Shorebird Celebration at Hillman
The annual Hillman Marsh Shorebird Celebration takes place at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area in Leamington Ontario from May 1 to May 20 2024. Join us for a unique suite of programs, included in your gate fee! Over one hundred species of birds use Hillman as a migration stopover which draws sandpipers, ducks, warblers and frequently spotted annual rarities such as the Yellow-headed Blackbird, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Eurasian Wigeon, Glossy Ibis and Eastern Kingbird. The diverse habitats of Hillman Marsh attract and support marsh, shore and field birds such as herons, egrets, terns, songbirds, waterfowl, and birds of prey.
The shorebird habitat at Hillman Marsh is unique in North America. The managed habitat creates the perfect combination of mudflats to provide nutrition and a resting area for migrating shorebirds, offering outstanding viewing opportunities.
The 5kms of walking trails, nature centre, washrooms and viewing towers at Hillman Marsh can be accessed from the main entrance. There are also bird identification signs at the shelter highlighting distinguishing characteristics and a variety of species that frequent the area.
Join us for specific programs, or explore the habitats on your own!
Hillman Marsh Conservation Area is located just minutes from Point Pelee National Park.
Entry is $10 per vehicle from May 1 - 21, and will be collected via HONKMobile cloud-based technology, using your smartphone and a QR code to pay. A Seasonal Pass provides unlimited entry to Holiday Beach, Hillman Marsh and the John R. Park Homestead all season long. A Spring Birding Pass provides unlimited access to Hillman Marsh from April 15 - May 31. Seasonal Passes and Spring Birding Passes should be displayed printed side up on your dash.
- Activity NameDayTimeDescriptionRegisterShorebird Viewing with OFOMay 19, 20243pm - 5pmLearn the basics of shorebird identification, bring your scope, binoculars and a bird ID guide. Located at the Shorebird Viewing Shelter.Shorebird Viewing with OFOMay 1, 20243pm - 5pmLearn the basics of shorebird identification, bring your scope, binoculars and a bird ID guide. Located at the Shorebird Viewing Shelter.Shorebird Viewing with OFOMay 4, 20243pm - 5pmLearn the basics of shorebird identification, bring your scope, binoculars and a bird ID guide. Located at the Shorebird Viewing ShelterBird Names in Anishinaabemowin with Joe PitawanakwatMay 5, 202410amJoin Joe for this special, interactive experience as Joe shares his knowledge of bird names in Anishinaabemowin, the Ojibwe language, and what those names mean. Hillman Marsh Nature Centre.https://www.essexregionconservation.ca/bird-names-in-anishinaabemowinShorebird Hike with Jean IronMay 8, 20243pmMeet expert Jean Iron at the Shorebird Viewing Shelter for an interactive hike. Bring your scope/binoculars for this incredible experience! Pre-registration is required.https://www.essexregionconservation.ca/shorebird-hike-with-jean-ironShorebird Viewing with OFOMay 8, 20243pm - 5pmLearn the basics of shorebird identification, bring your scope, binoculars and a bird ID guide. Located at the Shorebird Viewing ShelterBirding for Beginners with Jess RoseMay 9, 20242:30pmJoin ERCA's Environmental Educator Jess Rose to learn the basics of bird identification, key tools and secrets to successful birding in the region. Meet Jess at the Shorebird Viewing Shelter for this interactive hike around the shorebird cell. Pre-registration is required.https://www.essexregionconservation.ca/birding-for-beginnersShorebird Hike with Jean IronMay 11, 20243pmMeet expert Jean Iron at the Shorebird Viewing Shelter for an interactive hike. Bring your scope/binoculars for this incredible experience! Pre-registration is required.https://www.essexregionconservation.ca/shorebird-hike-with-jean-ironShorebird Viewing with OFOMay 11, 20243pm - 5pmLearn the basics of shorebird identification, bring your scope, binoculars and a bird ID guide. Located at the Shorebird Viewing Shelter.Shorebird Viewing with OFOMay 15, 20243pm - 5pmLearn the basics of shorebird identification, bring your scope, binoculars and a bird ID guide. Located at the Shorebird Viewing Shelter.Birding for Beginners with Jess RoseMay 16, 20242:30pmJoin ERCA's Environmental Educator Jess Rose to learn the basics of bird identification, key tools and secrets to successful birding in the region. Meet Jess at the Shorebird Viewing Shelter for this interactive hike around the shorebird cell. Pre-registration is required.https://www.essexregionconservation.ca/birding-for-beginners
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Photos courtesy of Jean Iron