Almaguin Highlands, Birding Weekend Getaway

Discover the Almaguin Highlands, Birding Weekend Getaway – Join us at the NW access to Algonquin Park while our great diversity of local breeding birds burst into song. Friday June 16th - Sunday 18th, 2006 ~ make it a romantic weekend getaway, take the photo birding vacation you’ve been promising yourself or come to flock with other birding enthusiasts. Our local guides offer easy bird watching introductions for those new to the hobby and regional expertise that will delight experienced birders. From $240 including a range of comfortable accommodations at local B&Bs, delicious meals, expert birding guides, gorgeous hiking, outdoor fun & indoor comforts combined. Book soon as there is a limited group size, ensuring a ‘lifer’ of a birding tour in Ontario, Canada.

For more information or to reserve, Call 1-866-311-8519
or check out http://www.visit-almaguin-highlands.com

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Peterborough and District Woodcarvers Association Show and Sale
Activity Haven. 180 Barnardo Ave. Peterborough ON
May 6, 2006 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Steve Lloyd of Belleville has been called Canada’s foremost authority on historical decoys. Decoys are his passion and he has had a lifetime dream of helping as many people as possible with evaluating and appraising their wooden decoys. Through writing articles in a number of magazines, newspapers, appearing on T.V. and radio shows, as well as conducting “education and appraisal sessions”, he aims to educate people about their decoys and their history as well as suggest a value for them.Using a format similar to the Antiques Roadshow, Steve will make comments about decoys brought into the May 6th Peterborough and District Woodcarvers Association Show and Sale, including suggesting a dollar value. The intent is to offer this service to Show attendees so that they can make a more informed choice as to what to do with their decoys. While many wish to keep them for their sentimental value, while at the same time learning more about them, others may wish to learn more about their decoys with a view to at least considering selling them, or some of them, at some later date. In any case, Steve can help. This help could include making contact with potential buyers/collectors if that is the aim.

Whatever the motivation, people are invited to bring in their decoys to learn more about them. The Peterborough Woodcarvers will accept donations for decoy comments. A display of good examples of Ontario decoys of different kinds, mostly from Steve’s collection, will also be on display on the 6th of May 06.

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Festival of Birds
Leamington - ON
May, 2006

This month long festival celebrates the arrival of some of the highest concentrations of migrating songbirds found in North America. More than 150 special events, hikes and birding programs.

Contact: Point Pelee National Park, 407 Robson St., RR 1, Leamington, ON N8H 3V4 519-322-2365

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Huron Fringe Birding Festival
May 26th to 29th and June 1st to 4th, 2006
A Spring Celebration

Each year this ten day festival begins the Friday after the Canadian Victoria Day weekend. Participate in a variety of hikes, presentations and workshops -- each designed to help you celebrate spring along this part of Lake Huron. The late spring bird migration in Bruce County always has an interesting mix of northern and southern breeding species. Resident birds can be heard calling on territory.

The Huron Fringe Birding Festival is a co-operative effort of the Friends of MacGregor Point Park and MacGregor Point Provincial Park.

MacGregor Point Provincial Park is the provincial park that has special northern Lake Huron shoreline habitats that are characterized by the endangered Spotted Turtle, many species of orchids, Dwarf Lake Iris and coastal wetlands. The park is situated within a green belt that stretches along the shores of the lake from the south into the Bruce Peninsula and northern Ontario. The green belt is a natural highway for woodland migrants. Through this corridor Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Carolina Wrens and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers have been able to extend their range northwards.

For detailed account of events and pre-registration check out their website
located at the following URL: http://www.friendsofmacgregor.org/hfbf/hfbf.htm

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Birding: Prince Edward County Festival
May 13 – 22, 2006
www.thecounty.ca/birding
1-866-845-6644

Prince Edward County, Ontario has gone to the birds! Birders Get Banded!

Birding and outdoors enthusiasts are anxiously anticipating the second annual Birding: Prince Edward County Festival! From May 13th to May 22nd, the festival will offer a wide variety of birding activities both the serious and amateur birder will enjoy. Birding: Prince Edward County Festival gives you and your family an opportunity to discover The County and its birds!

“Birding: Prince Edward County Festival is a fantastic way for visitors to experience the area’s famed spring migration and to discover the beauty and dynamism of the County,” says Rebecca LeHeup-Bucknell of Taste the CountyTM, the festival’s organizing body.

Birding: Prince Edward County Festival is sure to captivate young and old birders alike. Birdhouse City¾a collection of over 100 whimsical birdhouses is sure to capture children’s imaginations. At Prince Edward Point, children can learn about spring bird migration and see birds up-close and personal. Building a birdhouse, watching the falconry demonstration and Indian River Reptile show will thrill youngsters.

There are plenty of activities for experienced birders too. You can compare your bird count at various Birder Happy Hour locations or enjoy Ron Parlane’s gallery of hand-carved birds. The For the Birds concert features some of eastern Ontario’s favourite performers and will have you flapping your wings in no time.

Like the birds at Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, you too can be ‘banded’. In your case, your band won’t monitor your migratory route, but will get your free guided tours, admission to Sandbanks Provincial Park (from May 13th to May 19th), discounts on workshops and concerts and much more. Wristbands are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children and a good for the duration of the festival.

Support the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory and purchase a ticket for your chance to win a Swarovski EL 8.5 x 42 WB Binocular, donated by Title Sponsor Swarovski Optik™ and worth $2550.00.

Don’t let this opportunity fly by. Migrate to The County and see why Prince Edward County has gone to the birds! Visit www.thecounty.ca/birding for more information.