The 16th Annual Huron Fringe Birding Festival will be held May 24 to May 27 and May 30 to June 2, 2013.
Online registration for 2013 will be available February 1 to May 23, 2013 and again on May 28 & 29, 2013.
Be sure to register on-line in a timely manner as events can fill quickly.
The schedule of events for 2013 is shown below. Create an account in the registration module to view events and pricing.
The following events are FULL: A02 / A03 / A07 / A08 / A09 / A13 / A16 / A21 banquet / A22 / A24 / A25 / A35 / A37 and B01 / B02 / B06 / B08 / B14 / B15 / B17 / B19 / B33 / B34
Friday May 24, 2013
All Day
Visit some of the upper Peninsula’s best known birding spots, such as Dyer’s Bay, Cabot Head, the sparrow fields and Crane Lake. In this area, that is recognized as a major flyway, you will find alvar, shoreline, and wetlands. John will take you to the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory to watch the banding operation, Crane Lake and the nearby sparrow fields. The former Eastern Loggerhead Shrike captive breeding site and the Cabot Head Lighthouse are nearby.
This alvar has as its backdrop the limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment and is bounded on two sides by the rocky shores of Georgian Bay. Dominated by Poverty Oat Grass (Danthonia spicata) it gives the impression of being an old field. Tony and Jarmo will help you to identify the rare and unusual plants that make this alvar habitat their home as well as the grassland birds found in this seldom-visited area.
Species: Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink.
Morning
This road trip will check out the boundary of MacGregor Point Provincial Park. Various habitats (wetlands, cedar bush, hardwood forests, Lake Huron shoreline) will be explored. Participants will be stopping along the roads that border the boundary of the Park to view various species. Short hikes to the viewing tower at the Ducks Unlimited pond, the new bird blind and along the Old Shore Road at the park's south end may occur.
Species: Virginia Rail, Sora, Wood Duck, American Kestrel, Black-billed Cuckoo, Brown Creeper, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Golden-winged Warbler, Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanager.
Hike the Tower Trail and check the Ducks Unlimited pond from both the viewing tower and bird blind. Habitat is a mix of wetlands and hardwood forests.
Species: Black-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Veery, Warbling Vireo, Golden-winged Warbler, Canada Warbler.
One of the club members will lead a mystery walk within the park.
Afternoon
The Lake Ridge Trail takes us on the lake bed of former glacial Lake Algonquin where the water table is very close to the surface and tree and shrub species have to adapt to those site conditions. Further in, we will climb the shore line from Algonquin to the lake bed of former glacial Lake Nipissing. Here the tree and shrub species composition changes as the depth to water table is much greater. Participants will learn to use "keys" which enable species identification using leaf, needle and twig characteristics. We will talk about the effect of site on trees and, should it be a good flowering year, we can look at flower and seed production.
Flowers have different ways of “getting the job done”. Discover many of the diverse strategies plants employ to get pollinated.
This photography session will concentrate on the wildflowers found along the Old Shore Road Trail. During this outdoor session, various photographic techniques will be demonstrated and applied. The use of apertures, ISO, shutter speed and their effects will be discussed. Techniques for lessening the physical impact of wildflower photography will be stressed. You will be getting down to the flowers view point.
Evening
Sparrows can be a challenge. Use the “keep it simple” method to help identify a difficult group of birds.
Other
Coffee and pastries are available in the Visitor Centre.
The Southampton Rotary Club has available for purchase a variety of barbequed items and drinks.
Saturday May 25, 2013
All Day
Back roads, shoreline and trails provide the backdrop for this all day car tour. Judith enjoys travelling the back roads; after all, this is where birds "hang out". She will take you on a tour of some of her favourite roads in the former Saugeen Township. Short trail walks and vistas over both Lake Huron and the Saugeen River will make this day complete.
The festival committee thanks Alfred Raab who will be leading this hike for Judith.
Species: Bald Eagle, Upland Sandpiper, Eastern Bluebird, Field Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink.
Inverhuron is a Cultural Heritage Class provincial park. It protects elements of Ontario's cultural past in a rather unique natural environment. During this birding hike, you will travel some of the seldom used trails in the park. You will also enjoy views of ancient dunes, spawning trout and a historic cemetery. The park is on the Huron Fringe. Both migrating and resident birds are possible.
