Canadian Raptor Conservancy

  On September 23rd, 2017 we attended our second Migration Festival in just a few weeks. This one was held at the Canadian Raptor Conservancy which is located between Port Dover and Port Ryerse Ontario. The Festival included a Birds Of Prey Show by James Cowan of the Canadian Raptor Conservancy, a presentation on snakes and turtles from Jenny Pearce of Sciensational Sssnakes as well as Speaking of Wildlife presentation from Wildlife of Canada. Also on hand were Pro Photographer Bea Binka, World Champion Wood Carver George MacMillan of Black Duck Studio, and world renowned Taxidermist Rick Davis.

James Cowan holding a Retail Hawk as he educates the crowd.

  Outside in the presentation area, small grandstands were setup for the presentations. First show we saw was the Birds of Prey show that gave photographers and onlookers the opportunity to get up close and personal with birds of prey that normally wouldn't be that accessible. These birds included a Bald Eagle, Red Tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, a Eurasian Eagle-Owl and a Lanner Falcon. Unfortunately the show we attended, the Lanner Falcon didn't feel like being part of the show at that time, and decided to fly off on its own. When the show was finished it still hadn't returned. Luckily it was equipped with a sophisticated tracking device, so it would soon be tracked down and returned to the Conservancy. 

Great Horned Owl posing for pictures.

  The birds would fly from perch to perch and also stay on the perches long enough to pose for pictures as James Cowan, operator of The Canadian Raptor Conservancy, spoke to the crowd and covered the educational portion of the show. This was very informative and I must say I learned a lot from this show.

Jenny Pearce from Sciensational Sssnakes educating the crowd on Garter Snakes.

  The next show was a presentation by Jenny Pearce from Sciensational Sssnakes. This was another very informative show discussing different behaviours of snakes and the importance of snakes to our environment. But the presentation didn't just include snakes. A Snapping Turtle was also on hand and had a stroll around as we were educated on the dos and don'ts of dealing with Snapping Turtles and the importance of Snapping Turtles to our environment. 

This Snapping Turtle also had a visit with the crowd.

  On the display in the main building were a variety of turtles and snakes in terrariums with educational material from Sciensational Sssnakes. Ontario's South Coast Bicycle had a bicycle display set up. Natures calling had several items for sale to support their cause. Anne Parkhill from "What's the Buzz" was on hand with a honey bee display. Downtown Camera from Toronto were also on hand selling memory cards and other items. This was a great idea for those who either filled or forgot their memory cards. Thankfully I wasn't one of the people that forgot their memory cards that day. They were also giving away free microfiber clothes, and one cannot have too many microfiber clothes. Also in the building was Taxidermist Rick Davis, who was working his magic for onlookers. George MacMillan of Black Duck Studio was also in the building displaying his incredible wood carvings. I was able to have a great conversation with George, whos personality is as great as his carvings. 

Beautiful Bald Eagle looking proud as can be.

  In a separate building, Pro Photographer Bea Binka was giving a presentation. Unfortunately I didn't know where or when this was taking place, so by the time I arrived I had missed half of the presentation. But from what I did see, it contained a lot of useful information for new and not so new photographers. 

You have to appreciate the guitar strap!

  Outside the main building, local recording artist Rachel Heart was performing. There were only two musicians in this performance, but that's all they needed. Another entertaining element of the Migration Festival. Also outside the main building for hungey show attendees was Shaka Bean selling food out of their classic VW Van.

  
 Although I wasn't able to talk to everyone involved or see all the shows that were available, it certainly was worth the price of admission and would love to be able to attend another time. Another location and event that I highly recommend. 

  Till next time,

Migration Adventure Part Three: Sunday

American Bullfrog

  After a good night's sleep in Leamington, and of course stopping for our morning coffee, we hit the road to Point Pelee National Park. Thankfully this wasn't a long drive to get to the park. We hardly had any coffee gone when we hit the main gate. Being Canada's 150th birthday, and the government being generous (I know you thought you'd never hear that) we were in possession of our Discovery Pass which got us into the park free of charge.

