Bird Watching

Throughout the park, but mainly concentrated along the river and the buffer next to it. Depending upon the season and the water levels it is a great area to view waterfowl of all species, shore birds, warblers and many other native species.

The North Perth Trails cut through North Perth giving a wide variety of environmental conditions to travel, everything from heavy forest cover to grass lands. The species one can see varies as much as the cover, everything from Raptors, Woodpeckers, Owls, Warblers, even Wood Ducks to Wild Turkey in neighboring fields.

The Goderich to Guelph trail cuts through the southern agricultural region of North Perth. Again, this trail offers a variety of bird watching opportunities through a rural, mostly farmland setting. 

There are numerous STMPs in North Perth, more coming online as the community expands its development. The ponds are a gathering place for all varieties of waterfowl and shorebirds during the spring and fall migrations. They also provide a nesting area for many ducks and geese.  Waterfowl that are commonly seen in North Perth ponds include Canada Geese, Mallards, Black Ducks, Bufflehead, Blue-Winged Teal, Loons, Mergansers, Golden Eye, and many more. Some for only days, some for weeks, and others stay to reside. The area ponds are an important stopover for many on their migration route.

The cemetery is similar in appearance to an open hardwoods forest. The cemetery is a quiet peaceful place that many native species of birds utilize, being open it provides great viewing opportunities. Ironically a flock of Turkey Vultures have been known to use the tall trees for roosting and are commonly seen floating on the breeze in this area of North Perth.

Very much like our trails, the roads in North Perth cut through a wide variety of landscapes, and the species of birds vary with the changes of landscapes.

Specific Areas of Interest

The Perth Plain, which is low and wet area on either side of Hwy #23 for a concession or two, north of Monkton extending through to Listowel and beyond is an area that Tundra Swans congregate during the spring migration.

There are Snowy Owls commonly being reported in North Perth, the flat open agricultural areas become an over wintering area for these beautiful birds. The Owls are most often spotted on Hydro poles, barn silos, even fence poles roosting or searching for their next meal.

A variety of Raptors inhabit North Perth, often found on hydro poles and lines, as well as in treetops scanning the ground for prey.

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