Species: Merlin, Red-headed Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Mourning Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting.
The Saugeen River is the backdrop for walkways through the Saugeen First Nations Amphitheatre and Gardens. Joy will also visit the Southampton Pioneer Cemetery and Denny’s Dam on the far shore.
Species: Spotted Sandpiper, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Chimney Swift, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Gray Catbird, Nashville Warbler, American Redstart, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager.
Morning
The varied habitats in MacGregor Point Provincial Park provide the backdrop for the dawn chorus and this hike by a favourite leader. Mark will challenge and entertain you as you hike the Huron Fringe Trail looking and listening for warblers and other songbirds. Then we will drive to the Ducks Unlimited wetland to see and hear waterfowl, bitterns, herons and egrets. A walk on the concession road adjacent to the wetland usually results in views of Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings and more warblers. Mark has a keen ear and identifies birds by song, habitat and sight.
Read more about this presentation on our blog: http://huronfringefest.wordpress.com
Species: Virginia Rail, Sora, Blue-winged Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Mourning Warbler, Canada Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Scarlet Tanager
This tour encompasses a variety of habitats but concentrates on sparrows and grassland birds. The J / I Line parallels the former Glacial Lake Algonquin bluff. It provides ideal conditions for the possibility of seeing Upland Sandpiper, Bobolink and Grasshopper Sparrow.
Species: Northern Harrier, Black-billed Cuckoo, Upland Sandpiper, Wilson's Snipe, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink.
Pitcher Plant Marl and the Day Use Beach area north of the Visitor Centre provide many opportunities to bird the shoreline, wetlands, hardwood and coniferous forests.
Species: Mute Swan, Killdeer, Caspian Tern, American Crow, Great Crested Flycatcher, Veery, Red-eyed Vireo, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Baltimore Oriole
Afternoon
Ever wonder how a scientist studies the ecology of our lakes and wetlands? Then join Deb and Scott as they take a limnological look at the Ducks Unlimited wetland. Participants will have an opportunity to practice methods used to test water quality, catch fish and evaluate invertebrate populations.
Though often maligned, many weeds also have their “good side”. Learn how weeds have been used for food and medicine or how they have inspired inventions.
Water is the underlying foundation of any ecosystem. Its quality and quantity affects the health of all communities on earth. Join Adrienne on a hike through nearby river restoration projects where the interface of man, water and nature will be explored.
Participants will learn about techniques and equipment as they try their luck photographing subjects in their natural environment at the Ducks Unlimited pond. John will also provide a more controlled environment back at the Visitor Centre.
There are many iconic sounds in nature. Discover, identify and enjoy the magic with Kerry as he explores the sounds of nature through startling audio and amazing videos of mammals, birds, insects and amphibians that will have you listening with renewed interest.
Read more about this presentation on our blog: http://huronfringefest.wordpress.com
Evening
Peter will share reminiscences of the humorous and sometimes bizarre life of an ecotourism guide in remote and wonderful places around the globe. The questions asked never fail to intrigue him!
Read more about this presentation on our blog: http://huronfringefest.wordpress.com
Held at St. Joseph's Parish Hall in Port Elgin, chicken buffet - Harrigan's Catering.
Other
Coffee and pastries are available in the Visitor Centre.
Join our on-site bird bander Brendan Toews as he captures and bands festival birds.
Banding
helps researchers understand dispersal and migration patterns, behaviour and
social structure, lifespan and survival rate, reproductive success and
population growth.
Banding is a skilled process that requires extreme patience, dexterity,
gentleness and organizational and problem-solving abilities. Observing
experienced banders is an impressive sight. They can hold a bird in one hand
while using the other to maneuver a tiny metal circular band onto a pair of
banding pliers, open it up, get it into the proper opening in the nose of the
pliers and attach it to the bird's leg - all in a matter of seconds. The pliers
are fashioned so that it's impossible to squeeze the bird's leg. The birds must be captured, banded, measured, weighed and released
in a timely manner so as to minimize trauma. Integrity plays an important role
in banding. Banders follow a strict code of ethics that spells out their
responsibilities to minimize stress, injury and death of captured birds.
