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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/16/2026Scarborough - Adams Park1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

4/16/2026Rouge National Urban Park--Twyn Rivers Hill1 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

4/15/2026Oshawa--McLaughlin Bay/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve3 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/15/2026Whitby--Sobey's Pond1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/15/2026Pickering--Frenchmans Bay (Southwest end)1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/15/20263895 Holt Road, Courtice, Ontario, CA (43.943, -78.749)1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

4/12/2026Oshawa--Second Marsh/McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/12/2026

Ring-necked Duck

54/12/2026

Bufflehead

64/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/12/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/12/2026

American Kestrel

14/12/2026

Bank Swallow

14/12/2026

Tree Swallow

124/12/2026

Song Sparrow

14/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/12/2026

Canada Goose

24/12/2026

Mute Swan

64/12/2026

Trumpeter Swan

24/12/2026

Gadwall

34/12/2026

American Wigeon

24/12/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/12/2026

Greater Scaup

44/12/2026

Lesser Scaup

74/12/2026

Long-tailed Duck

204/12/2026

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.