Birdwatching

And with plenty of vantage points, birders can enjoy this ever-changing activity year-round at Niagara Falls State Park, along the Niagara River and Lake Ontario.

In fall and winter, Bonaparte’s, herring and ring-billed gulls arrive at Niagara Falls State Park and can be seen with large populations of waterfowl such as canvasbacks, common mergansers, common goldeneyes and other diving ducks. Then, in spring and summer, birders can spot doubled-crested cormorants, black-crowned night herons, great blue herons and a ring-billed gull breeding colony nearby Cave of the Winds on Goat Island, one of the largest in the region.

Known as a globally significant Important Bird Area (IBA), the Niagara River is famous for its gulls and other migrating birds. The area provides a plethora of fish, crayfish and mussels that help the migrants replenish for long flights. Must-see spots for birders along the Niagara River include Goat Island, Whirlpool State Park, Artpark and Fort Niagara State Park.

For birdwatching off Lake Ontario, visit Four Mile Creek State Park, Wilson-Tuscarora State Park and Golden Hill State Park. This area is popular for raptor and songbird migration.

Don’t forget your binoculars and camera!