After extraction the bird is put into a breathable opaque cloth bag used for
transporting birds from the netting sites to the banding station. There is one
bird per bag, and when birds are waiting to be banded, the bags are always hung
up on a peg and never placed on the ground. As soon as the bird is banded and
the data recorded, the bird is released.
Banders must keep meticulous records. The age and sex of the bird, as
determined by the bander through measurement of the wing chord and observation
of plumage, is recorded. The species is recorded, along with the weight and
estimated fat content. The latter is a sign of migration readiness and overall
health. The number and size of the band used, the bander's initials and the
number of retraps. Sanitation standards are strictly adhered
to in an effort to prevent disease transmission among either birds or humans.
This data is compiled with the day's total captures, the open and close time of
the station, wind and weather conditions, volunteer hours, the number of
visitors, the number of hours each mist net was used, the number and species of
birds caught in each net, and the number of birds observed around the park
through sight and sound.
For the safety of the birds, bird banding is weather dependent.
Read more about Brendan on our blog: http://huronfringefest.wordpress.com
During the lunch break Eagle Optics will have binoculars and telescopes for purchase.
The Southampton Rotary Club has available for purchase a variety of barbequed items and drinks.
Sunday May 26, 2013
All Day
Flowerpot Island is a jewel in the National Park System. We will arrive on the island via a 15 minute open jet boat trip. On the island, Scott will lead us around the trails highlighting the geology and the flora and fauna of this unique place. Home to a variety of warblers and other songbirds, larger species such as Bald Eagle and Common Raven may also be found. Orchids are among the many plant species found within this unique ecosystem. In the event that high winds prevent the boat from running, Scott will lead us through interesting areas of Bruce Peninsula National Park on the mainland.
Species: Bald Eagle, Common Raven, American Redstart, Black-throated Green Warbler, Veery, Swainson's Thrush, Winter Wren, Ovenbird
The Cabot Head Provincial Nature Reserve is located at the end of the road, literally. It is located within one of the most intact natural landscapes south of the Canadian Shield. Within the park's land base, can be found the towering cliffs of the globally significant Niagara Escarpment, limestone shores of Georgian Bay and habitat for such migratory birds as Cooper's Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, rare plant species and mammals such as Black Bear and Fisher.
Access to this provincial park is limited. We are offering a special opportunity to explore this unique section of the Bruce Peninsula. Features include alvar habitat and Lakeside Daisy. A visit to the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory will be included.
Morning
Warblers are the stars of this event. We will drive to the Ducks Unlimited wetland to see and hear warblers and other songbirds. Possible additional sightings include egrets, bitterns and herons. We then hike the concession road adjacent to the wetland, searching for Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings and more warblers. Mark will identify many birds by song as well as visually.
Read more about this presentation on our blog: http://huronfringefest.wordpress.com
Species: Blue-winged Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black and White Warbler, American Redstart, Mourning Warbler, Canada Warbler
The Ducks Unlimited wetland is a former beaver pond which was inadvertently drained over 25 years ago and rehabilitated by Ducks Unlimited Canada in the mid-1980s. Today, this area is a mix of cedar and wetland forests. This hike has been a tradition since before the beginning of the Huron Fringe Birding Festival. While not a true ‘early’ hike compared to others now offered in the festival, it continues as an event geared for a wide level of birders who simply want to enjoy the MacGregor Point landscape and the magnificent sights and sounds of a morning walk along the Tower Trail to the Viewing Tower. Past experience on this hike right here in our own ‘backyard’ has resulted in a species list that will rival many other events. Can we do it again?
This event will use Judith’s extensive knowledge and experience to introduce song as a means of bird identification. The participants will learn by using the common birds of MacGregor Point, electric playback devices, mnemonics and work phrases to describe trills, buzzes, chirps and song.
The festival committee thanks Joy Albrecht who will be leading this hike for Judith.
Join John for a visit to the bird blind, the Ducks Unlimited pond and the nearby lake shore. He will discuss equipment and techniques for bird photography.
