In September 1975, a small group of bird enthusiasts from Kingston Field Naturalists arrived at Prince Edward Point.

They establish the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory at what was once called Long Point.

They were excited about the prospect of studying migrating birds. Studied all that stopped at the Point to rest and refuel before continuing their journey south for the winter.

The Birth of the Observatory Grew

Over the next few years, the Observatory grew and flourished. Volunteers from all over Ontario came to take part in the research and bird-banding activities.

In the late 1970s, an ornithological movement was underway at Kingston Field Naturalists.

After investing a significant amount of time into researching and observing birds, their efforts were rewarded. They were able to launch a banding program to track migratory passerines in 1975 – 1983.

As part of this initiative, Drs Fred Cooke and Charles Francis from Queen’s University ensured that 64,470 bird specimens belonging to 160 species were accurately cataloged during this period.

They were rewarded with some amazing sightings, including a rare albatross that made an appearance one autumn.

Then, tragedy struck. A severe storm from Lake Ontario swept through the area, demolishing the Observatory buildings and killing many of the birds.

Undeterred, the volunteers rebuilt and continued their work.

To this day, the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory remains an important stop for migrating birds.

This is a shining example of what can be accomplished when passionate people come together for a common cause.

Birding in Prince Edward County

The location on the South shore of Lake Ontario is a nature lover’s paradise. The County is home to a variety of landscapes and ecosystems, making it an ideal destination for birders and nature enthusiasts.

Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area is one of the best places to go birding in Prince Edward County.

The Observatory offers visitors an up-close look at some of Canada’s most beautiful and rare bird species.

This makes this area of Prince Edward County a must-visit destination for any bird enthusiast.

This beautiful spot is located at the easternmost point of Prince Edward County and is known for its stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife.

During your visit, you may be lucky enough to see bald eagles, snowy owls, or peregrine falcons.

Tip: This spot is accessible by car or boat and requires some hiking through the woods, so make sure you’re prepared before setting out.

Richard Jarvis

The Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory is open 7 days a week all year and welcomes visitors from all over the world.

The Observatory offers a variety of programs and activities for bird enthusiasts of all ages, including guided walks, educational seminars, and more.

One of the highlights of the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory is the opportunity to see some of

Canada’s rarest bird species up close. Some of the birds that have been spotted at the Observatory include the Piping Plover, Red Knot, and Roseate Tern.

What sets the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory apart from other bird-watching destinations is its commitment to conservation.

See my post about Birdhouse City…it’s worth a visit too.

The Observatory works hard to protect and preserve the local habitat so that future generations can enjoy it for years to come.

Point Traverse Lighthouse

The Point Traverse Lighthouse is a historic landmark located at Prince Edward Point in Ontario, Canada.

The lighthouse was built in 1881 and is one of the oldest lighthouses still in operation in North America.

Other given names were

• South Bay Point Lighthouse
• Red Onion Lighthouse
• Traverse Point Lighthouse

The lighthouse has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2015 and is a popular tourist destination.

Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory Volunteers

Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO) is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to the study and conservation of birds in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

Every year, PEPtBO recruits new volunteers to help with its many activities. These include conducting bird surveys, banding birds, maintaining the Observatory grounds, and leading public education programs.

Volunteering at PEPtBO is a great way to learn about birds and gain valuable experience in field ornithology.

It is also an opportunity to meet like-minded people and make lasting friendships.

If you love birds and are looking for a way to give back to nature, consider becoming a Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory Volunteer.

They Have a Kids Club

Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory Kids’ Club is a fun and educational way for kids to learn about birds.

The club meets once a week to observe birds, identify different species, and track their movements.

Kids’ Club is a program that runs during the summer months.

Kids also participate in other activities, such as crafts, games, and hikes. The program is open to kids of all ages and is a great way to get them interested in nature and conservation.

The goal of the program is to create a fun and educational environment where kids can learn about birds and nature.

The area is the perfect place for kids to learn about these amazing animals.

So, the next time you decide that watching television all day is a sound use of your time, remember there are birds out there living their best lives and getting “stuff” done.

And if you really want to see some cool birds up close, you can always visit the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory! Just don’t forget your binoculars.

Who knows, maybe you’ll even see me there! Give it a try and let me know how it goes in the comments below.