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  • Fall Migration at the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory🐦
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Fall Migration at the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory🐦

Capturing data is one of the primary jobs at PEPtBO.

Birding by Numbers. The fall migration at PEPtB0 is in full plumage – check it out until October 31st.

Article and photos by: George Amaro

There’s an old adage that claims a picture is worth a thousand words. While numbers aren’t images – or even words – they do tell a pretty cool and vital – story about the critical work that’s being done at the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO).

1066 (and counting) … is for fall migration for the bird nation.

The fall migration is in full flight at PEPtBO, and it’s already yielding some impressive numbers. Since the start date of August 15, the observatory has banded a total of 1,066 birds (as of September 24), including a feather-ruffling 98 on its busiest day of September 15. That date also yielded the most variety … 69 different species. Twenty-two different warblers have also been identified in just over a month.

Everyone is invited to come down to the observatory and watch the bird banding from 8 a.m. until Noon daily – until October 31st. You might see warblers, flycatchers, vireos, thrushes, kinglets, finches and raptors, among others. And in October, saw-whet owl banding begins. Please note that banding doesn’t take place if it is too windy or raining. Check the website before heading out, or contact info@peptbo.ca.

“What are you lookin’ at?” a bird having its identification band applied, similar to a bracelet.

8000 … is for a year’s worth of bird bands.

Our small, but mighty, PEC observatory bands over 8,000 birds a year! That includes over 500 northern saw-whet owls.

220 … is for a year’s worth of variety.

The observatory records about 220 bird species during an average year.

PEPtBO volunteer, David Brewer, gently removes a warbler from a net.

40+ … is for all the amazing volunteers!

All that observing, counting, recording – and umpteen other things – are all done by a head bander, a couple of interns, and over 40 incredibly dedicated and passionate volunteers.

Meet Matthew Iles. The new Bander-in-Charge at PEPtBO.

1 … is for one Bander-In-Charge.

That one would be Matthew Iles, who arrived in The County in the spring, and is currently in the midst of the magnificent fall migration. You can read a bit more about Matthew below.

2 … is for bird walks.

There are two guided bird walks you can participate in during fall migration, both on Saturdays, October 5 and 12 at 9 a.m. Bring binoculars if you have them. Admission is by donation, and you must pre-register.

An adorable ball of fluff with a little beak and tiny claws: behold the saw-whet owl. | Photo Courtesy: @alysahawkins

6 … is for the cutest of cute – saw-whet owls!

There are six opportunities to see saw whet-owl banding: October 3, 4, 5, 17, 18, 19. It’s at night, of course (8:15 – 9:15 p.m.), so bring a flashlight and dress warmly. Admission is by donation, and you must pre-register as numbers are limited. Please note that banding doesn’t take place if it is too windy or raining. Check the website before heading out or contact info@peptbo.ca.

5000 … is the cash you might win supporting PEPtBO.

A $50 investment in support of PEPtBO could pad your nest egg by $5,000! The observatory is running a raffle in support of the Young Banders fund. Tickets are $50, but hurry, because there are only 200 tickets available! That’s a 1/200 chance of winning. For more information, call Cheryl Anderson at 613-849-7743, or cherylanderson23@sympatico.ca via email.

The draw takes place on Saturday, November 2, 2019, at PEPtBO’s Annual Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction. Tickets for that awesome event are $85, and you’ll receive a charitable donation tax receipts for $45. Buy dinner tickets now. The dinner, which is being held at the View Restaurant, also features music by Rita de Ghent, and guest speaker, Dr. Steven Lougheed, Director of Queen’s University Biological Station.

26 … is for PEC bird land.

PEC’s south shore is designated as an Bird Important and Biodiversity Area – an international system of designating areas important for numbers, habitat or staging. It encompasses approximately 26 square kilometres of land, 65 sq. km of near-shore waters, and roughly 30 km of shoreline.

Matthew Iles, the new Bander-in-Charge at PEPtBO, scans the skies for birds from the new banding station.

24 … is to commemorate a fresh start.

The new facility was opened June 24, 2019, and is “about 10 times larger than the previous banding area … and state of the art in many ways” says head bander, Matthew Iles. It was officially opened in cooperation with PEPtBO, The County, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

1975 … is for the year it all started.

Bird migration was first monitored at Prince Edward Point in 1975. The Kingston Field Naturalists carried out banding in the area until 1981. Those early efforts led to it officially becoming a National Wildlife Area in 1980. The observatory was created in 1995 as a permanent monitoring station – one of a network of approximately 25 independent stations across Canada, with PEPtBO being the second largest.

1995 … is for the year the butterflies said, “Move over, birds!”

