The songbirds are returning and bringing spring with them!
Catch a bird-banding demonstration, take in a nature photography workshop, or sign on for a bird-themed hike with our park naturalists.
If you love songbirds, you won’t want to miss the Ontario Parks spring birding festivals:
Festival of Flight — May 1-19, 2019
Come celebrate the spring songbird migration with a Birder’s Breakfast and Lunch, guided bird walks and a 24-hour “Big Day” Competition (May 4).
For more information or to register for guided bird walks, please call the Rondeau Visitor Centre at 519-674-1768 or check the full schedule.
Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend — May 18-19, 2019
View the elusive Whimbrel and the many colourful warblers as they migrate to their northern nesting grounds. Enjoy bird-finding walks at 6:30 am, 10:00 am, and 2:00 pm daily, bird-banding at 8:00 am until noon, a raffle and evening programs.
The Lighthouse Centre and Friends’ Gift Shop will be open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (don’t miss the Friends’ fundraising barbecue at 11:00 am!).
Migration Weekend — May 17-20, 2019
In the midst of spring migration, experience birds through the eyes of expert local birders and park naturalists. Join guided bird hikes, or witness bird banding in action at the Visitor Centre!
Consult the Activity Schedule for program details.
Huron Fringe Birding Festival — May 24-27 & May 30 – June 2
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Presented by the Friends of MacGregor Point Park and based in the park, this festival takes its name from the migration corridor along the Bruce Peninsula. This “Huron Fringe” along the Lake Huron coastline offers birders, naturalists and photographers unique opportunities to discover nature in the early spring. At the end of the migration period, birds are on nest, migrants are everywhere, insects abound and wildflowers are beginning to bloom.
Morning activities are filled with guided hikes concentrating not only on birds but wildflowers, butterflies and insects, in and outside the park. Afternoons feature additional hikes, workshops on bird identification and nature photography, plus other natural interests. Special events include a banquet with a special guest speaker. Evening highlights include illustrated programs featuring excellent presenters and night hikes.
If you have questions regarding the Festival or registration process please visit the Friends’ website, or contact our official registrar by email.
Other “feathery” events
Our parks are adding new events all the time, including:
- Early bird spring bird walk — Frontenac Provincial Park, May 5, 2019
- Annual Bird Count — Murphys Point Provincial Park, May 18, 2019
- Norm Chesterfield bird walk — Wheatley Provincial Park, May 15, 2019
- Dorion Birding Festival — Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, May 25-26, 2019
Check our Events Calendar for more birding adventures near you.