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

Loading map...

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

Brewster's Warbler (hybrid)

Vermivora chrysoptera x cyanoptera (F1 hybrid)

5/31/2026Pickering--Glen Major Forest1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/31/2026Darlington Provincial Park1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/30/2026McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve--Beaton Point3 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/30/2026Port Perry--Nonquon Sewage Lagoons1 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

5/29/2026Love Crescent Parkette1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/29/2026Love Crescent Parkette1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

5/27/2026Rouge Beach1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/26/2026Port Union Waterfront Park1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

5/25/202611256 Cartwright East Quarter Line, Scugog, Ontario, CA (44.092, -78.756)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/30/2026

Mute Swan

115/30/2026

Gadwall

125/30/2026

American Wigeon

15/30/2026

Mallard

25/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

American Robin

65/30/2026

American Goldfinch

35/30/2026

Song Sparrow

65/30/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/30/2026

Baltimore Oriole

25/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

5/30/2026

Common Grackle

5/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/30/2026

American Redstart

105/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

105/30/2026

Blackpoll Warbler

25/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/30/2026

Trumpeter Swan

15/30/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

155/30/2026

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.