Prince Edward Point was designated an International Monarch Butterfly Reserve in 1995 – one of only three in Canada. Each fall, these incredible beauties flutter their way from southern Canada to the mountains of Mexico – an unbelievable journey of almost 5,000 kilometres – making it one of the world’s longest insect migrations.

298/307 … is for birds of a different feather.

Since they began officially documenting our feathered friends at Prince Edward Point, a total of 298 different species have been recorded … oh so close to 300! This according to Bird Studies Canada’s most recent report on the PEPtBO website.

But wait, according to ebird, a highly respected bird website, the current total of different species recorded at the observatory is 307! And if the totals around the observatory are counted, the total is even higher. So, for the sake of argument, let’s just say, around 300.

One day in January, 1995, about 39,000 scaup were recorded near PEPtBO!

39000 … is for non-stop scaup!

We knew there are a lot of scaup in the area – numbers consistently reach 10,000 regularly – but one day in January, 1995, about 39,000 of the diving ducks were recorded, according to Bird Studies Canada! All I want to know is who had to count them all?!!!

But they’re not the only waterfowl who hang out in great numbers. Other flocks who hang out in and around the shores of PEC include long-tailed ducks, white-winged scoters, common loons, horned grebes, common goldeneyes, common mergansers, and red-breasted mergansers.

2000 … is for hawks, hawks and more hawks.

A lot of birds fly past during the fall migration – including some 2,000 hawks a day in some cases! These majestic raptors include sharp-shinned, red-shouldered, and red-tailed varieties.

181 … is for Bird Week.

Each spring, PEPtBO runs a Big Week bird count. This year’s figures – for the entire County – saw a total of 181 different species reported! Rare highlights included a chuck-will’s-widow, a cerulean warbler, a blue-winged warbler, and a black vulture. Top birders in the IBA were Tom Wheatley (118 species), Amy Bodman (104 species), and Cecile Yarrow (104 species).

659 … is for BioBlitz hits.

On June 9-10, 2018, a hardy group of both experts and volunteers, conducted a 24-hour snapshot of the plants and animals in a defined area of the IBA. Called BioBlitz, the group recorded 659 species, including 284 vascular plants, 159 Moths, 74 birds, 33 aquatic invertebrates, 26 “other” insects, 19 butterflies, 14 fish, 11 mammals, 10 terrestrial snails, 7 dragonflies, 6 damselflies, 6 leeches, 5 amphibians, and 5 reptiles.

The group recorded four species that are on the threatened status list: the Blanding’s turtle, the whip-poor-will, the least bittern, and the Canada warbler. BioBlitz is organized by the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists in association with PEPTBO and the Point Petre Provincial Wildlife Area (PPPWA).

Get to Know … Matthew Iles | @wild_m.iles

Stop by PEPtBO and say hello to the new Bander-in-Charge.

Matthew banding a Northern Parula.

Matthew Iles is a bird brain.

More accurately, he’s the brains behind all the birds that get banded at the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO) as the new Bander-in-Charge.

Of course, that means that he’s a very busy fellow, as the fall migration is in full flight, and his days start before dawn. While there’s no such thing as a typical day, banding upwards of 100 birds in a morning is fairly common.

“I’m so excited to be here,” Matthew told Pamela Stagg during a recent 99.3 County FM Radio interview. “With the new lab, with increased tourism in PEC, and also, I think, with an increased interest in re-connecting with nature.”

Prior to his arrival in The County this spring, the affable Welsh biologist honed his craft at Long Point Bird Observatory on Lake Erie, in James Bay and in the rainforests of the Amazon. He banded the first bird in the new observatory, an American redstart.

While gathering and analyzing bird migration data is Matthew’s core job function, he wears many fine-feathered hats. He trains young biologists and interns, meets and greets the public when he can, and loves to talk bird talk with visitors, especially to raise awareness about bird conservation and the role that our feathered friends play in the greater universe.

“We have an amazing opportunity to show people the cool science that we’re up to and why it’s important. The data that we’re collecting is super critical.”

When he’s not immersed in the world of birds, Matthew likes to cook as much as he can, and dabbles in seasonal food preservation. His other interests include bushcraft, camping, wood carving, permaculture and homesteading.

Bird Brain = Bird Smart

Coincidentally, birds get a bad rap from that bird-brain tag. Truth is, it should mean the opposite, as scientific studies have proven that birds have more neurons in their small brains than mammals, specifically in their forebrain, which is associated with intelligent behaviour. That’s why a bird travelling from Canada to South America never needs to ask for directions! So, so now you know.

Birds safely and calmly await their turn to be banded in these fashionable cloth bags.

