Welcome to the HBMO web pages.

Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO) is a non-profit volunteer organization formed to promote the study and protection of migrating birds.

Activities focus on fall migration of raptors (diurnal birds of prey) and other species passing through southwestern Ontario in the vicinity of Holiday Beach Conservation Area. The local geography at Holiday Beach causes hundreds of thousands of migrating raptors to pass over the area during the fall migration season (late August through early December).

November 01, 2011 Gate Closure at HBCA Hawkwatchers: The gate to enter Holiday Beach will be closed on specific days through the remainder of the count season (November 30, 2011) as of today. Here is the schedule for days open and closed. CLOSED DAYS: Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday OPEN DAYS: (Half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset.) Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. If you wish to be at the Tower watching hawks on a day the gate is CLOSED you may make arrangements beforehand. Call Steve Kolbe by phone (3309688266) the DAY BEFORE between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The basic arrangement is for you to be at the gate before 7:30 AM (Or a time of his choosing.) on Closed Days and he will guide you through. You must stay until the count has ended. In most cases arrangements to have you leave earlier are not possible. There are plastic Port-A-Johns in the park but bring your own food and drink. Please park in the parking lot east of the Tower. Dress for the weather. If you have concerns call Bob Pettit 7347558832. September 27, 2011 University of Windsor students visit Holiday Beach: Field trip gives students hands-on experience with marvel of migration (more information...) August 22, 2011 2011 Festival of Hawks The 2011 Festival of Hawks will include bird banding demonstrations, guided hawk watching, and many other presentations and activities. (Sep. 17-18, 24-25, 2011) (more information...) August 21, 2011 2011 Migration Calendar/Almanac Available The 2011 HBMO Migration Calendar/Almanac includes notable HBMO migration counts, raptor ID tips, migrant species codes, and other useful HBMO information. (more information...) August 20, 2011 Sponsoring a Day of Research A day of research costs the Observatory approximately $40. To support our research, obtaining a Daily Research Sponsorship Form either online, at the Hawk Tower or in the newsletter then complete the form. Submit the completed form and your check to the address indicated or give the form to the official daily hawk counter or to a HBMO board member. (more information...) March 19, 2003 HBMO Hawk Migration Field Manual The HBMO Hawk Migration Field Manual is now available as a downloadable .pdf file. (more information...) November 05, 2002 Hawks of Holiday Beach, 2nd Edition is now available! This publication provides a comprehensive guide to the raptors observed at Holiday Beach. (more information...)

All content (C) HBMO except where otherwise noted. All rights reserved.