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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/19/2026294–328 Eighth Rd E, Hamilton CA-ON 43.17597, -79.688062 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

4/19/2026Hamilton--Confederation Park (east portion)1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

4/19/2026Grimsby Wetlands1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/19/2026Burlington--Shoreacres/Paletta Park1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/19/20269720–9796 Haldibrook Rd, Hamilton CA-ON 43.12433, -79.962774 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/19/2026Red Hill Valley Pky, Hamilton CA-ON (43.1993,-79.8139)1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

4/19/2026Fifty Point CA (Niagara side)4 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/18/2026Oakville--Bronte Beach Park1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

4/18/202698 Woolverton Road Grimsby1 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

4/18/2026Saltfleet--8th Road East1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

24/19/2026

Gadwall

24/19/2026

Greater Scaup

204/19/2026

Bufflehead

24/19/2026

American Coot

24/19/2026

Killdeer

14/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

204/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

104/19/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/19/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/19/2026

American Robin

54/19/2026

Fox Sparrow

14/19/2026

Song Sparrow

14/19/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/19/2026

Canada Goose

24/18/2026

Mute Swan

24/18/2026

Lesser Scaup

164/18/2026

Common Merganser

14/18/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

34/18/2026

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.