Wetland birding habitat

Oshawa - Second Marsh/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve

Ontario · Canada

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

About This Location

Oshawa - Second Marsh/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve is a productive birding destination in Ontario, with 292 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/20/2026Ajax Waterfront Park1 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

7/19/2026Oshawa--McLaughlin Bay/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve2 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/19/2026Port Perry--Nonquon Sewage Lagoons4 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/19/2026Oshawa--McLaughlin Bay/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1207/11/2026

Mute Swan

27/11/2026

Trumpeter Swan

177/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

407/11/2026

Osprey

17/11/2026

Bank Swallow

307/11/2026

Barn Swallow

17/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Oshawa - Second Marsh/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Oshawa - Second Marsh/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oshawa - Second Marsh/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve?
Notable species at Oshawa - Second Marsh/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oshawa - Second Marsh/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve?
Birding at Oshawa - Second Marsh/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Oshawa - Second Marsh/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve?
Oshawa - Second Marsh/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.