdathon Tips
Want to know more about becoming part of the Baillie Birdathon?
Click here for a Birdathon Q&A that will help answer your questions.
Want assistance on how to find sponsors for your Baillie Birdathon?
Click here for ideas and a form to contact potential sponsors.
Want to know where to look for birds in Prince Edward County when you do your Baillie Birdathon?
Click here to download a map of top birding hotspots.
The Dewdrops Birdathon Team.
Sponsor Our PEPtBO Guest Birder
The Baillie Birdathon is an opportunity for just about anyone to join thousands of bird enthusiasts and bird lovers in the spring count. Each year the members and Board of Directors for the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory invite a local "celebrity" to join the fun, raise some cash and smile for the birdies.
This year PEPtBO has asked Myrna Wood to be our Guest Birder for the Baillie Birdathon. Myrna is an active birder and supporter of all things “birdy”. She was an important participant in the founding of the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists, the Spring Birding Festival and Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory. Myrna was instrumental in making sure that PEPtBO was incorporated and also had charity status. Myrna continues to be involved with PEPtBO and PECFN and is strong defender of Prince Edward County’s natural heritage.
To download a printable pledge form for PEPtBO's Guest Birder click on the link below.
PEPtBO Baillie Birdathon Guest Birder
Click Here for a 2012 Prince Edward County Birding Checklist. The PEC Checklist is courtesy of Terry Spague and Nature Stuff Tours. |
Prince Edward County Spring Birding Festival
May 12 – 21, 2012
Prince Edward County is an extraordinary birding location with the highest concentration and abundance of migratory birds anywhere on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario.
Join us as at the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory as we celebrate the annual spring migration, and experience the rich birding opportunities that the County has to offer.
Opening of the Festival at the Observatory, Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m..
Below is a summary of the many events that are taking place during this annual springtime event.
Guided Walks at Prince Edward Point
Saturday May 12 to Monday May 21: Daily guided walks (approximately 2 hours) begin at 8:00 a.m. in the Point Traverse Woods(.5 km north of the Observatory). The walks will focus on songbird migrants including up to 30 species of warblers. Learn to identify to species by sight and sound. There is a charge of $5 per person with proceeds to PEPtBO.
Saturdays, May 12 & May 19: Guided afternoon walk begins at 4:00 P.M. at Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory. The walk will and last about 2 hours, focusing on spring songbird migrants of the day, around the Observatory and a walk to the Lighthouse. Cost $5 per person.
Guided Walks at
Sunday, May 13: Mother's Day Bird Walk led by a Park Naturalist. Meet at Lakeshore Lodge Day Use Area at 9:00 a.m.. No cost except for Park Entrance Fee. Sunday, May 13: Mother's Day Wildflower Walk led by a Park Naturalist. Meet at Visitor Centre at 2:00 p.m. No cost except for Park Entrance Fee. Sunday, May 20: Exploring the Sandbanks Dunes led by a Park Naturalist. Meet at Dune’s Beach Day Use Area at 1:00 p.m.. No cost except for Park Entrance Fee.
Guided Bird Walk at Ostrander Point With Ted Cheskey
Thursday, May 17: Join Ted Cheskey from Nature Canada on a special guided bird walk at Ostrander Point. Meet at Elizabeth St parking lot in Picton for car-pooling at 8 a.m., or at the corner of Helmer and Babylon Road at 8:30 a.m. (limited parking available). Wear appropriate footwear and bring insect repellent.
Sunday, May 20: Birding the County Tour with Prince Edward County Field Naturalists Cheryl Anderson and Myrna Wood. Meet at The Mariners’ Park Museum, 2065 County Rd 13 at 8:00 a.m.. Tour will highlight some of the County’s best birding spots, and will last until noon. Cost is $5 per person.
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GUIDED WALKS and BIRDING TOURS
Sandbanks Provincial Park
General Information The workshops are designed to be of interest to birders and naturalists at all levels of experience. To register, print and complete the registration form below and mail to PEPtBO, PO Box 6043, Picton, ON, K0K 2T0, along with your payment, or contact Cheryl Anderson at 613-471-1096, or at cherylanderson23@sympatico.ca. Click here for detailed information about background information on each of the presenters and websites of interest.
Costs: Adults $25.00, Students $10.00, Children under 12 years Free.
All workshops will be held at Ducks' Dive Charters and Cottages. Click here for the link to the Duck's Dive's website and a directions to their place.
Workshop Schedule
Saturday May 12 2012
Saturday, May 12, 11 a.m . – 1:00 p.m. Visit Terry's website by clicking on the link:
Saturday, May 12, 2 - 4 p.m.
Saturday May 19 2012
Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. – noon
Saturday, May 19, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Visit the Kowa website by clicking on the link:
*As well Gary will have a display of Kowa optics set up at Prince Edward Point Observatory on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. – noon
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May 16, 7:00 p.m. Bloomfield Town Hall Hard Travellin’: The Role of Important Bird Areas in protecting key habitat through bird species ranges Coffee and Treats will be served during the social time as an introduction to PEPtBO’s “shade-grown”, bird-friendly coffee. Click here for more information about Ted Cheskey. Click here for a link to Ted's Blog on Nature Canada.
May 12 – 21, At Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory
Throughout the Festival there will be daily banding demonstrations and tours of the banding station. A hospitality tent, provided by the Stewardship Council, will be open for visitors to chat with other birders, post their sightings, and meet our dedicated PEPtBO volunteers. Light snacks and our own PEPtBO bird-friendly coffee* will be available, as well as PEPtBO merchandise. Public washrooms are located on site.