Species: Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Blue Jay, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, gulls
Afternoon
Follow Doug along a variety of the extensive biking trails in the Park. We will visit many overlooked areas of the Park to investigate the landscape features and the geomorphic forces that created them. See how these have influenced the local flora and fauna and the resulting use by Native populations and European settlers of the Park and vicinity. We will also look at any birds we see along the way. Bring your own bike or check with the Park store for rental availability.
Search for these amazing insects near the Ducks Unlimited pond. Learn about what sets them apart from the rest of the insect world. If you have nets and binoculars, bring them along! Some are available on loan from the Visitor Centre.
Take the road traveled by birders as they pass through the stages of beginner, intermediate and advanced and the skills they need to pick up on the way. From optics, field guides, the order of birds, simple birds to very complex ones and the strategies needed for their identification. This session will cover all of the tools that are available to the birder including voice, habitat, time of year, shape and structure and apply them to easy and difficult to identify species. Topics that are covered include resources available, the use of Latin names, how to advance your birding skills and birding etiquette.
Discover the intriguing meanings of wildflower names, both common and scientific. These names often allude to physical features, human attitudes, past or present uses, honoured individuals, or mythological beings. Whether native or introduced, valued or merely a "weed," the names of wildflowers have a story (or two) to tell. We will do our exploring along part of the Tower Trail.
Evening
While the majority of Ontario's wild plants are benign, there are a small number best to avoid. The dangers of some have been known since ancient times, while others are more recent threats. From stings and blisters, to cuts and comas, we will discuss some of the plants to stay clear of and what might happen if you don't. Along the way we will discuss historical figures ranging from Socrates to Abraham Lincoln's mother, as well as examine the questionable merits of various folk remedies, such as ingesting poison ivy leaves to help build immunity.
Other
Coffee and pastries are available in the Visitor Centre.
Join our on-site bird bander Brendan Toews as he captures and bands festival birds.
Banding
helps researchers understand dispersal and migration patterns, behaviour and
social structure, lifespan and survival rate, reproductive success and
population growth.
Banding is a skilled process that requires extreme patience, dexterity,
gentleness and organizational and problem-solving abilities. Observing
experienced banders is an impressive sight. They can hold a bird in one hand
while using the other to maneuver a tiny metal circular band onto a pair of
banding pliers, open it up, get it into the proper opening in the nose of the
pliers and attach it to the bird's leg - all in a matter of seconds. The pliers
are fashioned so that it's impossible to squeeze the bird's leg. The birds must be captured, banded, measured, weighed and released
in a timely manner so as to minimize trauma. Integrity plays an important role
in banding. Banders follow a strict code of ethics that spells out their
responsibilities to minimize stress, injury and death of captured birds.
After extraction the bird is put into a breathable opaque cloth bag used for
transporting birds from the netting sites to the banding station. There is one
bird per bag, and when birds are waiting to be banded, the bags are always hung
up on a peg and never placed on the ground. As soon as the bird is banded and
the data recorded, the bird is released.
Banders must keep meticulous records. The age and sex of the bird, as
determined by the bander through measurement of the wing chord and observation
of plumage, is recorded. The species is recorded, along with the weight and
estimated fat content. The latter is a sign of migration readiness and overall
health. The number and size of the band used, the bander's initials and the
number of retraps. Sanitation standards are strictly adhered
to in an effort to prevent disease transmission among either birds or humans.
This data is compiled with the day's total captures, the open and close time of
the station, wind and weather conditions, volunteer hours, the number of
visitors, the number of hours each mist net was used, the number and species of
birds caught in each net, and the number of birds observed around the park
through sight and sound.
For the safety of the birds, bird banding is weather dependent.
Read more about Brendan on our blog: http://huronfringefest.wordpress.com
The Southampton Rotary Club has available for purchase a variety of barbequed items and drinks.
Monday May 27, 2013
All Day
Visit a variety of habitats within the Cape Croker Peninsula and Malcolm Bluff Shores Nature Reserve. The cliffs above the Colpoy’s Bay shoreline provide spectacular vistas.
This day long excursion will explore three different types of caves found on the lower Bruce Peninsula: crevice, wave-cut and limestone solution. Each was formed by different physical processes with very different results.
