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Kawartha Lakes – World Migratory Bird Day is coming up on May 10, and there’s no better place to celebrate than right here in Kawartha Lakes. With hundreds of species passing through or returning home for the summer, May is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy our amazing birdlife: from tiny ruby-crowned kinglets to soaring bald eagles and ospreys, our official City Bird.
To mark the occasion, Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes is inviting residents and visitors to take part in six guided bird walks, led by experienced local birders. Whether you’re new to birding or a long-time enthusiast, these walks are a great way to explore local trails and discover which birds are making their seasonal journey through our region.
Families can also learn how to make their yards safer for birds at a free presentation offered at the Lindsay Library branch.
Lights out for birds!
As part of the celebration, City Hall in Lindsay will go dark overnight on May 10. Many birds migrate at night, and bright lights can confuse or harm them. Turning off lights helps protect birds as they navigate the night skies. Residents and businesses are encouraged to do the same, to help birds on their migratory paths.
This month also marks one full year since Kawartha Lakes became a certified Bird Friendly City, the twenty-fourth in Canada to earn this recognition from Nature Canada. The title highlights our community’s work to protect bird habitats, reduce threats like window strikes and pollution, and educate people about the value of birds in our ecosystems.
“World Migratory Bird Day is a chance for all of us to appreciate the birds that fly through and nest in the Kawarthas,” said Jamie Morris, chair of Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes. “We encourage everyone to come out to a walk or workshop and learn more about how we can help protect these amazing creatures.”
For details about walk locations, workshop times, or Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes, visit the Bird Friendly City page.
World Migratory Bird Day walks in Kawartha Lakes
Saturday May 10
5:30am: Ken Reid Dawn Chorus
Arrive with a lawn chair and enjoy the dawn chorus of birdsong on a slope looking out over Sturgeon Lake. Follow signs to the P2 lot. Event led by Laura Swift of Kawartha Conservation with Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes’ Mark Robbins.
8:30am: Burnt River Bird Walk
Meet at the Burnt River Community Centre. Walk is sponsored by Kawartha Field Naturalists and will be led by John Bick.
10:00am: North Bear Conservation Area Bird Walk
Meet at the North Bear Conservation Area off Alvar Road. Arrive early for a parking spot. Sponsored by Carden Field Naturalists.
10:30am: Fenelon Falls Library Branch Bird Walk
Meet at the Fenelon Falls library branch (19 Market St.) to join Leslie Dyment from the Kawartha Field Naturalists for a one-hour guided walk along a local trail.
10:30am: Omemee Library Branch Bird Walk
Meet volunteers from Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes at Omemee library branch (24 King St. E.) for a one-hour walk along the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail. There will be an option to climb the drumlin behind Scott Young Public School afterwards.
10:30am: Dunsford Library Branch Bird Walk
Meet volunteers from Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes at Dunsford library branch (26 Community Centre Rd.) for a one-hour walk along the Dunsford Nature Trail.
7:00pm: Ken Reid Bird Walk
Join Laura Swift of Kawartha Conservation and Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes’ Mark Robbins for a guided bird walk in Ken Reid Conservation Area. Follow the signs to the P2 lot.
All walks are free, open to all ages and levels of experience, and great opportunities to learn how to spot and identify birds and learn about local and migratory species. Bird walks happen rain or shine. Remember to dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, water and binoculars if you have them.
Tuesday May 20
Chatty Café at the Lindsay Library Branch, 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with guest speaker Rob Stavinga! Join Rob Stavinga as he shares 12 key strategies to make your backyard a safe haven for birds. This event is part of Chatty Café, bringing our community together through conversation. A welcoming space for all to connect, learn and enjoy.
Media Contact
Jamie Morris
Chair, Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes
jamie1804@gmail.com
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