Posting for the County of Simcoe, and the Kirtland's Warbler Ontario Working Group:
Over the last several years, several partners have been working on the creation of habitat for the endangered Kirtland's Warbler. In what is one of the most exciting Ontario bird conservation stories, last week, members of the Kirtland's Warbler project team confirmed that up to five or six males appear to be on territory at one of these sites! Given that the Simcoe County Forest is under public ownership, access to the Packard Tract is open. However, respect for both the birds and neighbouring landowners is required. As an endangered species, the Kirtland’s Warbler and its habitat are protected by federal and provincial laws. Visitors are required to follow the posted guidelines to avoid disturbing the birds which could cause them to abandon the site. Volunteers from the Ontario Field Ornithologists' Rare Bird Ambassador program will be on location to assist visitors while ensuring viewing guidelines are respected. Access for birders and bird photographers has been arranged beginning at 6 am Tuesday (June 14). Please read the viewing guidelines below before you consider visiting. The birds are close to the access road and can be observed without travelling a far distance on foot. Volunteer rare bird ambassadors are needed for three hour time slots starting Wednesday (we have Tuesday covered already); please consider volunteering your time if you are planning on going. The time slots are 6 am-9 am and each three hour period after that until 6 pm. To volunteer: -reply to this email ([email protected]), -register on the OFO website: https://ofo25.wildapricot.org/event-4784690 -or join the OFO discord server and use the "rare bird ambassador program" channel): https://discord.gg/npbCzXVhZ2 ***Kirtland’s Warbler Viewing Guidelines – Simcoe County Forest ‘Packard Tract’; 8398 9th Line Essa Township*** This site is a Canadian-first restoration effort to create breeding/nesting habitat for the Kirtland’s Warbler, a globally rare songbird, and will serve as a model for further conservation efforts for the species. While the enthusiasm of the birding community is understood, the cooperation of all is both appreciated and expected to avoid disturbing the warbler and upsetting area residents. Please sign the guestbook and consider supporting the conservation of Kirtland’s Warbler through a donation. 1. Parking: a. Drive south from Highway 90 on 9th Line Essa to the dead end ( https://goo.gl/maps/63ewojU7USpjAXwe6), turn around and park on the east side of the road between the turnaround and the driveway to the north. This will result in you parking on the right-hand side of the road with your vehicle facing the exit. b. Please do not park in the turn-around area unless you have mobility issues. c. Under no circumstance should you block traffic or park in front of private property/driveways. 2. No playback or vocal imitations of any kind. This includes: a. Playback of Kirtland’s Warbler vocalizations; b. Playback or imitations of owl calls or other sounds designed to draw birds out; c. Any sounds designed to agitate or draw birds out. 3. Stay on forest access roads and out of closed areas: a. Remain on the forest access roads that loop around the perimeter of the site; b. Do not enter the area marked closed on the map posted at the site. 4. Minimize noise and do not leave anything behind, including eaten fruit which attract predators such as squirrels or foxes. 5. Please restrict visiting to between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm from May 1 to September 30 Kirtland’s Warblers may be present. Please note that the protection for the Kirtland’s Warbler, its nests, eggs and habitat are governed by federal, provincial and municipal law. Do not enter the area marked closed on the map to attempt to locate nests or census the population or for any other reason. Federal Legislation Species at Risk Act (SARA): The Kirtland’s Warbler is listed as an endangered species under this Act. It is illegal to kill, harm, harass, capture or take a Kirtland’s Warbler. It is also illegal to possess, buy, sell or trade this species, and to damage or destroy its residence. Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA): As a migratory bird, the Kirtland’s Warbler receives protection under this Act. It is illegal to be in possession of, to buy and sell, or to willfully destroy or disturb a migratory bird, its nest, or its eggs. Provincial Legislation Ontario Endangered Species Act (ESA): The Kirtland’s Warbler is listed as endangered under this Act. The ESA prohibits killing, harming, harassing, capturing, taking, possessing, collecting, buying, selling, leasing, or trading any endangered or threatened species. It is illegal to damage or destroy the habitat of an endangered or threatened species. Municipal Legislation County of Simcoe Forest Recreation By-law #6753 This by-law governs activities permitted within the Simcoe County Forest. It is a violation of this by-law to disobey a posted sign within the County Forest. ***PRESS RELEASE*** See the County of Simcoe's press release for more information about this exciting news: https://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/kirtland%E2%80%99s-warbler-makes-appearance-during-simcoe-county-forest-100th-anniversary-22-6-13.aspx -- Ontbirds and Birdnews are moderated email Listservs provided by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) as a service to all birders in Ontario. Birdnews is reserved for announcements, location summaries, first of year reports, etc. To post a message on Birdnews, send an email to: [email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Birdnews Moderators by email at [email protected]. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Ontario birders should be taking extra precautions and following local, provincial, and federal regulations regarding physical distancing and non-essential travel. To find out more about OFO, please visit our website at ofo.ca or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists.
