ELGIN COUNTY BIRDWATCHING LOCATIONS · 29 Aylmer Wildlife Management Area 10594 Hacienda Road,...

ELGIN COUNTY BIRDWATCHING 291

ELGIN COUNTY BIRDWATCHING LOCATIONS

Site Name 911 Address,Number of Site Municipality

1 Rodney Lagoon 22590 Pioneer Line, West Elgin

2 Joe’s Bush 21597 Silver-Clay Line, West Elgin

3 Gray Line West ElginPort Glasgow Marina Havens Lake Road, West ElginBeattie Access Beach Havens Lake Road, West Elgin

4 Ernie Warwick Conservation Area McKillop Road, West Elgin

5 West Lorne Lagoon 22050 Thomson Line, West Elgin

6 West Elgin Nature Reserve 24514 Downie Line, West Elgin

7 Wendy’s Pond Highway 401 East -. West Lorne Service Center West Lorne Service Center-401 Hwy. Dutton-Dunwich

8 Buttermilk Bog 274 Currie Road, Dutton-Dunwich

9 Dutton Lagoon 301 Shackleton Road West, Dutton-Dunwich

10 Dutton-Dunwich Prairie Coyne Road & CSX Railroad, Dutton-Dunwich

11 Trans-Canada Trail Talbot Line to Lakeview Line, Dutton-Dunwich

12 Duttona Beach Southern End of Coyne Road, Dutton-Dunwich

13 John E. Pearce Provincial Park 29550 Lakeview Line, Dutton-Dunwich

14 Fingal Wildlife Mgt Area – North Lot North Lot – 34469 Fingal Line, Southwold Twp.Fingal Wildlife Mgt Area – Prairie Site 34764 Scotch Line, Southwold Twp.Fingal Wildlife Mgt Area – South Lot 35000 Scotch Line, Southwold Twp.

15 Port Stanley Lagoons 37375 & 37505 Scotch Line, Southwold Twp.

16 Port Stanley Harbour Port Stanley at Kettle Creek, Central Elgin

17 Hawk Cliff Along Hawk Cliff Road & Elgin County Road, 24 and Dexter Line, Central Elgin

18 Pinafore Park 89 Elm Street, St. Thomas

19 Paynes Mills Hiking Trail 38791 Talbot Line, Central Elgin

20 Waterworks Park 2 Edgeware Drive, St. Thomas

21 Kettle Creek Conservation Authority Properties 44015 Ferguson Line, Central ElginDan Paterson Conservation Area Mapleton Line & Highbury Road, Central Elgin

Dalewood Campground 10518 Dalewood Road, Central ElginDalewood Walking Trail Dalewood Road at Kettle Creek, Central Elgin

Carr’s Bridge 10936 Dalewood Road, Central Elgin

22 Archie Coulter Conservation Area 46900 Brouwers Line, Central Elgin

23 Springwater Conservation Area 8080 Springwater Road, Central Elgin

24 Yarmouth Natural Heritage Site 47502 Sparta Line, Central Elgin

25 Port Bruce Port Bruce, Malahide Twp.

26 Pede Road Pede Road, Malahide Twp.

27 Port Burwell Provincial Park Port Burwell, Bayham Twp.

28 Calton Swamp & Stewart’s Swamp Carter Road at John Wise Line, Malahide Twp.

29 Aylmer Wildlife Management Area 10594 Hacienda Road, Malahide Twp.

30 Aylmer Lagoons 9980 Rogers Road, Malahide Twp.

31 Howey Line Bayham Township

32 Lamers Line Bayham Township

33 Sandytown Road Bayham Township

34 Mitchell Road Bayham Township

35 Elgin County Road 45 Bayham Township

ELGIN COUNTY BIRDWATCHING292

West Elgin (Aldborough)

LegendBirding Locations

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3

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6

Rodney Lagoon

Joe’s Bush

Gray Line

Ernie W. Warwick C.A.

West Lorne Lagoon

West Elgin Nature Reserve


1. RODNEY SEWAGE LAGOON22590 Pioneer Line

The Rodney Sewage Lagoon is a single cell lagoonwhich affords very good viewing opportunities forswans, geese and ducks. Many of the swallow speciescan be sighted feeding in this area during cold weatherin April and May. Very rare sightings that have beenmade at the lagoon included the Fulvous Whistling-Duck and American Avocet. Warblers, shorebird andMarsh Wren sightings are possible here.Location: Found on the north side of Pioneer Lineapproximately 1 km east of Furnival Rd. Enterdriveway that leads to the Water Treatment Plant, thelagoon is found immediately north of the plant.Trails: There is a walking trail around the lagoon.Facilities: A viewing stand is availableManager: The Municipality of West Elgin

2. JOE’S BUSH21597 Silver-Clay Line

This 20 ha parcel of land was donated to themunicipality by the late Joseph E. Schmid in 1986.This tract is composed of deciduous woods and aconiferous plantation. Many Carolinian species oftrees such as Tulip, Sassafras, Black Cherry andFlowering Dogwood are labelled. In early springmany woodland flowers bloom in abundance and canbe viewed easily from the trails. Nesting birds that arefound in the forest include Cooper’s Hawk, Ovenbird,American Redstart and Canada Warbler. The trails areexcellent for winter walks and cross country skiing.Location: Joe’s Bush is located on the south side ofSilver-Clay Line. 1.5 km west of Furnival Road.Trails: There are three excellent walking trails andeach is approximately 0.8 km in length.Managers: the Municipality of West Elgin

