Your hosts, Lily Shuster and Tom Hince, are pleased to present an exciting birding opportunity. Birding at Its Best is designed for discriminating individuals who want a quality experience, personalized birding, hospitable and comfortable accommodations, with special attention paid to details. Seasoned travelers ourselves, we have put together a variety of birding experiences that we believe will exceed your expectations.
Quality, not quantity, is our focus!
Birding at its Best is limited to a maximum of six guests. We believe this allows for the individual attention necessary to make a birding outing truly an experience, and not a parade. In the national park, it is not unusual to see thirty or more participants struggling for the attention of their leader.
Point Pelee is well known as the best location in inland North America to observe spring songbird migration, particularly warblers. Birding at its Best packages are an ideal way to experience the magic of birding this region. Here are some of the highlights of a spring visit.
If you haven't birded the Pelee area, you are in for a rare treat. Touted as one of North America's dozen birding hot spots by Roger Tory Peterson, a visit to Pelee in May is a must for every birder. The area is truly a Mecca for those wishing to relish the colour, sound and festivity of the spring song bird migration.
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As you stroll to the tip of Point Pelee National Park, Canada's southern most
mainland, your senses will be exalted by the display and sounds of migrating
songbirds. Over 380 different species have been recorded in the park birding
area, and we can expect to be rewarded with a hundred species on almost any good day in May.
Groups that visit with us typically get superb views of at least twenty species of warblers, and
many see between 25-30 species of these gems!!
Spring is extremely popular for two reasons. First, many of the birds are
singing, so they are easier to locate. Second, birds are in breeding plumage.
Both of these factors add to the popularity of a spring visit.
Why choose Birding at its Best?
Birding at its Best is an ideal way to experience the wonders of this region. Don't worry about finding guides,
getting the motel bookings, where to park, how much the entrance fees are, or where to find a good meal - just leave it all to us!
Here is a description why people choose Birding at its Best.
Small group size has some big advantages. Birding at its Best is limited to a maximum group of six guests. Whether you are
an expert or a beginning birder, this ensures that Tom can make sure you have a rewarding day of birding. It also allows us to
consider the needs of individual guests in planning the day, menus and all components of your stay.
A small group is also an ideal way to introduce someone to this wonderful hobby. We have several sets of superb binoculars
and telescopes available for you, or your companion - free of charge.
Tom has been leading bird tours for over twenty years, and he has thirty five years birding experience. He takes pride in
providing much more than a 'birding hike'. His goal is not just to ensure everyone in the group sees a bird really well,
but to provide insight into what makes each bird tick, and have fun doing it. Although you will see a high diversity of bird
species, the focus is on quality views and experiences.
For more on Tom, CLICK HERE.
At Wild Rose, Lily will make sure that you are comfortable, well fed and that all those little details are tied up. Guests rave
about the meals at Wild Rose, and we know you will love everything from Lily's kitchen. Most importantly, Lily wants your
stay at Wild Rose to be memorable, so if there is anything you need, be sure to ask her.
For more on Lily, CLICK HERE.
Wild Rose is not just your average bed and breakfast. Located on two and a half wooded acres, the spring and fall birding on
the grounds is excellent. Each of three guest suites comes with private or en suite bath, and is decorated by theme to one of
Lily and Tom's favourite travel destinations. From a huge birding library to an extensive collection of bird art, our home is
designed with birders and naturalists in mind. We were also delighted to have our B&B chosen as one of a select group in
the recently published 5th edition of the book: The Best Places to Bed & Breakfast in Ontario:
A selective guide, by Janette Higgins (available from Juno Press).
For more about guest rooms, CLICK HERE.
Our itineraries are designed so guests can easily take a break at any time during their stay. The Wild Rose Guest House is nestled on a 2.5 acre wood lot with creek, adjacent to Wheatley Provincial Park. While the group birds on, you can take a stroll into the provincial park, bird the grounds, relax on the deck, relax in the privacy of your room, or browse through our extensive library.
Minutes from Point Pelee National Park, Wheatley Provincial Park and several other natural areas, the Wild Rose Guest House is located in the town of Wheatley home to the worlds' largest fresh water fishery. Wheatley is a small quiet community with gas stations, hardware, pharmacy, a few small restaurants, and drug store.
Last but certainly not least, is the fact that Birding at its Best is a total package. Your single price includes accommodations, meals, guiding, transportation, entrance fees and many extras!
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your hosts, Lily and Tom, and introduced to the other guests. Once you've had time to freshen up and relax, light refreshments will be served, then Tom will take you on a short hike to stretch your legs and to give you a taste of the birding you will experience during your stay. Later you will join Tom and Lily for an informal barbecue dinner, some serious bird strategy, and with some luck, Tom might call in a screech owl, while we enjoy the evening sounds.
Packages include three nights at Wild Rose in one of our three charming guest rooms. The Wild Rose has 3 guests rooms. Two rooms
have 3 piece en suite baths, and the third has an adjacent private 4 piece bath. Furnishings and beds have been specifically
selected to ensure a relaxing and refreshing stay. Your comfort is our priority, so if you or we have forgotten anything,
Lily will do her best to take care of your needs.
For more on rooms CLICK HERE.
On your day of arrival, check in is at 3pm. We request that guests arrive as
soon after 3 pm as possible so that we can get an afternoon
birding session in on the day of arrival.
Guests unpack and have a beverage on the deck, enjoying the backyard feeders. Then we usually fit in a few hours birding before
returning to Wild Rose for a BBQ
The following two full days, we start with breakfast at 6 am, then head immediately into the field staying out until around noon.
