Explore the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area

Note:  this event has been re-scheduled to Sunday December 6 at 9am

Saturday, December 5 (rain/snow date December 6)  9 am to 11 am

Our December South Shore Stroll will give us the opportunity to visit the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area.  We will meet at the Canadian Flag at 6056 Long Point Road and walk to the Lighthouse and back.  Along the way will be able to see the water fowl gathering for their winter sojourn in Lake Ontario.  There should be Long -tailed Ducks, White-winged Scoters and Lesser Scaup close to shore so that we can get a good look at them.

Point Traverse Lighthouse is a square wooden tower with an attached keeper’s dwelling which began use in 1881.  The point is now serviced by an electronic beacon.  During the mid to late twentieth century the Point Traverse Lighthouse was used as a banding station by Kingston Field Naturalists particularly during the fall for Northern Saw-whet Owl banding.   Banders would live at the station which was equipped with propane lighting, heating and kitchen facilities.

The Point Traverse Lighthouse has recently been declared historically significant and has been restored by Parks Canada.  Of particular interest at Point Traverse is the use of the soffits on the tower as nesting areas by Cliff Swallows.  The adjacent shed is a favourite nesting place for Barn Swallows.  Of course these insectivores have left for the season, but there will be other winter birds, such as Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals and Pine Siskins to see and hear.

Dress warmly for this outing and bring binoculars if you have them.