Grand Manan Birding with Jim Wilson
Early October is a lovely time to visit Grand Manan and a good month to find interesting birds. After the summer nesting season many birds begin migration but not necessarily by flying south. Weather patterns often carry restless birds eastward where they eventually reach the coast, run out of land and drop down on offshore islands like those of the Grand Manan Archipelago.
What We’ll Do:
9:30-11:00am – We’ll look for seabirds during the crossing to Grand Manan
11:00-3:00pm – Walk the Village of North Head to seek out whatever birds might be there
3:30-5:00pm – On the ferry back to the mainland, we will again watch for seabirds. By then the tide in the Bay will have changed direction, offering potentially different marine birds for us to look for!
6:00pm – We should be back in Saint John
Meeting Place:
- Carpooling option: At 7:50am meet at the first parking lot at Rockwood Park on the right just as you enter the main entrance where we may condense vehicles.
- At 9:00am meet at the Coastal Transport ferry terminal at Black’s Harbour.
Mobility & Accessibility: This trip involves walking around the Village of North Head for approximately four hours, with stops along the way to look for birds. The route may include sidewalks, roadsides, uneven surfaces, and some inclines. This may not be suitable for all, so if you have mobility concerns, please contact us before registering so we can discuss the route.
Cost: The cost for round-trip foot passengers on the ferry is $13.00 for adults. Tickets are purchased when departing Grand Manan.
Recommended age: 12+ (younger participants welcome with an accompanying adult)