Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day in the Kawarthas and Durham Region

MAY 8, 2023 – International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) is an annual event that celebrates the incredible journey of migratory birds as they travel thousands of miles each year between their breeding grounds in Canada and the United States and their wintering grounds in Central and South America. This year, the event will be held on Saturday, May 13th and will provide bird enthusiasts with a chance to observe and appreciate these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.

Kawartha Conservation Watershed Resources Technician, Rob Stavinga, says the Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region are home to an incredible diversity of migratory bird species, making the region a prime destination for bird watching enthusiasts. Stavinga noted that the area's combination of wetlands, forests, and open fields provides a variety of habitats that attract a wide range of bird species, including warblers, thrushes, and waterfowl.

"It's amazing to see these birds traveling such great distances and stopping in our area for a rest and refuel. It's an opportunity to see birds that we may not normally see in our own backyard."

One of the best places to observe migratory birds in the region is the Ken Reid Conservation Area, located in Lindsay, Ontario. The conservation area features more than 10 kilometers of trails that wind through a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and meadows, making it an ideal spot for bird watching. Visitors to the conservation area can look forward to seeing a variety of bird species, including ospreys, herons, and woodpeckers, as well as a variety of songbirds.

Saturday, May 13 is also Global BIG Day, where everyone is invited to be part of birding’s biggest team. Participating is easy—you can even be part of Global Big Day from home. If you can spare 5 or 10 minutes, report your bird observations to eBird online or with their free eBird Mobile app.

Last year, Global Big Day brought birders together virtually from more countries than ever before. More than 51,000 people from 201 countries submitted 132,000 checklists with eBird, setting new world records for a single day of birding.

Birding is an enjoyable activity for both individuals and families. It is also a popular pastime worldwide, with a significant following of people who participate in bird watching.

"Birding is an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone,” said Stavinga. “It's a fun way to connect with nature and observe the beauty of our natural world."

In addition to the Ken Reid Conservation Area, the Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region offer a variety of other great bird watching opportunities, including the Durham Region Forest, Lake Scugog, and the Lake Simcoe watershed. Each of these areas offers a unique combination of habitats that attract a variety of migratory bird species, making them ideal for bird watching enthusiasts of all levels.

Whether you are an experienced bird watcher or just starting out, International Migratory Bird Day offers a great opportunity to observe and appreciate the incredible journey of migratory birds. So pack your binoculars, grab a field guide, and head out to one of the many great bird watching spots in the Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region.