Celebrating spring migration at Canatara Park

Bird Friendly Sarnia invites the community to the Carriage House to explore the vital role of local conservation and community science during World Migratory Bird Day.

Bird Friendly Sarnia is hosting a free, family-friendly event to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 9. The gathering takes place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Carriage House in Canatara Park.

Set along the shoreline of Lake Huron, the event highlights Sarnia’s position as a critical migration corridor. Residents are invited to experience the spring migration firsthand while learning practical ways to protect bird populations within the community.

This year’s global theme, "Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!", focuses on the impact of community science. Attendees will discover how simple backyard observations provide essential data used by scientists to track and protect migratory species.

The event features several interactive opportunities for nature lovers of all ages:

• Free copies of the newly reprinted Huron Shore Flyway birding guide will be available while supplies last.
• Volunteers from the Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation will attend, bringing along Regal Eagle.
• The Lambton Wildlife Incorporated Young Naturalists will lead a kids' birding hike, though this activity currently has a waitlist.
• Children can also participate in various bird-friendly games and educational activities throughout the morning.

Representatives from local conservation groups, including Friends of the St. Clair River and Lambton Wildlife Incorporated, will be on-site to connect with residents. For those without their own equipment, binoculars will be available to borrow from the Sarnia Library’s Library of Things.

The event is free and open to all ages regardless of birding experience. It serves as a reminder that the health of our local ecosystem depends on collective community awareness and participation in conservation efforts.