3. GRAY LINE—EAST OF BLACK’S ROAD TO GRAHAM ROAD.Formerly known as the 14th Concession ofAldborough Twp.

This 11 km road runs parallel to and 0.5 km inlandfrom the Lake Erie shoreline. Many stops can be madeat excellent birding sites along this road, which is now

a section of the Trans-Canada Trail. At the extremewest end of this road, there is a walking trail that is .75km in length. Many woodpecker species are found inthis area during the nesting season. Locations betweenBlack’s Road and the McColl Sideboard provide goodopportunities to view Orchard Orioles, Vesper andSavannah Sparrows, Eastern Kingbirds and listen tothe Whip-poor-will during summer. Another stop is atSixteen Mile Creek where the Eastern Phoebe nestsunder the bridge. Other birds to be spotted includethe Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Swamp and Field Sparrowsand Belted Kingfisher. Bald Eagles, which nest to thenorth, are often seen flying to the lake. Turn on toHavens Lake road and proceed to the Port GlasgowMarina and Yacht Club. Beattie Access provides entryto the beach and a short walking trail found along thecreek. On the Victoria Day weekend flocks ofWhimbrel are often observed along the beach. Make astop at Ox Creek, located 0.5 km east of the FurnivalRoad. During the breeding season the Blue-wingedWarbler, Baltimore Oriole and Common Yellowthroatmay be seen and heard here. The forest and shrubberyfound along the road allowance from Ox Creek to theMistele Side road and further towards the Kerr Roadprovide the best opportunities for viewing many springmigrating birds. At least 30 species of warblers andvireos have been spotted on a good day. In autumn, thebest location to view hawk migration is found on GrayLine. Between the Kerr Road and Graham Road makea stop at Brock’s Creek where bluebirds are often seen.The Water Pumping Station at the end of the GrahamRoad gives a good view of Lake Erie where gulls, ternsand ducks may be observed. The roadside is excellentto observe butterflies and wild flowers during thesummer months.Facilities: 5 trailer parks/campgrounds are found onGray Line. The Old Boy’s Park, located at the end ofFurnival Road, has picnic tables and public washrooms.

4. ERNIE M. WARWICKCONSERVATION AREAMcKillop Rd.

This site on the Lake Erie shoreline, provides afine view of the lake from atop some of the tallestbluffs along this stretch of the lake. The park isbordered on the east by a heavily treed, very deepravine. A staircase, which allows for good views of anarray of woodland wildflowers that include Large

ELGIN COUNTY BIRDWATCHINGWest Elgin Area


flowered Bellwort, leads down to the bottom of themain ravine and along the bank of the McKay Creekto its mouth at the beach. The Orchard Oriole, aspecies restricted to Southern Ontario, can be foundnesting here as well as other locations along the LakeErie shoreline of Elgin County. It is also an excellenthawk viewing location, especially in September andOctober from the viewing stand overlooking the lake.Location: From Eagle, drive east on Talbot Line, turnright on McKillop Road and drive 1.6 km to theentrance.Facilities: Trail, parking, viewing stand, groupcamping by permission. No public washrooms.Managers: Lower Thames Valley ConservationAuthority.

5. WEST LORNE SEWAGE LAGOON25030 Thomson Line

The West Lorne sewage lagoon has two cells and aviewing stand from which swans, geese ducks andshorebirds may be viewed during the spring and fallmigration. Such rarities as the Northern Mockingbird,Ross’s Goose and the Black-billed Magpie have beenspotted at this lagoon. During summer, both the GreatBlue Heron and Green Heron can be seen feeding inone cell or another. Wood Ducks and HoodedMergansers nest in the boxes that have been erected

there. During May, the adjacent woodlot and shrubberyoften host migrating warblers and other songbirds.Location: Found on Thomson Line 1 km west of theGraham Rd. Enter the driveway that leads to thewater treatment plant. Park at the gate. Make yourway along the trail to the viewing stand.Facilities: Parking lot, trail and viewing standManager: The municipality of West Elgin

6. WEST ELGIN NATURE RESERVE24514 Downie LineAldborough Memorial Forest

This 15 ha reserve is composed of woodlot andopen meadow. The front portion was formerly alandfill site and it now is planted with memorial trees.The back of the property is primarily a matureCarolinian forest with very wide and well-maintainedtrails. This is a very good site in which to view labelledtrees and a large variety of spring and summerwildflowers and ferns. Birds that may be seen or heardare Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, Great CrestedFlycatcher, and Pileated Woodpecker.Location: Downie Line 2 km west of Graham Rd.Enter through the walk-in turnstile.Trails: A trail map is found on the property.Facilities: Parking lot along the road.Manager: the West Elgin Nature Club.

Alder Flycatcher

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Dutton/Dunwich


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Wendy’s Pond - HWY 401

Buttermilk Bog

Dutton Lagoon

Dutton-Dunwich Prarie

Trans-Canada Trail

Duttona Beach

John E. Pearce P.P.


ELGIN COUNTY BIRDWATCHINGDutton-Dunwich Area

7. EASTBOUND HWY #401 SERVICE CENTREWest Lorne

There is a viewing stand in the picnic /park arealocated west of the Wendy’s and Tim Hortonrestaurants. From the stand there is a good view of thepond to the south where swans and several species ofpuddle ducks may be observed. In late March to earlyApril, flocks of several thousand Tundra Swans areregular visitors to the nearby fields. In summer, a fewfamilies of Canada Geese are residents. In fall, thepond can have Snow Geese as visitors.Location: Enter the service center from the 401 hwy-eastbound and park in the restaurant area. Duringsummer months the park is open and parking isavailable.Facilities: The park has washrooms and picnic tablesduring the summer season. Service center restaurantsare nearby.Manager: Ministry of Transportation-Ontario.

8. BUTTERMILK BOG274 Currie Road

The Bog and Arboretum is a 2 ha property. Ashort history of the site is found on a sign at theentrance to the arboretum. It was planted in the year2000 and contains several species of rare andendangered Carolinian species. Also found in this areais the Prairie garden. At the back of the site, the bogis found. This small wet area contains springwoodland flowers, Eastern Cottonwood and SilverMaple trees. As the trees mature, more birds will findnesting sites here.Location: Parking is located at the rear of the WestElgin Mutual Insurance office. Enter gate to thearboretum.Facilities: Parking lot and trail. Trees and plants arelabeled.Manager: The Dutton-Dunwich Horticultural Society.

