Birding

The Grand River watershed provides many excellent birding opportunities. We own and manage close to 20,000 hectares of land, which provides a wide variety of habitat for birds, including species at risk.  

Key birding areas include the Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area, Laurel Creek Conservation Area, FWR Dickson Wilderness Area, Bannister and Wrigley Lakes, and Dryden Tract. To find out what birds have been observed at these and other birding hotspots throughout the watershed check eBird. 

Whether you are a novice birder or a birding enthusiast, birds can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, grasslands and even built-up landscapes. Birding only requires a good pair of hiking shoes, a decent field guide and a pair of binoculars. Birding can be as easy as stepping out into your own backyard or walking to a nearby park or natural area. 

More than 300 bird species, including rare and vagrant species, have been recorded within the Grand River watershed.

Birding hot spots, ethics and more

• Four suggested birding hot spots
• Reporting rare and unusual species
• Descriptions and photos of some provincially rare birds found in our watershed
• Links to suggested birding websites 
• Birding code of ethics