Morning
The southern boundary of the park is a popular location for many warbler and sparrow species. The varied habitats of former apple orchards, hedge rows and wet woodlands along the Bruce-Saugeen townline road provide excellent viewing opportunities. James will include them, as well as the viewing tower and bird blind in this event.
Walk south from the Visitor Centre to Merganser Cove through coniferous forests and wetlands.
Afternoon
The Huron Fringe is a physiographic unit between the former glacial Lake Algonquin shoreline and the present day Lake Huron shoreline. Many unique shoreline plants are found in MacGregor Point. Former cobble beach ridges, swales and ancient miniature dunes each provide their own combination of plants. Joan has authored a guide to wildflowers in Grey and Bruce counties. She will help you identify spring wildflowers.
Species: Dwarf Lake Iris
This talk brings together archaeology and human paleontology. It will show what bird encounters with humans 600 years ago in New Zealand, 35,000 years ago in Germany and pre-humans three million years ago in South Africa, tell us about ourselves.
Evening
Join Stew and Doug as they recount an expedition to Tobago, an island in the Southern Caribbean. This informative presentation will focus on the geography, people and wildlife of this unique land.
Read more about this presentation on our blog: http://huronfringefest.wordpress.com
Other
Coffee and pastries are available in the Visitor Centre.
The Southampton Rotary Club has available for purchase a variety of barbequed items and drinks.
Tuesday May 28, 2013
Other
The Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory is providing Huron Fringe Birding Festival participants the opportunity to drop in to observe banding at the banding station from dawn to 11 am only. Please park outside the gate and walk the 1.2 km to the station. Directions to the banding station can be found at www.bpbp.ca. For those visiting, a donation to support migration monitoring will be appreciated.
The HMS General Hunter / War of 1812 exhibit is being featured at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre in Southampton for those participants who remain in the area between festival weekends. This exhibit commemorates the 200th anniversary of the war between the United States and Britain. Today, the shipwreck of the General Hunter lies buried on the Southampton beach not far from the museum. The museum exhibit includes a near-full scale model of the General Hunter's deck, complete with simulated cannon firings.
Wednesday May 29, 2013
Other
The HMS General Hunter / War of 1812 exhibit is being featured at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre in Southampton for those participants who remain in the area between festival weekends. This exhibit commemorates the 200th anniversary of the war between the United States and Britain. Today, the shipwreck of the General Hunter lies buried on the Southampton beach not far from the museum. The museum exhibit includes a near full-scale model of the General Hunter's deck, complete with simulated cannon firings.
Thursday May 30, 2013
All Day
This photographic expedition to the northern Bruce Peninsula has two themes: landscapes and wildflowers. Where Georgian Bay meets the Niagara Escarpment, the Niagara Escarpment provides a landscape rich with dramatic photographic opportunities. Also the Bruce Peninsula is home to a number of provincially significant plants ranging from Alvar species to orchids. For each theme various ideas for composition, exposure and lighting will be discussed.
Car-pooling is esential for this excursion as parking is limited in some spots. The Grey / Bruce area contains 50 species of ferns which represent 2/3 of the ferns found in Ontario. On this outing Peter will guide us through some of the premiere spots of this area. Centred in the Owen Sound area, our major stops will be Black's Park and Inglis Falls. These destinations are located on the Niagara Escarpment. Lunch will be at an outdoor pavillion in Harrison Park.
Morning
Get your binoculars ready! The townline road provides ideal habitat for a variety of warbler species, the Tower Trail is a favoured spot for flycatchers and you have Judith for a guide.
The festival committee thanks James Turland for leading this hike for Judith.
Species: Blue-winged Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Canada Warbler, Least Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher
Minerva will take you past Pitcher Plant Marl to the Day Use area north of the Visitor Centre to explore plant and bird diversity.
Afternoon
We will walk around Turtle Pond to identify some tree and shrub species which are well adapted to wetland conditions. Then we'll progress to the Algonquin campsite area to find tree species adapted to slightly drier sites. Participants will learn to use "keys" which enable species identification using leaf, needle and twig characteristics. Should it be a good flowering year, we can look at flower and seed production.
Travel through diverse habitats- woodland, meadow and shoreline in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre.
