Friends of Point Pelee

05/28/2026

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World Turtle Day reference card. Five eastern species. How to identify. How to help. When to call.

PAINTED TURTLE — Smooth, flat shell. Red and yellow markings on head and neck. Yellow stripes. Basking on logs. Cross roads May-June for nesting. Move across road in direction of travel if safe. 🌿

SNAPPING TURTLE — Large, rough shell. Spiked tail. Aggressive on land (can't retract into shell). DO NOT pick up by tail (damages spine). Slide flat object underneath or grip shell behind rear legs. Always move in direction of travel.

EASTERN BOX TURTLE — High-domed shell with yellow/orange blotches. Hinged plastron — can seal completely. Terrestrial. DO NOT put in water (they can drown in deep water). DO NOT relocate — they spend entire lives in a home range of roughly 250 yards.

RED-EARED SLIDER — Red or orange stripe behind each eye. Invasive pet release. If found in a park pond, the population is established. DO NOT release pet turtles into the wild.

WOOD TURTLE — Orange on neck and legs. Rough, sculpted shell plates. Rare. State-listed in nearly every state. If found crossing a road, help it across and report the sighting to your state wildlife agency.

🐾 Universal protocol:

- Always move a turtle in the direction it was heading
- Never relocate to a "better" spot — the turtle will try to return
- Injured turtle with a cracked shell → contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (turtles can survive shell injuries with veterinary care)
- A turtle digging a hole in your lawn = nesting female. Leave the site undisturbed.

05/24/2026

As May comes to a close, we at Friends of Point Pelee would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to the Festival of Birds' success this year and every year. To our dedicated volunteers, who selflessly give their time with a warm smile to welcome hungry birders each morning and afternoon. To the entire Point Pelee National Park staff, whose invaluable assistance ensures the smooth operation of daily events. To our Nook staff, who worked tirelessly to keep the store well-stocked with official Festival of Birds merchandise. To Del Fresco Pure for the generous donation of fresh vegetables, Tweet Treats, for Mother's Day weekend. To our talented hike leaders, presenters, Meredith, for her remarkable artwork and presents in the park, and lastly, to the stunning park, birds, and wildlife that make Point Pelee their home each year, providing a haven for all to enjoy. Point Pelee National Park Festival of Birds

05/15/2026

Birders Breakfast and Lunch remains open from 7am-2pm all weekend, including Monday, behind the Visitor Centre. Start your morning with a delightful cup of coffee and pastries from Lakeside bakery, then revisit for lunch. Enjoy hot dog sausages, chili, and other options. https://www.facebook.com/share/16pykvxS9c/

Visiting this long weekend? Here is what you need to know:

🌳 No reservations for day visits are required. Entry to the park is on a first come first serve basis.
🐦 This is the final weekend of the Festival of Birds. Parking is on a first come first serve basis and fills up quickly in the mornings near the visitor centre.
🌳 The park is open from 5 am to 10 pm all weekend.
🌳 Visitor Centre is open from 7 am to 5 pm.
🌳 Shuttle is running from 5:30 am to 8 pm.
🐍 Turtles and snakes are on the move-DRIVE SLOWLY.
⚠️ Never enter the water at the Tip.

05/10/2026

Thank Quest Nature Tours for your update today.

Happy Mother's Day!

Border's Breakfast and Lunch OPEN till 2 pm everyday for the Festival of Birds

05/09/2026

The hike program takes place from May 1st to 18th. Morning hikes leave from the Visitor Centre. Afternoon hikes depart from Northwest. Evening hikes convene at DeLaurier.

05/07/2026

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05/02/2026

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The 2026 Bird of Year is the Golden-winged Warbler. One of the rarer warblers during spring migration, birders are delighted to see it every May.

05/02/2026

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04/29/2026

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Friends of Point Pelee

Birds of a feather are flocking outside… and so are the birders!

Festival of Birds at starts in just a few days – are you ready?

Check out the full schedule here: https://www.festivalofbirds.ca

Please note: Some activities require pre-registration.

04/23/2026

Are you feeling the excitement building? The Festival of Birds is just around the corner, promising an incredible experience. Take an early look at our official Festival of Birds collectibles, available from May 1st. Don't wait - secure your collectibles before they sell out. Thank you to our Hayley for being a great sport in modeling all of it. Festival of Birds