Birdwatching North America with Birdingpaltours
Birdwatching in Ontario
South Western Ontario
Tour I.
Birdwatching in Point Pelee and Area. (1 days)
Tour II.
Birdwatching Toronto and Area. (1 days)
South Eastern Ontario
Tour III.
Prince Edward and Presqu'll Area (1 days)
North Eastern Ontario
Tour IV.
Ottawa and Algonquin (1 days)
Tour I - South Western Ontario Point Pelee National Park
Point Pelee and Area
Point Pelee National Park is rated as North America’s top birding destination. The peninsula which encapsulates the park, extending into lake Erie, is a migration magnet for both northbound and southbound migrants as they take a rest and fuel up before and after crossing the open waters of Lake Erie.
The spring migration - mainly from April through June – peaks in the month of May with birders from all over the globe themselves migrating to Pelee. The colour, song and sometimes heavy concentrations of warblers, vireos, tanagers, orioles and sparrows are something to witness. Just outside the Point Pelee gates lie the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, expansive “onion fields” and other small hotspots which boast numbers of songbirds, waders and shorebirds as well. A full day of birding in the Pelee area in May with a good migration can net one as many as 100 species or more!! Aside from the possibility of getting 20 species of warblers in a day, May is often the month when southern species such as Blue Grosbeak, Summer Tanager, Kentucky Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Black Vulture may “overshoot” their normal migration and end up in Pelee.
"Point Pelee National Park"
Birding Point Pelee with Marianne Balkwill.
Whether you can only visit Point Pelee for a day or you have the whole week, I can customize your trip to fit your needs. The following is a general itinerary for a one day guided trip.
"Scarlet Tanager"
A typical Point Pelee day.
Our morning will begin in Point Pelee National Park with the shuttle down to the tip from the Visitor Centre to see what songbirds came in over night. We will also scan the shoreline and the open waters of Lake Erie for gulls, ducks, shorebirds and terns. From here we will slowly make our way north walking along the tip trails in search of warblers, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Indigo Buntings, vireos and other passerines. By mid morning a shuttle back to the visitor centre for coffee and sharing sightings with other birders will give us an idea where the hotspots in the park are for that day. After lunch (either bring your own or dine at a restaurant just outside the park) we will bird the north end of the park for songbirds, and the Marsh Boardwalk for Black Terns, Swamp Sparrow, Common Yellowthroats and other marsh species.
General Costs for 1 day trip of 1-2 people: $150. 3-4 people: $200
Included is admission into the park.
Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.
Notes:
Weather: Though we are in extreme southern Ontario, the month of May can often be a month of surprising weather and temperature changes. It is probably the wettest month of the year so some kind of raingear is a must. On average morning temperatures begin at 10 degrees Celsius (50 Fahrenheit) and rise to 20 Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) on average. I have birded in sweltering heat in May, and have searched for rarities in late April and into May while there is a light snow falling. It is advisable to check the forecast before hand and bring the appropriate clothing with you for an enjoyable experience. Avoid wearing white as this spooks animals. Neutral colours are best, and of course dress comfortably. I often find myself shedding layers by noon in Pelee, and I usually bring spare clothes in case it rains.
Terrain: This part of southern Ontario is as flat as the prairies so being in top physical fitness is not required. Please let us know your fitness level before signing up. Sunscreen is recommended as well. Bring something to drink and snack on along the way. There are also drinks (including coffee!) and snacks available at the Visiter Centre in Point Pelee.
Bugs: There are really only 2 nuisance insect species during spring birding in May. Probably the most important to bear in mind is the tick. Just remember to do a tick check over your body when you are done your birding day and remove any possible ticks (by the head is important). The mosquito is the other pest. Luckily, mosquitoes are not a problem until late May and into June with most insect repellents being at least partially effective at deterring these insects.