Evening
We can help wildlife populations, especially some of the smaller mammals, herptiles, insects such as butterlies, birds and especially hummingbirds by planting and designing your backyard to attract these creatures. Use a landscape approach to create a mini eco-system (prairie garden or woodlot edge) in your property to attract animals to your garden. Learn about non-vegetative ways to attract wildlife to your garden, such as feeders, toad abodes and bat houses.
Other
Coffee and pastries are available in the Visitor Centre.
a variety of barbequed items and drinks will be available for purchase
Friday May 31, 2013
All Day
Located between Colpoy's and Sydney bays, Cape Croker peninsula provides old field, alvar and forested habitats. Nearby is Malcolm Bluff Shores Nature Reserve. Over 1000 hectares have been recently acquired in the area of Malcolm Bluff Shores for protection purposes by Ontario Nature and the Bruce Trail Conservancy. From the cliffs which are over 110 metres above the shoreline at Colpoy's Bay, you can experience spectacular vistas. We will be birding varied habitats.
Many of us rush as we take photographs; but unlike many other hobbies, people who are more experienced will actually take more time to consider their photographic results. In this step by step, easy to understand workshop, participants will learn and practice techniques professionals use! Discover the magic of light while taking dynamic scenic, wildlife and close up photography.
Morning
If you are an experienced birder and wish to improve your skills related to birding by ear, Michael is the ideal person to go out with. He will help you filter the songs and calls of a variety of birds along the Tower Trail. Learn mnemonic tricks that will help you as you identify birds by their song.
Species: Orioles, Woodpeckers, Warblers, Flycatchers, Waterfowl
This road trip will explore various habitats bordering the south-end of the park.
Enjoy a casual morning stroll traveling south along the Old Shore Road Trail in search of spring birds and wildflowers. The Old Shore Road Trail follows an original mail road along the shore of Lake Huron which ran from Kincardine to Southampton. Today, in MacGregor Point Provincial Park it serves as a favourite route for campers and day-users alike.
Afternoon
Legends and superstitions about plants were once necessary for survival. Today, we are fascinated by these stories that are attached to many common, and not so common, plants found at MacGregor Point. Heather’s walk will introduce you to some plants’ stories.
The Huron Fringe is a physiographic unit between the former glacial Lake Algonquin shoreline and the present day Lake Huron shoreline. Within its boundaries are many unique shoreline plants. Former cobble beach ridges, swales and ancient miniature dunes each provide their own combination of plants. Joan has authored a guide to wildflowers in Grey and Bruce counties. She will help you identify spring wildflowers.
Species: Dwarf Lake Iris
Not everything with wings at MacGregor Point is a bird! Many and varied dragonflies are also evident in the park. Meadowhawks and skimmers are some of the usual inhabitants of the wetlands in the park. But don't forget, odonates are also found along the shoreline and in old fields. Field study is the best way to learn their identification. Don't let it stop you if you don't have your own net.
Evening
Some warbler species are found only in the “banana belt” of Ontario, others spend their summers in Grey/Bruce and still others migrate through our area to nest in northern Ontario. Join Dave as he educates and entertains.
Other
Coffee and pastries are available in the Visitor Centre.
a variety of barbequed items and drinks will be available for purchase
Saturday June 1, 2013
All Day
Michael is well known for his abilities to find birds; no matter what the habitat is! If you are ready for a day of birding you will find this a fun and informative excursion full of new experiences.
This trip will include some familiar locations along the Bury Road. Michael also plans to stop into Black Creek Provincial Park and the 1100-acre Gauley Bay property now owned by Ontario Parks and managed as a nature reserve. This property is ideal for species that prefer wetland and alvar habitats and is home to the globally rare Hill's Thistle.
A picnic lunch will be provided at the Harvest Moon Organic Bakery and Sculpture Gardens.
Crevice caves, Hart’s Tongue Fern and Barred Owls are all found within this Nature Reserve Class Provincial Park. Located near the Military Training Centre we will take a former roadway and a sidetrail of the Bruce Trail as we travel through part of the park. Bayview Escarpment is 440 hectares in size and is one of Mark's favourite spots for observing wildlife. Birding at Coffin Ridge Winery and Vineyards, which will include a vintage platter and wine tasting, sometime in the early afternoon, will be a refreshing way to end the day.