9. DUTTON SEWAGE LAGOON301 Shackleton St. W.

This single cell lagoon has a large variety ofwaterfowl during the spring and fall migrations. There

is no viewing stand. The shrubbery located betweenthe entrance road and the railroad tracks is good forviewing songbirds in spring and summer. There is awalking trail around the perimeter of the lagoon.Location: Found southwest of the village of Dutton.Go to the end of Shackleton Street, enter driveway tothe water treatment plant and proceed to the lagoon.Park at corner of lagoon or the water plant.Facilities: Parking and trail only.Manager: The Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich.

10. DUTTON-DUNWICH PRAIRIECoyne Road and CSX Railroad

This area is the largest remaining remnant forprairie plants in Elgin County and the second mostsignificant site in Ontario. The entire trail is 3.6 kmand part of an abandoned railroad right-of-way. Suchplants as the Compass Plant, Pale Purple and Gray-headed Coneflower, Big Bluestem and Indian Grassare found east of the Coyne Road. The section west ofthe Coyne has more wet areas and such plants as theOhio Goldenrod, Stiff Goldenrod and Dense BlazingStar are found here. Look for birds along the trail andon the adjacent Hydro power line. A rare LoggerheadShrike was seen at this location. Location: From Pioneer Line, turn south on theCoyne Road. Proceed to the railroad tracks and parkon the trail off the road.Facilities: Parking and trails.Manager: the West Elgin Nature Club.

11. THE TRANS-CANADA TRAILTalbot Line to Lakeview Line

This walking section of the trail crosses twoconcessions of Dutton-Dunwich Township. Eachsection is about 2 km in length. It passes throughdiverse habitat such as protected valleys, watercoursesand upland woods. It provides an opportunity to seebirds and wildlife in a natural setting. An excellentbirding trail.Location: Enter trail at the Trans-Canada Trail markerson the Talbot Line, east of the Dunborough RoadFacilities: Walking TrailManager: Trans-Canada Trail


12. DUTTONA BEACHCoyne Road at Lake Erie

Duttona Beach is an area of private cottages. Asmall footbridge provides public access to the beachwhere the road terminates at the lake. Goodopportunities are here to view waterfowl in all fourseasons and it is one of the better locations to seediving ducks like scaups and scoters in winter. Atfeeders near the bridge, Carolina Wren and TuftedTitmouse are often seen.Location: From Talbot Line, proceed south on CoyneRoad to Lake Erie.

13. JOHN E. PEARCE PROVINCIAL PARK AND SPICER TRAIL 29550 Lakeview Line

Pearce Park is a favourite location to see awonderful display of spring ephemerals that carpetthe woodland floor from mid-April to late May. Theyinclude White and Red Trilliums in masses and otherssuch as Dutchman’s Breeches, Blue Cohosh, SpringBeauty, Cut-leaved Toothwort and Jack-in-the-Pulpit.

This hardwood forest is home to the PileatedWoodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker and adeclining population of Red-headed Woodpeckers. Italso provided good opportunities to see springmigrants because of its proximity to the lake. The trailis short and leads to the lake where steep banksprevent access to the lakeshore. It is an excellent placeto view waterfowl and a large colony of BankSwallows. Winter walks often reveal nuthatches,Northern Cardinals, Eastern Towhee, and Blue Jays.Varied Thrush, Pine Grosbeaks and White-wingedCrossbills have been spotted here on occasion. On thenorth side of Lakeview Line, the Backus-Page Houseand Spicer Trail are located. Most of the characteristictrees of Elgin county are found along the trail and aremarked for ease of identification.Location: From Wallacetown, follow the Currie Roadsouth to Lakeview Line. Turn left and drive 0.5 km toPearce Park. Park at the entrance of the park on thesouth side of the road or in the parking lot at theBackus-Page House on the north side of the road.Facilities: Washrooms are found in the park and at theBackus- Page House. Trails and picnic tables.Managers: Ontario Parks, Tyrconnell Heritage Societyand the St. Thomas Field Naturalists.

Eastern Wood-Pewee

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Fingal Wildlife Area

Port Stanley Lagoon

Port Stanley Harbour

Hawk Cliff

Pinafore Park

Paynes Mills Hiking Trail

Waterworks Park

Kettle Creek C.A.

Archie Coulter C.A.

Yarmouth Natural Heritage

Southwold and Central Elgin(Yarmouth)


14. FINGAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA34469 Fingal Line

This property was a WW II air force training basethat is regenerating into natural habitat. Extensiveplanting of conifers and wildlife shrubs took placeyears ago. A tall grass prairie has been established in aformer farm field. There are three main trails (War-of-Roses, Tall Grass Prairie, and South Woodlot) that givethe visitor access to a diversity of habitats. The War-of-Roses Trail, with its extensive plantings of shrubsattracts Cedar Waxwings, Brown Thrashers, FieldSparrow, Yellow Warblers, and Gray Catbirds. White-eyed Vireos have also been known to nest here. TheTall Grass Prairie Trail showcases the many prairieplants that are at their best in late summer. This prairieprovides habitat for Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark,and Savannah Sparrow. A viewing stand allows thevisitor a peek at a small pond and adjoining wetlandwith its Mallards, Great Blue Heron and migratingshorebirds. The South Woodlot Trail winds through amature deciduous forest where tree are labelled. Thistrail, which can be wet in spring, is inspiring in itsdisplay of woodland plants, including a nice collectionof ferns such as Rattlesnake and Christmas Fern. Birdslikely to be seen here are the Ovenbird, Rose-breastedGrosbeak, Wood Thrush and Veery.Location: The main entrance is located at 34469Fingal Line. The tall grass prairie and viewing standare located at 34764 Scotch Line and the entrance tothe South Woodlot Trail is at 35000 Scotch Line.Facilities: Trails, Interpretive trail guides, picnictables, viewing stand, parking lots and washroomsnear the main entrance Manager: Elgin Stewardship Council

