Prince Edward Point Bird
Observatory is located at the eastern tip of Prince Edward Point, on the
north shore of Lake Ontario, about 20 minutes drive southeast of Picton.
The field station is located in a National Wildlife Area, maintained by
the Canadian Wildlife Service. Migration monitoring activities occur in
the spring and fall. On-site facilities are available.
Prince Edward Point is a narrow point of land that extends approximately 10 km
into the lake. Shoals and areas of deeper water are located off the tip.
The Point is comprised of shallow soil over limestone bedrock. Much of
the habitat consists of old field (savannah) and shrub thickets, along
with some small deciduous and coniferous forests. In addition to being
important for migrating birds, the site also supports several rare
vascular plants.
The Observatory was established
as a migration monitoring station in 1995 to continue the research first
started by the Kingston Field Naturalists in the 1970s and 1980s. In
total, about 300 species of birds have been recorded at Prince Edward
Point, with about 220 species being recorded during the average year.
Most of these species are recorded during migration, although at least
74 species nest within the area. The number and diversity of landbirds
that concentrate in this small area during spring and fall migration is
outstanding. The location is a focal point for passerines, waterfowl and
raptors with yearly reports of rare and unusual species. The Canadian
Nature Federation and Bird Studies Canada designated Prince Edward Point
as a Globally Important Birding Area (IBA) in 1998. The site is also
designated as an International Monarch Butterfly Reserve.
Click here for a table that shows the species coverage for the Observatory.
For more information about the
Observatory, membership and volunteer opportunities, please contact:
Eric Machell
P.O. Box 2
Delhi, ON
Canada
N4B 2W8
Home: (519) 582-4738
Email: peptbo@rogers.com
Website: www.peptbo.ca
