It's Spring Migration

Don't miss the spring migration in Ontario!

There are several birding hot spots at various Ontario Provincial Parks and National Parks, especially at parks that border the Great Lakes. Crossing Lake Ontario, or any other large body of water, can be a tiring experience. This provides us with a perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of several bird species as they rest up after a long flight. 

Here are a few best bets for spotting spring birds:

Long Point

Long Point thrusts 40 km into the northern edge of Lake Erie. A visit in the spring will yield spectacular warbler migrations and great hawk flights. The Long Point Bird Observatory is a good place to start - be sure to pick up an annotated checklist from the park office.

Presqu’ile

Presqu’ile is at the top of many birders spring viewing destinations. Jutting out into Lake Ontario, near Brighton Ontario, Presqu’ile is on a major flyway for many migrating birds. The Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend festival is held annually on the May long weekend. View the elusive Whimbrel and many colourful Warblers as they migrate to their northern nesting grounds. Enjoy guided nature walks, bird-banding, evening programs and the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre.

MacGregor Point

Encompassing 7 km of Lake Huron coastline, MacGregor Point located near Port Elgin on the Bruce Peninsula, provides top notch bird watching. To celebrate this fact, the Huron Fringe Birding Festival is held annually on the first two weekends after the May long weekend. This birding and nature festival is filled with guided hikes concentrating on not only birds, but wildflowers, butterflies and insects. There are also workshops covering bird identification, nature photography, and evenings are highlighted by illustrated programs featuring excellent speakers, night hikes and "Owl Prowls." 

Point Pelee Bird National Park

Point Pelee National Park is one of Canada's premier birding hot spots. Be part of the Festival of Birds taking place in early May annually. Take the "100 Species" challenge and receive a commemorative pin.  

Or join an expert bird watching guide from Explore Pelee to learn bird identification tips and techniques while adding "lifers" to your species checklist. You can expect to see over 100 species in one day!  

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