15. PORT STANLEY SEWAGE LAGOONS37375 & 37505 Scotch Line

Two viewing stands are situated strategicallybetween the four cells of this lagoon, located about1km north of the Lake Erie shoreline. This lagoon isproductive in terms of viewing waterfowl andshorebirds. In spring migration, swans, geese andmost species of duck can be found here. During themonth of May and again in late summer, manyshorebirds stop to feed in the cells with low water

levels. In fall 2001, over 24 species of shorebirds wereseen at the Port Stanley Lagoon, including both theMarbled and Hudsonian Godwits and all threespecies of the phalaropes. A stop at these stands is anexcellent addition to a Hawk Cliff visit, being only 10minutes from the Cliff itself. Most common gullspecies are also regular visitors to this area. Location: From the Fingal Line (Elgin County Road16), turn south on Scotch Line and proceed 9 km tothe viewing stands on Scotch Line. Park along the roadand please do not enter the lagoon property itself.Facilities: Parking lot and two viewing standsManagers: Southwold Township, Central ElginTownship, and the St. Thomas Field Naturalists

16. PORT STANLEY HARBOURPort Stanley at Kettle Creek

Port Stanley is a window to Lake Erie.Birdwatchers come to the Port and its beachthroughout the year to check for loons, grebes,cormorants, ducks, geese, gulls, terns and shorebirds.Even in winter, the harbour can attract large numbersof gulls including the massive Great Black-backedGull, and also some rarities such as the Glaucous andIceland Gull. Elgin’s only record for Black-leggedKittiwake and Black-headed Gull have been in thePort Stanley Harbour, and Elgin’s first Sabine’s andLittle Gull (also the first in Canada) were also seenhere. March is waterfowl month, April is CommonLoon and Double-crested Cormorant month, andMay is shorebird month. One of Port Stanley’sgreatest attractions for the natural history crowd is theannual pilgrimage to see the Whimbrel flight, whichtakes place between May 20th and May 30th eachyear. Birders positioned along the waterfront eagerlyawait flocks of dozens, hundreds, or even thousandsof Whimbrel, a chicken-sized Arctic bound shorebird.In the fall, the passage of migrants is in reverse orderwith terns in late July and gulls in late November. PortStanley Harbour is truly a birdwatching location forall seasons.Location: The harbour is at the mouth of Kettle Creekand the beach stretches to the west down the LakeErie shoreline. Facilities: Parking along the waterfront withrestaurants, washrooms, hotels and stores in PortStanley itself

ELGIN COUNTY BIRDWATCHINGSouthwold and Central Elgin


17. HAWK CLIFFHawk Cliff Road at Dexter Line

Hawk Cliff is one of the premier destinations forfall hawk watchers in eastern North America. Indeed,as a hawk watch, Hawk Cliff is known worldwide.Hawk migration was first noted here in the late 1800s.In recent year, crowds of people have come for thespecial weekends (usually in mid to late September)organized by the Hawk Cliff Foundation, the HawkCliff Raptor Banding Station, and the St. ThomasField Naturalists. The Hawk migration starts in lateAugust and continues to mid-December some years.September has the largest number of hawks, withmore than 20,000 Broad-winged Hawks recorded ona few days each year. October is the month with thegreat number of migrating hawk species (as many as10 different kinds of hawks on a good migration day).Bald Eagles and Ospreys peak in late September, withPeregrine Falcons arriving in larger numbers in earlyOctober. Golden Eagles and Red-shouldered Hawksincrease in numbers towards late October and earlyNovember. Flights of over 1,000 Red-tailed Hawks inearly November are not unusual. The hawk migrationis nicely complemented by impressive numbers ofother migrants, such as Ruby-throatedHummingbirds in early September, Blue Jays in laterSeptember and early October, and American Crows inmid-October. In some years, thousands of Monarchbutterflies and hundreds of dragonflies can pass by ina single day. The best days for hawk migration usuallyoccur on or the day after a cold weather front hasmoved through the County producing deep blue skiesand big, fluffy cumulus clouds. Even on the slowestdays, there are hardy hawk watchers present to shownewcomers where to look and how to identify themigrating hawks. As the migration progresses into lateOctober and early November, depending on weatherconditions, the flight pattern of the hawks movesnorthward. Birds may be spotted as far inland as theSparta Line. Location: From St. Thomas, drive south on FairviewRoad to Dexter Line, continue south on the extensionof Fairview Line, which is called Hawk Cliff Road.The land on either side of the road is private, so pleasestay on the road (or road allowance) or in areas clearlymarked for public access. Facilities: Park along the road allowance. Portablewashrooms may be available in season. Port Stanley islocated 6 km west of Hawk Cliff. Restaurants andother facilities are located here.Managers: Central Elgin Township, the Hawk CliffFoundation, and St. Thomas Field Naturalists

18. PINAFORE PARK89 Elm Street, St. Thomas

This 32 hectare city park property has been wellknown for its flowerbeds, labeled memorial trees,picnic shelters and walking trails for over a century.The 2.5 hectare body of water known as Pinafore Lakewas dammed to supply water to the New York CentralRailroad for the steam-powered engines. The lake andthe wildlife sanctuary (developed in the early 1950s)provide protection for large concentrations of GiantCanada Geese (Brant candensis maxima), AmericanBlack Ducks and Mallards. From the early 1980s,Pinafore Park’s waterfowl interests have been part ofthe Trumpeter Swan restoration program in Ontario.Bewick’s Wren, Varied Thrush, Black Vulture andYellow-crowned Night-Heron are all rarities that havebeen found in the park over the years. In 1981, the firstHouse Finch for Elgin County was spotted at a feederin the park and was found again in the following year.New attractions in the park are the 5 hectare woodlotfor walking and bird watching, memorial gardens,tennis courts, and two pavilions. Location: From Highway 4 (Sunset Drive), turn easton Elm Street and proceed approximately two blocksto the Pinafore Park sign on the south side of the road. Facilities: Washrooms, picnic tables, playground,swimming pool and ample parking.Manager: City of St. Thomas

