There’s so much to see in parks during winter!
Take a frosty walk on a trail while watching the snow gently fall, listening to the call of birds like the Pine Siskin!
Tag: bird
A tale of star cross’d plovers
In today’s post, Marina Opitz, Discovery leader at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, regales us with shorebird drama of Shakespearean proportions. Thanks to Neal Mutiger for photographing our leading avian actors.
First, let us set the scene for our dramatic tale.
Picture an empty beach, orange sunrise gleaming across the waves, when two solitary plovers lock eyes from across the wrack line. It is love at first sight.
However, if we have learned anything from the immortal Bard, it is that not all romantic tales have a happy ending. And so we start on our path to eventual heartbreak…
The annual birding battle for the golden binoculars
In today’s post, Learning & Education Specialist Rachelle Law recounts Team Ontario’s push to find as many birds as possible.
Every year, a team of expert birders from Ontario Parks prepare — binoculars in hand — to compete in a heated competition.
The goal: spot and record as many bird species as they can over one weekend, and win the coveted “golden” binoculars.
Continue reading The annual birding battle for the golden binoculars
March’s digital download
Chickadee-dee-dee!
No matter the season, this little bird is always there to sing you a tune.
This month’s FREE digital download was snapped at Rondeau Provincial Park.
Ollie and Oona’s new pad
Port Burwell Provincial Park is a hot spot for large raptors.
Two local Osprey (affectionately named Ollie and Oona) fish Big Otter Creek and the shores of Lake Erie, regularly bringing their “catch of the day” back to the park’s radio tower to settle in for some fine dining high above the park.
In February of 2019, local volunteer Cliff Dickinson approached the park about the feasibility of installing an Osprey nesting platform.
5 reasons to visit Rondeau this fall
You don’t need to leave southern Ontario to have a great fall experience. Rondeau Provincial Park — an oasis of nature nestled in between Windsor and London — has given visitors just that for over 125 years.
Ontario’s second oldest provincial park has it all: spectacular colours, vibrant wildlife, and activities for the whole family.
Here are five reasons why Rondeau Provincial Park is a must-see spot this fall:
IBAs of Ontario Parks: spring migration on Lake Erie
Welcome to the May installment “IBAs in provincial parks,” brought to you by Ontario IBA Coordinator Amanda Bichel of Bird Studies Canada.
Did you know Saturday (May 11, 2019) was International Migratory Bird Day! What a wonderful reason to highlight sites renowned for migrating songbirds!
In today’s post, we’re chatting about two of Ontario’s southern-most Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas:
- Pelee Island Natural Areas IBA (which includes Fish Point and Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserves)
- Long Point Peninsula and Marshes IBA (which includes Long Point Provincial Park)
Continue reading IBAs of Ontario Parks: spring migration on Lake Erie
May’s digital download
“Well, everybody knows that the bird is a word.” – The Trashmen
This month’s FREE digital download of a Chestnut-sided Warbler was snapped at Rondeau Provincial Park. Continue reading May’s digital download
IBAs of Ontario Parks: the Frontenac Forests IBA
Welcome to the September installment of “IBAs in provincial parks,” brought to you by Ontario IBA Coordinator Amanda Bichel of Bird Studies Canada.
Break out the champagne! We don’t often add new IBAs to the Canadian family of sites, so when we do, it’s a special occasion.
The all-new Frontenac Forests Important Bird and Biodiversity Area encompasses Frontenac Provincial Park and Queens University Biological Station (QUBS), and is designated for one of the most beautiful warblers around – the Cerulean Warbler.
Continue reading IBAs of Ontario Parks: the Frontenac Forests IBA
IBAs of Ontario Parks: Turkey Point and the Norfolk Forest Complex IBA
Welcome to the August installment of “IBAs in provincial parks,” brought to you by Ontario IBA Coordinator Amanda Bichel of Bird Studies Canada.
Summer is a perfect time to talk about Turkey Point Provincial Park and the Norfolk Forest Complex IBA!
These forests are known for supporting a rich breeding bird community, as well as an astounding array of other species.
Continue reading IBAs of Ontario Parks: Turkey Point and the Norfolk Forest Complex IBA