Hilliardton Marsh Overnight Tour

Tour Description

This hike will start on the morning of the 21st at Hilliardton Marsh Research and Education Centre. For the first day we will focus on birding the marsh and surrounding boreal forests for specialties such as, Evening Grosbeak, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, crossbills, and American (Northern) Goshawk. During the morning we will stop by the bird observatory to check out their daily migration monitoring, including: seeing and photographing songbirds in-hand, learning about northern conservation efforts, and learning about the research involved with bird banding. At 7pm on the 21st we have a private owl banding night with the bird observatory! Alessandra Kite will lead an Owl Banding demonstration. This will be a good opportunity to see and photograph owls up close as well as learn about owl ecology, and migration. Targets will be Northern Saw-whet Owl and Boreal Owl. The following day we will bird a few more hotspots in the area, revisiting some marsh and field sites, with an additional boreal forest hike. After dark, following a rest break and dinner, we will head out for an owl prowl! The tour will end at noon on the 23rd. Throughout the trip we will be offering identification pointers, discussing the magnificent feat of migration, and trying to ensure you get excellent views of the birds that the Hilliardton Marsh area has to offer. This hike is ideal for those who can walk at least 5 km daily. The trails where we will visit are well maintained and flat. We will spend the day birding at a slow and relaxed pace, taking frequent stops along the way. Bathroom stops will be spaced throughout the day and easily accessible. *Notes* -travel to and from Timiskaming Shores will not be provided, it is your responsibility to find your way to and from the tour. -accommodation will not be provided by GyrKite Birding Tours, however a list of recommendations will be provided upon booking. -admission to Hilliardton Marsh is included in the booking fee, however donations are encouraged! -bring your own lunches, snacks, and water (keep hydrated!) -dinner will not be provided, however there is the option to eat as a group at a local restaurant. -Bring warm winter gear because nights in October this far North are chilly and potentially damp. -a scope will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!