Sunday-Wednesday: May 3 - May 6 2026 : Trip #2
Leaders: Martin Parker and Brian Wales
Spring Birding on Pelee Island - Two four day trips
Pelee Island is the southern inhabited island in the province and county. At dawn it is landing area from overnight migrants who were island hopping over Lake Erie on their way to the northern forest. It also visited by birds which during the night have migrated too far north. Each dawn on the island in May brings a new day with a host of new migrants. Reverse migration southward from the south tip of the island can be a dramatic sight as flock after flock of birds are returning south.
This year OFO is offering two spring four day trips to the island. The first trip (Early Spring Migrants on Pelee Island) is from Wednesday, April 29th to Saturday, May 2nd. The second trip (Spring on the Island)) is from Sunday, May 3 to Wednesday, May 6th. Each trip will visit the Fishpoint Provincial Nature Reserve in the morning and the balance of the day will be spent visiting other birding location throughout the island.
The cost of the trip is $950 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement is available at a additional cost of $350. The trip package includes three night’s accommodation at The Wandering Dog Inn, designated washrooms, all meals from supper on the day of arrival to lunch on the day of departure at the inn, admission fees, and leadership. Cost of the ferry ride to the island is the responsibility of the participant. The main leader for this trips is Martin Parker who has been leading birding and other trips to this island for more than 30 years.
To participate in either of these spring migration trips you have to register directly with the Martin Parker at mparker19@cogeco.ca. Please indicate which trip you wish to participate on. Space is limited due to the available accommodation at the inn. Upon acceptance of this trip a detailed information package will be provided which provides extensive details on the trip and island.
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.
