Trees frame a view of a marsh at low tide.

Hamilton - Windermere Basin

Ontario · Canada

Habitat
Boreal/TaigaForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Hamilton - Windermere Basin is a productive birding destination in Ontario, with 273 species recorded on eBird. This boreal/taiga and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard among many others. Boreal and temperate forests host breeding warblers, sparrows, and waterfowl during the productive summer months.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/19/2026Dundas Marsh/Cootes Paradise (general location)1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

6/19/2026Oakville, Loyalist Woods1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/19/2026Hamilton--Windermere Basin1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

6/19/2026Hamilton--Windermere Basin2 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

6/19/2026Hamilton--Windermere Basin3 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

6/19/2026Grimsby Wetlands2 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

6/19/2026Grimsby Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4006/19/2026

Gadwall

46/19/2026

Mallard

166/19/2026

American Black Duck

16/19/2026

Green-winged Teal

16/19/2026

Lesser Scaup

16/19/2026

Ruddy Duck

26/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

16/19/2026

Mourning Dove

36/19/2026

Killdeer

16/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

46/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1006/19/2026

American Herring Gull

36/19/2026

Caspian Tern

206/19/2026

Common Tern

806/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

206/19/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

16/19/2026

Green Heron

26/19/2026

Great Egret

16/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

36/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for boreal specialties like Boreal Chickadee and Spruce Grouse.

  2. 2

    Check spruce and fir stands for crossbills and other irruptive finches.

  3. 3

    Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.

  4. 4

    Scan the canopy edges at dawn for migrating warblers and other songbirds during spring and fall.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hamilton - Windermere Basin for birding?
The best months to visit Hamilton - Windermere Basin for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hamilton - Windermere Basin?
Notable species at Hamilton - Windermere Basin include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, White-winged Scoter, European Starling, Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull, House Sparrow, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Crow. The area supports boreal/taiga, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hamilton - Windermere Basin?
Birding at Hamilton - Windermere Basin is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Hamilton - Windermere Basin?
There is no entrance fee at Hamilton - Windermere Basin. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Hamilton - Windermere Basin?
Hamilton - Windermere Basin offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.