Diverse groups of migratory birds increase in numbers as spring approaches. This year, we had a slightly warmer winter than usual, leading to a number of birds being seen in the province throughout the winter, including meadowlarks, grosbeaks, orioles and warblers. These species tend to be seen with the return of spring, not during mid-winter.
People beginning to watch for birds in late winter may also have the chance to enjoy the 2020-21 finch irruption, which could include the presence of evening grosbeaks, red-winged crossbills and common redpolls. These birds came to central and southern Ontario this winter to enjoy a greater availability of food than they could find in northern Ontario.
Though COVID-19 social distancing requirements and gathering restrictions limit how and where bird watching occurs, there are still many opportunities to connect with nature and look for birds. You can do it by yourself, with members of your household or in parks while abiding by social distancing rules.
Some of the places you can visit include Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto, Presqu’ile Provincial Park near Brighton, Bellevue Park in Sault Ste. Marie and the Ojibway Prairie Complex in Windsor. Thanks to community science initiatives such as eBird or iNaturalist, lists of species that have been observed in those areas are available.
Similar to how this winter provided chances to see birds closer to home, resulting in an unexpected number of sightings in less frequently visited areas, this spring people can also visit nearby natural areas to find birds they might not have expected to see closer to home. Exploring these areas may also identify outdoor locations for other nature enthusiasts to consider visiting.
Bird and nature lovers can also look forward to joining much-anticipated spring bird festivals, though many of these festivals will happen online through workshops, webinars and virtual tours offered by festival hosts.
Avid birdwatchers can help efforts to expand our understanding of the abundance and distribution of bird species across the province. Support the third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas by participating in its monitoring program. Visit their website to learn how you can take part and regularly report on birds you observe in areas across the province this spring. You can also do your part by bird-proofing your windows to help protect our feathered friends.
Underrepresented groups, like Black and people of colour, often report not feeling welcomed when bird watching or enjoying natural spaces. So, please do be mindful and sincere about helping people feel more at home and comfortable in Ontario’s great outdoors.
Noah Cole is Ontario Nature’s communications technician and a regular contributor to Ontario Nature's blog and ON Nature magazine. Noah is an accomplished naturalist with a passion for protecting the great outdoors and a nature photographer. Noah is the author of Ontario Wildlife Photography (canadianimages.net).
Many people cherish Point Pelee National Park as a place to find Carolinian landscapes, wildlife and migrating birds. Point Pelee National Park, in this case, will not be offering its Festival of Birds this year, though it will offer virtual presentations and will allow a safe proportion of visitors to the park this spring. More information can be found here https://www.facebook.com/PointPeleeNP and here https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/pelee/visit/covid-19-info.
I have not had the time to explore near Sarnia, though the area is on my list of interest!
I would recommend exploring along the St. Clair River, the shoreline forests, marshes and wetlands will offer a broad and diverse variety of songbirds and interesting species. Between Sarnia and Mitchell’s Bay persay.
I think there are some very interesting grasslands around Petrolia and Oil Springs, I have never been but would love to help give more representation to the bird life and wildlife of the region. ie. meadowlarks, bobolinks, kestrels, harriers, perhaps golden eagles (seasonally) as well? Kettle Point park is well known as a good place to observe migrating species and Pinery Provincial Park will offer abundant species including many migration offerings as well.
Ontario Nature’s Sydenham River Nature Reserve near Glencoe would be a hotspot to see birds on or nearby the Sydenham River.
I like what you are doing for the birds and like reading about the different birds.
I love taking photos of birds and wildlife, but I am not able to go up near Toronto.
Would you know of a few good places I could go not to far from Sarnia to take a few pictures of the different birds or rare birds. I have a lot of robins and I did get a red bird and a yellow bird once.
Thank you and please stay safe !!
Many people cherish Point Pelee National Park as a place to find Carolinian landscapes, wildlife and migrating birds. Point Pelee National Park, in this case, will not be offering its Festival of Birds this year, though it will offer virtual presentations and will allow a safe proportion of visitors to the park this spring. More information can be found here https://www.facebook.com/PointPeleeNP and here https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/pelee/visit/covid-19-info.
Noah Cole
Hi Patricia,
I have not had the time to explore near Sarnia, though the area is on my list of interest!
I would recommend exploring along the St. Clair River, the shoreline forests, marshes and wetlands will offer a broad and diverse variety of songbirds and interesting species. Between Sarnia and Mitchell’s Bay persay.
I think there are some very interesting grasslands around Petrolia and Oil Springs, I have never been but would love to help give more representation to the bird life and wildlife of the region. ie. meadowlarks, bobolinks, kestrels, harriers, perhaps golden eagles (seasonally) as well? Kettle Point park is well known as a good place to observe migrating species and Pinery Provincial Park will offer abundant species including many migration offerings as well.
Ontario Nature’s Sydenham River Nature Reserve near Glencoe would be a hotspot to see birds on or nearby the Sydenham River.
I like what you are doing for the birds and like reading about the different birds.
I love taking photos of birds and wildlife, but I am not able to go up near Toronto.
Would you know of a few good places I could go not to far from Sarnia to take a few pictures of the different birds or rare birds. I have a lot of robins and I did get a red bird and a yellow bird once.
Thank you and please stay safe !!