- 7 am Traverse Woods Trail, (1.5 hours) $30
- 8 am Lighthouse Trail, $30
Photo credit Ian Dickinson
Empowering the Next Generation
Join us for the annual Spring Birding Festival as we celebrate the return of the birds and the promise of Spring. Set against the backdrop of peak spring migration and the natural beauty of Prince Edward Point, our festival offers a unique opportunity for bird lovers of all ages and levels of expertise to share knowledge and find inspiration in the arrival of the birds.
We are leaning into the theme – the next generation – by listening and learning about how the community of bird lovers can be more inclusive and accessible. Our goal is to encourage birding amongst people of all ages and backgrounds and help to facilitate mentorship within the birding community. We are committed to ensuring that “birding is for everyone” is more than a tagline and indeed has been at the forefront of our planning and preparation.
In addition to our popular guided bird walks, there will be a wide variety of “Tent Talks” on each of the three days. Participants are invited to observe bird-banding demonstrations and to engage in interactive activities designed especially for kids. On Sunday, we’ll host a special Mother’s Day walk (suitable for families).
We are excited to announce a dedicated youth day at this year’s Festival. With support from Wellington Rotary, we are busing a group of local students to Prince Edward Point to experience nature connection and learn about the role of bird research in bird and habitat conservation.
PEPtBO’s selection of bird-friendly coffee, clothing, and other merchandise will be available for purchase during the festival. Kaleidoscope Catering will be onsite serving yummy food on May 11th/12th.
We can’t wait to see you there!
PROGRAM
Guided Walks:
- 7 am Traverse Woods Trail, (1.5 hours) $30
- 7:30 am Lighthouse Trail, $30
- 8 am Lighthouse Trail, $30
- 8:30 am Ring Road, $15 *
- 9 am Traverse Woods Trail, (1.5 hours) $30
- 10 am Lighthouse Trail, $30
- 11 am Ring Road, $15 *
- 11:30 am Ring Road Accessible Walk, $15 **
- 7 am Traverse Woods Trail, (1.5 hours) $30
- 7:30 am Lighthouse Walk with Julia Zarankin, $40
- 8:30 am Lighthouse Bird Photography Walk with Paul Jones, $40
- 8:30am – 9am will be a talk (free of charge) and walk will start at 9am ***
- 9 am Traverse Woods Trail, (1.5 hours) $30
- 10 am Lighthouse Mother’s Day Family Walk, $30
- 7 am Traverse Woods Trail, $30
Unless otherwise specified, you can expect a 2 hour walk with a maximum of 15 participants
* May be suitable for those with limited mobility. Please inquire.
** A volunteer with a wagon will be available to assist participants with their belongings. Some portable stools will be available. Benches will be distributed along the trail. The guide will ensure that participants have breaks to rest throughout.
*** The Bird Photography Walk is limited to 10 participants.
* May be suitable for those with limited mobility. Please inquire.
** A volunteer with a wagon will be available to assist participants with their belongings. Some portable stools will be available. Benches will be distributed along the trail. The guide will ensure that participants have breaks to rest throughout.
*** The Bird Photography Walk is limited to 10 participants.
Tent Talks:
Tent talks will run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 8:30am and 2pm. Topics will be varied (i.e. bird-safe design, technology and birding, and growing native plants for birds). The tent talks are free of charge and open to the general public.
Please check our socials for detailed offerings on our Tent Talks.
Good To Know:
Banding Demonstrations: Every hour on the hour from 8 am to noon.
Interactive activities for kids and youth.
Limited numbers of binoculars and portable stools will be available to borrow.
Kaleidoscope Catering will be onsite Saturday and Sunday.
Please make sure to bring your water bottle (or buy one of ours). Water refills available.
Dress for seasonal weather, it’s always cooler at The Point.
Rain or Shine (no bird banding in the rain, though).
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
