Birding
Birdwatching in Northumberland County
Northumberland County has a rich diversity of habitat and an abundance of bird species to discover in every season. As the local nature club, WBFN can help you find and enjoy some of those species, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. Watch our website for upcoming outings.
When birders think of Northumberland County, most will think first of Presqu’ile Provincial Park. Located in Brighton, Presqu’ile is internationally recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, and ranks among the top birding destinations in Ontario. But Northumberland County has more to offer birders than just one park.
From Port Hope to Cobourg, Roseneath to Colborne, Warkworth to Campbellford, Northumberland County has some great birding locations waiting for you to explore.
Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Brighton
From warblers to shorebirds, Presqu’ile has it all. A famous Ontario birdwatching destination, this park is too big to cover all of its trails in just one day. If time is limited, local birders may suggest the Lighthouse, the Calf Pasture, Jobe’s Woods, the Marsh Boardwalk, or Owen Point. We recommend reading the detailed site guide written by Don Shanahan and published by the OFO found here: http://www.ofo.ca/ofo-docs/Presquile.pdf
Note that Gull Island and High Bluff Island are off limits from March 10 – Sept 10 to protect the colonial water bird nesting areas. Gull Island can have great shorebirds in the fall, but be prepared for a long water crossing that can vary from 6-36 inches deep depending on lake levels and swell. Birders are known to wear hip waders, rubber boots, or sandals. A walking stick can also be helpful. Walking to High Bluff Island is much more treacherous with deeper water but a few intrepid birders are known to try.
Please be aware that some areas of the park are closed four days a week during the fall duck hunt from Sept-Dec each year. To learn more about the park, its facilities and entry fees, visit the official site here: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/presquile
Hazel Bird Nature Reserve, Baltimore
Owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Hazel Bird Nature Reserve features a tall grass prairie, a black oak woodland, a black oak savannah, and sand barrens. There is a 4 km looping trail that includes a few hills. It is recommended to follow the loop in a clock-wise direction in order to avoid the steepest climb.
A popular spot for songbirds during spring and fall migrations, the reserve is also host to several grassland species during the summer breeding season including Eastern Bluebird, Grasshopper Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow and Eastern Meadowlark. Other species of note are Eastern Whip-poor-will, Black-billed Cuckoo, Northern Shrike, Ruffed Grouse, and occasional Upland Sandpipers.
Located north of Cobourg, there is a small parking lot and usually a porta-potty near the staff building in the centre of the property, but it might be removed in winter. The property can sometimes be difficult to access in winter since the parking lot is not plowed and drifting snow can sometimes become too deep to walk in. There is no admission fee.
Peter's Woods Provincial Park, Roseneath
Located north east of Cobourg in the Oak Ridges Moraine, the park features an older growth forest of mixed deciduous and coniferous trees. Facilities include a parking lot, vault privies, and a 0.8 km looping trail that includes short climbs down into the small ravine. The park is open from May to November and there is no admission fee.
During spring migration a good variety of warblers and other song birds can be found, but during summer and early fall bird watching can be a bit more challenging with the very tall leafy canopy of this older growth forest. A guide to the park written by Clive Goodwin can be found here: http://www.ofo.ca/ofo-docs/Peterswoods.pdf Note that the description of a wet area of the trail is now outdated since a wooden boardwalk was installed some years ago.
Northumberland County Forest
The NC Forest encompasses 2,225 hectares (5,500 acres) and includes over 118 km of trails. A good variety of birds can be found throughout the forest in any season. Many species breed here, including Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Pine Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Ruffed Grouse, and even a few Hooded Warblers. When the winter finch species have an irruption year, the forest is a great place to find them.
There are 5 primary trailheads, each with parking lots, some with toilets, and each with a variety of user types allowed, including seasonal hunting east of County Road 45. There is no charge for parking or admission.
For details and trail maps, please visit the website here: https://northumberland.ca/things-to-do/northumberland-county-forest/
Northumberland Land Trust Nature Reserves
The Northumberland Land Trust owns and manages multiple nature reserves throughout the county. Collectively these reserves include a wide variety of habitats and their protected status provides safety for wildlife, as well as excellent birding. Selected properties are open to the public including the Lone Pine Marsh Braham Nature Reserve, the Munn Nature Reserve and the Wilkinson Nature Reserve. Several others are available by reservation.
Please visit the NLT website for details about each property and accessibility: https://nltrust.ca/nature-reserves
Ganaraska Forest
Straddling 4 counties, the Ganaraska Forest is the largest contiguous forest in southern Ontario. With hundreds of kilometres of trails, the forest is enjoyed by a large variety of user groups and includes hunting and motorized vehicles.
Day passes ($7 in 2025) are required for all trails and can be purchased from the website or from the kiosk found at the Ganaraska Forest Centre (GFC) gatehouse. The day pass includes your parking pass. Washrooms are available in the small building with a blue door at the GFC.