19. PAYNES MILLS HIKING TRAIL38791 Talbot Line

This well maintained hiking trail is 1.5 km longand follows Dodds Creek through mixed forest ofpredominantly beech and maple, with some plantedconiferous trees. Bridges allow passage over creeksand wet areas. It is a good area to look for migratingspring warblers and other songbirds. Some nestingbirds recorded during June and July have includedBrown Thrasher, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, YellowWarbler and Gray Catbird. A meadow near Lyle Roadis a good spot for butterflies. There are also goodpossibilities of finding an American Woodcock or aRuffed Grouse along the trail. Location: The main entrance is located just off ofTalbot Line just west of St. ThomasFacilities: Trails onlyManager: St. Thomas-Elgin Hiking Club


20. WATERWORKS PARK2 South Edgeware Drive, St. Thomas

This mainly coniferous treed park is located in thenorth section of the city and is part of the Kettle Creekflood plain. The trails are well maintained and short indistance. Waterfowl and Belted Kingfishers may befound in the creek that traverses the park. Birds thatprefer conifers, such as Red-breasted Nuthatch andBrown Creeper, are often found here. It can beparticularly productive in winter months. Location: Enter the park at the end of SouthEdgeware DriveFacilities: Parking and trails onlyManagers: City of St. Thomas

21. KETTLE CREEK CONSERVATION AUTHORITY PROPERTIESMain Office - 44015 Ferguson LineDalewood Campgrounds & Conservation Area -

10518 Dalewood RoadDan Paterson Conservation Area - Mapleton Line & Highbury Road

These three Kettle Creek Conservation Authorityparks are treated together because they are linked by along, meandering trail that follows the Kettle Creekfrom Dan Paterson CA in the north to Dalewood CA inthe south. The St. Thomas reservoir is the focal point ofthe 285 hectare Dalewood CA. A 6 km trail closelyparallels the reservoir providing lookouts from time totime, which allow the visitor an opportunity to enjoywater birds and forest birds at the same time. Scatteredthroughout the parks are coniferous plantations,forested slopes, bottomland woods, and meadows.Location: Just north of St. Thomas. The mainentrance to Dan Paterson is on Mapleton Line justeast of Highbury Road. Dalewood Campground isfound on Dalewood Road. The Dalewood walkingTrail can be accessed from Dalewood Road just southof the bridge that crosses Kettle Creek. The linkingtrail from Dalewood to Paterson can be accessed fromCarr’s Bridge at 10936 Dalewood Road, 0.1 km southof Ron McNeil Line (Elgin County Road 52) or acrossHighbury Road from Dan Paterson CA.

Facilities: Trails, washrooms (seasonal), picnicgrounds, camping (seasonal). Note: Kettle CreekConservation Authority properties require a permitbefore you can use the trails, parking lot andconservation areas. The permit may be purchased atthe main office. Manager: The Kettle Creek Conservation Authority

22. ARCHIE COULTER CONSERVATION AREA46900 Brouwers Line

Archie Coulter Conservation Area straddles theCatfish Creek valley providing a diversity of habitatsincluding floodplain, slope forests, lots of pineplantations, and meadows regenerating into forest.Well-marked trails provide easy access throughout theyear. A good cross-section of birds and butterflies canbe encountered here over the course of several visits.Location: From Talbot Line (Elgin County Road 3),drive south on Springwater Road at Orwell, turnright on Brouwers Line and go 2.2 km to the mainparking lot.Facilities: Small parking lot and trails onlyManager: The Catfish Creek Conservation Authority

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Malahide and Bayham


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Springwater C.A.

Port Bruce

Pede Road

Port Burwell Provincial Park

Calton Swamp Wildlife Area

Aylmer Wildlife Area

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Aylmer Lagoons

Howey Line

Lamers Line

Sandytown Road

Mitchell Road

County Road 45


23. SPRINGWATER CONSERVATION AREA8080 Springwater RoadSpringwater Forest is one of the best known

forests in Southern Ontario because of its large treesand stunning display of spring flowers. It was the firstknown nesting location in Canada for the HoodedWarbler and the first Elgin County nesting locationfor the Prothonotary Warbler. Various trails lead thevisitor through the few remaining “old growth”maple-beech woodlands and nature stands of Red andWhite Pine, which provide lookouts onto SpringwaterPond, where Wood Ducks and Painted Turtles arehighly visible. The Water Lily Trail, starting at thecampground, follows Bradley Creek to a lookout overa millpond. During the breeding season, ScarletTanagers can be found around every bend in thewoodland trail. Other breeding birds, which require alarge forest such as the Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Wood Thrush, are sprinkledsporadically throughout the canopy of the tallest trees.Other woodland birds like Wood Thrush, GreatCrested Flycatcher, and Ovenbird are also present ingood numbers. Location: South and west of Aylmer. From St. Thomasor Aylmer, drive on the Talbot Line (Elgin CountyRoad 3) to Orwell and turn south on SpringwaterRoad. The main entrance is on the left hand side of theroad, just south of where Springwater Road crossesthe Springwater Pond Dam.Facilities: Trails, trail guides, washrooms, campgrounds.A $2.00 donation is requested to pay for parking andmaintaining the forest trails.Managers: The Catfish Creek Conservation Authority

24. YARMOUTH NATURAL HERITAGE SITE47502 Sparta Line

The Yarmouth Natural Heritage Site is an 88hectare area located along the Catfish Creek. Thisreclaimed county gravel pit is considered an excellentexample of the Carolinian valley slopes, bottomland,and floodplain forests. Within this site, 86 bird specieshave been recorded, including 71 breeding birds.Notable species include American Redstart, ScarletTanager, Veery, Winter Wren, Pileated Woodpecker,Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, and Pine Warbler. Over 55insects, 13 mammal and 10 amphibian species havebeen found to date, most notably, the Pickerel Frog.

Among the rare tree species that are found in this areaare the American Chestnut and the Blue Ash. Some ofthe provincially significant plants are the Harbinger-of-Spring, Stiff Gentian, and Burning Bush. Location: From the village of Sparta, proceed 2.5 kmeast on Sparta Line to the entrance of the natural area.Parking at entrance but do not block the gate.Facilities: Parking and trail onlyManager: The Catfish Creek Conservation Authority

25. PORT BRUCE PROVINCIAL PARKPort Bruce

Port Bruce harbour and beach provide anexcellent lookout over Lake Erie for ducks, loons,cormorants, shorebirds, gulls and terns from mid-March through May and again in the fall from late Julyto November. The small beach attracts sandpiperssuch as the Ruddy Turnstone and Sanderling in lateMay and August through September. In winter, it isnot unusual to see one or more Bald Eagles flying overor perched on the ice in the lake.Location: Port Bruce is on Lake Erie south of Aylmerand can be reached from Aylmer by Imperial road(Elgin County Road 73) or from Port Stanley via theDexter Road.Facilities: Snack bars, beach, parking, publicwashrooms (except in winter)Manager: Ontario Parks, Malahide Township

26. PEDE ROADNova Scotia Line to 4486 Pede Road

This 2 km road is a dead end road from which toview the hawk migration during the autumn months.Watch to the east for one half hour so as to determinewhere the flight line is on that day, and stay at the deadend or move inland along the road accordingly. Inmid-October, Pede Road is a good spot to view thelarger hawks moving along the lake. In late October toearly November, Golden Eagles and NorthernGoshawks migrate in larger numbers and the Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawk migration peaks. Inspring migration, look for warblers in woodlotsadjacent to the road.Location: From Port Bruce take the Imperial Line(Elgin County Road 73) to Nova Scotia Line (ElginCounty Road 42). Turn east. Pede Road is the firstcrossroad along the Nova Scotia Line. Turn south. All

ELGIN COUNTY BIRDWATCHINGMalahide and Bayham Townships


land along the Pede Road is private, so please stay onthe road or road allowance.

27. PORT BURWELL PROVINCIAL PARKPort Burwell

Port Burwell Provincial Park protects a greatvariety of habitats ranging from beach, dunes,interdunal wet meadows, marsh, shrub swamp,upland deciduous forest, pine plantations toextensively vegetated campgrounds, which aredeserted outside of the May to Thanksgiving campingseason. The deciduous woodlands produce a greatdisplay of spring flowers from late April to mid-May.Towards the end of May, shorebirds such asWhimbrel, Red Knot and Sanderling grace thebeaches. In late summer, the dunes and wet meadowsare filled with butterflies. Some years, migratingMonarch butterflies linger by the thousands in thedunes. In late September, the wet meadows are filledwith gentians, Grass-of–Parnassus, and ladies-tresses.Fall is exciting with a flight of hawks almost rivalingHawk Cliff. Location: Situated on the west side of Big Otter Creekin Port Burwell.Trails: The Ravine Trail (interpretative trail guideavailable) winds through pine plantations and naturalforest. Outside the camping season, the park roads actas trails and provide access to most parts of the parkand a good sample of the diverse habitats. In winterswith snow, many people use these roads for cross-country skiing or snow-shoeing.Facilities: Camping, washrooms, picnic tables andtrails with interpretative guide pamphletsManager: Ontario Parks

28. CALTON SWAMP WILDLIFE AREACarter Road and John Wise Line

Calton Wildlife Area is one of the few accessiblewetlands in Elgin County. Wetland habitat includeswater, shrub thicket swamp, silver maple swamp andsome stands of cattails. The surrounding forest ismostly mature Red Pine or wet woods with YellowBirch and Eastern Hemlock. Visitors may findwildlife here in each season. In spring and fall, geeseand ducks are here in abundance. Herons, grebes,rails and other water birds may be seen in thebackwaters. During the birding season, the songs ofPine Warbler, Ovenbird and Veery are distinctivelynoticeable. On occasion, the resident PleatedWoodpecker makes its presence known by its laugh-like call or hammering on dead trees. In fall, hunting

is permitted on several days of the week but not onSundays. The hunting schedule is posted on thebulletin board at the parking lot. The Catfish CreekConservation Authority has property located acrossthe road from the Calton Swamp parking lot, which isknown as Stewart’s Swamp. The trails are passable butmay be wet at certain times of the year. One of the bestareas for watching birds is along Carter Road, butwatch for traffic.Facilities: Parking lot and trail onlyManager: The Elgin Stewardship Council and TheCatfish Creek Conservation Authority.

29. AYLMER WILDLIFE AREA10594 Hacienda Road

The Aylmer Wildlife Management Area is themost accessible and reliable location in most ofsouthwestern Ontario for viewing Tundra Swansduring the spring migration, which usually extendsfrom mid-March to early April. The viewing standsprovide exhilarating close-ups of up to 3,000 swans ata time as they rest and feed before the next stage oftheir migration to their Arctic breeding grounds.Many other species of ducks and geese can be foundin small to large numbers in spring. (March/April)and fall (September-November). As well, largenumbers of over 20 species of sandpipers visit in bothlate spring (May) and early fall (July to early October).Because of the vast numbers of berry shrubs plantedto rehabilitate the site, impressive numbers ofAmerican Robins, Cedar Waxwings and an occasionalNorthern Mockingbird spend the winter here.Location: From Aylmer, proceed north on ImperialRoad and turn right on Glencolin Line Turn left onHacienda Road and enter the wildlife area at the southend of the Police College.Facilities: Trails and year round washroom. Fourviewing stands are present - three are at the mainparking lot and one is located at the east limits of theproperty overlooking the back pond. During the swanmigration, the Aylmer Rotary Club operates a snackbar and there may be naturalists present to help withinterpretation and identification.Manager: The Elgin Stewardship Council

30. AYLMER SEWAGE LAGOONS9980 Rogers Road

This lagoon has four cells and is posted.Permission must be obtained from the Aylmer PublicUtilities Commission. This site is excellent forwaterfowl such as swans, geese and many species ofducks during the spring and fall migration. Often, one


of the rear ponds has a low water level and is suitedfor shorebirds during the spring and fall migration.Location: From Aylmer, proceed north on theImperial Road (Elgin Cty. Rd. #73) to Glencolin Line(Elgin Cty. Rd. #32). Turn east and go to Rogers Road.Turn south and go to 9980 Rogers Road. From St.Thomas, go east on Talbot Line (Elgin Cty. Rd. #3) toRogers Road. Turn left and to 9980 Rogers Road.Manager: The Aylmer Public Utilities Commission

31,32,33,34 & 35.

THE BACKROADS OF BAYHAMTOWNSHIP

Bayham Township occupies the east end of ElginCounty and includes the villages of Straffordville,Vienna, Port Burwell and the hamlets of Richmondand Eden. This township has more forest than anyother Elgin County township mainly because the deepand wide Big Otter and Little Otter creeks dissect it.The steep slopes, inaccessible valleys, and sandy soilall make farming less attractive than in other parts ofthe County. Although there are no publicly accessibleparks or conservation areas other than Port BurwellProvincial Park, it is worth exploring the backroads ofBayham, especially during the bird breeding season.Driving the backroads bring you close to woodlands,ravines, hayfields, pastures and creek valleys. Some ofthe more interesting roads to explore are close toStraffordville. These include Howey Line, LamerLine, Sandytown Road, Mitchell Road and Cty. Rd. #38 from Richmond to Calton and Beattie Road.

Because forest and pasture cover so much ofBayham, woodland and grassland breeding birds arethe main targets. When a stretch of roadsidewoodland is encountered, find a safe place to parkand walk along the road listening for forest birds suchas the Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager, Red-eyed Vireo andEastern Wood-Pewee. Along the forest edge, watchand listen for the Indigo Bunting, Chestnut-sidedWarbler, Blue-winged Warbler and Eastern Towhee.If the woods have been logged in the last few years,

you might even hear a Hooded Warbler. If the road isbeside a deep ravine with Eastern Hemlock, watch forBlack-throated Green Warbler in the hemlocks andlisten for the songs of the Louisiana Waterthrush andWinter Wren in the cool, dark ravines. Look overheadfor soaring Broad-winged Hawks or a PileatedWoodpecker flying from woodlot to woodlot.

If you find a stretch of road with pasture orhayfields stop, look, and listen for the EasternKingbird, Bobolink, Eastern Bluebird, EasternMeadowlark and up to four kinds of sparrowsincluding Song, Savannah, Vesper and Grasshopper.

THE TRANS-CANADA TRAIL INELGIN COUNTY

This 150 km portion of the Trans-Canada Trail inElgin County, created in 1999, starts in West Elgin atBlack’s Road and ends in Bayham Township onHowey Line and then proceeds to Oxford County.Many of the better birding sites in the County can befound as part of the Trans-Canada Trail – Gray Linein West Elgin (site #3), Ash Line to Lakeview Line inDutton-Dunwich (site #11), Lakeview Line at John E.Pearce Provincial Park (site #13), Brouwers Line (site#23), Conservation Road (site # 24), Port BurwellProvincial Park (site #27), and Howey Line (site #31)are all located on the Trans-Canada Trail.

Other scenic roads along the Elgin Countyportion of the Trans-Canada Trail may provide goodopportunities to see birds, wildflowers and butterflies,but are not listed as separate sites on the Elgin BirdingTrail. Consult the maps contained in this book forexact locations of the Trans-Canada Trail in ElginCounty. This trail is available for public access anddoes not require any permit for its use. A majority ofthe trail can be driven by automobile, while a smallportion is only available to hikers. There is a 4.8 kmportion of the trail through the city of St. Thomaswhere a pavilion can be found (Jonas Street adjacentto Ross Street). Feel free to buy a membership, whichwill entitle the donor to a name inscription on theplaques inside the pavilion.


Avocet, American, 134Bittern

American, 99Least, 100

BlackbirdRed-winged, 215Yellow-headed, 217Rusty, 217Brewer’s, 218

BluebirdEastern, 182Mountain, 183

Bobolink, 215Bobwhite, Northern,

129Brant, 106Bufflehead, 116Bunting

Snow, 213Indigo, 214

Canvasback, 112Cardinal, Northern, 213Catbird, Gray, 185Chat, Yellow-breasted,

202Chickadee

Black-capped, 176Boreal, 176

Chuck-will’s-widow,158

Coot, American, 131Cormorant, Double-

crested, 99Cowbird, Brown-

headed, 218Crane, Sandhill, 131Creeper, Brown, 178Crossbill

Red, 221White-winged, 222

Crow, American, 172Cuckoo

Black-billed, 154Yellow-billed, 154

Dickcissel, 214Dove, Mourning, 153Dowitcher

Short-billed, 144Long-billed, 144

DuckFulvous Whistling-,104Wood, 107American Black, 109Ring-necked, 113Harlequin, 114Long-tailed, 116Ruddy, 118

Dunlin, 142Eagle

Bald, 120Golden, 125

EgretGreat, 101Snowy, 101Cattle, 102

EiderKing, 114Common, 114

Falcon, Peregrine, 127Finch

Purple, 220House, 221

Flicker, Northern, 163Flycatcher

Olive-sided, 164Yellow-bellied, 164Acadian, 164Alder, 165Willow, 165Least, 166Ash-throated, 166Great Crested, 167Scissor-tailed, 168

Gadwall, 108Gannet, Northern, 98Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray,

182Godwit

Hudsonian, 138Marbled, 138

GoldeneyeCommon, 117Barrow’s, 117

Goldfinch, American,224

GooseGreater White-fronted,104Snow, 104Ross’s, 105Canada, 105

Goshawk, Northern,122

Grackle, Common, 218Grebe

Pied-billed, 97Horned, 97Red-necked, 97Eared, 98

GrosbeakRose-breasted, 213Blue, 214Pine, 220Evening, 224

Grouse, Ruffed, 128Gull

Laughing, 147Franklin’s, 148Little, 148Black-headed, 148Bonaparte’s, 149Ring-billed, 149Herring, 149Thayer’s, 150Iceland, 150Lesser Black-backed,150Glaucous, 150Great Black-backed,151Sabine’s, 151Ivory, 151

