Birds Canada Sign

Long Point and Area

by

OUTING REPORT: LONG POINT and SURROUNDING AREA

DATE: September 7, 2026

OUTING LEADER: STEWART MACDONALD

On September 7, 2026, an Enthusiastic group of 24 Nature Lovers visited the Long Point and Surrounding area, in search of Migratory Birds. The weather was sunny, with clear skies and warm temperatures.

The Outing started at the Old Cut Bird Banding Station where a walk in the Old Cut woods followed. Numerous Cape May Warblers flew in and out of the canopy making identification tricky.

Cape May Warbler (Tom Regan)
group photo (Tom Regan)
Many species of Warblers in their Fall plumages look quite different than in their Spring breeding plumages, and the Warblers we viewed were no different, providing challenges for all!
 
Excellent looks in the Old Cut Woods, at a Great Crested Flycatcher, helped to start our day off on the right foot!
Great Crested Flycatcher (Tom Regan)

The group then proceeded by foot to the entrance of the Long Point Provincial Park. There, we spotted Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Wood Pewee, and a Scarlet Tanager (in Fall plumage) enjoying a treat!

Eastern Phoebe (Tom Regan)
Eastern Wood Pewee (Tom Regan)
Scarlet Tanager (Tom Regan)
As we moved along, more Cape May Warblers were seen. The group was challenged when Bay-Breasted Warblers made appearances. There are subtle differences between Pine, Bay-Breasted and Blackpoll Warblers in Fall plumages, which require clear spotting and identification of their field markings. 
 
Also spotted were American Redstarts in the Park, which are more easily identifiable, especially when in flight. Overall, as many in the Group had not experienced Fall Warbler Identification before, they did an excellent job in doing so as this part of the Outing ended.

The group then proceeded by car to the Birds Canada Office in Port Rowan for a delightful lunch break on the property! Lunch was enjoyed on the patio overlooking the garden. Many butterflies and Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds entertained the Group.

Viceroy Butterfly (Tom Regan)
The Group then walked to a viewing platform overlooking Long Point Bay. We were surprised to see a pair of Canvasback and Redhead Ducks, amongst a small number of Ring-Necked Ducks close to the shoreline, along with Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons. 
Great Blue Heron (Tom Regan)
Great Egret (Byron Weber Becker)
Caspian Tern (Byron Weber Becker)
Black-capped Chickadee (Byron Weber Becker)
Overall, over 50 Species of birds were identified on this excursion
 
A Fun day was had by all as the day concluded with hopes of further visits to this Wonderful venue on the shores of Lake Erie.