Early Spring Migration in Ontario: Birds Returning in March

The days are getting longer. The sun sits a little higher. And quietly, the first wave of migrating birds are returning to Ontario.

March is one of the most exciting months for birdwatching, not because migration is at its peak yet, but because it’s just beginning. The earliest migrants are hardy species that can handle unpredictable weather, still frozen ground, and the lingering grip of winter. Their return is one of the first true signs that spring is on its way.

If you’ve been watching your backyard closely, you may already have noticed some of them.

Eastern Bluebird. Photo by Shayna Hartley. 

The First Blackbirds 

For many people, the return of Red-winged Blackbirds is the moment spring feels real. Their familiar conk-la-ree song carries across marshes, ditches, and wet roadside fields, often while there’s still snow on the ground.

Shortly after, Common Grackles begin appearing in flocks, their iridescent feathers flashing in the sunlight as they move between yards and open spaces. These birds travel in groups and will readily visit feeders, especially in early spring when natural food sources are still limited.

Robins, Sparrows, and the Morning Chorus

American Robins are often thought of as the first sign of spring, but many overwinter in parts of Ontario if food is available. What changes in March is their behaviour. Flocks begin breaking up as birds spread out to establish territories and search for nesting areas.

American Robin. Photo by Shayna Hartley. 

You might notice robins:

• Singing more frequently

• Feeding in pairs

• Visiting yards more regularly

• Checking out sheltered spots for future nests

Song Sparrows are also among the earliest returnees. Small but full of personality, they fill meadows and backyard shrubs with cheerful, variable songs. They are often a major contributor to the early spring “morning chorus,” even while frost still coats the ground.

Song Sparrow. Photo by Heather Kerrison.

Because frozen soil can make natural foraging difficult, robins and sparrows may appreciate supplemental food. Mealworms and high-quality seed blends can help bridge the gap while insects remain scarce.

Bluebirds and Signs of Warmer Days

Few birds feel as symbolic of spring as the Eastern Bluebird. These striking blue-and-rust songbirds begin returning in March, scouting open fields, fence posts, and nest boxes.

Bluebirds often travel in small groups at first, gradually pairing off as the breeding season approaches. If you have open yard space or nearby fields, you may notice them perching conspicuously as they search for suitable nesting sites.

Offering mealworms can be especially helpful for bluebirds during cold snaps, when insect availability is limited.

Wetlands, Woodlands, and Open Water

As ice begins to melt, wetlands and flooded woodlands come back to life.

Wood Ducks, one of the most colourful waterfowl species in North America, return to quiet ponds and wooded swamps by mid to late March. Males in breeding plumage are unmistakable, with iridescent greens, chestnut flanks, and bold white markings. They prefer calm water surrounded by trees, where they nest in natural cavities.

Killdeer return to open ground and fields, their sharp calls carrying across parking lots, farm fields, and gravel areas. These birds nest directly on the ground, often in surprisingly exposed spaces.

Great Blue Herons also begin returning to nesting colonies in early March. In areas where they nest communally, you may see them flying overhead carrying sticks as they repair and rebuild nests from previous years.

Great Blue Heron. Photo by Heather Kerrison. 

Why Feeding Still Matters in March

It’s easy to assume that once migration begins, birds no longer need support from backyard feeders. In reality, March is one of the most challenging months for many species.

Natural food sources are inconsistent.
Weather can shift quickly.
Birds are expending energy establishing territories and preparing for nesting.

Keeping feeders stocked through March helps both resident birds and early migrants recover from winter and prepare for the breeding season ahead.

High-energy foods like:

• Black-oil sunflower

• Suet

• Peanuts

• Mealworms

can provide essential calories during this transition. Fresh water is equally important, especially when natural sources remain frozen overnight.

One of the most rewarding parts of March birdwatching is simply paying attention. Listen for new songs at sunrise. Watch the sky on warmer afternoons. Notice subtle changes in behaviour at your feeders.

Enjoy the sights and sounds, spring is almost here!

Warmly, 

Heather