Follow the observatory and the fall migration on Instagram (#PEPtBO #PrinceEdwardPointBirdObservatory), Facebook, or on their website: peptbo.ca.

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Visit The County is the DMMO for #PrinceEdwardCounty, a rural community bursting with creative talent & natural stunners.

Prince Edward County ❄️🍷🍽️🍁
🍁 Maple in The County is back! 🍁 Maple seas 🍁 Maple in The County is back! 🍁

Maple season is in full swing and the celebrations in Prince Edward County will culminate in the long-awaited return of Maple in The County from March 25-26, 2023. Featuring 5 local sugarbushes and a host of local businesses, Maple in The County is a wonderful outing for the whole family. Come on out to tour a sap house, enjoy a pancake breakfast, walk through the maple woods, and so much more. Head to mapleinthecounty.ca for more information and to plan your Maple in The County route! 

Participating Sugarbushes: 

Sweetwater Cabin / Hubbs Sugarbush
Fosterholm Farms
Vader's Maple Syrup @vadersmaple 
Roblin's Maple Syrup @roblins.maple 
Loha Farms @lohafarms 

📷 by Ramesh Pooran of the Wellington Times

#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #mapleinthecounty
🌱 Spring Countylicious 🌱 Countylicious is b 🌱 Spring Countylicious 🌱

Countylicious is back for spring from April 12 - May 1, 2023! Come out to The County for three weeks of prix fixe dining at restaurants you know, love, and have been dying to try. Stay tuned as we reveal menus and gift card giveaway from all 16 participating restaurants: 

@flameandsmith 
@7numberspicton 
@bloomfieldpublichouse 
@555brewingco 
@parsonsbrewing 
@pastaonesta 
@theroyalhotelpicton 
@TheWaringHouse 
@DrakeDevonshire 
@MerrillHouse1879 
@JacksonsFallsCountryInn 
@BocadoPEC 
@MatronFineBeer 
@StellasEatery 
@HartleysTavern 
@waupoosestatesrestaurant 

Head to http://countylicious.ca/ today to start planning your Countylicious experience.

#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #Countylicious
🍁 Maple & More 🍷 Wondering what to do in Th 🍁 Maple & More 🍷

Wondering what to do in The County this March? Check out our latest blog for a round-up of everything you can see and do this month, from indulging in maple treats at local sugar bushes and eateries with @maplemadnesspec  and @mapleinthecounty, to tasting wines at the inaugural Élevage: PEC Winter Wine Festival hosted by @pecwine , and everything in between. We've also included a preview of what you can expect next month (hint: it's de-LICIOUS 😉).

Link in bio 👆

Image description: Sweetwater Cabin at Hubbs Sugar Bush, Maple in The County participant, taken by Karen Palmer. Above the image is a banner which reads "Experience Maple & More in The County this March." 

 #PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #MapleInTheCounty #MapleMadnessPEC #elevagepec #pecwine #MarchinTheCounty
🍷 Élevage: PEC Winter Wine Festival 🍷 Want 🍷 Élevage: PEC Winter Wine Festival 🍷

Want the chance to tour through 7 Prince Edward County winery venues while tasting wine and cider from 21 local producers?

Want to experience culinary delights from local chefs that showcase the winter cooking techniques integral to Canadian food culture?

Join us for Élevage hosted by @pecwine on March 11-12, 2023 and celebrate winter in wine country.

