Hilliardton Marsh Overnight Tour

Tour Description

This hike will start at in the evening at 7:00pm on the first day, allowing participants to arrive and settle in to their accommodations in Timiskaming Shores. Our first activity will be a private owl banding night, courtesy of Hilliardton Marsh Research and Education Centre. With favourable weather, this station can catch over 100 Saw-whet Owls and some other species such as Long-eared Owl and Boreal Owl. This will be a good opportunity to see and photograph owls up close as well as learn more about the banding station and owl migration. The next day we will focus on birding the marsh and surrounding boreal forests for specialties such as, Great-grey Owl, Northern-Hawk Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, crossbills, and American (Northern) Goshawk. During the morning we will stop by the bird observatory again to check out their daily migration monitoring, including: seeing and photographing songbirds in-hand, learning about northern conservation efforts, and learning about the research involved with bird banding. After dark, following a rest break and dinner, we will head out again in search of nocturnal owl species such as Barred Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Boreal Owl. The following morning we will bird a few more hotspots in the area, before heading home around noon. Throughout the trip we will be offering identification pointers, discussing the magnificent feat of migration, and trying to ensure you get excellent views of the birds that the Hilliardton Marsh area has to offer. This hike is accessible for those with physical challenges; the trails where we will visit are well maintained and flat. We will spend the day birding at a slow and relaxed pace, taking frequent stops along the way. Bathroom stops will be spaced throughout the day and easily accessible. *Notes* -travel to and from Timiskaming Shores will not be provided, it is your responsibility to find your way to and from the tour. -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, however donations are encouraged! -bring your own lunches, snacks, and water (keep hydrated!) -dinner will not be provided, however there is the option to eat as a group at a local restaurant. -Bring warm winter gear because nights in October this far North are chilly and potentially damp. -a scope will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!

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