In mid morning, we take a coffee break in one of the park picnic areas. Lunch is at Wild Rose, usually around 1pm, and then
afterwards we take a break in the warmest part of the day. Guests can take a nap, walk the grounds, watch the feeders, chat or
read, or work on their bird list. Then at around 3pm we muster again for a few more hours of birding, returning to the guest
house for dinner around 6:30pm. On one evening, we may head out after dinner to view displaying woodcock and search for Screech and
Great Horned owls.
On the final morning, we take a simple continental breakfast at 6 am, and then get in three or four hours birding before returning
to the guest house around 10:30am. Guests then freshen up and pack while Lily prepares a farewell brunch, which is served at 11 am.
At the end of our last meal together, guests receive their Trip Reports. Check out on day of departure is 12 noon.
Early each morning during your stay Tom will rally the group early and head out for a full day of birding. The daily agenda will vary so Tom can maximize your exposure to as many species as possible. Most birders want to spend as much time as possible in the field and that's what we'll attempt to do, however for those less aggressive, the pace can be modified.
Your package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, beginning with a welcome barbecue on day of arrival, and ending with
brunch on day of departure. Lily keeps a healthy kitchen, high on
nutrition and low on fats, but still high on taste! If you have food allergies, we will do our utmost to incorporate this into the
menu.
Breakfast and dinner will be served at Wild Rose, while lunches may be at Wild Rose or on occasion served picnic style in the
field (several cuts above 'a box lunch' to be sure!). However, we normally return to Wild Rose for a sit down lunch and then a
short break before returning to the field.
You'll rise each morning to the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and a fine deluxe
continental breakfast. Depending upon conditions lunch may be at Wild Rose or
picnic style in the field. Dinners are more leisurely, with time for
lively discussion, and a chance to review the days results.
Hot and cold beverages, and a variety of snacks will be tucked away in the van to ward off thirst and hunger pains during the
day. All winter, Lily has been trying new recipes, and she hopes they will soon become yours!
Your package price includes all ground transportation while you are staying at the Wild Rose in our minivan.
Entrance fees to Point Pelee National Park and the other local reserves are covered for all guests while traveling with the Wild Rose group.
Every participant will receive a checklist to track their own personal sightings during their Wild Rose visit. In addition Tom will go over the checklist with the group regularly and will prepare a complete group checklist and detailed narrative of sites visited, key species and activities each day for all participants. The group checklist and trip narrative is nearly always given to participants after their final brunch before checkout on day of departure.
If you want to kick off your shoes at the end of an exhilarating day the Wild Rose has a large comfy lounge/library we have dubbed 'The Roost' for guests. You can enjoy a quiet drink, grab a hot beverage, listen to soft music, or catch the latest news on the television.
To enhance your stay and relieve you of all that extra baggage birders are notorious for, Wild Rose birding package guests may use
any of the following free of charge during their entire stay (on a first-come, first-served basis):
Premium telescopes: (all great Kowa scopes, with tripod and fluid head)Premium binoculars:
- Kowa 82 mm TSN-04 Flourite (1)
- Kowa 82 mm 821 Millenium Flourite (1)
Natural History Library: 500+ bird books (guests are welcome to take to their room at night to read)
- Kowa 8 x 42 (1)
- Bausch and Lomb 8x42 Elites (2)
- Leica Ultra 8x42 (1), Leica Ultra 8 x 32 compacts (1), Leica BN 8 x 42 (1)
- Swarovski ELs 8.5 x 42 (1)
- Several hundred natural history titles
- Selections of local history and interest
- Many fiction mystery novels
When you leave the Wild Rose, it is important that you leave with your expectations fulfilled: a checklist full of birds; all your creature comforts well taken care off; and many fond memories. But most of all - you bid farewell not to Tom and Lily your hosts, but your new friends!
In addition to items not specifically mentioned in this description, your package does not include transfers to Wild Rose guest house. For those who are flying to the area, ground transportation to and from Windsor or Detroit airports can be arranged. However, this is not included in the package price. We will gladly arrange transfers from Detroit or Windsor airports for an additional cost (call or email for a quote).
The price of this package is CDN$850 per person based upon double occupancy. We do take single bookings, but a CDN$200 supplement is applicable if we cannot match you up with a roommate. Please note that in 2008 we will again only be offering five package dates instead of our normal six, so we anticipate space will fill up quickly.
Packages begin at 3pm on day of arrival and conclude at 12 noon on day of departure.
- May 4-7
- May 8-11
- May 11-14
- May 15-18
- May 18-21
Packages begin at 3pm on day of arrival and conclude at 12 noon on day of departure.
- May 2-5 FULL
- May 5-8 FULL
- May 9-12 FULL
- May 12-15 FULL
- May 16-19 FULL
If guests have limited flexibility in dates, we urge them to book early as SPACE IS LIMITED to no more than six guests per session.
For packages, we require a $125 per person NON REFUNDABLE deposit at time of booking (ie.
$250 per room).
The balance is payable when you visit with us at Wild Rose guest house.
Please submit your booking request be either email to lilyshuster@wincom.net, or
phone (519) 825-9070 leaving a detailed voice mail. Please be sure to include your full name (for all guests), address,
phone, fax, email and preferred dates. Also please specifiy if you would like two single beds, or one king sized bed.
We will send a confirmation and notification of availability immediately upon receipt of your registration request. Our apologies
if your request is made during the period November through March, when it may take a few days to respond as we may be on the
road, and will be downloading email and voice mail as frequently as is feasible. Thanks for your patience!
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