Few places in Canada rival the natural beauty and diverse habitat of the Bruce. Summer House Park is near the center of the North Bruce, making it the ideal location for visiting the peninsula’s best birding locations and points attractive to migrating birds, referred to as “migrant traps.” In May a wide variety of warblers can often be heard and seen moving along the shoreline of Miller Lake through Summer House Park. Rare and unusual species have also been observed in the Bruce, often as a result of weather patterns which cause birds to overshoot their destination. White-winged Dove and Nelson's Sparrow have been seen at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula in spring as well as special treats such as Dickcissel and the endangered Kirtland’s Warbler. Indeed, one can expect the unexpected while birding on the Bruce Peninsula!
MORE ABOUT OUR BIRDING PACKAGE
This year’s tour is timed for the peak of the wood warbler and songbird migration. A total of 36 species of wood warblers may be seen on the Bruce Peninsula. We will visit the best migrant traps on the Bruce for warblers and other migrating birds. These locations include Cabot Head, Greenough Point at Stokes Bay, Lindsay Road 40, and the shoreline of Miller Lake. Although the tour will focus on songbirds, other birds, such as Bald Eagles and Sandhill Cranes, will not be ignored! Participants will be able learn and practice field identification techniques as well as how to distinguish the songs and calls of songbirds. Whenever feasible, unusual birds will be located in spotting scopes to facilitate viewing.
During the tour participants will carpool to various locations on the Bruce Peninsula. There will be a number of short hikes on local trails, one on rugged terrain, so please bring waterproof footwear appropriate for such hiking. We will also be stopping at times to bird along local roads. Due to the influence of Georgian Bay on the east and Lake Huron on the west, weather conditions can vary markedly by the hour. The tour will proceed rain or shine, so be prepared for a variety of weather conditions (probably no snow though!)
ABOUT OUR GUIDE
Michael Carlson has had an interest in birds since the age of seven and has been birding for over 50 years! He is an expert at identifying birds by sight and sound, and has run many very successful spring birding tours on the Bruce. Michael has also been a leader at the Huron Fringe Birding Festival for several years, and was a member of the KOWA Canadian birding team (an honorary Canadian since he is from Michigan!) This team won the World Series of Birding Competition in New Jersey from 1989 to 1992. Michael also participated in the recent Breeding Bird Atlas of Ontario, and conducts bird surveys and studies professionally. Michael has been visiting our park for a number of years and will amaze you with his avian knowledge!
“We were in awe of your [Michael's] knowledge and dedication to the field. Calling out the Rails and explaining their different calls was something I will never forget!” John Ham, past participant
ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS
Our birding package includes meals and accommodation during the tour as listed in the package pricing information on this page (right side.) The package includes hearty home-cooked meals to keep you energized during the excursions! All meals will be on site at our Shoreline Café. Please let us know in advance if you have any specific dietary needs.
Accommodations are in our Guest House or in one of our two-bedroom lakefront cottages. Rooms all have a private en-suite bathroom and showers as well as a communal lounge. Coffee and tea are also available on site 24 hours so if you wake up earlier than the birds, feel free to brew a pot of coffee to get your day started!
Our lakefront cottages sleep four people, so are ideal for two couples who wish to share a cottage.
Click here for more information about our guest house and two bedroom cottage accommodations.
CONTINUE YOUR BRUCE PENINSULA BIRDING ADVENTURE…
Consider extending your visit to the area with more birding fun at the Huron Fringe Birding Festival. This annual birding festival takes place at McGregor Provincial Park, starting on the weekend following our birding package. This festival is a great way to learn more about birding and offers many great workshops and excursions.
DATES & PRICING
Tour on May 24-26, 2011 at SUMMER HOUSE PARK in Miller Lake, Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
Package: Includes
•2 Nights Accommodation
•2 Breakfasts
•2 Lunches
•2 Dinner
•Complete Guided Tour
Prices:
•$407 includes 13% sales tax / person
•$28 single supplement (includes tax)
For groups of four or more participants; $350 per person for complete package.
“Tour only” option is available depending on registration numbers. Please contact our office to find out if we have additional space.
Due to the nature of birding in a group, we only allow a maximum of 10 people on this package, so please book early!
Pre-Registration Required by May 16, 2011
ITINERARY REQUEST
Please call 1-800-265-5557 to register or send us an e-mail
