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,