Read more about this presentation on our blog: http://huronfringefest.wordpress.com
Morning
The Greenock Swamp is southern Ontario's single largest forested wetland at approximately 8,094 hectares (20,000 acres). The diversity of breeding birds approaches that of the Huron Fringe. Most of the walk will take place on roads and trails but rubber boots are highly recommended, just in case.
Species: Pileated Woodpecker, owls, hawks.
Enjoy a walk through the forest while stopping to listen to stories, legends and myths from around the world about the wonderful world of trees which surround us.
Bill will take you past Pitcher Plant Marl and to the Day Use area north of the Visitor Centre to explore plant and bird diversity.
They may be small or sometimes even miniscule, but according to Kerry frogs and toads offer up some big photographic opportunities. Learn where to find these elusive photo subjects, along with tried and true techniques that will help you capture amazing images.
Read more about this presentation on our blog: http://huronfringefest.wordpress.com
Afternoon
Richard will highlight the beauty and diversity of the feather and how it has fascinated man. He will discuss the feather’s fit, form and function and how you can identify a bird by the feather it leaves behind.
“Sedges have edges, rushes are round, and grasses are hollow right up from the ground.” Sedges are an important species in the forest understory but their field identification can be challenging. Learn how to tell them apart.
Learn the basics of using a GPS unit and how GPS technology works; then use your new knowledge to find hidden caches in a fun nature trivia scavenger hunt.
GPS units will be available for sign out at the Registration Tent.
Spring butterflies are often small and move about quickly. There have been up to 20 butterflies seen in MacGregor Point during the festival. Glenn will help you identify them and the plants they are associated with.
Species: Spring Azure, Mourning Cloak
Evening
Harrigan’s Catering, Southampton.
Have your eyes opened to the amazing and mysterious world of moths. Andalynne will introduce you to the “moth world”. You will become familiar with some of Ontario’s most commonly encountered moth species.
The ES Fox Astronomy Centre is located at the Institure for Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies (I.O.E.E.S.) near Wiarton. Opened in September 2011, this observatory is a collaborative effort of the Bluewater Astronomy Society, the Bluewater Education Foundation and I.O.E.E.S. The observatory features a roll-back roof and drop-down wall which protect the Newtonian reflector telescope during the day and reveal the heavens at night. This site is one of the last truly dark sky locations in Ontario. Here you will have views of the moon, planets, star clusters, galaxies and nebulae.
Other
Coffee and pastries are available in the Visitor Centre.
Join our on-site bird bander Brendan Toews as he captures and bands festival birds.
Banding
helps researchers understand dispersal and migration patterns, behaviour and
social structure, lifespan and survival rate, reproductive success and
population growth.
Banding is a skilled process that requires extreme patience, dexterity,
gentleness and organizational and problem-solving abilities. Observing
experienced banders is an impressive sight. They can hold a bird in one hand
while using the other to maneuver a tiny metal circular band onto a pair of
banding pliers, open it up, get it into the proper opening in the nose of the
pliers and attach it to the bird's leg - all in a matter of seconds. The pliers
are fashioned so that it's impossible to squeeze the bird's leg. The birds must be captured, banded, measured, weighed and released
in a timely manner so as to minimize trauma. Integrity plays an important role
in banding. Banders follow a strict code of ethics that spells out their
responsibilities to minimize stress, injury and death of captured birds.
After extraction the bird is put into a breathable opaque cloth bag used for
transporting birds from the netting sites to the banding station. There is one
bird per bag, and when birds are waiting to be banded, the bags are always hung
up on a peg and never placed on the ground. As soon as the bird is banded and
the data recorded, the bird is released.
Banders must keep meticulous records. The age and sex of the bird, as
determined by the bander through measurement of the wing chord and observation
of plumage, is recorded. The species is recorded, along with the weight and
estimated fat content. The latter is a sign of migration readiness and overall
health. The number and size of the band used, the bander's initials and the
number of retraps. Sanitation standards are strictly adhered
to in an effort to prevent disease transmission among either birds or humans.
This data is compiled with the day's total captures, the open and close time of
the station, wind and weather conditions, volunteer hours, the number of
visitors, the number of hours each mist net was used, the number and species of
birds caught in each net, and the number of birds observed around the park
through sight and sound.
