332 Road 3 W, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2E5     519.733.4034     Email: questions@jackminer.com

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332 Road 3 W, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2E5     519.733.4034     Email: questions@jackminer.com

Stuart Playfair Nature Stadium

Built in 1973, the stadium is used to view the banding area. One of Jack’s most significant contributions to the conservation movement was his practice of banding geese and ducks. Come winter, the birds would begin their migration and hunters who found one of these banded birds would contact the sanctuary to provide a location. This led to a greater understanding of migratory patterns to the south, information that had previously been unknown to scientists, thanks to the data collected from his bird banding. It was also because of this data that the Migratory Birds Convention Act between Canada and the United States was established in 1917. The act restricted the hunting of waterfowl to conserve their populations for the future.

In the fall the ponds behind the stadium are filled with water as the waterfowl begin migrating south. Guests can gather to hear the history of the grounds and watch during banding season through the large glass windows as staff band ducks and geese using the original banding nets. It is rumoured that Jack banded 1,200 birds in one day. Nearby, visitors can also see what is left of the Miner family brickyard. Our corn crib sits on what used to be the tile factory. The stadium is also the winter home to the peacocks, turkeys, pheasants, quails and has been used for wedding ceremonies,  musical and theatrical performances along with tours.

Experience The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary by Banding Together: Past. Present. Future.