Park Report: Bird Watching in Canada's Deep South

Bird Watching in Canada's Deep South

By: Craig Romano

Point Pelee has the distinction of being one of Canada's smallest national parks. Located in the heart of southern Ontario's industrial belt, Point Pelee is an important natural feature. This undeveloped landform is used by millions of migrating birds each spring and fall. Canada's southernmost point, Point Pelee, is also one of the country's most important points of land.

The park protects 20 square kilometres of a 9-kilometre peninsula that juts out into Lake Erie. Point Pelee is on the same latitude as northern California. Due to this southern location and the Lake Erie's moderating effects on its climate, the area is a hotbed for biological diversity. Point Pelee is within the Carolinian Zone, an area that contains more plant and animal species than anywhere else in Canada.

The Carolinian Zone makes up less than a quarter of one percent of Canada's landmass, yet it is teeming with a multitude of life forms. Unfortunately most of this zone has succumbed to urbanization and agriculture, making tiny Point Pelee National Park all the more valuable.

This is not a wilderness park. Trails are short, leading just a few kilometres into the interior of the peninsula. Boardwalks have been constructed over some of the marshy areas. There are some good beach walks along the lake. But what the park lacks in size it makes up for in its contents. Over 70 species of trees grow here. Twenty-seven different reptiles and 20 species of amphibians call Pelee home.

Over 350 species of birds have been recorded at the park. Point Pelee is the northernmost breeding grounds for several species. The Acadian flycatcher, Carolina wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, red-bellied woodpecker, and yellow-breasted chat all breed here. The park offers special birding hikes throughout the year and hosts the Festival of Birds every spring. Over 150 special events are conducted during the festival. That's quite a large production for such a small park.

Point Pelee National park is located 50 kilometres south of Windsor.

For more information visit: http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/pn-np/on/pelee/index_E.asp