Birdwatching at Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton, Ontario, is one of my favourite places to visit and a spot I often recommend to anyone interested in birds or nature. The park has a mix of marsh, forest, shoreline, and open fields that bring in many different species through the seasons. The trails are clear and easy to walk, which makes it simple to explore whether you are new to birding or have more experience. More than 330 species have been recorded here, and many nest in the park each year. Presqu’ile is also known for its role in migration, with large numbers of waterfowl in spring and shorebirds in late summer. Along with its birdlife, the park has a lighthouse, boardwalks, and viewpoints that make it a place worth returning to in every season.
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Trails & Hot Spots
The park covers about 982 hectares.
Over 16 kilometres of trails and walking paths pass through forest, meadows, shoreline, and marsh.
Key trailheads and visitor centres appear on park maps. Notable trails include Jobes’ Woods Trail, Owen Point Trail, and Marsh Boardwalk.
Marsh Boardwalk offers raised paths over wetlands with viewing towers for close observation of marsh birds.
Here are some of the best trails and viewing places, ranked by ease, habitat type, what you might see, and how long they take.
| Trail / Hotspot | Length & Time | Habitat Type | What you can find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marsh Boardwalk | ~1.2 km, 30 min loop | Marsh + boardwalk + towers | Great for waterbirds & marsh dwellers. Viewing platforms give good vantage. |
| Owen Point Trail | ~1.6 km, 45 min loop | Shoreline, boggy areas, beach access | Excellent for shorebirds and watching migrating species from lake edge. |
| Jobes’ Woods Trail | ~1.0 km, 30 min loop | Forest, wetlands, old-growth maples, boardwalks | Good place for woodland songbirds; quieter; more cover. |
| Pioneer & Newcastle Trails | Combined ~8.1 km, ~3 hours | Forests, old fields, early succession | Offers longer time in mixed habitat; good for seeing more species if you move slowly. |
| Lighthouse Area | ~300 m, short easy loop | Shoreline, interpretive panels | Good quick stop; vistas; often waterfowl nearby during migration; also great for sunrise or sunset views. |
Image Credit: The Friends of Presqu’ile Park
Birdlife at Presqu’ile
About 338–339 bird species have been recorded in the park.
Around 120–130 species nest within the park.
Its mix of marsh, forest, shoreline, and open fields makes it a key stopover for migratory birds.
Here are some of the bird species regularly seen at Presqu’ile, listed by season or interest. These are good targets to watch for.
| Category | Species |
|---|---|
| Waterfowl & Ducks (Spring / Fall) | Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Canvasback, Redhead |
| Shorebirds & Migrants (Peak Migration Times) | Whimbrel, Dunlin, Baird’s Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, Red Knot (in fall) |
| Breeding Shore & Marsh Birds | Caspian Tern, Common Tern, Marsh Wren, American Bittern, Least Bittern |
| Forest / Woodland Songbirds | Veery, Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper |
| Winter / Off-Season Species | Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye, Snowy or Barred Owl (occasionally), Purple Sandpiper |
Best Seasons
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March → May) | Peak time for waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans) when ice melts. Warblers, shorebirds, and other migrants pass through. Lots of species being recorded. |
| Summer | Breeding season. Many of the species that nest here are active. Songbirds, marsh birds, and shorebirds where habitat allows. |
| Fall (mid-August → early November) | Big migration for shorebirds, songbirds, monarch butterflies, and more. Bird numbers rise again, offering a good variety. |
| Winter | Fewer species overall, but some waterfowl overwinter. Possibility of seeing Northern owls, finches, and other hardy species. Also attractive for quieter, scenic birding. |
Presqu’ile Lighthouse
The Presqu’ile Lighthouse is one of the park’s most iconic features. Standing at the eastern tip of the peninsula, it offers sweeping views of Lake Ontario and the surrounding marshes. It’s a great spot for photography, sunsets, or simply taking in the landscape. Many birders use the lighthouse area as a vantage point to watch migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and gulls during peak seasons. Even a short visit to this historic lighthouse adds a memorable highlight to any trip to Presqu’ile.
Organizations & Support
Ontario Parks manages the land, trails, visitor centres, rules, and protection of nesting islands and habitats.
The Friends of Presqu’ile Park support birding programs, maintain bird checklists, run volunteer naturalists, help with interpretive panels and visitor resources like the Birding Brochure.
Ontario Field Ornithologists provide guides, checklists, and organize birding events.
What to Know Before You Go
The park is open year-round, though some services are seasonal. Camping is available roughly late April through late October..
For waterbird nesting protection: Gull Island and High Bluff Island have access restrictions from March 10 to September 10. Birders should stay at least 200 m from those islands in that period.
Dogs: Some trails have restrictions (e.g. Owen Point Trail doesn’t allow dogs).
Trails are mostly flat, with many short loops and boardwalks – good for all levels. Some trails get wet in spring.
Go Visit
Presqu’ile is one of the best birding spots in Ontario. Visit in spring or fall to see the largest variety of species. Plan a full day—start early at the Marsh, explore forest trails, and finish along the shoreline or at the lighthouse. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and wear comfortable shoes (don’t forget your camera!). Watch for any trail closures depending on the season. With a little prep, you’ll find waterfowl, shorebirds, warblers, and sometimes a rare surprise or two.
