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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/30/2026Flamborough--Lennon Road1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

5/30/2026Rodgers Road, Guelph1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/30/2026Halton Region Forest--Currie Tract2 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/30/2026HNC- Hayesland Swamp Nature Sanctuary1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

5/29/2026Hespeler Mill Pond, Cambridge3 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/29/2026Huron Natural Area, Kitchener2 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

5/29/2026laurel creek2 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/29/2026St. Jacobs Mill Race Trail1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/29/2026Benjamin Park Trans Canada Trail1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

5/29/20268320 Halton Regional Road 32, Rockwood, Ontario, CA (43.593, -80.127)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/30/2026

Northern House Wren

15/30/2026

American Robin

15/30/2026

American Goldfinch

15/30/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/30/2026

American Redstart

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Tree Swallow

25/30/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/30/2026

European Starling

15/30/2026

Eastern Bluebird

25/30/2026

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.