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Point Pelee National Park is a magnet for birders from all over the world, who gather here to witness one of nature's most exciting and fascinating annual events. This finger of land, pointing southward into Lake Erie, is a bottleneck of the North American migration flyways, the first landfall for wing-weary birds crossing the Great Lakes. It is, deservedly, world-renowned as one of the best inland birding spots on the continent. Our Quest tour will be there at the best possible time, as the diverse array of avian migrants enlivens the woods and thickets.
On an average day in May, birders can easily see 75 species, and often more than 100. However "big days" are not uncommon with totals of over 150. If the weather conditions are right, large flocks of the same species can be seen in many different areas of the park a phenomenon that some people find unbelievable when seen for the first time. When bird activities diminish, there will always be other fascinating things to observe: spotted and Blanding's turtles, Fowler's toads, hog-nosed and fox snakes, and such Carolinian trees as spicebush, black walnut, black oak, sassafras, and red mulberry.
Our annual Point Pelee tour is ideal for birders of all levels, and is the perfect introduction for new birders. Ian Shanahan will ensure that all participants have a memorable experience. |
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| FACTS: |
| • | 8-day trip |
| • | Maximum 8 participants |
| • | Start and finish in Toronto, Ontario |
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| HIGHLIGHTS: |
| • | Being present at the best inland birding spots on the continent during migration |
| • | Scouting for birds along the sand spits of Point Pelee, Long Point, and Rondeau, all three of which jut out into the lake and create outstanding birding spots |
| • | Looking for spotted and Blanding's turtles, Fowler's toads, hog-nosed and fox snakes |
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| ACTIVITY LEVEL: |
| • | Easy. We will be spending our time on mainly groomed and maintained trails and paths. Good firm walking shoes, and perhaps a trekking pole for extra balance, should maximize your enjoyment of this trip. |
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| ACCOMMODATIONS: |
| Comfort Inn, Simcoe |
| Travelodge, Chatham |
| Comfort Inn, Leamington |
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| ITINERARY IN BRIEF: |
| Day 1: |
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Arrive in Toronto, drive to Long Point |
| Day 2: |
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Long Point Area |
| Day 3 - 4: |
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Rondeau Provincial Park |
| Day 5 - 7: |
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Point Pelee National Park |
| Day 8: |
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Point Pelee National Park, drive to Toronto and depart |
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 Currently head naturalist at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Ian's travels have taken him through much of Canada, the Caribbean, the Americas and Europe. A life-long naturalist and second generation Quest leader, Ian's interests include "anything that flies", photography and the creation of nature art.
416-633-5666 / 1-800-387-1483
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Finish: San Jose, Costa Rica
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Length: 13 days
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Finish: San Pedro Sula
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Our participants say...
Everything went very well; the accommodations and foods were more than adequate and I am the envy of many of my new birding friends.
It is your fantastic birding guides that made the trip a hit. Don Shanahan is a strong quiet very knowledgeable leader. It was Ian Shanahan, however, who truly amazed me. He is a joy to be around. Such enthusiasm! This young leader knows his material inside out and has such a love for his subject. Is there any bird detail he doesn't know?
I especially want to praise his detailed planning, method of instruction, and constant review of species lists. All this and he kept such a diverse group focused on the task at hand in spite of some very trying weather.
Don't let this young fellow disappear he's an excellent guide.
Linda M.
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