Boreal Winter Retreat

Tour Description

Join us on a fantastic winter adventure up north to the boreal wilderness! This will be a relaxing winter birding weekend trip where you will get to participate in various activities from searching for owls across the snowy fields, witnessing hundreds of nomadic finches feeding right in front of you, learning how to maintain your very own field sketching notebook, and participating in wildlife research! Each morning we will start the day with our hosts at Hilliardton Marsh Research and Education Centre, which is a comfortable and easily accessible research station set out in the boreal forest just north of New Liskeard. We will participate and learn about the bird banding and research that occurs at the station while working closely with the research team. They will show us how they catch the birds, how to properly handle and tag them, as well as how all the measurements and relevant information is recorded. There is a large feeder setup at the station that attracts hundreds of birds including species such as Evening Grosbeak, both redpolls, Pine Grosbeak, Boreal Chickadee, American Tree Sparrow, Blue Jay, Dark-eyed Junco and Northern Shrike. The feeder setup allows for close viewing of most species and brilliant natural photo-ops. In the afternoons we have various activities to offer such as a field sketching workshop led by Alessandra Kite (materials provided), a snowshoeing and naturalist hike through the marsh, and a reflection of the day over tea, coffee and muffins. Before dinner we will set out and drive the nearby concessions in search of owls and other raptors hunting in the fields along the roadside. Some of the amazing winter species we could find include Northern Hawk Owl, Rough-legged Hawk, Snowy Owl and Great-gray Owl. Overall this will be an amazing trip brimming with new experiences and adventure for those who are unfamiliar with the nature of the north! *Notes* -travel to and from Timiskaming Shores will not be provided, it is your responsibility to find your way to and from activities. -accommodation will not be provided by GyrKite Birding Tours, however a list of recommendations will be provided upon booking. -admission to Hilliardton Marsh is included in the booking fee, although donations are encouraged! -bring your own lunches, water (keep hydrated!). Some refreshments will be provided! -dinners will not be provided, however there is the option to eat as a group at a local restaurant.

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