Area naturalists and bird watchers are in for a treat this weekend.
Join staff and volunteers at Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton this weekend as the park hosts its annual Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22.
This event celebrates the spring migration of the smaller birds, such as warblers, and the shorebirds, like the Whimbrel, that annually stop at Presqu’ile park on their way north. Presqu’ile’s location and its varied habitats make it a popular stopover for migrating birds. The birds rest and feed before moving north; so, this gives birders a great opportunity to see and appreciate a wide range of bird species.
Beverlie Cook, communications committee chair for the Friends of Presqu’ile Park, said the Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend was
cancelled the previous two years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is going full-steam ahead this year. The weekend attracts literally hundreds of birdwatchers.
“It’s an exciting time for the park and one they thoroughly enjoy sharing with the public,” said Cook, who notes the event had been going on for decades prior to the pandemic.
Birdwatching is an ongoing popular activity at the park, said Cook, with a birding report produced each week on the Friends’ website. That page is one of the most well-read and popular on the site.
“The birders like to share what they see and they want to see what other folks have to share,” she said.
The warblers, whimbrels and other birds flock to the park as there is plenty of water,
food and protection available to them, said Cook.
“Presqu’ile is an interesting location for them. It does provide shelter for the birds to rest at Presqu’ile Park and with our almost island there it does provide a location where there is plenty of food, plenty of protection, and, of course, the water is there,” said Cook. “There are various habitats in the park there that make it popular with different types of birds, so some of them like the whimbrels they will gather along the beach and that’s why there is a guided beach walk. And others, like the warblers, are more attracted to the forested area.”
Those new to birding, as well as experienced birders eager to expand their knowledge, can learn more from naturalist-led bird walks. There will also be volunteer naturalists around the Lighthouse
area to guide visitors.
The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with displays and volunteers on hand. Join the Friends of Presqu’ile for a fundraising barbecue lunch both days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early-morning coffee will also be available. A detailed schedule of events and demonstrations will be posted on social media and around the park.
Check the Calendar of Events on the Friends’ website for details.
The Friends of Presqu’ile Park is a charitable organization devoted to preserving and protecting the natural heritage of Presqu’ile Provincial Park. The Friends work to enhance the educational opportunities for park visitors, to provide volunteer assistance for park activities, and to provide funding for selected educational and environmental projects.
To learn more about how you can become involved, visit their website at friendsofpresquile.on.ca
