The Great Gathering: Late-Summer Bird Migration in Ontario

As summer begins to shift toward autumn (hard to believe!), nature is already in motion. We would love for summer to last forever, however, many birds are quietly beginning an incredible journey south. Late August is the start of Ontario’s bird migration season, a time when staging grounds fill, skies grow busy, and our backyards can become rest stops for all of the travelers.

Purple Martins and the Swallow Spectacle

By the end of August, Purple Martins — North America’s largest swallow — have completed their southward migration through Ontario. Earlier in the month, large flocks can be spotted gathering in staging areas, often near lakes or wetlands. They feed heavily to build fat reserves for their long flight to South America. Barn and Tree Swallows may also join these gatherings, creating amazing aerial displays. Because they are aerial insectivores, you'll see them swooping through the air and feeding. 

Purple Martin. Photo by Heather Kerrison.

Early Warblers on the Move

The first warblers to head south — Cape May, Tennessee, Magnolia, and Blackburnian — are already moving through our forests and backyards. While many people think of warblers as springtime flashes of colour, their fall plumage is softer, making them trickier to identify. Migration season is a great time to hone your birding skills and spot species you may have missed earlier in the year.

Bay-breasted warbler. Fall plumage. Photo by Shayna Hartley.

Evenings with Nighthawks

On late August evenings, keep an eye on the sky for flocks of Common Nighthawks. With their long, pointed wings and looping flight, they dart through the air chasing insects at dusk. These aerial acrobats are so fun to watch. Once they've landed, their camouflage is impeccable. 

Common Nighthawk. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

Shorebirds and Waterfowl Begin Their Return

While summer is a time of abundance in our wetlands, late August marks the first wave of shorebird migration. Species like sandpipers and plovers start returning from their Arctic breeding grounds, stopping in Ontario to refuel. Waterfowl migration also quietly begins, with early ducks and geese appearing on local ponds and lakes. You can see birds like the Lesser Yellowlegs pictured below mid August through September. 

Lesser Yellowlegs. Photo by Heather Kerrison. 

Helping Birds Along the Way

Even if you can’t travel to a migration hotspot, your backyard can play a role in supporting migrating birds:

• Keep bird baths filled with fresh, clean water.

• Maintain clean feeders stocked with high-energy foods like black oil sunflower seed, safflower seed or Nyjer®. Suet cylinders and cakes, mealworms, and BirdBerry jelly are also great offerings. Diversity helps target many different species.

• Leave some seed-bearing plants and shrubs intact for natural foraging.

• Keep outdoor lights low at night to help nocturnal migrants navigate safely.

Tip: During migration, birds need more energy than ever. Our EcoTough® feeders are perfect for offering high-energy seed blends like our No-Mess Blend, which helps fuel their journey without waste.

Late August migration is a quieter than the dramatic rush of September and October, but it’s no less magical. It's always bittersweet to see some of our favourites leave, but we also get the treat of seeing many birds move through that we only get to see a couple of times a year. 

Enjoy it while you can! 

Warmly, 

Heather