Bird watchers, this is the place to flock to on Saturday

Following a "very successful" World Migratory Bird Day in the spring, the Kensington Conservancy says it is working with Parks Canada once again to provide special access to Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site so that birders can also experience the wonders of fall bird migration.

The site will be open to vehicular traffic from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.

"Fort St. Joseph, which is also home to the St. Joseph Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, is well known as a top tier birding location within the Algoma District," the conservancy said in a news release. 

"Well over 200 different bird species have been recorded here over the years, including 162 this year so far."

In mid-October, a variety of migratory birds can be seen in a single day, including many ducks, raptors, and songbirds, the conservancy said.

The almost 1,000 hectare bird sanctuary has 4.3km worth of hiking trails that can be explored and the ruins of Fort St. Joseph offer a great vantage point out over the open water of Lake Huron.

The Kensington Conservancy said this event is open to everyone, from experienced birders to those looking to try out the hobby for the first time.

If you don't have your own pair of binoculars, you can rent a pair from Parks Canada for a small fee.

Carter Dorscht of the Kensington Conservancy will be present in the ruins area for the day to help point out birds.

Admission fees of $4.50 per adult and $4 per senior are applicable (youth age 17 and younger are free). Washrooms will be available within the visitors centre.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks, as none will be available for purchase.

Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site is located at 185 Fort Rd. on St. Joseph Island.

For more information, contact the Kensington Conservancy at [email protected] or 705-782-2200.