May 12 – 21, Photography Contest, Picton
During the Month of May, as part of the Prince Edward County Spring Birding Festival, the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory is sponsoring a Bird Photography Contest. Check out the PEPtBO display and Photography Contest in the front window of AV Frame and Photo, 279 Main Street, Picton. Click here for contest details.
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Geocaching Activity, May 12 – 21 
The PICTON merchants, listed below, have displayed somewhere on their premises, a photo of a bird. The contest objective is to visit each store, find the bird and match the bird to the corresponding business on the ballot form. Each business will have ballot forms located on their counter. When you have completed your ballot, drop it off with AV Frame and Photo, 279 Picton Main Street by May 31, 2012. Three winners will be chosen from the winning ballots and each shall receive a $50 gift certificate of their choice from one of the participating merchants.
To download and print a 'SPOT THE BIRD IN PICTON OFFICIAL BALLOT
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Worm-eating Warbler, Point Traverse Woods Photo© Mark Breaks.
2012 PEPtBO Annual General Meeting & Baillie Birdathon Wrap-up Dinner
Saturday May 26, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Picton Legion, 347 Main Street E, Picton.
Cost: $25 per person. To reserve please contact Cheryl Anderson cherylanderson23@sympatico.ca 613-471-1096.
Special Guest Speaker: Naturalist and Explorer Geoff Carpentier
Title of his talk: The Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula
For Directions to the Picton Legion click here.
Geoff Carpentier, an experienced Antarctic guide, will take us to three fabulous destinations – the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Geoff will bring some signed copies of his newly published book Antarctica – First Journey, a resource guide to Antarctic wildlife, weather, history, landing sites, safe travel and more. Come join Geoff as he takes you on a tour to the exotic Falklands Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Be part of his adventures with penguins, whales, seals and seabirds as he shares his intimate knowledge of this remote part of the world. Learn about the animals that survive in these exotic but harsh locales and why the Antarctic is like no other place on earth. Geoff’s interest in nature began at 13 years of age when he wandered through the woods and countryside near his Canadian home at Petawawa, learning about nature first hand. From the time he went to university to study wildlife to when he worked for Parks Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, he has dedicated his life to protecting and studying wild things – be they birds, mammals, insects or plants. After his retirement in 2006, Geoff headed off on a new career path, where he put his lifelong studies to work – he became an expedition and interpretive guide. He has led numerous trips to Antarctica, Svalbard, Russia and Alaska, Cuba and Borneo. Geoff is the author of the best-selling book Antarctica - First Journey and a previous book on mammals. He is widely published in nature magazines and newspapers. Specializing in both tropical and polar environs, he has travelled the world, visiting over 65 countries on all seven continents, where he has shared time with polar bears, Amazonian snakes and piranhas, observed the private lives of lions, avoided riots in Venezuela, hiked the Andes, camped with Pademelons, walked with penguins and canoed Ontario’s northern lakes.
Antarctic- First Journey will be for sale at the dinner. $5 from each sale will be donated to PEPtBO.
For more about Geoff and his services go to: www.avocetnatureservices.com
Photos© Allyson Parker.
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PEPtBO MEMBERSHIP 2012
Please Join With Us in 2012!
The Canadian Nature Federation and Bird Studies Canada designated Prince Edward Point as a Globally Important Birding Area (IBA) in 1998. Prince Edward Point Observatory is a small self sustaining operation which functions as a migration monitoring station at the Prince Edward Point Natural Wildlife Area during the spring and fall migration seasons. The observatory is a member of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN) which is comprised of more than 20 similar stations across Canada. We rely almost completely on the generous donations of our members, friends, volunteers and sponsors to fund our work on conservation, research and education related to birds and the environment. A membership is for the calendar year. Please help us by becoming a new member.
Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory Photos© Bruce Parker.
For previous members, PEPtBO is very appreciative of the support you have shown in the past. We would like to ask you to continue that support by renewing your membership for 2012 by completing the membership form and forwarding it with your cheque made out to PEPtBO to the address listed on the bottom of the form. If you are interested in volunteering at The Point or supporting our fundraising activities please indicate this on the form as well. We would appreciate a current email address as well as home address and phone number.
In addition, PEPtBO is developing education modules matched to the elementary and secondary curricula. This material will be used for school groups visiting the banding station or by volunteers going to the classrooms. If you can volunteer to help put together the materials or act as a host/presenter for school groups please contact Peter Fuller.
Grade 11/12 Ecology class from Bayside Secondary School in Belleville |
To become a new member or renew your membership please download and print the following form:
Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory Membership Form 2012
For further information email: peptbo@yahoo.ca.
PEPtBO Area News
Miller Family Nature Reserve
The forebears of the Miller family farmed their 466 acre property on Prince Edward County’s south shore for three generations. Two years ago, the remaining family members approached Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust in the hopes of finding a solution which would protect the environment and honour their family roots. The Miller family accepted the offer to purchase the property and to preserve it in perpetuity as the “Miller Family Nature Reserve” with no industrial wind or commercial development of any kind.
The property is ecologically significant and lies within the PEC South Shore Globally Significant Important Birding Area (IBA). Threatened species recorded in or near the IBA include King Rail, Henslow’s Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, Black Tern, and Least Bittern . The property is also in close proximity to Prince Edward Point, an International Monarch Butterfly Reserve. The whole south shore of Prince Edward County is a migrating route for bats, raptors, monarchs, and up to 263 species of birds. The project is being organized by the Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust. The Land Trust was founded in 1998 to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of our communities.
For more information about the project CLICK HERE.
Mailing Address for PEPtBO
Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory |