There are so many opportunities to see rare southern warm climate birds in Chatham-Kent. Among the most common finds are the Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Rock Pigeon and Mourning Dove. There are also rarer sightings that make for a very memorable experience!
Provincial Park Birding Events
Festival of Flight - Rondeau Provincial Park, annually in May (this year, May 4-19)
- Register for twice-daily Guided Bird Hikes
- The Friends of Rondeau host a Birder's Breakfast with refreshments by donation
- The Visitor Centre will be open and features displays on local flora and fauna and the history of Rondeau
Norm Chesterfield Birding Day - Wheatley, annually in May (around Mother's Day weekend)
Birding Hot Spots
Rondeau Provincial Park's forested swamp are among the favoured spots with birders of all levels. Here, the park attracts the endangered Prothonotary Warbler that breeds at the park. In any given year, more than 334 species are sighted at Rondeau including the endangered Prothonotary Warbler. The
Friends of Rondeau is a very active association and can assist with many of your birding questions or about Rondeau in general.
Wheatley Provincial Park is located on a major migratory birding route. Here, birders can view impressive numbers of waterfowl and wrens that prefer the inland marshes and shallow creeks. Birders may also spot the uncommon Little Blue Heron or the Mississippi Kite. During spring and fall migrations you can view a variety of warblers, hawks, thrushes and flycatchers and even herons and egrets as they wade in the shallows of creeks that wind their way through the park.
St. Clair National Wildlife offers up-close views and room to leisurely explore the tranquil surroundings. As many as 20,000 geese, ducks and swans blanket the 242-hectare wetlands near the small French community of Pain Court. The best views are from atop the observation tower or along the scenic trail.
Blenheim Lagoons features a wide variety of unique birding views. There have been over 235 different species recorded here to admire. Waterbirds and shorebirds are often abundant because of the safety from terrestrial predators. A permit and lock box code to enter the lagoons are required, but well worth it. The lagoons can be found on "Lagoon Road" just west of Blenheim, north of Highway 3/Talbot Trail. Parking is on the lagoon side of this dirt road. An annual lagoon permit can be obtained by filling out an application, and emailing it to ckinfo@chatham-kent.ca; or by attending any Municipal Office.
