Tens of thousands of hawks and other birds of prey are expected to descend on the Holiday Beach Conservation Area, one of the best places in North America to view the fall migration.
To celebrate, the Essex Region Conservation Authority and the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory are looking forward to another Festival of the Hawks on September 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Audubon Magazine has identified Holiday Beach Conservation Area as one of the ten best sites in all of North America to experience the raptor migration," said ERCA's Director of Communications and Outreach, Danielle Stuebing. "People travel from across the world to celebrate the migration, and we're fortunate to witness it right in our own backyard."
During the festival, guests can climb the Hawk Tower and watch the migration unfold. There are guided hikes, workshops, and live raptor presentations. Those who go will also learn how experts band raptors and hummingbirds to monitor their populations.
Local naturalists and environmental groups will share hands-on activities in the festival's vendor village. There are live Canadian Raptor Conservancy shows daily at 10 a.m. and noon, and kids can take part in a treasure hunt.
Festival-goers are encouraged to come early and bring binoculars if they have them. The best time to view the raptors is between 9 a.m. and noon.
All daytime programs are included with the festival admission fee of $20 per vehicle.
Holiday Beach Conservation Area is on County Road 50, near Malden Centre, on Lake Erie. It's 15 km from Amherstburg and a 30-minute drive from Hwy. 401.