If you are fall birding, the other pest to be aware of is the Stable Fly. This species may be funnelled down to the tip, and if you are along the beach in shorts you are fair game for bites from the knee down. Pants are a must if you want to be comfortable. However, if you stick to the woods you will not run into the Stable Fly. Mosquito repellent will NOT keep Stable Flies away (some may even attract them to you).
Electronic map of Ontario
For more details please send a message to Marianne. 
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Marianne Reid, your local Birdingpal guide
I have been leading local tours in the Point Pelee area for the past 5 years with organizations such as the Friends of Point Pelee during May, and with the Ontario Field Ornithologists in the fall. Growing up here in the Pelee area, birding as a passion came naturally and has continued with me for nearly 20 years. Sharing that enthusiasm with others makes it all the more satisfying. I love the outdoors in general, and have extended my knowledge to cover the flora and fauna that makes up our rich ecosystem here in southwestern Ontario. If you want to witness the spectacle and colour of the spring migration, or the often overlooked fall migration of raptors, warblers and Monarch Butterflies, I will be happy to lend you my expertise. Whether it is a one day trip, or a few days of exploring the local birding hotspots, let me help you make your Pelee birding experience all the more enjoyable by leading you on a customized trip that fit your needs…and adds to your lifelist! |
Testimonial.
Marianne is a knowledgeable, well known and popular guide around the Pelee area. She leads day hikes for the Friends of Point Pelee in season and is highly regarded by the Friends organization. J.C. Birdingpaltours.
Tour II - Greater Toronto Area with David Milsom
Birdingpaltours: North America defines the greater Toronto area as including Toronto itself, the Niagara Falls / Long Point area, Presqu’ile Provincial Park and Algonquin Provincial Park. Toronto has many ravines and parks and numerous great birding spots along the waterfront. Toronto has much to offer in any season but spring and fall are the best times for birdwatching. Niagara Falls are a major tourist attraction and a must see for anyone visiting this area. A days birding in this area will include the falls. Most people will be surprised to know that in late November, the Niagara Gorge at the foot of the falls has produced at least 14 species of gulls in one place. On a few occasions all 14 species have been there at once.
Toronto Day trip #1
Any time of Year.
On this tour we examine Lake Ontario for waterbirds and shorebirds (in season), as well as many passerines along the edge. Possibilities include Long-tailed Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser and Greater Scaup, all 3 Mergansers, White-winged and Surf scoters, grebes including Horned, Pied-billed and Red-necked, swans including Tundra, Trumpeter and Mute, Common Loon, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Dunlin, gulls, terns, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron and Green Heron (summer only). Mockingbird, Blue Jay, House Finch, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Black-capped Chickadee, Song and other sparrows are also likely.
"Canada Warbler"
There are several noteworthy parks along the lake. Those we may visit are High Park, excellent during migration in spring and fall, Humber Bay Park, Tommy Thompson Park, Colonel Sam Smith Park, and other good locations nearer Hamilton.
Cost: $ 100 per person per day. Includes transportation if group is small (for larger groups - van rental at cost), entry fees, guiding fees, checklist, bottled water, snacks.
Toronto Day trip # 2
Any time of Year.
This tour will examine inland sites within or close to Toronto. Examples include Palgrave Conservation Area, Beeton Sod Farms, Cold Creek Conservation Area, Minesing Swamp, Lambton Woods, Thickson Woods and Lyndeshores Conservation Area.
Species possible: Common breeding birds of the area plus warblers in Spring and Summer, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, several sparrows, Cardinal, Baltimore Oriole, Wild Turkey, swallows, flycatchers, Great Horned Owl, crossbills, shorebirds in Spring, Summer and Fall, raptors such as Red-tailed, Rough-legged and Broad-winged hawks, American Kestrel, Merlin, Osprey and eagles.
"Black-backed Woodpecker"
Cost : $100 per person per day. Includes transportation if group is small, (for larger groups - van rental at cost), entry fees, guiding fees, checklist, bottled water, snacks.
Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.
