Places to Bird Watch in Simcoe County

With summer finally here our local wildlife is more active than ever. Although we are big fans of 'backyard birding', we also love to spend time in nature in both new and familiar spaces and see what else we can find. 

You're going to want to bookmark this page, because we're breaking down the best places to go for a hike and bird watch in Simcoe County. 

Pileated Woodpecker (male). Photo by Shayna Hartley. 

Simcoe County is home to a wide range of magnificent birds species. You can find anything from Red-headed woodpeckers, Pileated Woodpeckers, Orioles, Flycatchers, Warblers, Finches and soooo many more. With habitat ranging from wetlands to freshwater to deciduous and coniferous forests, the county is teeming with life. 

The Simcoe County Forest 

The largest municipal forest in Ontario is right in our backyard! It totals over 33,000 acres. Don't fret, we won't send you in there without a plan. There are several trails within the Simcoe County Forest that are of particular note. We are going to break them down for you by ease of use (or length of trail) 

Easy Trails: 

• Webb Tract (~1.5km): popular for birding and includes fields as well as forests, giving you the opportunity to spot birds that prefer either of those habitats. 
• Simcoe County Forest Blauxham Tract (~3km): This trail easily links up to others if you want to extend your hike, with wildflowers and birds to be spotted along the way! 
• Rippon Tract and Pine River Recreational Trail (~3km): close to Essa, featuring both forest and river it's a great place to bird 
• Willow Creek Loop Trail (~3km): it's popular, easy, and a great spot for birding 
• West Creek Trail (~5km): this is also a popular trail for birding and features a stream, and both mixed deciduous and coniferous forest. You're bound to see lots of birds and other wildlife 

Moderate Trails: 

• Midhurst Trail (~10km): very popular for birding, wildflowers, and wildlife. It has the opportunity to hike wetlands - amazing and plentiful habitats, so dress accordingly. 
• Hodgson Trail (~3km): this trail is near Bradford and is considered to be more challenging despite it's length. Great for birding and beautiful views! 
• Holland Marsh: Birding Boardwalk (~3.5km): the name says it all! Because it's in the marsh, prepare for bugs - and the birds that love them!
• Kirkup Woods (~1km): this is a quick trail with a stream and notably many Trilliums. See what you find! 
• Wildman Tract South (~11km): this large loop near Elmvale would be great for a little day trip to explore! 

We hope you find time during warmer weather to get outside and see all that nature has to offer during this wonderful season. The sounds, sights, and smells are really something to take in. 

Great Blue Heron. Photo by Heather Kerrison. 

When you venture into new places you can see birds that are rare at home - like this Great Blue Heron!

Feel free to comment a place you love (if you're willing to share, of course!). 

See you out there!




Warmly, 

Heather