Exploring Birding Paradise at Point Pelee National Park

Point Pelee is the southernmost point in Canada, a 7.5-kilometre sandspit that juts into Lake Erie. Because of its unique geographic location, it serves as a major resting and feeding area for migratory birds heading north each spring. Approximately 350 species have been recorded here, with more than 100 breeding in the park. It is a dream destination for avid birders, and between 40,000 and 60,000 visitors descend on the park every May.

Last year, we joined a tour with 12 birders and two guides. There was certainly an advantage to having 12 sets of eyes and ears, plus two experts. We saw plenty of birds. The problem was that our guides, while true professionals when it came to birds, had less experience managing a group with varying abilities and interests. They raced from one rare sighting to the next, chasing potential lifers, while many of us would have preferred to linger, take photos, and become familiar with the birds we were seeing for the first time. It often felt like, “There, seen it, let’s move on.” Once identified, a species seemed to lose all interest for them.

This year we decided to go it alone. We knew the park, it isn’t very large, and it’s packed with migratory birds singing their heads off. How hard could it be?

Very hard, as it turns out.

Point Pelee is advanced birding, and it was an eye-opener.

Eastern Screech Owl – Pelee Point, Ontario, Canada

That said, we did surprisingly well. The park really is spectacular. We were good enough to find plenty of birds, see several lifers, and have a great time. At the same time, we were painfully aware that we were missing a large percentage of what was around us.

The key skill here is identifying birds by sound. While we’re gradually improving, we still have a long way to go. Mind you, if you can’t identify a Red-winged Blackbird after visiting Point Pelee, you’re doing something wrong. The moment you step out of your car, your ears are assaulted by what seems like a gazillion of them calling from every marsh and reed bed in sight.

Red-wing Blackbirds are literally everywhere at Pelee Point!

Unfortunately, distinguishing between Magnolia, Cape May, Blackburnian, and Palm Warblers, along with Northern Parulas, vireos, finches, and a host of other species all singing simultaneously, is a rather different challenge.

Blue-headed Vireo, Pelee Point, Ontario, Canada

Yet some people can do exactly that. For them, Point Pelee must be paradise.

It was paradise for us too, although a slightly more bewildering one.

Wood Thrush Point Pelee, Ontario, Canada

We saw many lifers and more species diversity than we’ve ever encountered before. It was also frustrating and physically demanding as we spent hours gazing into the treetops, trying to connect songs with tiny flashes of movement. My 75-year-old neck does not appreciate staring upward at a 45-degree angle for extended periods. And, of course, there’s always that one person who casually says, “You did see that Northern Parula back there, right?”

No. No, I did not.

I would say we were just skilled enough to get a great deal out of the experience and thoroughly enjoy ourselves. Five years ago, however, we would have been completely overwhelmed. Without technology, we probably still would be.

Prothonatary Warbler Point Pelee Ontario, Canada — Prothonotary Warbler

The Merlin birding app, with its AI-powered bird call identification feature, was an absolute godsend. It is a wonderful tool, and, slowly but surely, we began learning some of the calls ourselves. I have enormous respect for the experts who can identify multiple species by sound alone. It must take years of dedicated study.

There are other animals besides birds at Pelee Point!

There were times when we stood in a cacophony of birdsong and honestly had no idea where to begin. Some experienced birders can be a little dismissive of Merlin, pointing out that it isn’t always accurate. Fair enough. But come on. Without this app, we would have been completely lost much of the time.

Great Egrets Pelee Point, Ontario, Canada

By listening carefully, identifying songs, watching for movement, and chatting with fellow birders, many of whom were in exactly the same situation as us, we enjoyed some real triumphs. There was a sense of camaraderie as people wandered the trails with phones in hand and batteries draining rapidly, all trying to answer the same question: who’s singing, and where?

And what a morning it was. Blackburnian, Magnolia, Palm, Yellow, Cape May, Yellow-rumped, and Common Yellowthroat Warblers. Warbling Vireos. Orioles. Thrushes. Woodpeckers. Countless other species. Even if it represented only a fraction of what was actually present, it was an unforgettable experience.

We never did find that Northern Parula.

Where to Stay

Most visitors to Point Pelee stay in either Leamington or Kingsville, both within an easy drive of the park.

On our first visit, we stayed in one of the familiar chain motels in Leamington. There was nothing wrong with it, but it was exactly what you’d expect: clean, comfortable, and largely forgettable.

On our second trip, we stayed at Inn 31 in downtown Kingsville, and it was a significant step up. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the Inn has just a few suites, giving it a much more intimate feel than a standard hotel. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, and one of the highlights was having The Goose Kitchen & Bar located right downstairs. After a day of craning our necks toward warblers in the treetops, it was nice to retire somewhere with good food and a comfortable bed.

Kingsville itself has a pleasant waterfront setting and a growing reputation for wineries and boutique accommodations. While we found the downtown quieter and sleepier than its marketing material might suggest, it made an excellent base for exploring Point Pelee. Be sure to enjoy exploring the Lakeside Park and beach at the waterfront.

Planning Your Visit to Point Pelee

Location:
Point Pelee National Park is located near Leamington, Ontario, about 65 km southeast of Windsor. It is easily reached by car and makes a great 2-3 day birding getaway. We flew into Toronto, spent a couple of pleasant days there, and then rented a car to take the 3.5-hr trip to our accommodation. There are several birdwatching stops you can make along the way that will break up the traveling.

Best Time to Visit:
For spring migration, the first two weeks of May are generally considered peak season. This is when huge numbers of warblers, vireos, thrushes, orioles, and other songbirds funnel through the park on their journey north.

Park Hours:
During peak migration in early May, the park opens at 5:00 a.m. and remains open until 10:00 p.m. Early mornings are by far the most productive time for birding.

Admission Fees:
Current daily admission is approximately $10 for adults and $8.75 for seniors, with family rates also available. Check the Parks Canada website before your visit for current pricing.

How Much Time Do You Need?
Serious birders could happily spend a week here. For most visitors, two or three days provides a good introduction and gives you a reasonable chance of experiencing different migration waves.

Blue-grey Gnat-catcher – look closely! Pelee Point, Ontario Canada

What to Bring:

Binoculars (essential)
A camera with a telephoto lens (if you enjoy photography)
Comfortable walking shoes
A fully charged phone with the Merlin Bird ID app installed
A portable battery pack (trust me on this one!)

Turkey Vulture, Pelee Point, Ontario, Canada

Beginner or Expert?
Point Pelee can be enjoyed by birders of all levels, but beginners will get far more out of the experience if they spend some time beforehand learning common bird songs and familiarizing themselves with the Merlin app.

This little guy is just SO cute! (Prothonotary warbler) Pelee Point, Ontario, Canada

Our Verdict:
One of the most exciting birding destinations we’ve ever visited. Challenging, occasionally frustrating, often overwhelming, but absolutely worth the effort.

And if you happen to spot a Northern Parula, please don’t casually mention it to the people who missed it.