AMERICAN REDSTART AND UPCOMING FESTIVAL START-UPS

We wondered aloud about that bird. The one that appears in the Huron Fringe Birding Festival (HFBF) logo, signs, ads, brochure and programs. You know, the American Redstart. How did it land there? And why?

Well, no one could tell us for sure. But, the speculation is that Setophaga Ruticilla (American Redstart) is one of the more ‘common’ birds in MacGregor Point Provincial Park seen relatively early in the park and surrounding area. That makes sense given that this colourful, acrobatic Warbler loves our deciduous habitat and the food source it supplies. The bird’s Latin name translates as red-tailed moth eater and true to its name the American Redstart likes to fan its wings and raise its tail to startle and flush out its prey. This action also shows off its beautiful colours. And birders will tell you that this makes it one of the easiest warblers to identify, Our American Redstart is a friendly bird, and the perfect spokes bird for HFBF.

If you read our very first blog you’ll recall that we covered a broad overview of HFBF 2013. The latest news is that next year’s program is close to being completed. We will be posting full details of the events once they are finalized.

We can tell you, though, just by looking at the first week alone (May 24 – May 27) that you won’t be disappointed.

You will be birding on the Upper Bruce Peninsula, the Escarpment Bluffs, the Tower Trail, Flowerpot Island, Cabot Head Provincial Nature Reserve and more. Details and event leader profiles will follow…soon.

Those first four days also include Caving, a Tree Hike, Archeology and Geology Hikes, Photography Workshops, the Wonderful Worlds of Wildflowers and Weeds to name a few.

Nor can we forget to mention the Banquet and special guest speaker Peter Middleton’s intriguing presentation Why Do Gulls Perch on White Rocks and Other Insights from Career in Ecotourism.

Lots to learn about and look forward to with more in-depth details as they become available. So bookmark, sign-up and follow this blog.

Online registration and a fee schedule will be available in February. So will more program updates. If you have questions regarding the Festival please contact the official registrar at birdfest@rogers.com or www.friendsofmacgregor.org

The Huron Fringe Birding Festival

I’m sitting at a rectangular set-up of tables in the MacGregor Point Park Visitor Centre. It’s a cool fall morning and there is no heat in the room. The Huron Fringe Birding Festival Committee, waiting for their meeting to begin, are still wearing their coats, sweaters and fleece. The stuffed birds and animals looking down on them don’t seem to mind the chill that fills the room. A black bear head stares passively at the group while a turtle in a tank repeatedly bangs against the glass trying to escape only to fall back into the water again and again. No one pays it any attention. This room is like a second home to them. The Centre is the focal point of The Huron Fringe Birding Festival and they are here to discuss and plan for next year’s event.

I’m here as their guest to learn what they have in store for 2013. My plan is to blog about this birding and nature festival its leaders and activities and provide you with a first hand, albeit personal view, of the happenings throughout the two weekends of May 24 – 27 and May 30 – June 2, 2013.

The festival takes its name from the migration corridor along the Bruce Peninsula. This “Huron Fringe” along the Lake Huron coastline offers birders, naturalists and photographers unique opportunities to discover nature in the early spring.  At the end of the migration period, birds are on nest, migrants are everywhere, insects abound and wildflowers are beginning to bloom.  From their base at MacGregor Point Provincial Park, Huron Fringe is uniquely placed to explore Lake Huron’s shoreline and the Bruce Peninsula to discover all that spring has to offer.

Activities include guided hikes concentrating not only on birds but wildflowers, butterflies, insects and geology in and outside the park.  There are workshops on bird identification and nature photography, plus other interests of a natural nature.  Evening highlights include illustrated programs featuring excellent presenters and night hikes. The festival highlight is a banquet with keynote speaker Peter Middleton. 

Online registration and a fee schedule will be available in February. So will more program updates. If you have questions regarding the Festival please contact the official registrar at birdfest@rogers.com or www.friendsofmacgregor.org

Future postings will cover the Festival, the people, MacGregor Point Provincial Park and the important involvement of the Friends of MacGregor Point. As a non-profit, incorporated, charitable organization they fund-raise and present this Festival as one way to ensure the preservation of the natural legacy of MacGregor Point for future generations.

The meeting lasted the morning. In that time the room, even with all the bodies, never warmed up. It was good to step outside into the sunshine. The sound of the wind in the trees and the waves breaking on the Huron shoreline cleared my head. As I walked to my car the chickadees buzzed by checking for food. I didn’t bring any this time. Next time I will.