Migration season is over for birds, and the species who stick around the area are settling in to breed and nest. It's the perfect time to observe these resident birds, and other animals that fly! Join Bird Studies Canada's Jody Allair and our Ontario BioBlitz team for a couple evening workshops Friday night from 7pm-11pm. We will also listen for bats and set up a moth trap to visit with the creatures of the night in Heber Down Conservation Area. On Saturday morning, we'll release any moths left in the trap at 7:30am, and head out at 8am on walks to survey birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. We will survey in Heber Down, as well as Cranberry Marsh down on the shores of Lake Ontario near Lynde Creek Conservation Area.

Friday June 22

• 7pm - 11pm* @ Heber Down Conservation Area

Saturday June 23

• 7:30am - 2pm @ Heber Down Conservation Area & Cranberry Marsh

For more information, please email ontariobioblitz@gmail.com

*PLEASE NOTE - CAMPING HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR THE EVENT DUE TO THE WEATHER FORECAST

Participants should bring binoculars and/or spotting scopes if they have them as we only have a limited set to provide. 2018 t-shirts and Ontario BioBlitz buffs will be for sale for $15 each or two for $25. All proceeds go to the Ontario BioBlitz program, and helping us run events like this one!

Event Photo: Polyphemus moth, by Natasha Hirt

FAQs

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Our activities will all take place at the South end of the Conservation Area off Lyndebrook Rd. Please park at the seasonal parking lot, NOT the northern main lot at 5000 Cochrane St. If you require a pickup from the Whitby Go station or need a carpool, please email us in advance to make arrangements.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please send an email with the subject "Things with Wings Mini-Blitz" to our gmail account, ontariobioblitz@gmail.com

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

You do not need to bring your ticket - we will have the eventbrite app / printed list to check everyone in.

Do I need to attend both the evening workshops and the Saturday walks?

Participants are not required to attend both days, however priority will be given to those who are able to commit to both days.

Does the event cost anything to participate?

This event is free to all participants. We will however be taking donations, a suggested $10 each, in order to help us continue to run more events over the summer, as well as our season-ending September event.

Is the event open to familes and all ages/experience levels?

This event would be best suited to families with older children, age 10+, or children with the interest and attention span to sit through a couple hours of workshops and who can walk for at least 2 hours at a time. All experience levels are welcome, however we will be providing learning opportunities for beginner birders and naturalists. If you are more advanced in your naturalist skills, you should be ready to help share your knowledge :)