On April 3, 2026, 14 enthusiastic Birders joined Stewart Macdonald on this trip to Long Point/ Port Rowan and surrounding area, to search for Waterfowl, Raptors and Spring Migrants.
We were greeted by sunny skies, moderate winds and temperatures which reached the mid-teens. This was NOT typical weather conditions on the North Shore of Lake Erie in early April, but was a welcome change to rain and cold winds which are more the norm.
Our Group was rewarded with sightings of over 60 Different Species of Birds on the day.
We started the Outing at the headquarters of Birds Canada and viewed Waterfowl from the deck, which overlooks the pond. A sighting of an early Pied-Billed Grebe was the highlight. Many Tree Swallows were an early sign that Spring had arrived!
We then departed for a journey west of Port Rowan. Lee Brown Waterfowl Management Area was our first stop, where we observed several Waterfowl Species, including Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler and American Black Duck. Continuing our journey by car, a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers were a fly-by species. Stops were made along the way, to view an active Bald Eagle nest, as well as numerous Gulls, including immature Great Black-Backed Gulls.
We continued our journey to the Long Point Causeway, and observed a late grouping of a few dozen Tundra Swans. Stopping at a viewing area on the Causeway, we “scoped” groups of Diving Ducks, which mostly included Lesser Scaup. Both Pied-Billed and Horned Grebes were found. Significant numbers of “Divers” seemed to have left the bay, perhaps due to the milder weather.
After a quick stop to walk some wetlands, we proceeded to the Old Cut Bird Banding Station. The group enjoyed watching some of the Bird Banding which commenced on April 1st. We then headed out for a walk in the Old Cut Woods as well as in the Long Point Provincial Park.
During our stay, we observed Eastern Towhee, Brown Thrasher. Chipping Sparrow, Eastern Phoebe as well as numerous Brown Creepers and Golden-Crowned Kinglets. Woodpeckers were also active, mainly Northern Flickers and some Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers.
We concluded our Outing by driving back to Port Rowan, to observe Waterfowl in the Port Rowan Bay and Wetlands. Numerous American Coots, both Species of Teal and American Wigeon were observed. An early Osprey was a delightful way to finish this pleasant and rewarding stay in the Port Rowan Area.
Thanks to all who joined us as well as those who provided photos of our 2026 visit to Long Point and Port Rowan.