Due to the public health concerns associated with COVID-19 and large group gatherings, and under the recommendations put forth by provincial and federal public health agencies, the NPCA and Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch have made the mutual decision to cancel the annual Good Friday Hawkwatch Open House.
Passive recreation, including birdwatching, and hiking is still permitted at Beamer Memorial Conservation Area, though on-site facilities remain closed. The NPCA encourages those who are not self-isolating at home to get outside and enjoy time in nature. However, if the parking lot looks full, or there are many individuals on the trails, visitors should follow public health recommendations for social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus.
Despite cancellation of the Open House, Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch members will continue with daily migratory raptor counting activities at Beamer, and on the observation tower. Members of the public are advised that there will be NPH counters and observers present on the tower between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The NPCA and NPH ask that social distancing practices are maintained when utilizing the observation tower.
As the annual hawk migration continues into May, the NPH and NPCA will provide updates on the count and significant findings. More information can be found at www.npca.ca/our-voice.
We are looking forward to a fantastic Open House event in 2021. For more information regarding NPCA conservation areas and events, please contact Alicia Powell, Manager of Conservation Area Services at apowell@npca.ca or 905-562-5235 ext. 26.
For more information about the annual hawk migration, please follow Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch on social media: @NPHawkwatch.