05/27/2026
May would not be the same for Britta and me if it did not include a trip to Point Pelee National Park. One of the top ten birding locations in the world, Pelee is the southernmost tip of Canada's mainland. Two major migratory routes – the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways – converge here, sending countless thousands of birds through the Park. Although the fall migration may offer more birds as they work their way south through Pelee, the spring migration is more alive with colour and song.
Each year birders hope to see birds that strayed from the south or southwest. This spring brought a few of those. Our highlights including superb views of a Worm-eating Warbler and a White-faced Ibis. The latter set up shop in Hillman Marsh, which was visited by hundreds of Short-billed Dowitchers and many other shorebirds. However, the top billing went to an Ash-throated Flycatcher, a species for which I have been searching for more than 40 years. Found by Isabel Apkarian, the flycatcher was viewed over a few days by hundreds of birders.
In addition to seeing fantastic birds, Pelee brings the chance to reunite with old friends. As I have been visiting the Park for more than 50 years, it was delightful to see so many kindred spirits once again, as well as meet some new ones.
