Events - Friends of Taylor Head Park

2019 Events

Our interpretive program is led by volunteers. All events are free with activity levels ranging from easy to difficult.

Trail Accessibility Guide

Join us for a guided hike led by a knowledgable member of the Friends of Taylor Head Society.

We have graded our hiking trails as EASY or MODERATE for hikes under 3 kilometers, and DIFFICULT for hikes over 3 kilometers, such as the Headland Trail. Most outings exceed three hours, so do not forget to bring drinking water, something to eat, and appropriate outdoor clothing.

Easy or Moderate

Hike is under 3 kilometres (1.86 miles)

Difficult

Hike is over 3 kilometres (1.86 miles)

You need sturdy footwear such as walking shoes, hiking sneakers, or hiking boots. Street shoes or sandal-type footwear with open toes and heels are not suitable for these rough hiking trails. If you have questions about the conditions of the trails, just give us a call.

HIGHWAY 7 ROAD CLEAN UP

Sunday, April 28 (Rain Date May 05).
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Meet at the park entrance gate on Highway 7.

Garbage along the roads detracts from the scenic beauty for visitors driving to Taylor Head Park. Within the park boundaries, the roadside and ditches are generally trash-free, but ditches along Highway 7 sprout coffee cups, bottles, and cigarette packages at an alarming rate. In spring and autumn, the Friends of Taylor Head Park conduct a trash pickup along about 6 km of Highway 7 between the Mushaboom Bridge (near Mushaboom Road) and Twin Bridges Road. Safety vests and garbage bags are provided. Before starting, there is brief safety talk. We welcome both members and other volunteers willing to assist. For safety reasons participants must be at least 12 years of age.

Contact: Stephen Mildenberger 902-885-2394

GETTING STARTED IN BIRD WATCHING

Saturday, June 01.
Time: 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Meet at 10 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: EASY

If you want to start bird watching or have started and looking for some help, practice, or encouragement, this event is for you. The focus is on basic bird identification techniques. We will do a walk-a-bout to find and identify birds. We will also cover optical equipment, guide books, and other aids useful to bird watchers.

This event is for those new to bird watching; however, experienced birders are welcome to attend to help beginners. Bring binoculars. Some loaners will be available if you have none and bring lunch and water. No rain date.

Leader: Peter Oickle 902-499-4114.
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207.

BIRD SONGS

Saturday, June 15.
Time: 6:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Meet at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: EASY

Listen to our park’s bird chorus. We are fortunate that the park has some of the most beautiful bird singers in the world. We will do some short walks but spend most of our time listening. We will identify as many birds as possible by voice as they announce their presence “on territory” to competitors and prospective mates.

Early mornings can be cool in June, so dress warmly and consider bringing a lunch or at least snacks. The only requirement for this walk is an interest in and a love of our natural world. No rain date.

Leader: Jim Cameron 902-885-2970
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 772-2207

ABRAHAMS LAKE BIRD WALK – Liscomb Game Sanctuary

Sunday, June 16.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Meet at 9 a.m. in Sheet Harbour at the MacPhee House Visitor Information Centre.

Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT

Abrahams Lake Preserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and is located 38 km. from Sheet Harbour in the Liscomb Game Sanctuary. This preserve is one of the few old growth forests in the province but recently has been severely impacted by extensive windfalls and disease. Birds nesting by the trail include Ravens, Hairy Woodpeckers, Black-backed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Winter Wren, Swainson’s Thrush, Magnolia Warblers, Bay-breasted Warblers, Blackpoll Warblers, Black-and-white Warblers are common. Birds nesting in the sanctuary are Greater Yellowlegs, Red-tailed Hawks and Common Mergansers.

We will carpool from Sheet Harbour to Abraham Lake. It will be a 6.5 km. walk and we will eat lunch by Abrahams Lake. Bring a lunch and water and proper hiking footwear. There is no rain date. Birders or nature enthusiasts are welcome at all our events.

Leader: Jim Cameron 902-885-2970
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 772-2207

WILDFLOWER WALK

Saturday, June 22.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: EASY (surfaced trails and sand beach near the parking lot)

Early summer is a special time at Taylor Head Park. The wildflowers are in full bloom and the vegetation is fresh and lush. During this outing we will stroll along the trails through the forest, old fields, and the sand beach looking for the display of early summer wildflowers and other flora. This is a walk everyone can enjoy, even those using mobility aids. Bring a lunch and some water. No rain date.

Leader: Peter Oickle 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207

NATURAL HISTORY WALK: WILDFLOWERS, WILDLIFE & GEOLOGY

Sunday, July 21.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 at p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficult: DIFFICULT

During this mid-summer outing along the Headland and Spry Bay Trails you will have the opportunity to identify plants and wildlife of the seashore, barren headland, and wetlands of Taylor Head. We will also examine some of the Park’s fascinating geological features as we traverse the margin of one of Nova Scotia’s most prominent coastal headlands.

This hike will be about five hours long and the trail is challenging in places. Bring a lunch, water, binoculars, and wear sturdy footwear. No rain date.

Leader: Peter Oickle 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207

NOVA SCOTIA BIRD SOCIETY, MID-SUMMER BIRD WATCHING WALK

Saturday, August 3.
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Meet at 9 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE for the morning walk. If you continue to the Headland Trail, this level would be considered DIFFICULT.

This will be a joint trip with the Friends of Taylor Head and the Nova Scotia Bird Society and it will be done in two stages. In the morning we walk the Spry Bay Trail and in the afternoon, there is the option of continuing to the headland. At Powers Pond we will look for nesting and brooding Common Terns,

Cormorants, Eiders, Willets, and Spotted Sandpipers. Migrating Whimbrels and other waders may also be seen here, at the headland, and elsewhere along the Headland Trail.

