THUNDER BAY — Parks Canada is looking into the feasibility of building a platform for birdwatching at the Hurkett Cove Conservation Area near Dorion.
There's no decision yet whether to proceed, but the federal department has already approached the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority for discussions about a potential collaboration.
If it goes ahead, the attraction will become one of the destination amenities of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.
In a statement to Tbnewswatch, Parks Canada notes that Hurkett Cove "showcases a wetland area on Lake Superior that is publically accessible, managed for conservation and popular for bird watching and photography."
Government promotional material already points visitors to birdwatching at Hurkett Cove, as Black Bay—where Hurkett Cove is located—"acts as a natural funnel for thousands of birds of more than a hundred different species all heading north" during migration.
The Dorion/Hurkett area also features nesting peregrine falcons, bald eagles and white pelicans.
Last weekend, birding enthusiasts descended on the area for the 2019 edition of the two-day Dorion Birding Festival.
An LRCA representative says the authority is waiting for more information about the project but believes it would be a good addition to the Hurkett Cove Conservation Area.
The conservation authority expects to receive additional details from Parks Canada later this week.
