Thursday-Sunday: May 02-05
Leaders: Martin Parker and Kathy Parker
This special four-day outing to Pelee Island is timed for the beginning of spring migration for warblers and many other species into Ontario. The species mix will vary from day to day depending on the movement of birds during the previous night. Each morning, we will visit Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve to observe new arrivals. On previous trips to the island, participants have observed major flights of Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings and many spectacular warblers. During the balance of each day, other island birding areas will be explored. After contacting the leaders, registered participants will receive a package with detailed information on this weekend package. The trip cost is $670 per person based on double occupancy (a single supplement is available for $150 extra). The price includes three nights of accommodation at the Wandering Dog Inn, all meals on the island and the entrance fee to the Pelee Island Heritage Centre. Ferry fees are not included. Participants also need to book their ferry crossings. Registration is required with Martin and Kathy Parker at mparker19@cogeco.ca. Space is limited to 10 participants.
Important Note: Registration is a two-stage process. After registering with OFO online and receiving your confirmation, you MUST immediately contact the Parkers by email (see above in Trip Description) to confirm your booking. This step allows them to make the necessary arrangements for your accommodation on Pelee Island, and also to send out the information package for your stay, including how and when to book the ferry, which is your responsibility.
Type of trip: Spring migrants, photography. A scope is useful.
Location and Directions: During the time of this trip in May, the ferry to Pelee Island leaves from the Leamington Harbour at the end of Erie Street South.
Public Transportation: None.
Duration: Birding activities commence during your ferry crossing on Friday and continue upon arrival on the island. Full days of activities are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday, with more birding activities planned on Monday prior to your ferry departure. Rest stops and coffee/lunch breaks will occur throughout each day.
Approximate Distance: Distances depend on local birding info at time of the trip.
Accessibility: Mostly flat terrain. Trail surfaces include grass, dirt, sand, and a wooden boardwalk and limited walking on pavement. Good footwear recommended.
Washrooms: Limited to the Wandering Dog Inn and the island's ferry docks.
Land Acknowledgement: Ontario’s southwest is on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg/Anishnabek/Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Huron-Wendt/Huron-Wendat, Attawandaron (Neutral), Lenape, Ojibway/Chippewa and Wendat Indigenous Peoples. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties. The Caldwell band is present on Pelee Island.
About OFO Field Trips
OFO strives to create an inclusive, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. Trip leaders are volunteers who generously offer their time to share their knowledge and passion for birds with others. Most OFO trips are suitable for beginner birders. Please let the trip leaders know if you are new to birding when you arrive.
Code of Conduct and Code of Birding Ethics: Participants are expected to review OFO’s Code of Conduct and Code of Birding Ethics before the trip.
Cancellation Policy: Space is limited so please cancel your registration if you cannot attend. If you need to cancel your registration on an outing, please go to the Events Registration page at https://ofo25.wildapricot.org/events. If you are registered for an event, you will see "Already registered" on the left side of the brief outing summary. Click on this, and you will see a button you can click to CANCEL REGISTRATION.
Transportation: All participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the field trip. Public transit information, if available, is included in the trip description.
What to Bring: Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy, closed toe footwear. Bring ID and health card, water, a packed lunch for longer trips, and money for park entrance and ferry fees. Depending on the season, sunscreen, insect repellant and a topical insect bite treatment such as Afterbite or Benadryl are recommended.
Loaner Binoculars: Email fieldtrips@ofo.ca if you require loaner binoculars. We will do our best to provide a pair.
Leaving Early: Trip leaders understand that not everyone will be able to stay for the duration of the trip. If you must leave early, please inform the trip leaders before you go.
Rest Stops and Lunch Breaks: Trip leaders will include rest stops and lunch breaks but if you require additional rest stops, please inform the trip leaders, so they can accommodate your request.
Safety and First Aid: Trip leaders are volunteers. They are not trained in first aid and cannot provide medical help in the case of an accident or administer medication. When driving, please follow the rules of the road. Exercise caution when parking on the side of the road and getting out of your car.
Accessibility: OFO aims to provide accessible birding trips which are welcoming and enjoyable for all. If you have any questions about the trip, or require accommodations, please contact the trip leaders in advance by emailing fieldtrips@ofo.ca. Please allow a few days for a response.
If you have any questions or concerns, email fieldtrips@ofo.ca.