Northern Leopard Frog

  On entry we were given a map so we could find our way around. This was a good thing as it had been many years since I was there. On our drive down the road, I spotted another Great Blue Heron. It was a long ways away for pictures, but I stopped and took a few pictures anyway.

  After several pictures we continued on and arrived at the boardwalk that goes around the marsh. So I parked the car, and couldn't wait to see what photo opportunities there would be. Just as we started out on the boardwalk, I looked up and there was a Bald Eagle soaring around. It was a little too high for great pictures, but not too high to watch in amazement as it glided along in the warm morning sun. I was sure to let Shannon know to look up, and this also alerted some other people enjoying the boardwalk. I didn't realize they were there, so it was very nice of them, as they walked past, to thank me for letting them know the Bald Eagle was there.

Painted Turtle playing peek-a-boo.

Fly hanging out on a Water Lily. 

  The next photo op we had, was an American Bullfrog sitting on a leaf on a Lilly Pad. Reminded me of the song frog on the bump on the log. Well you know the rest. This frog seemed to like having its picture taken as I was able to get a few different angles as it just sat there enjoying the heat of the day as well. As we walked along I also got some pictures of some Northern Leopard Frogs and Pickerel Frogs.

  I had just stated that it was a great day for a turtle to be out sunning and enjoying the weather, when we came around the corner of the boardwalk and found just that. A turtle sitting out enjoying the day. I took a lot of pictures of this turtle from several different angles as it posed perfectly on what appeared to be some old roots sticking above the water. It was like it was just meant to be. I have to say that this was very difficult as there were several people on the floating boardwalk. Needless to say, not only did you have to avoid getting sea sick, you had to time the picture perfectly to avoid camera shake and get the turtle in the frame where you wanted it.

Painted Turtle enjoying the sun.

  After the boardwalk, we got back in the car and drove further down the Point to the Shuttle pick up point, and took the shuttle to the most southern tip of Canada. It certainly wasn't what I remember, but well worth the wait for the shuttle.

At the Point of Point Pelee. The most southern mainland point of Canada.

   We took a few photos of the tip as we fought through the crowd. Shannon posed for some pictures as well. Everything was going swimmingly until a wave ventured a long way up the beach and completely covered our feet. This made us scamper to higher ground in a hurry. I had thought we were the only ones that had this issue until we were on our way back, and I spotted four Semipalmated Sandpipers. They were very comical birds as they seemed like they didn't want wet feet either. Every time a wave came in, they ran up the beach to avoid the water. This was very funny to see and I found it extremely entertaining. It's times like that, that I wish I was shooting a video, but all I was doing was shooting still shots as these birds never held still and were always on the move. 

One of the four Semipalmated Sandpipers.

  This was the end of our Point Pelee adventure as we hopped back on the shuttle back to the car, and hit the road again. Next stop was Greenview Aviaries Park & Zoo. This always causes mixed emotions for me. It's great that I get to see the animals I would otherwise have to travel far and wide to see, but also it's sad to see these animals caged up and not roaming free like they were meant to be.

Double Crested Cormorant wondering what I was up to. Not sure if it was part of the Zoo or just visiting.

  Zoos are certainly not the best place for photography as there are usually multiple fences and things off in the distance. I did what I could to make the best of the situation. We saw some lions and tigers and bears oh my. One highlight was a Timber Wolf letting us know that this was his territory and not ours. I definitely recommend this zoo. Lots of good things to see including a miniature village. Be sure to tell them that 3 West Photography sent you.

Snow Monkey looking very sad.

Young Tiger cooling off in some water.

Timber Wolf.

  
  Finally after a very long weekend, it was time to head home. Heading home is always bitter sweet. It's great to get home but also hate to see the weekend end. Our trip home was fairly uneventful except for seeing a very large Hawk on a fence post. We tried to turn around and get a picture of it, but unfortunately it flew away before I had a chance to get a picture. Also we saw a White Tail Deer on a hill running parallel with the road, but the camera was already put away. Can't wait to get out again. 

  Till next time,

  Please note: If any species have been misidentified, please send me a message for a correction. These photography adventures are also educational adventures as I am not an expert in identification. I learn as I go. Let's learn together. Thank you for your help.