A winding path through a lush green forest.

The Arboretum, University of Guelph

Ontario · Canada

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

The Arboretum, University of Guelph is a productive birding destination in Ontario, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This forest and urban park habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Black-capped Chickadee, and Dark-eyed Junco 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/14/2026Beverley Swamp--Lafarge 2000 Trail1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/14/2026Hespeler Mill Pond--Ellacott Landing, Cambridge4 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

7/14/2026rare Charitable Research Reserve, research fields, Cambridge,3 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/13/2026Huron Natural Area, Kitchener1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/13/2026Hespeler Mill Pond--Ellacott Landing, Cambridge1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/12/202666 Ash St, Guelph/Eramosa CA-ON 43.58655, -80.146691 observed

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

7/12/2026Dryden Tract (Alps Woods), North Dumfries1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

37/14/2026

Barn Swallow

27/14/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/13/2026

American Robin

27/13/2026

American Goldfinch

17/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/13/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/13/2026

American Crow

37/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/13/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/13/2026

Northern House Wren

47/13/2026

Chipping Sparrow

27/13/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/13/2026

Northern Flicker

17/13/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

37/12/2026

Gray Catbird

17/12/2026

Song Sparrow

27/12/2026

House Finch

17/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  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 The Arboretum, University of Guelph for birding?
The best months to visit The Arboretum, University of Guelph for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at The Arboretum, University of Guelph?
Notable species at The Arboretum, University of Guelph include Mourning Dove, Black-capped Chickadee, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, American Crow, American Tree Sparrow, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon. The area supports forest, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at The Arboretum, University of Guelph?
Birding at The Arboretum, University of Guelph is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at The Arboretum, University of Guelph?
There is no entrance fee at The Arboretum, University of Guelph. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at The Arboretum, University of Guelph?
The Arboretum, University of Guelph offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.