Amherstburg– All eyes will be on the skies this September as local birders and nature lovers take in one of North America’s greatest migration at Holiday Beach Conservation Area: tens of thousands of hawks and raptors flying overhead on their annual journey to nesting grounds in the south.
Essex Region Conservation together with the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO) will host the 2024 Festival of Hawks on September 14 & 15. It’s HBMO’s 50th Anniversary of the great Hawk Count, and experts will conduct raptor and hummingbird banding and adoptions in support of their important species and populations monitoring efforts each year. On Saturday at 2pm, this milestone anniversary will be celebrated with cake at the outdoor classroom! Free educational programs will complement the ongoing banding and live hawk display throughout the event. Local experts will share information on a wide range of birding and nature-related topics. These include:
HBMO’s Bob Pettit will provide expertise on identifying hawks in flight.
Peak Migration Bird Hike with birding expert Jeremy Bensette
Pelee Wings will offer free optic cleanings and demonstrations.
Henry’s, Canada’s Greatest Camera Store Spotlight on: ‘Nature Photography tips and choosing the right gear! With special guest Ted Kloske
Take part in various beginner bird and family butterfly hikes
Purchase delicious lunch options from Scotty’s BBQ and Catering.
Birders breakfast (purchase coffee, tea, hot chocolate cold drinks and bagels from ERCA snack shack)
Native Trees and Plants (NTP) will sell native plants
Evening Owl Prowl Experience with Jess Rose, Environmental Educator, ERCA
Just Fishin’ Friends will be at the Trout Pond to share casting tips with guests
Visit multiple artwork booths featuring a variety of wildlife and nature themed displays