For more information and to purchase tickets, head to the link in our bio 👆
❤️ PEC is for Lovers ❤️⁠ ⁠ Valentine's ❤️ PEC is for Lovers ❤️⁠
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Valentine's Day is almost here! Whether you're spending the day itself in PEC or you're joining us for a romantic weekend getaway, there's plenty happening this weekend to help make for a memorable stay with your love (or your bff, we're here for platonic love too)! ⁠
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🎙️ Enjoy Dinner and a Show on Saturday night at @KarloEstates with The Bees Knees, which includes a vegan meal and wine pairings, or start your weekend with Tasty Trivia ⁠
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🖼️ Head to @oenogallery for their latest exhibition, "Conversations" and then have a conversation about your experience over a wine tasting @huffestateswine. ⁠
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🍽️ This weekend, enjoy early Valentine's Day meals at @adegapec, @wandertheresort, @flameandsmith, @grangewinery, @7numberspicton,  @the_blue_sail_seafood_company, and @TheWaringHouse. ⁠
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🧘 Start your Valentine's Day weekend with a refresh at @bodymatrixpec with Acu-Detox+Yoga.⁠
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🍫 Attend a chocolate-making workshop @shedchetwynfarms (limited spaces remain). ⁠
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💃🏻 Dance your way to Valentine's day on February 11 at @thewaringhouse and on February 13 at @stellaseatery. ⁠
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🍳 Go for brunch at @jacksonsfallscountryinn, @bermudapec, @parsonsbrewing, @karloestates, and many more delicious spots.⁠
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🧀 Have a cheesy day with a visit to @lighthallvineyards for Raclette Sunday. ⁠
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🏈 If football is your love language, spend Super Bowl Sunday in PEC at @555brewingco, @princeeddysbrewing, and @thecountycanteen.⁠
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❤️ On Valentine's Day itself experience special menus at @bloomfieldpublichouse, @creekside_cafe_pec, and @theroyalhotelpicton. ⁠
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📷️ Thanks to @OntarioTravel and @rto9_on⁠
Image Description: Two women, a couple, smile at each other while clinking glasses of white and red wine together at Adega in Consecon, PEC. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
🍔 Burger it Forward 🍔⁠ ⁠ This month, enj 🍔 Burger it Forward 🍔⁠
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This month, enjoy the signature burger at four participating restaurants in Prince Edward County and do some good. With each burger sold as part of the #BurgerItForward campaign, @lovecdnbeef will donate will donate the equivalent of 1 meal to Food Banks Canada. ⁠
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🍔 At @creekside_cafe_pec in Wellington check out their Creekside Burger, a 4 oz Local Beef Patty with Caramelized Onions, Tang Sauce, Garlic Aioli, Bread & Butter Pickles, and Cheddar Cheese. ⁠
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🍔 Head to @theacousticgrill to enjoy The Acoustic Jam, a an 8 oz Angus Beef Patty with Fresh Tomato, Greens, Onion, Horseradish Mayonnaise, Roasted Corn Salsa, and Caramelized Onions served on a Toasted Bakery Bun.⁠
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🍔 Head to @theroyalhotelpicton for The Royal Burger, which features a Canadian Beef Patty, Cheddar Cheese, Shallot Butter, Rosemary Ketchup, and Aioli.⁠
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🍔  And finally at @thewaringhouse you'll find The County Burger, an 8 oz 100% Brisket Patty topped with Canadian Cheddar, Crispy Bacon, Canadian Maple Syrup, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Pickle and Homemade Chipotle Mayo Sauce served on a Brioche Bun.⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
☕️ Take a Coffee (or Cocoa) Break ☕️⁠
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It's a chilly one this weekend! When you need some relief from the cold, why not head inside for a bit of a winter warmer at a local café! Luckily, The County has lots of options for you and your kiddos to get warm with a coffee, hot chocolate or tea: ⁠
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🧸 Speaking of kids, if you have them you definitely want to head to @beaconbikebrew in Picton where their kid-friendly play area is perfect to keep them entertained while you relax with a brew. But thei café menu is ideal for big kids too! ⁠
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☕️ Also in Picton you’ll find @misslilyscafe, the @thebeancountercafe, and @LusoBites, where you’ll find a whole host of delicious Portuguese delights (including pastel de nata!) alongside a large coffee menu. You can also pop into @theroyalhotelpicton for a warm drink alongside a memorable cannoli. ⁠
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🫖 If tea is more your speed, don’t miss @SavonDuBois, whose apothecary is sure to provide the perfect remedy to a chilly day. ⁠
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🍵 Other spots to warm up throughout The County include @BloomfieldPublicHouse and @BloomfieldBeautyCo, @GOODPlacePEC, and @PiccolinaMercato and @demorestvillecafe_convenience. (Honourable mention to @ConseconHoneyHouseCafe who are currently hibernating like the bees, but will be back again soon.)⁠
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Image description: A young child plays with toys on the kid-friendly green carpet Beacon Bike+Brew. Their mother is on the floor with him, coffee in hand. ⁠
Image by OneLook⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #WinterinPEC
❄️ A Winter Bucket List for PEC ❄️⁠ ⁠ ❄️ A Winter Bucket List for PEC ❄️⁠
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We're going to let you in on one of our best-kept secrets: winter in Prince Edward County. Sure, it's colder and quieter, but for us those are just added benefits that make for some unforgettable experiences. For the uninitiated that may need some convincing, so head to our blog to discover our complete bucket list for an incredible winter experience in The County.⁠
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Link in bio 👆️⁠
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Note: this bucket list might not be accomplished in a single weekend getaway, but maybe that calls for making a PEC winter getaway a tradition. Or better yet, book a longer stay to enjoy a whole week of winter fun in The County. Discover unique and luxurious accommodations on our website at visitthecounty.com/stay⁠
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