----- Posted with permission of Mark Cranford, ONTBIRDS Mailing List Coordinator----- PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY SPRING BIRDING FESTIVAL The annual Prince Edward County Spring Birding Festival hosted by Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO) takes place from May 8th to May 16th. There will be daily guided bird walks beginning at 8:00 A.M. in the Point Traverse Woods (.5 km north of the Observatory) and will last about 2 hours (meet at the blue portable toilet). The walks will focus on spring songbird migrants of the day, and learning to identify them by sight and sound. Guides are Terry Sprague, Rosemary Smith and Owen Weir. There is a charge of $5/person with proceeds to PEPtBO. On Saturday May 8 and Saturday May 15 guided evening bird walks begin at 5:00 P.M. at Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory. The walks will last about 2 hours, focusing on spring songbird migrants of the day, around the Observatory and in the Point Traverse Woods (.5 km north of the Observatory). There is a charge of $5/person with proceeds to PEPtBO. Watch for daily updates of bird sightings from Terry Sprague on ONTBIRDS! At Sandbanks Provincial Park Joanne Dewey, park naturalist will lead bird walks on Sunday, May 9, Tuesday, May 11 and Thursday, May 13. On Saturdays, May 8 & 15, and Sundays, May 9 & 16, mid morning banding demonstrations will be held at the Observatory at Prince Edward Point. PEPtBO conducts standardized banding operations and surveys that result in daily estimated totals which are used to create species trends for each species passing through the area. This year we are offering the following 3 workshops designed to be of interest to both birders and naturalists at all levels of experience from beginner to seasoned veteran. David Bree Natural Heritage Education Leader, Presqu'ile Provincial Park is offering a workshop: On the Warbler Menu: Insects. Terry Sprague is conducting a workshop: Birding by Ear. Court Nixon is leading a workshop on: Spring Forest and Meadow Wildflowers. Throughout the Festival, a hospitality tent will be open at the Observatory for visitors to post their sightings, rest and have a cup of something, share information, chat with other birders, or just hang out. There will be light snacks and beverages available, as well as PEPtBO merchandise. PEPtBO volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions and to conduct tours of the station. There are other activities related to the festival taking place taking place throughout the month. For further information on all activities including times, directions and registration for workshops please visit the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory website. http://www.peptbo.ca/ For a calendar of events for the Prince Edward County Spring Birding Festival go to http://www.peptbo.ca/Calendars/May%202010.html We look forward to seeing you - and the birds - in May!! Rosemary Kent President, Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory