Bird Watching in St. Thomas - A Primer

Ready to step outside and enjoy the beautiful summer weather? A perfect way is to visit the top 5 bird-watching locations featured around St. Thomas! St. Thomas is very ecologically diverse and hosts a wide range of bird species not typically seen across Canada. Read on to learn more about what birds you can find and where you may spot them right here in St. Thomas!

1. Pinafore Park

Take a stroll through Pinafore Park’s lush greenery and alongside its peaceful waters. Explore and discover the variety of birds housed by Pinafore Park! This includes a large concentration of Canadian Geese, Mallards, and Black Ducks with prominent sightings of the Northern Saw-whet Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned and Long-eared Owl.
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Recent sightings include the Gray Catbird, House Wren, and various species of Warblers. 

2. elevated Park

The Elevated Park offers a non-traditional setting for bird watching! Originally a bridge built in 1929 on the western edge of St Thomas, it has now been converted into St Thomas’s elevated park. This is Canada’s FIRST and ONLY elevated park, and is without a doubt worth seeing!

​Recent sightings include Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Morning Doves, Turkey Vultures, and Rock Pigeons.  

3. Waterworks Park

Waterworks Park is one of the most beautiful environments to immerse yourself in.  Annually, 5,000 plantings of brilliant flowering are incorporated into the tranquil environment with shrubbery, tended lawns, banks, and unique bridges. 
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Waterworks Park houses a variety of bird species. Keep a keen eye out for resident  Kingfisher, Blue Heron, Osprey, and the American Kestrel. 

Immerse yourself in the beauty of what Waterworks Park has to offer with bird watching, fishing, biking, etc. 

4. Lake Margaret

Venture out to Lake Margaret where bird sightings are thriving! Tucked away at the southern end of Pinafore Park is Lake Margaret where you will follow the vibrant trail, surrounding yourself with blooming bird species. In the late afternoon when the sun is setting, Lake Margaret can feel like an oasis as the sun reflects golden hues off the water. 
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Recent sightings at Lake Margaret include the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Indigo Bunting, and the White Breasted Nuthatch.  

5. Dalewood Conservation Area

Dalewood Conservation hosts wonderful hiking trails located at the northern end of St Thomas, providing diverse environments for both wetland and forest bird species. 
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Over 117 bird species have been found on the Kirk-Cousins trail with incredible sightings of the Green Heron, Great Horned Owl, and the Bobolink.

FUn Fact!

Pawpaw trees produce the largest fruit of any native tree in Canada, blooming in late October. Centuries ago, the Pawpaw tree was an important staple in the lives of Indigenous people. The fruit of the Pawpaw tree is edible and tastes like a combination of mango, pineapple, and banana.
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A cluster of pawpaw trees grow in Lawton Park, Union ON! The city of St. Thomas is cultivating and actively planting pawpaw trees throughout the city due to their numerous wildlife benefits, and you can find some growing on the walkway to the Elevated Park.

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Author

CHARLOTTE BARNES
Born and raised in St. Thomas, Charlotte is having fun celebrating St. Thomas as the 2024 Railway City Tourism Assistant. Pursuing Biological Science at the University of Guelph, Charlotte has a deep appreciation for local small businesses and the agricultural community. Charlotte hopes to inspire those to seek and experience the wonders of St. Thomas.