Bird Watching

Algoma is a premier place for bird watching. Whether you’re looking for newsworthy rarities, birds in their breeding habitats, a vast variety of species, or jaw-dropping photographic opportunities, you will not be disappointed.

The variety of different habitat types throughout Algoma leads to a variety of species that you can expect to find. Agricultural fields east of Sault Ste. Marie can produce local specialties like Sharp-tailed Grouse and Brewer’s Blackbird. Mixed forests and inland lakes feature a great diversity of songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, and more. Towards the north end of the region, you can find boreal forest, which is home to a variety of boreal bird species, which are often highly sought by bird watchers. These species include Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Spruce Grouse, and Black-backed Woodpecker. The boreal forest also has a wide range of breeding birds during the spring and summer, including many warblers, flycatchers, sparrows, and thrushes.

The Great Lakes are a major migrant trap in North America and Algoma is right in between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, connected by the St. Marys River. Rarities such as Crested Caracara, Tufted Duck, Yellow-billed Loon, and Painted Bunting have delighted bird watchers over the years. You never know when the next major rarity is going to arrive!

Over 320 species have been recorded in the region, with over 240 expected to be observed each year. Some of the most popular bird-watching locations in Algoma include the St. Joseph Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, viewing platforms in Echo Bay and Pumpkin Point, the Sault Locks and Whitefish Island in Sault Ste. Marie, and Lake Superior Provincial Park.