Bring a hearty lunch and water. Terrain is rugged so sturdy footwear is recommended. No rain date.

Leader: Jim Cameron 902-885-2970
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 772-2207

NIGHT WALK: AFTER DARK SIGHTS and SOUNDS

Saturday, August 24. Time: 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Meet at 9:00 p.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: EASY

The cloak of darkness reveals natural wonders at Taylor Head Park that are known to few. On this nocturnal quest we will explore the shoreline, nearby woods, and old homestead fields to experience how our park sleeps. Whether shrouded in fog or under a starry dome, there is a lot to hear and see as our ears tune in to night sounds and our natural night vision mechanism adjusts. We will use flashlights sparingly as safety warrants, but our route is easily travelled safely using natural light only. Bring your own flashlights or headlamps. This is a perfect event for families. No rain date.

Leader: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207.
Alternate contact: Maria McGowan 902-818-5734.

BIRD WATCHING: FALL MIGRANTS

Saturday, September 28. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT

On this outing we will walk the Spry Bay Trail and Headland Trail. It should be good opportunity to see and photograph migrating wading birds, Blackpoll Warblers, Black-backed Woodpeckers, and Common Yellowthroats.

You will encounter rugged terrain on this 5 hour walk, so wear hiking boots or other sturdy footwear. Bring a lunch, water, and binoculars. No rain date.

Leader: Jim Cameron 902-885-2970
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 772-2207

FALL HIKE AT ABRAHAM LAKE

Sunday, September 29.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Meet at 9 a.m. in Sheet Harbour at the MacPhee House Visitors Information Center.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE

The birds are quiet, the air is cool and the flies are gone. A perfect time for a guided hike in one of the few old growth forests in the province. Abraham Lake Preserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and is located 38 km. from Sheet Harbour in the Liscomb Game Sanctuary. About 1 kilometer of trail skirts the shoreline of beautiful Abraham Lake. We will have lunch by the lake. Meet at 9 a.m. in Sheet Harbour at the MacPhee House Visitors Information Center. As you come from Halifax this is the first building on your on your right as you cross the bridge on the West River

Note: We will car pool from Sheet Harbour to Abraham Lake. Bring a lunch and water and proper hiking footwear. There is no rain date. Please note that all nature lovers are welcome at our events.

Leader: Jim Cameron 902-885-2970
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 772-2207

Extended Park Season Activities October 08 – December 03

Through a partnership agreement between The Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park and NS Department of Natural Resources, the Park gate is open beyond the normal October 07 closing date until December 03. During this extended open period, in the absence of regular park staff, FOTHP volunteers take on responsible for garbage collection and toilet maintenance.

MAGICAL, MYSTERIOUS, MUSHROOMS

Sunday, October 20.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE

Discover how mushrooms (fungi) are absolutely essential to our well being. Forests would not grow without them. Orchids wouldn’t bloom without them, and some even glow in the dark. Throughout history, mushrooms have been regarded with fear and fascination.

Learn the facts about what is edible and what is poisonous, and where (and when) to find them.

The trail is rough, so wear appropriate footwear. Bring water and a trail lunch. No rain date.

Leader: Dr. Scott Cunningham. Scott has a doctorate in molecular biology. His specialty is the mushroom flora of the region.

Contact: Warren Parsons. 902-772-2207

LATE SEASON GUIDED HIKE

Saturday, November 02.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Bull Beach parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE with EASY SECTIONS

Late autumn is a special time to experience the natural wonders of Taylor Head Park. The air is fresh, cool, and clear. There are no biting insects, and lots of elbow room on the trails.

Join us for a walk on the Bull Beach Trail and the Bob Bluff Trail to Psyche Cove Beach (Taylor Head Beach), then along the beach to Powers Pond looping back to the main parking lot. Shuttle or walk the Park Road back to the Bull Beach parking lot.

Hiking on exposed coastline in November can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. No rain date.

Leader: Peter Oickle 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207

BIRD WATCHING – WINTER BIRDS

Sunday, November 24.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT

On this leisurely walk along the spectacular Headland Trail, we focus on birds that typically overwinter along our coastline. We expect to see lots of Eiders, Grebes, Scoters, Dovekies, Guillemots, Mergansers, Harlequin Ducks, Long–tailed Ducks, and Purple Sandpipers.

Hiking on exposed coastline in late November can be challenging, so waterproof boots and seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and a hot drink. This should be a good warm-up to the Christmas Bird Count. All birders and nature lovers are welcome. No rain date.

Leader: Jim Cameron 902-885-2970
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 772-2207

LATE SEASON GUIDED HIKE

Saturday, November 30.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Bull Beach parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE with EASY SECTIONS

Late autumn is a special time to experience the natural wonders of Taylor Head Park. The air is fresh, cool, and clear. There are no biting insects, and lots of elbow room on the trails.

Hiking on exposed coastline in November can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. No rain date.

Leader: Peter Oickle 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

Tuesday, December 17.
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 pm.
Meet at the Spry Bay Community Hall (opens at 7:30 a.m.)
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT

The Nova Scotia Sheet Harbour Christmas Bird Count is one of about 30 counts that take place around the province. The count area extends in a circle around Taylor Head Park and from Tangier to Sober Island. All the trails in the park are covered. Teams composed of 2-4 counters are assigned an area to count. Birders will meet later in the day back at the Spry Bay Community Hall to sum up the count and a delicious hot meal will be available.

These bird counts are sponsored by the National Audubon Society, Bird Studies of Canada, NS Bird Society, and the Friends of Taylor Head Park.

NOTE: Please notify Jim or Warren if you plan to attend. No rain date.

Leader: Jim Cameron 902-885-2970
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 772-2207