Point Pelee cancels Festival of Birds

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — For the second year in a row, Point Pelee National Park has had to cancel their annual Festival of Birds.

Unlike last year, however, when the park closed down completely, Point Pelee is currently open, with limited access to certain facilities.

“We’ve cancelled programming and additional services that would normally be in place for Festival of Birds,” said Point Pelee spokesperson, Monique Oltrop.

In an announcement issued last week, Parks Canada stressed that, although the park is open, they encourage birders to enjoy their hobby from home.

“We’re encouraging people to do their birding activities as close to home as possible,” said Oltrop. “If they come to the park, they should be prepared to not expect a level of service they’ve become used to in the past.”

A group of birders are pictured here in 2018.

Sun file photo

Oltrop says that while they aren’t turning people away, only certain parts of the park are accessible and birders may be disappointed what they can access.

“We’re asking for patience and flexibility,” she said.

Oltrop says that between 50,000 and 60,000 day-visits were not uncommon during birding month in the past. The pandemic takes thousands of American and foreign visitors out of the equation, however.

The park has been busy so far this spring and has become a welcome refuge for local people looking to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

“Visitation has been strong since we re-opened last summer,” she said. “People are looking to enjoy outdoor spaces.”

She advises locals to try to schedule their visits later in the day, as the birders that do come to the park, will usually do that in the mornings.

“We expect some delays at the gate on busy days,” she said.

Point Pelee National Park’s website will provide updated information on what is open, with details on parking, visitors services and what people can expect. Plan ahead by visiting parkscanada.gc.ca/pelee/covid19.

Meanwhile, birders can watch updated virtual birding activities on their Facebook page at Facebook.com/Point- PeleeNP.