Birding

Northumberland is a prime birding area with scenic countryside including the Greenbelt (the Oak Ridges Moraine, Rice Lake Plains, Peter's Woods, and Ganaraska and Northumberland Forests), as well as Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Ferris Provincial Park and 15 conservation areas. Combine this with over 70 kilometers of Lake Ontario shoreline, cedar bogs and rocky and sandy fields, and you have bird watching glory.

At The Shoreline

Presqu'ile Provincial Park is one of Ontario's best bird watching locations with over 335 species sightings recorded. The park is best known for its large numbers and diversity of waterfowl, warblers, and shorebirds that migrate each spring and fall. Presqu'ile Provincial Park welcomes the public to celebrate the migration at Waterfowl Weekend, Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend, and the Monarchs and Migrants Weekend.

In The Marsh and Wetlands

With Rice Lake surrounded by fertile waters, forest, and marsh lands you are sure to spot various grassland birds, migratory song birds, eagles, herons, and osprey to name a few. Rice Lake is one of the main migratory paths and offers some rare bird sightings. Visit the Rice Lake Conservation Area or use one of our public docks in Harwood, Bewdley and Gore's Landing for viewing.

The Brighton Wetlands are another hot spot to watch birds in their habitat. From mid April to late October, close to 100 species of birds call the wetlands home. Tours are available by contacting Keith Lee at 613-849-8920.

Guided Excursions

Overall, you'll find bird counts happening in January, June and December and the public is most welcome to join in. Roger Frost (ekrf@eagle.ca or 905-885-9615), can help narrow some dates down for you.

Bird-related events, like guided hikes, take place through land trusts in Northumberland: the Northumberland Land Trust, and the Black Oak Savanna in Alderville. The Nature Conservancy of Canada has several properties in Northumberland with the most recent acquisition being the Hazel Bird Nature Reserve. The Willow Beach Field Naturalists hold a couple of fall outings that focus on birds. 

The Lower Trent Conservation Authority has free guided outdoor adventures throughout their watershed (which incorporates about 3/4 of Northumberland) through their Discovering Our Watershed program. Ecology Specialist, Ewa Bednarczuk, would be happy to help you. She can be reached at ewa.bednarczuk@ltc.on.ca or 613-394-3915 x252

Contact us for a copy of our Outdoor Adventures Map which includes prime bird watching areas.