Friends of Murphys Point Park

Join Perth Historical Society for Event at Park

Posted on June 8, 2013 by Friends of Murphys Point

Join the Perth Historical Society for a tour of the Silver Queen Mine on Wednesday, June 19 at 7 p.m.!

Our own Tobi Kiesewalter, Natural Heritage Education Leader, will lead the tour to the mine.

There is no fee for the tour, but visitors are reminded of the daily vehicle permit requirement ($14 per vehicle or $11 for seniors). Car pooling is recommended where possible.

Meet at the parking lot at the Lally Homestead, which is directly across from the trailhead to the Silver Queen Mine.

Click here for directions to the park.

The event will also feature a cake cutting to launch the 200th anniversary logo for Tay Valley Township, which is one of several local communities celebrating their 200th anniversaries in 2016.

Posted in Friends of Murphys Point, Geology, Heritage, Lally, Lally Homestead, mica mine, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, Perth Historical Society, Seven Wonders of Lanark County, Silver Queen Mine, Tay Valley Township | Tagged Friends of Murphys Point Park, Lally Homestead, Mica Festival, mica mine, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, perth historical society, pioneer homesteads, silver queen, Silver Queen Mine, tay valley township | Leave a comment

2013 Bird Count Breaks Record!

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Friends of Murphys Point

Intrepid birders at Murphys Point documented 88 species on Sunday morning – beating the previous Annual Bird Count record by two! We know there are more out there, too, because a few of our regular feathered friends that are commonly seen at the park happened to be cagey that day.

Four or five teams of two or more birders spread out over the various habitats in the park to spot and listen for birds as part of the annual bird count at the park.

Birders report their findings to Tobi, who records info on the master lists. S. Gray photo

Some of the highlights included a flock of about 30 Brant Geese flying overhead at the Lally Homestead, as well as Sandhill Cranes. A Bobolink was spotted, which is unusual. One of the birders also spied two bluebirds beating up on a pesky starling. Indigo Buntings and Scarlet Tanagers were seen; they’re regulars, but are always showstoppers with their brilliant plumage. Two species at risk – Golden-Winged and Cerulean Warblers – also made appearances.

The birders returned around 9:30 to enjoy a fundraising continental breakfast hosted by the Friends, which featured yummy homemade muffins, fresh coffee and fruit skewers. After refueling, they recorded their findings with Park Naturalist Tobi Kiesewalter, who presented the final tally.

A yummy continental breakfast awaited the birders! S. Gray photo

Posted in bird count, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park | Tagged bird count, Friends of Murphys Point Park, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, tay valley township | Leave a comment

Flock to Murphys Point for the Annual Bird Count!

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Friends of Murphys Point

This kind of fun is for the birds!

Join park staff, experienced volunteer birders and the Friends for their Annual Bird Count and a fundraising continental breakfast on Sunday, May 19 – rain or shine.

Migrate over to the park and learn about local bird species on a hike with park naturalist Tobi Kiesewalter at the Lally Homestead (located about 2 kilometres past the main park entrance) at 7:30 a.m., then head back to the Park Store area where Friends volunteers will have coffee, muffins and fruit skewers ready for the low price of $1 each to help you refuel between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. (Be sure to buy some canoe raffle tickets while you’re there, too!)

Experienced birders can take part in an earlier shift to help with the traditional bird count for the park. The blitz to beat current records begins at 5:30 a.m., and anyone interested in signing up for that activity should contact park interpreter Alida Lemieux at 613-267-5060, ext. 225. Early count participants will be paired up and sent to different parts of the park.

“On a typical count we might see 70 to 80 different species,” Tobi says. “We have a wide variety of species here because there are so many different types of habitat, and we always hope to see some of our more notable birds and species at risk, such as the cerulean warbler and golden-winged warbler.”

The 7:30 hike is designed for bird enthusiasts of various skill levels who are seeking an opportunity to go on a hike and listen for birds and other forest sounds. “It’s a great chance to introduce people to birding. They will learn how to spot various species and identify some calls.”

“This is a great time of year to come out and enjoy Murphys Point,” adds Stephanie Gray, Friends president. “The park is now open for the season and it’s a perfect time to see wildlife and spring wildflowers. As well, current Friends members, or those who become members that day, can receive free admittance to the park for this event and enjoy the facilities all day.” Members will also receive a coupon for a free ice cream cone at the Park Store, courtesy of the Friends’ Heritage Mica Days committee.

Binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent and a good pair of hiking boots or shoes are recommended for the bird count. Bring field guides if you have them.

A valid Friends’ membership card or a park day-use or camping permit is required to participate (either can be purchased at the event). For more information contact the park at 613-267-5060 or e-mail friendsofmurphyspointpark@yahoo.ca.

Hope to see you there!