Festival Of Birds - Point Pelee National Park Ontario - (Festival of Birdes) Jann Warbler Capital of Canada

Leanington, Ontario (76 degrees, clear blue skies)

Our group on  board the Jet Express  L-R me. John,  Barry, Jann, David, Susie and Fran (Randy is missing) Another couple Bob and Vickie were unable to come

We have now met up in Ohio with four other couples. Eeventually we will be traveling  into Canada and touring Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island.. It's been fun getting to met everyone. We come from different  parts of the U.S. and the long anticipated caravan is now officially begun! 

We are starting off with two cool birding events. Canadian locals say the Point Pelee National Park was built by birds.  We were here for the spring migration and this area is also known as the  Warbler Capital of Canada.  Currently we are staying in Ohio getting ready to attend the Biggest Week in American Birding and we went  to Ontario Canada for this "pre" event in an unusual way - by Jet Express. It's a high speed boat which leaves from Port Clinton Ohio and arrives in  Leanington Ontario.  A passport is required for this trip and you go through customs on both sides.  Canada's was rather informal - the American side took longer. 

This little point juts out into Lake Erie from the Canadian border and lures warblers each spring to come take a rest before continuing on their journey.  This map helped me understand why a bird would be intrigued into stopping.

We were off to an early start and  left the dock quickly gathered up speed on the Jet Express. It's a thrilling 40 mile ride and this excursion also included a breakfast snack, box lunch, transportation from Leanington to the National Park, entrance fee to the park and a shuttle back and forth from the visitor center to the marsh area.  Cost was $85.

Jan up on deck being blown away

Port Clinton in the distance

Our first stop was an island called Put in Bay where we picked up 30 Rhode Scholars who had been birding this island for a few days.  I've visited this island  many times years ago for quick getaways while living in Ohio.

Surrounding island

Put in Bay

After picking up our additional passengers we  then took off for Leanington Ontario. This port city was much busier than expected. There were pretty cottages doting along the lake leading to the National Park. A school bus took us to the Visitor Center. It's a bustling place where lots of information can be picked up.  Randy quickly scoured the recent sightings and off we went down a trail.Randy and Fran are fantastic birders and  we'd have missed so much without all their special attention. 

David and Susie

Jann & Barry

This special festival draws in a lot of visitors. The park also organized some nice birding tours.  We took one in the afternoon which was well done by a birder from Toronto who "migrates" here for two weeks each spring.

Sometimes the trails were very crowded when a special warbler was spotted.

Sometimes it was remote and beautiful.  The sounds of warblers singing was so delightful.

Red Admral

Woodpeckers have pecked out quite a grid on this tree

Jan was a happy girl when she found a new bird

Marsh Walk

We added ten new birds to our list which is fantastic.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Yellow Warbler 

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Around 4 p.m. the bus took us back to our boat. It was a delightful day and the weather cooperated so nicely  I think our big adventure is off to a great start...don't you.