What's New

Festival of Birds 2005

Schedule of Events - May 1-31, 2005

Join the thousands of people who migrate to Point Pelee each May to experience the world famous bird migrations. Learn more about our amazing feathered friends by partaking in some of the numerous events offered through the Festival of Birds - a joint partnership between the Friends of Point Pelee and Point Pelee National Park of Canada and with the help of our corporate sponsors - Quest Nature Tours and Bushnell Performance Optics.

Advanced registration for birding hikes is recommended. Please call the Friends of Point Pelee at 519-326-6173, or e-mail fopp@mnsi.net.

For general park information, please call 519-322-2365 or e-mail pelee.info@pc.gc.ca.

BIRDING HIKES

Whether new to birding, new to the park or looking for others who share your passion, a birding hike is a great way to experience the migration phenomena first-hand. Our birding experts are on-hand to share their wealth of knowledge in a fun and relaxed setting. Hikes last 2 hours and move at a leisurely pace on relatively easy terrain.

• Hike space is limited with a maximum of 12 participants per hike
• Payment of $12.50 per person is required upon registration

Daily Hikes

• Hikes are available at 7:30am, 8:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm from April 30 - May 23 and at 8:30am from May 24-30
• Additional hikes will be offered through the generosity of Quest Nature Tours on weekends from May 7 to May 15, at 9:30 am
• Hikes will be offered in French at 8:30 am, from May 7-15
• Advanced registration is recommended as hikes fill quickly. On site registration is available at the Visitor Centre during the Festival and is subject to availability

Evening Hikes

• Join an expert for a 2-hour stroll along the DeLaurier trail ending with Woodcock displays!
• Wednesday through Saturday, May 4 to 21 at 6:45 pm.
• Pre-registration is required
• Vehicles must be parked in specified area at the DeLaurier parking lot.

Bushnell's "Quest" for Shorebirds - County Bus Tours

• Discover some of the nearby jewels on a 3-hour tour of the Point Pelee Birding Area in search of shorebirds, eagles and much more!
• Join 2 leaders generously provided by Quest Nature Tours on a bus generously provided by Bushnell Performance Optics
• All proceeds will be donated to Keep the Songs Alive fund raising campaign
• Saturday, May 7 & 14 at 9 am and 1 pm
• $25/person, maximum 22 participants

BIRDERS' BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

Join the Friends of Point Pelee on the south side of the Visitor Centre!
Early Bird Breakfast: Daily, April 30 to May 24, from 7 am to 11 am
BBQ Lunch: Daily, April 30 to May 24, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
(The Cattail Café, located at the Marsh Boardwalk, will also be open for your convenience)

EXTENDED SHUTTLE HOURS

For your convenience, the hours for the shuttle to the Tip have been extended again this year.

April 23 - 29     8 am to 7 pm
April 30 - May 23     6 am to 8 pm
May 24 - June 5     8 am to 7 pm

A BIRD'S EYE VIEW - Daily theatre shows

• Join our park staff to gain insights into hot issues facing the park, current research projects and Point Pelee's many unique natural features!
• 30 minute program, may include short hikes
• April 30 - May 23, at 3 pm in the Visitor Centre Theatre
• Topics vary daily

SPECIAL THEATRE PRESENTATIONS

Enjoy these special presentations in the Visitor Centre theatre offered by our guest speakers that cover different topics of interest. This year's series focuses on "Birding the Southern Coast of Canada". Free of charge.

May 7, at 3 pm

Hillman Marsh Shorebird Habitat with Dan Lebedyk, Essex Region Conservation Authority

May 10, at 3 pm

Raptor Migration at Holiday Beach Conservation Area with Holiday Beach Migration Observatory

May 12, at 3 pm

Birding St. Clair National Wildlife Area with John Haggeman, Canadian Wildlife Service

May 14, at 3 pm

Newfoundland and the Gulf Islands with Barry Griffiths of Quest Nature Tours

May 18, at 3 pm

Prothonotary Warblers at Rondeau Provincial Park with Sandy Dobbyn of Rondeau Provincial Park

KEEP THE SONGS ALIVE FUNDRAISING DINNER

You can help Keep the Song Alive, while enjoying a fun and entertaining evening. Our first annual fundraising dinner will be a casual affair - a perfect way to top off a great day of birding! Our guest speaker is author and naturalist Chris G. Earley, whose latest book, "Waterfowl of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America" will prove to be as popular as his previous titles. Chris will be delighting us with a talk on "Hawks and Owls" - not to be missed.

Date: Friday, May 13 at 5:30 pm
Please call 519-322-2365 ext 200 for more details or to purchase tickets

FESTIVAL PRODUCTS 2005

• Buy your limited edition festival products at the Nature Nook Book Store and help to Keep the Songs Alive!
• "Yellow-throated warbler" pin
• "Yellow-throated warbler" t-shirt
• Check out the Nature Nook Book Store for other exciting KTSA products.

Don't forget to buy your Keep the Songs Alive Sweepstakes tickets for a chance to win one of our fantastic prizes.

1. A ten day expedition cruise for two to view the wildlife and explore the landscapes of Newfoundland and the Gulf Islands with Quest Nature Tours.
2. A premium optics package by Bushnell Performance Optics.
3. An weekend for two at the Delta Grandview Resort in beautiful Muskoka.
4. One of three Parks Canada annual Discovery Passes.
5. One of five Point Pelee National Park annual passes.

Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25 and are available by calling the park
Permit #M255483