For the safety of the birds, bird banding is weather dependent.
Read more about Brendan on our blog: http://huronfringefest.wordpress.com
During the lunch break Eagle Optics will have binoculars and telescopes for purchase.
a variety of barbequed items and drinks will be available for purschase
Sunday June 2, 2013
All Day
Look for a variety of birds while visiting Sauble Beach, Boat and Isaac Lakes, Ferndale flats and Black Creek Provincial Park.
Enjoy a birding adventure looking for spring migrants along the side roads of southern Bruce County.
Morning
Remember gravel runs? This one is a road trip looking for birds! Brett will take you on a tour of some back roads in Saugeen Shores looking for elusive nesting grassland birds; and others that you see along the way. Be prepared for some walking on this trip.
It is toward the end of spring migration and Michael has the skill to find and help you identify late spring migrants. You will visit various select spots in MacGregor Point looking for both breeding birds and late migrants.
Species: Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Gray-cheeked Thrush,Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Black-billed Cuckoo
Afternoon
Enjoy a relaxed walk in MacGregor Point looking for bird nests. Mark will share his techniques for finding and identifying nests and explain how to record nesting information for the Ontario Nest Records Scheme.
Species: Ovenbird, American Redstart, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Eastern Phoebe, American Robin
Join Sarah for a walk through a sand dune complex formed as the post-glacial Lake Nipissing waters receded to the current Lake Huron levels. An extensive maple forest has regenerated on this landscape providing a unique Huron Fringe habitat not represented within MacGregor Point Provincial Park. The recently completed Woodland Trail traverses this landscape located north of the park between Concession 10 and the southerly limits of Southampton. Some residential intrusion has occurred into the area but extensive wilderness-like areas remain, showing a stark contrast between the disturbed and undisturbed.
Brett has some favourite areas for plants in and around the park. Here’s your chance to learn about and appreciate some of MacGregor Point’s varied plants and wildflowers. Both Latin and common names will be shared as well as habitat preferences.
Evening
The Lake Huron shoreline offers some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. What a wonderful way to enjoy a sunset with friends.
Other
Join our on-site bird bander Brendan Toews as he captures and bands festival birds.
Banding
helps researchers understand dispersal and migration patterns, behaviour and
social structure, lifespan and survival rate, reproductive success and
population growth.
Banding is a skilled process that requires extreme patience, dexterity,
gentleness and organizational and problem-solving abilities. Observing
experienced banders is an impressive sight. They can hold a bird in one hand
while using the other to maneuver a tiny metal circular band onto a pair of
banding pliers, open it up, get it into the proper opening in the nose of the
pliers and attach it to the bird's leg - all in a matter of seconds. The pliers
are fashioned so that it's impossible to squeeze the bird's leg. The birds must be captured, banded, measured, weighed and released
in a timely manner so as to minimize trauma. Integrity plays an important role
in banding. Banders follow a strict code of ethics that spells out their
responsibilities to minimize stress, injury and death of captured birds.
After extraction the bird is put into a breathable opaque cloth bag used for
transporting birds from the netting sites to the banding station. There is one
bird per bag, and when birds are waiting to be banded, the bags are always hung
up on a peg and never placed on the ground. As soon as the bird is banded and
the data recorded, the bird is released.
Banders must keep meticulous records. The age and sex of the bird, as
determined by the bander through measurement of the wing chord and observation
of plumage, is recorded. The species is recorded, along with the weight and
estimated fat content. The latter is a sign of migration readiness and overall
health. The number and size of the band used, the bander's initials and the
number of retraps. Sanitation standards are strictly adhered
to in an effort to prevent disease transmission among either birds or humans.
This data is compiled with the day's total captures, the open and close time of
the station, wind and weather conditions, volunteer hours, the number of
visitors, the number of hours each mist net was used, the number and species of
birds caught in each net, and the number of birds observed around the park
through sight and sound.
For the safety of the birds, bird banding is weather dependent.
Read more about Brendan on our blog: http://huronfringefest.wordpress.com
Coffee and pastries are available in the Visitor Centre.
a variety of barbequed items and drinks will be available for purchase