Electronic map of Ontario
INTERESTED IN A LONGER TRIP? Ask David about Niagara Falls area and Algonquin Park and Long Point Area!
For more details please send a message to David
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David Milsom, your local Birdingpal guide
President David Milsom is an expert birder who has led tours throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Antarctica. A keen nature photographer, he has learned much about wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies and animals. His experience as an educator has enabled him to meet the various needs of his clients. His sense of humour, caring attitude and love of nature are all assets to his guiding of groups throughout the world. |
Testimonial.
Dave was an excellent leader. He was organized, well informed, interested in the various aspects of nature, most willing to share his knowledge and very accommodating. His flexibility and sense of humour were a real asset on this trip. I really enjoyed the trip, saw, learned and gathered some very memorable experiences. N.S., Winnipeg.
Tour III - Prince Edward and Presqu'll Area
Prince Edward County or simply “the county” has been described as a world class birding location and boasts of the highest concentration of migratory birds anywhere on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario. It is an irregularly shaped peninsula deeply indented by the Bay of Quinte on the north eastern shore of Lake Ontario. It has a great diversity of flora and fauna and a very favourable climate, which supports a number of varied habitats including mixed farming operations, both deciduous and hardwood forests and some significant marshes.
"Spruce Grouse"
It was designated a Globally Important Birding Area in 1998. It is a natural migrant trap both in the spring and fall. Perhaps the most productive area for the visiting birder is Prince Edward Point. In the wetlands and along the shoreline it is possible to see Great Egret and Great Blue Herons. Pied-billed Grebes are common. Many waterfowl start to stage over at this time of year. Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Long-tailed Ducks, Blue and Green–winged Teal are everywhere on the bays. The woods will turn up Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Red-bellied, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers along with Brown Creepers, Red and White-breasted Nuthatches and Kinglets. Hermit, Swainson's, Gray-cheeked Thrushes and Veerys are quite common. The woodlots and hedgerows will be alive with migrating wood warblers. Yellow-rumped, Black-throated.
Flycatchers include Least, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Yellow-bellied and Great Crested. Blue-headed Vireos are common during migration and Warbling Vireos are numerous all year. Why not join your local guide Terry Sprague for one or more days in this outstanding birding area?
"Long-eared Owl"
On a typical day with Terry you will spend most of the morning at Prince Edward Point. For lunch you will stop at the Black River Cheese factory for snacks and a washroom break. Then in the afternoon you will go to Sandbanks Provincial Park. On the way to the park you will poke around the many nooks and crannies to flush out all those birds mentioned above. A full and satisfying day in the field. For more information contact Terry, see below.
Cost C$130 for the morning per person and C$145 per person for a full day.
Entrance fees are included.
Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.
Included:
Guiding and entrance fee.
Excluded:
Meals
Electronic map of Ontario
For more details please send a message to Terry.
Terry Sprague, your local Birdingpal guide
Terry Sprague has been an avid birder for more than 40 years and has been leading interpretive hikes on all aspects of nature professionally for three decades. He identifies birds in the field by both sight and sound and has a firm knowledge of the nesting and migration habits of local birds. Terry is co-author of Birds of Prince Edward County (1984). He has lived in Prince Edward County all of his life and is familiar with all the good birding spots locally. Terry has written a column in the Picton Gazette on birds and nature since 1965, and owns and maintains his own website, “NatureStuff – Tours and Things”. He holds a diploma in wildlife management and ecology and is recipient of the 2002 Pioneer Conservationist Award from Conservation Ontario, and the 2004 Richards Education Award from the Federation of Ontario Naturalists.
Testimonial.
I have been involved with Terry Sprague for several years with some of his hikes, some of his courses and his involvement with the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory. We are indeed fortunate to have Terry in Prince Edward County. He has a wealth of information and is an expert on so many aspects of our county, its environment and its bird life. He also is quick to respond to any questions that we may have regarding anything to do with nature. He makes everything he does interesting and sometimes amusing. As I tell my friends, Terry is truly great native of our wonderful county.
