Celebrate the spectacular fall migration of hawks and other raptors and Monarch butterflies at this free outdoor event hosted in partnership with St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club, Hawk Cliff Raptor Banders, and volunteers of Monarch Watch. Learn about migrating raptors and Monarch butterflies, their lives, and conservation challenges and opportunities!

This is a drop-in event - no registration is required. Feel free to come by any time throughout either day after 10:00 AM. Parking is available, but space is limited - please consider carpooling with others. Parking details below.

IMPORTANT: The event location is 43277 Dexter Line, Union, ON at the north end of Hawk Cliff Woods.

Photo by Rob Paterson

Sunday and Saturday Program (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

10:00 AM: Hawk Talk by the Hawk Cliff Raptor Banders

Be awed and inspired by the hawk and raptor conservation work of the Hawk Cliff Raptor Banders! Learn about some of our local hawks and raptors, their migrations, and the banding work completed by volunteer banders. Live wild birds are responsibly handled under permit during this presentation, pending weather and wind conditions. 

11:30 AM: Raptor Presentation by the Canadian Raptor Conservancy

Get ready to be educated and entertained with the Canadian Raptor Conservancy! Learn about the natural history, size, prey species, range, and relationship to humans of a variety of birds of prey up close and personal. This demonstration showcases domestically produced, professionally trained birds in free-flight - you won't want to miss it.

1:00 PM: Monarch Presentation

Learn about the amazing journey and life of the Monarch butterfly, and some of the great conservation work being done to protect our small but mighty friends. Live butterflies are responsibly handled under permit during this presentation, pending weather conditions.

2:00 PM: Hawk Talk by the Hawk Cliff Raptor Banders

Be awed and inspired by the hawk and raptor conservation work of the Hawk Cliff Raptor Banders! Learn about some of our local hawks and raptors, their migrations, and the banding work completed by volunteer banders. Live wild birds are responsibly handled under permit during this presentation, pending weather and wind conditions. 

Parking

There will be limited parking available on site. Staff and volunteers will be present to help guide you along the way.

Good things to note:

- The driveway to the event space is wide enough for only one vehicle at a time. You may have to wait as staff and volunteers direct incoming and outgoing traffic.
- Parking Lot #1 and Lot #2 are relatively flat areas of mowed grass.
- Mobility-friendly parking is available for anyone who struggles travelling long distances on foot.
- The mobility-friendly parking lot is located on a broken concrete pad. It is relatively flat in most areas, but there is unevenness throughout.
- Cars are not scaled to size.
- There is a gate at the entrance of the driveway that will be closed by 3:00 PM.
- Parking is for event attendees only.
- Please consider carpooling.
- If parking on Dexter Line, please be mindful of driveways and farm field access.

If you have any questions, send us an email or call!