A migration spectacle
Birders from all over the province visit Presqu’ile park each year for Waterfowl Weekend
BRIGHTON — The 42nd annual Presqu’ile Waterfowl Weekend is fast approaching.
The two-day event, which on average draws about 1,000 visitors a day, will run March 17 and March 18 this year.
And this year’s migration spectacle once again promises visitors a unique experience.
“Our winter this year has seen a lot of fluctuation, days of freezing rain and ice, several feet of snow, but also warm spells and downpours,” said Laura McClintock. (McClintock is filling in for David Bree, the park’s senior natural heritage education leader, while he’s working on another project.)
In other words, park staff and visitors will just have to wait and see where the ice ends up in mid-March, before any predictions can be made about this year’s waterfowl event.
The weekend could feature several ducks clustered together or they could be more spread out, like in previous years when the weather was a bit more erratic, explains McClintock.
Either way, it’s never a bad day to visit Presqu’ile and there’s always something to see, say park staff.
A dedicated crew of volunteers will once again come together for the two-day event. And volunteer spotters, with their expertise and spotting scopes, will ensure visitors get the most of their time and the chance to marvel at the migration magic.
Put on by the park and the Friends of Presqu’ile Park, with access to spotting scopes and volunteers’ help to find and identify the various species of waterfowl, the event has evolved into a timehonoured tradition for many who return year after year.
In 2017, people came from Quebec and Ottawa, and volunteers even travelled from as far as Courtice and Wolfe Island to lend a hand.
For some, it’s been a 10 or 20-year tradition to participate or volunteer for the event, but the viewing weekend can also be an exciting experience for newcomers and it’s not just for avid birdwatchers.
Absolutely everyone is invited to share in the event and it makes for a great outing for families or individuals, and for anyone who appreciates nature, says park staff.
Visitors for the weekend could see any of the 25 species of waterfowl usually present in the park this time of year, but maybe other birds as well.
There will likely be many birds present that are not normally at Presqu’ile until later in the season, said McClintock.
Last year, the fickle winter weather similarly made for a somewhat unique viewing experience. A harrier-type hawk, red-winged blackbirds and grackles were seen, all the while, a snowy owl was still hanging about on the beach.
Volunteers will be on hand to help visitors on both days, starting at 10 a.m. and until 4 p.m. A number of activities, displays and other events are also planned for the weekend, which will add to the big spring migration-viewing spectacle.
The Nature Centre will have activities and crafts for kids, duck displays and a taxidermy display.
Several artists will also showcase their work, bird photography and other pieces inspired by nature, and some will demonstrate their crafts live. (Artists will be at the nature and lighthouse centres).
The Friends Gift Shop will be open with new stock for the weekend. Residents may also want to get in on this year’s raffle, which Bushnell has donated a spotting cope, tripod and binoculars for. Tickets will be sold during the event (and before) and until the May long weekend.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the group will also host their traditional fundraising barbecue.
The only cost involved for the event is a $10 entrance fee, though seasonal and annual park passes are honoured for entry as well. Proceeds from the weekend help the group with its projects in the park.
For more information, email david.bree@ontario.ca, or call 613475-4324 ext. 225.