The First Signs of Spring: What to Look for in Ontario’s Forests and Wetlands

As winter begins to loosen its grip on southern Ontario, nature will begin to show us the first hints of spring. While the landscape may still appear quite dormant and wintery, subtle changes are happening all around us! For those who know where to look, February and March offer some of the most exciting moments in the seasonal transition. Here’s what to watch for as spring begins to stir in Ontario’s forests and wetlands—and all of the birds making their grand return.

Eastern Bluebirds. Photo by Kristen Martyn.

1. Early Bird Migration: Who’s Arriving First?

One of the surest signs that winter is fading is the return of migratory birds. Even in late February, certain species start appearing in southern Ontario. Some of the first birds to return include:

• Red-winged Blackbird – Their unmistakable “conk-la-ree” song is one of the most welcomed sounds of early spring, often heard in wetlands and marshes before the snow fully melts.

• Song Sparrow – These small but mighty songbirds are one of the earliest to return, filling meadows and shrublands with their cheerful melodies. A definite contributor to the spring 'morning chorus'. 

Song Sparrow. Photo by Heather Kerrison.

• American Robin – Though some robins overwinter in Ontario, their numbers swell in March as more migrate back, searching for thawing ground where earthworms become accessible.

• Eastern Bluebird – A sure sign of warmer days ahead, these stunning blue and rust-coloured birds begin returning in March.

2. Woodpecker Drumming, Owl Calls, and Bird Song

Even before migratory birds arrive, Ontario’s resident birds start becoming more vocal and active. Woodpeckers, such as the Downy Woodpecker and Pileated Woodpecker, begin their territorial drumming on tree trunks, signaling the start of nesting season. Owls, including Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls, are also highly vocal during late winter as they establish territories and care for early-season chicks. 

Pileated Woodpecker. Photo by Shayna Hartley. 

Year-round residents also begin to sing in February, including Northern Cardinals, Mourning Doves, and Black-capped Chickadees.

3. Waterfowl on the Move

As frozen lakes and rivers begin to thaw, waterfowl migrations pick up pace. Keep an eye on open water areas for returning species such as:

• Tundra Swans – These elegant white swans make brief stops in southern Ontario’s wetlands and lakes during their long migration north.

• Wood Ducks – One of the most colorful waterfowl species, wood ducks return to flooded woodlands and quiet ponds by mid to late March.

Wood Duck. Photo by Heather Kerrison.

• Canada Geese – Though some remain year-round, large flocks of migratory geese begin moving northward as the ice recedes.

• Northern Pintail & Green-winged Teal – These early-arriving dabbling ducks can be found in shallow wetlands and flooded fields.

4. Trees and Plants Awakening

While birds may be the most noticeable sign of spring’s approach, Ontario’s forests and wetlands also show subtle transformations.

• Buds Swelling on Trees – Maple, aspen, and willow trees start swelling with sap, preparing for their spring growth.

• Early Blooms – Hardy plants like skunk cabbage emerge in wetlands, sometimes generating heat to push through lingering snow!

• Insects Emerging – The first warm days of March bring hibernating insects like mourning cloak butterflies (which instead of migrating, go dormant and overwinter), and early flies, providing food for returning birds.

Mourning Cloak Butterfly. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

5. Where to Experience the First Signs of Spring

If you’re eager to witness these changes firsthand, here are some of the best locations in southern Ontario to explore:

• Long Point Provincial Park – A prime spot for early migrating waterfowl and songbirds along the Lake Erie shoreline.

• Point Pelee National Park – Famous for bird migration, this park starts coming alive in March with early migrants.

• Cootes Paradise (Hamilton) – A fantastic wetland area for spotting returning waterfowl and red-winged blackbirds.

• Toronto Islands – An urban escape where robins, grackles, and bluebirds begin appearing in March.

Spring’s arrival isn’t marked by a single dramatic event, but rather by a series of small, interconnected changes. Whether it’s the return of a favourite bird, the first tree bud you see, or the distant honks of migrating geese, these moments signal a gradual shift to warmer days.

So, bundle up, grab your binoculars, and step outside—spring is on its way, and nature is ready to show you the signs!! 

Enjoy! 

Warmly, 

Heather