Fall Birdwatching Hotspots in Ontario

In November, birdwatching in Ontario can be exciting due to migrating waterfowl, late-migrating songbirds, and the arrival of winter residents like owls and finches. While many migratory species have passed through earlier in the fall, certain hotspots remain active. Here are some of the top birdwatching spots in Ontario during November:

1. Point Pelee National Park

Long-tailed duck. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

• Located near Lake Erie, Point Pelee is a famous bird migration stopover, especially for waterfowl and late songbirds. November brings opportunities to see species like ducks, loons, and grebes. Raptors such as hawks and eagles are often spotted heading south.

2. Long Point Provincial Park

Tundra Swans. Photo by Shayna Hartley. 

• Long Point is a key stop on the north shore of Lake Erie, known for attracting waterfowl and shorebirds. November sees a variety of ducks, geese, and swans, particularly Tundra Swans. The wetlands here also attract migrating raptors.

3. Presqu'ile Provincial Park

Purple Sandpiper. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

• Situated on Lake Ontario, Presqu'ile is known for large concentrations of waterfowl, including diving ducks, swans, and grebes. The park’s marshes and beaches are ideal for spotting shorebirds, gulls, and late-fall migrants.

4. Tommy Thompson Park (Toronto Islands)

Snowy Owl. Photo by Shayna Hartley. 

• This urban nature reserve on the Toronto waterfront is a hotspot for birdwatchers, especially in the fall. November brings waterfowl, such as Mergansers and Scaups, as well as owls (Great Horned and Snowy Owls) that begin to settle in for the winter.

5. Niagara River Corridor

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus). Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

• The Niagara River is world-renowned for its late fall and early winter gatherings of gulls. In November, birders come to see a diversity of gull species, including Bonaparte’s Gulls and rarer species like Little Gulls. Waterfowl are also plentiful along the river’s shores.

6. Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area

Snow Bunting. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

• Located on the eastern tip of Prince Edward County along Lake Ontario, this area is a prime spot for seeing migrating waterfowl and raptors. Snow Buntings and late-fall sparrows are also common in November.

7. Algonquin Provincial Park

Pine Grosbeak. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

• While most songbirds have migrated, Algonquin remains active with resident species like Gray Jays, Spruce Grouse, Boreal Chickadees, and even the occasional owl. November birders might also catch sightings of winter finches such as Pine Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills.

8. Hamilton Harbour and Cootes Paradise

• The Hamilton area, particularly the harbour and wetlands of Cootes Paradise, attracts large numbers of waterfowl, especially diving ducks. November birders can see Canvasbacks, Redheads, and other duck species.

9. Hilliardton Marsh (Northern Ontario)

• Located in northern Ontario, this wetland area is a good spot to see late migrants such as geese and ducks. It’s also one of the regions where birders look for Snowy Owls and winter finches as the colder months set in.

10. Pelee Island

• This island in Lake Erie, just south of Point Pelee, offers great opportunities for November birdwatching. Waterfowl, raptors, and late-migrating songbirds can be found here, as well as occasional rarities blown off course.

In these areas, late-season birdwatching can be really exciting, especially for those interested in waterfowl, gulls, raptors, and early-arriving winter species like owls and finches.

Winter birding is a lot of fun and lends us the opportunity to see new species. 

We hope you get out their this season and bird your heart out! 


Warmly,

Heather