Algoma Country is a premier place for bird watching. If you’re looking for newsworthy rarities, birds in their breeding habitats, a variety of species, or jaw-dropping photographic opportunities, you won’t be disappointed! The variety of different habitat types in the region leads to a variety of species that make their home here.

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, the boreal forest is home to a variety of boreal bird species, 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 like the 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 Kensington Conservancy in Desbarats, the Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, the Sault Locks and Whitefish Island in Sault Ste. Marie, and Provincial Parks across the region.

Resources

• Sault Naturalists – birding locations, species checklists, list of wildlife viewing platforms
• Penokean Hills Field Naturalists – stewards of the Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary

Bird Watching Reads

Birding In The Boreal Forest – Ontario Parks