D L, Picton, Ontario
Tour IV - BIRDING IN THE GREATER OTTAWA AREA
The Ottawa Valley is a beautiful place with much unspoiled country. The Canadian Shield, to the north, has a northern flavour with a good mix of coniferous and deciduous vegetation. Two main river systems act as migratory corridors and attract a lot of birds. The St. Lawrence Lowlands have fertile agricultural lands with fragmented woods and a few significant lagoons, wetlands and bogs. Each season in the Ottawa valley is quite unique for its changing vegetation and bird life. Depending on the time of year that you visit your experience will change from season to season.
"Fall colours in Algonquin Park"
Regardless of when you visit Ottawa, there is always some thing to see and do. As the nation’s capital, Ottawa has many famous museums and the seat of government, Parliament Hill. There is a fantastic display of tulips every spring as the city plants bulbs in much of the many open spaces for which Ottawa is famous.
"Pine Grosbeak"
The fall is a great time for birding in Ottawa. A lot of birds are on the move, in particular shorebirds, flycatchers, swallows and warblers. Various staging areas are very active and dynamic, with birds arriving almost on a daily basis. Although large flocks are elusive, good diversity is present. This is the time of year that has the greatest potential for rarities in the Ottawa area. In the Ottawa area, rivers, lagoons and the NCC Greenbelt trails are worth a visit. Possible birds include Wood Duck, Redhead, Osprey, Whimbrel, Short-billed Dowitcher, Baird's Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, Great-crested Flycatcher, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Marsh Wren, Tennessee Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, American Redstart, Swamp Sparrow.
Day Trip Sample - Ottawa West
We'll start at Andrew Haydon Park, exploring the ponds, shoreline and vast expanse of the Ottawa River.
If migration is in full swing, we might see a variety of waterfowl, gulls and shorebirds like Long-tailed Duck, Brant, Whimbrel or Lesser Black-backed Gull.
From here we drive (carpool if possible) westward to check open fields, wetlands, ponds, and woodland trails southwest of the city. Greenbelt trails, like the Jack Pine Trail have woodland and wetland species like Virginia Rail, Purple Finch, Black-throated Green Warbler, Ruffed Grouse, etc. Only a few minutes away, the Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds have had their share of interesting birds including Pied-billed Grebe, Ruddy Duck, Redhead, and Cackling Goose. Many rarities have shown up here over the years.
After that, we'll explore the open grass fields around the villages of Munster and Richmond for Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Bluebird and Upland Sandpiper.
Depending on time of year, we can explore more lagoons, wetlands and forests west of the city. If time permits, we'll venture northward to Constance Bay to search for Red-headed Woodpecker, Sedge Wren and Olive-sided Flycatcher.
We'll stop for regular bathroom and snack breaks. We'll likely stop in Richmond or Dunrobin for lunch (not included in price).
Ask Tony about Algonquin Park
General Costs for 1 day trip: $150 per person.
Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.
Included:
Guiding , Entrance fees.
Excluded:
Transportation and food
For more details please send a message to Tony.
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Tony Beck, your local Birdingpal guide
Tony is a freelance naturalist based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. His award winning photography appears in many books, websites, magazines & calendars. He teaches Birdwatching and Nature Photography courses both independently and through a variety of institutions. As a Freelance Tour Guide, he leads groups to many exciting destinations, including: All Corners of Canada, Tropical Pacific, American Southwest, and Neotropical America. |
Testimonial.
Over the past year I have been birding the Ottawa area with Tony Beck as a member of his Birding Club. It has been a life altering blast! I never knew there were so many species of birds to be found and enjoyed in the Greater Ottawa area, and Tony makes learning about them fun.
H P (Ottawa)
Electronic map of Ontario
Guide books and CD’s recommended:
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, 5th edition
The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America, D Sibley Knopf 2003
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Bird Recordings from Ontario
www.birdsounds.nl
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Last update 25/09/2011