Friends of Presqu'ile photo
If you’re looking to visit Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton for kiteboarding or windsurfing, you’ll have to wait until next month.
Park staff say the beach is closed to these activities from May 1 to June 10.
“This is in an effort to avoid disturbance to migrating shorebirds (that) use our beach to feed and rest during their journey north,” explains park staff. “Our beach is an important rest stop for over 10 species of migrating shorebirds from sandpipers and plovers to Dunlin and even the elusive whimbrel.
“Many of these birds are travelling thousands of kilometres to reach their nesting grounds and use our beach to rest and refuel before continuing their journey north.”
Residents and visitors looking to hit the beach for these activities will be permitted as of June 11. This is an annual practice.
In other park news, staff also note that during spring migration, a rare event known as a “fallout” can occasionally occur.
“This is where a large flock of hundreds of shorebirds descend on the beach exhausted and hungry. These events are unpredictable and could happen at any time during spring migration.”
If people see a large number of shorebirds on the beach at any time this spring, they’re being asked to let park staff know.
And later this month, the park will host its annual Warblers and Whimbrels weekend on May 16 and 17.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