The forest is divided into East, West, and Central sections. Only the Central Forest is off-limits to hunting and motorized vehicles. There are multiple trails to choose from in the Centre forest, but the Yellow Trail can be a good place to start your birdwatching adventure.
For details and trail maps, including occasional trail closures, please visit the website here: https://grca.on.ca/forest-recreation/recreation-users/
A.K. Sculthorpe Woodland Marsh, Port Hope
Located on the shore of Lake Ontario in Port Hope, Sculthorpe Marsh is a good migrant trap and a small birdwatching gem. A short boardwalk runs along the lake edge, leading to an observation platform that provides good views of the marsh. Green Heron, Wood Duck and Marsh Wren are regular breeders; Blue-winged Teal, Virginia Rail, and Sora can be found during migration. In years when the water level is low, the marsh can sometimes produce a variety of shorebirds passing through.
In addition to the marsh, there is a good woodland trail that runs along the west side of Gage Creek. Both this trail and the wooded edges of Lake Street can be very productive for warblers and other songbirds during both spring and fall migration. In winter, locals will often put out bird feeders or large piles of seed, creating a gregarious population of chickadees that will eagerly come to your hand.
There is a small parking lot at the bottom of Lake Street, at the east end of the park, and a newly constructed parking lot at the west entrance. Note that as of 2025, the green space around the new parking lot is still off-limits while the new plantings are being allowed time to become established, but you can sometimes use the parking lot if there are no construction vehicles present.
Map link here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4pWuXxNi8kGoQNRr6
Cobourg Harbour
The area of Cobourg Harbour encompasses a sandy beach to the east, a stony beach to the west, a wooden boardwalk, and a sheltered harbour with a large lighthouse pier and naturalized headland. With 270 recorded bird species, there is more to see than just geese.
Birding in summer is challenging due to the tourist crowds and the heavy boating activity, but late fall to early spring is the harbour’s time to shine. Cackling Goose, Brant, and Snow Goose are regular visitors amongst the thousands of Canada’s sheltering in the harbour during the colder months, as well as an excellent variety of ducks. Large numbers of gulls can also be found roosting in the harbour or on the sandy east beach, including the occasional uncommon species such as Franklin’s Gull or Black-legged Kittiwake. In some winters, you may find a Snowy Owl sleeping on the docks or perched on the breakwater.
During migration, shorebirds can sometimes be found on both the pier and the breakwater, as well as foraging along the inner harbour beach. A good variety of songbirds can be found during migration along the edges of the west headland and the length of the boardwalk, including the Ecology Garden and the bottom end of Bagot Street. During the colder months, Snow Buntings and American Pipits can sometimes be found on either the pier or the headland.
Parking is available at the bottom of Division Street beside the east pier or off 3rd Street just west of the marina. Note that paid parking is enforced from Victoria day through to Thanksgiving, but it’s free the rest of the year.
Garden Hill Conservation Area
The primary feature of this park is the large 14.2 hectare (35 acre) pond that is a haven for migrating waterfowl during spring and fall migration. If the water level is low enough it can also attract good numbers of shorebirds with exposed mudflats at the far end. Snow Goose, Brant, Cackling Goose and even Ross’s Goose have all been recorded here.
The parking lot is closed during winter but there is usually space to park in front of the gates. There are two short trails leading off of the parking lot, both relatively flat and easy to walk. The first starts at the north/west corner of the lot and takes you ¼ km to the back of the pond where you will find some of the best views. The second trail is slightly shorter, beginning behind the old change room building, it takes you to the tip of a small peninsula. Near the end of the first trail, there is also a short looping trail that takes you through the woods on the west side, but it can be a bit over grown and the trail opening is not always easy to notice. There are no washrooms on site.
More places to go birding in Northumberland County
Lucas Point, Cobourg – a small lake edge park with good warbler habitat at each end
Nauwatin Nature Sanctuary, Grafton – an easy walking trail loops around this lake edge wetland and small woodlot
Brighton Constructed Wetlands, Brighton – $5 season pass available from Municipality of Brighton; best views in spring
Proctor Park Conservation Area, Brighton – cold water stream, mature forest, 3 km trail with some steep climbs
Goodrich-Loomis CA, Castleton – cold water stream and mixed woodland
Ferris Provincial Park, Campbellford – 10 km of forest trails beside the Trent River; entrance fee required
Seymour CA, Campbellford – forest trails and seasonal wetlands
Cobourg Conservation Area – woodland trail follows the edge of Cobourg Creek and loops around a large sports field
Ball’s Mill CA, Baltimore – wooden steps lead down to a narrow trail with views of Baltimore Creek and a large wetland
Chub Point, Grafton – at the corner of Station and Chub Point roads, giving good stationary views of migrating waterfowl on the lake