Gyrfalcon, 127Harrier, Northern, 120Hawk

Sharp-shinned, 121Cooper’s, 121Red-shouldered, 122Broad-winged, 123Swainson’s, 124Red-tailed, 124Rough-legged, 125

HeronGreat Blue, 100Little Blue, 101

Tricolored, 101Green, 102Black-crowned Night-,102Yellow-crowned Night-,103

HummingbirdRuby-throated, 159Rufous, 160

Ibis, Glossy, 103Jaeger

Pomarine, 147Parasitic, 147Long-tailed, 147

JayGray, 171Blue, 172

JuncoDark-eyed, 211Oregon, 212Pink-sided, 212

Kestrel, American, 126Killdeer, 133Kingbird

Western, 167Eastern, 167Gray, 168

Kingfisher, Belted, 160Kinglet

Golden-crowned, 181Ruby-crowned, 181

KiteMississippi, 120Swallow-tailed, 231

Kittiwake, Black-legged, 151

Knot, Red, 139Lark, Horned, 173Longspur, Lapland, 212Loon

Red-throated, 96Common, 96

Magpie, Black-billed,172

Mallard, 110Martin, Purple, 173Meadowlark

Eastern, 216Western, 216

MerganserHooded, 117Common, 118Red-breasted, 118

Merlin, 126Mockingbird, Northern,

186Moorhen, Common,

131Nighthawk, Common,

158Nuthatch

Red-breasted, 177White-breasted, 178

OrioleOrchard, 219Baltimore, 219

Osprey, 119Ovenbird, 198Owl

Barn, 154Eastern Screech-, 155Great Horned, 155Snowy, 156

Northern Hawk, 156Barred, 156Great Gray, 156Long-eared, 157Short-eared, 157Northern Saw-whet,158

Partridge, Gray, 127Parula, Northern, 191Pelican

American White, 98Brown, 99

Petrel, Wilson’s Storm,225

Pewee, Eastern Wood-,164

Phainopepla, 188Phalarope

Wilson’s, 146Red-necked, 146Red, 146

Pheasant, Ring-necked,128

Phoebe, Eastern, 166Pigeon

Rock, 153Passenger, 153

Pintail, Northern, 111Pipit, American, 187Plover

Black-bellied, 132American Golden-, 132Semipalmated, 133Piping, 133

RailBlack, 129King, 129Virginia, 130

Raven, Common, 173Redhead, 112Redpoll

Common, 222Hoary, 223

Redstart, American,197

Robin, American, 185Ruff, 144Sanderling, 139Sandpiper

Solitary, 135Spotted, 136Upland, 136Semipalmated, 140Western, 140Least, 140White-rumped, 141Baird’s, 141Pectoral, 142Purple, 142Stilt, 143Buff-breasted, 143

Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied, 161

ScaupGreater, 113Lesser, 114

ScoterSurf, 115White-winged, 115Black, 115

Shoveler, Northern, 110Shrike

Loggerhead, 168

Northern, 169Siskin, Pine, 223Snipe, Wilson’s, 145Solitaire, Townsend’s,

183Sora, 130Sparrow

American Tree, 204Chipping, 204Clay-coloured, 205Brewer’s, 205Field, 206Vesper, 206Lark, 206Savannah, 207Grasshopper, 207Henslow’s, 208Leconte’s, 208Nelson’s Sharp-tailed,208Fox, 208Song, 209Lincoln’s, 209Swamp, 210White-throated, 210Harris’s, 211White-crowned, 211House, 225

Starling, European, 187Swallow

Tree, 174Northern Rough-winged, 174Bank, 174Cliff, 175Cave, 175Barn, 176

SwanMute, 106Trumpeter, 107Tundra, 107

Swift, Chimney, 159Tanager

Summer, 203Scarlet, 203

TealBlue-winged, 110Green-winged, 111

TernCaspian, 152Common, 152Forster’s, 152Black, 153

Thrasher, Brown, 186Thrush

Gray-cheeked, 183Swainson’s, 184Hermit, 184Wood, 184Varied, 185

Titmouse, Tufted, 177Towhee, Eastern, 204Turkey, Wild, 128Turnstone, Ruddy, 138Veery, 183Vireo

White-eyed, 169Yellow-throated, 170Blue-headed, 170Warbling, 170Philadelphia, 171Red-eyed, 171

VultureTurkey, 103Black, 103

WarblerBlue-winged, 188Golden-winged, 189Brewster’s, 189Tennessee, 190Orange-crowned, 190Nashville, 190Yellow, 191Chestnut-sided, 192Magnolia, 192Cape May, 192Black-throated Blue,193Yellow-rumped, 193Audubon’s Yellow-rumped, 194Black-throated Green,194Blackburnian, 194Yellow-throated, 194Pine, 195Prairie, 195Palm, 195Bay-breasted, 196Blackpoll, 196Cerulean, 196Black-and-white, 197Prothonotary, 198Worm-eating, 198Kentucky, 199Connecticut, 200Mourning, 200Hooded, 201Wilson’s, 202Canada, 202

WaterthrushNorthern, 199Louisiana, 199

WaxwingBohemian, 187Cedar, 188

Wheatear, Northern,182

Whimbrel, 137Whip-poor-will, 159Wigeon

Eurasian, 108American, 109

Willet, 136Woodcock, American,

145Woodpecker

Red-headed, 160Red-bellied, 161Downy, 162Hairy, 162Black-backed, 162Pileated, 163

WrenCarolina, 178Bewick’s, 179House, 179Winter, 180Sedge, 180Marsh, 180

YellowlegsGreater, 134Lesser, 135

Yellowthroat, Common,201

Species Account Index

ELGIN COUNTY BIRDWATCHING LOCATIONS · 29 Aylmer Wildlife Management Area 10594 Hacienda Road,...

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Transcript of ELGIN COUNTY BIRDWATCHING LOCATIONS · 29 Aylmer Wildlife Management Area 10594 Hacienda Road,...