Lilac Lakehouse

A Guide to Birdwatching in Prince Edward County

Posted on [Date] • By A+A

A Guide to Birdwatching in Prince Edward County



What to Spot, Where to Go, and What to Bring

If you’re into birdwatching—or even just thinking about giving it a try—Prince Edward County is one of the best places in Ontario to do it. Known for its wide-open landscapes, waterfront views, and quiet trails, PEC is also home to an incredible range of bird species. The mix of wetlands, forests, fields, and shoreline means you’ll catch glimpses of everything from common backyard birds to rare migratory visitors, sometimes all in the same day.

Whether you’re just getting into birding or already have a life list going, here’s what you need to know to make the most of birdwatching in PEC.

Why PEC Is a Birding Hotspo

The County sits right in a key migration corridor, which means spring and fall bring in waves of birds heading to and from their breeding grounds. The variety of habitats—wetlands, hardwood forests, shoreline, scrub, open fields—makes it one of the most diverse birding areas in Ontario.

Some species to look out for during your visit:

  • Spring/Fall Migrants: warblers, vireos, thrushes, sparrows, flycatchers

  • Waterfowl: bufflehead, redhead, long-tailed duck, canvasback

  • Shorebirds: sanderlings, dunlin, plovers, yellowlegs

  • Raptors: red-tailed hawk, northern harrier, bald eagle, merlin

  • Year-Round Regulars: black-capped chickadee, downy woodpecker, blue jay, northern cardinal

  • Special Sightings: short-eared owls at dusk, common nighthawk in late summer, snowy owls in winter

Where to Go Birdwatching in PEC

1. Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area
Hands down, this is the spot for birding. Especially in spring and fall, the skies are filled with songbirds, and raptors cruise overhead. There’s a long boardwalk, open shoreline, wooded trails, and a bird banding station. It’s a top migration stop, so don’t be surprised if you lose track of time out there.

2. Sandbanks Provincial Park
You’ll find more than just beachgoers here. Head to the dunes, the wetland edges, or the outlet area for a solid variety of gulls, shorebirds, and wading birds. It’s an easy walk-and-watch location—bring a snack, set up near the water, and let the birds come to you.

3. Big Island Marsh
Tucked away and quieter than the main attractions, this spot is perfect if you want a peaceful place to watch marsh birds in action. Bitterns, rails, ducks, and swallows are all part of the experience. Great for early mornings when things are calm.

4. Little Bluff Conservation Area
This rugged shoreline lookout offers more than great views of the lake. It's also a solid spot to see diving ducks, terns, and late-season migrants. Not as crowded as Sandbanks, and worth the drive.

5. Millennium Trail
Stretching across the County, this multi-use trail cuts through forests, open fields, and wetlands. Good for casual birding, especially if you’re staying nearby and want a quick morning or evening outing.

What to Pack for Birdwatching in PEC

You don’t need to be an expert to get started, but a few basics make all the difference:

Birding Gear Essentials:

  • Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 are ideal for all-purpose use)

  • Field guide or bird ID app (Merlin Bird ID is a solid free choice)

  • Notebook or birding journal (or use your phone notes)

  • Weather-appropriate clothing – layers are key, especially near the water

  • Hat and sunglasses

  • Sunscreen and bug spray (especially in spring and early summer)

  • Water bottle and snacks

  • Camera or smartphone with zoom (optional, but great for memory-keeping)

  • Lightweight backpack to carry everything

Where to Stay

After a full day of spotting warblers and waterfowl, coming back to a cozy retreat matters. The Lilac Lakehouse is right on the water—perfect for sipping morning coffee while watching birds cruise past the shoreline. With a wide deck, large windows, and peaceful surroundings, it’s a great base for early starts and relaxing evenings. You’ll likely spot herons, kingfishers, and ducks without ever leaving the deck.

A Little Extra Between Bird Walks

Birdwatching isn’t the only thing PEC has going for it. Between outings, you can stop by a few wineries, grab fresh pastries from local bakeries, or browse handmade goods in Bloomfield or Picton. It’s a County that blends nature with a bit of fun—and that balance makes it easy to enjoy your trip, birding or not.

Prince Edward County isn’t just a great birdwatching destination—it’s an easy one. No need to hike for hours or drive for miles between sites. Just bring your gear, stay somewhere peaceful, and let the birds do their thing. Whether you’re hoping to check off rare species or just enjoy a slow walk with binoculars in hand, PEC delivers.

So grab your list, pack your bag, and come see what’s in the trees, on the water, and in the sky.



©2025 Lilac Lakehouse All rights reserved - Powered byLodgify