Grab your binoculars or camera, pack a lunch and take to the trails and parks to view the many species of birds, including raptors, warblers and shorebirds.

Oxford County is part of Canada’s South Coast Birding Trail with 321 species of birds recorded making it the premiere destination for bird watchers and nature lovers.  The County’s location on the northern edge of the Carolinian Zone accounts for a high diversity of northern and southern birds.

Our Canada's South Coast Birding Trail hubs are: 

  • Trail Networks along the Thames River:  This includes the Pittock Conservation Area an 850 hectare park directly north of Woodstock offers fabulous camping, hiking (campers only) and paddling to go with seeing a variety of birds and ducks like the American Black Duck, Mallard and Common merganser. Enjoy views along the shore or launch off the waterfront from dawn to dusk. Pittock reservoir bird activity is highest during fall migration and when the damn water levels are dropped. Other urban trails that are part of this network include Burgess Park, Roth Park, Standard Tube, and Youth Start trails. Other nearby locations include the Brick Ponds Trail (Osprey nests) and the significant river restoration site Hodges Pond. 
  • Wildwood Conservation Area: A 3500 acre park perfect for camping, hiking, biking and paddling including 30 km of trails amidst rare flora and fauna of the region. here you'll find shorebirds like the Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper and warblers. A day use fee is in place for non-campers but provides access to the trail network which takes you along the water, forest and through meadow.  Like Pittock bird activity is high in the fall when the reservoir level is dropped.

Other Birding Locations in Oxford County:

  • Lawson Nature Reserve is an Ontario Nature site maintained by the Ingersoll Nature Cub.  While year round for birding this a great winter birding destination as the Ingersoll Nature club places birdfeeders along the trail network.  The property offers wetland, creeks, forest and swamp and a variety of birds.  Join the nature club for their onsite and regional events. Every year they host a Christmas Bird Count on site.
  • The Oxford Thames River Trail is situated on 285 acres of land and runs along the banks of the Thames River between Woodstock and Beachville. A recent project has seen the development of numerous separate wetlands along the trail, and across the train tracks in an area reserved just for wildlife which can be seen from a viewing point at the end of the trail.  Work in the wildlife area also included construction of several Snake Hibernacula and Turtle nesting sites, as well as installation of several Wood Duck nesting boxes. Along the trail you will find several view points for the Thames River, tall grass prairie and wetlands.

Other Resources:

Find links to above sites and other nearby stops below.  Use the "My Trip" heart icon to save stops for your own custom itinerary.  Access your "My trip" itinerary in the top right menu on this website.  Copy the "My Trip" link to save, share or hit the road with a ready to go map and all stop details.

area birding sites

Brick Pond Trail

  • 914 Dufferin St

Brick Ponds Trail is an easy walk that ends at a trail lookout where you can see the beauty of this historic wetland. This 79-acre wetland is the largest urban wetland in Canada. It was created due to a brickyard opening on Beards's Lane, which supplied bricks to the City of…

Brick Pond Trail

Burgess Park (Millenium Trail System)

  • 403 Tecumseh St

Explore Burgess Park along the Millennium Trail. As part of the Millennium Trail System, this trail runs along the banks of Thames River, through mixed hardwood and softwood forests, marshland, and some retired agricultural areas

Burgess Park (Millenium Trail System)

Herbert Milnes Trail

  • 545160 Patullo Ave

This trail is perfect for surrounding yourself in nature that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. Open all year to get out and enjoy all four-seasons. Some important tips when using our trails: Bring along your favourite reusable water bottle…

Herbert Milnes Trail

Lawson Nature Reserve (Lawson Tract)

  • 363685 McBeth Rd

The Lawson Nature Reserve encompasses 15 hectares of provincially significant Carolinian woodland and wetland. The Lawson Nature Reserve was generously donated by Dr. John Lawson, a respected physician, naturalist and long-time member of Ontario Nature. In 1976, he bought the…

Lawson Nature Reserve (Lawson Tract)

Limestone Valley Trail

  • 414725 Domtar Line

Built on old reclaimed mine property, this trail provides the public access to nature with bird and bat boxes that provide an inviting habitat for species in decline, and a garden sanctuary filled with pollinator-friendly plant species to support honey bee and monarch butterfly…

Limestone Valley Trail

Lions (Millenium Trail System)

  • 41 Dundas St

Discover the Millennium Trail System The trail follows the banks of the Thames River, through mixed hardwood and softwood forests, marshland and some retired agricultural areas, some of which are slated for reforestation. Hikers may spot the occasional deer, beaver, blue heron…

Lions (Millenium Trail System)

Oxford Thames River Trail

  • 454779 45 Line

The Oxford Thames River Trail is accessed either by the main parking area on the 45th line (an extension of Queen St. E.) or from the Zorra Line Laneway (heading East) just immediately south of the CN Rail level crossing in Beachville. The recent trail extension includes a river…

Oxford Thames River Trail

Pittock Conservation Area

  • 221 Pittock Park Road

Enjoy camping, hiking, birding, paddling, fishing and recreation programs. Many children's activities are seasonally available at Pittock Conservation Area. 250 Campsites, 24 hour secruity. Call or reserve online for camping and more information. 3,500 acre outdoor playground…

Pittock Conservation Area

Roth Park

Located on the South side of Pittock Lake, Roth Park is home to the Woodstock Rotary Dragon Boat and has picnic facilities available to be enjoyed. The trail is wide with hard-packed dirt and granular and provides a lovely view over the lake. There are also side trails, which…

Roth Park

Sliver Trail

  • 725198 Pittock Park Rd

Enjoy the views of the wetland habitat as well as being surrounded by trees and hopefully spotting some nature and exploring multiple loops along the trail. Open: All Year How can I help keep Oxford County beautiful and healthy? Bring along your favourite reusable water bottle…

Sliver Trail

Trillium Woods

  • 454418 Trillium Line

Be delighted by this easy trail during any season. Discover Trillium Woods This wide, well-maintained trail is a single loop through a mature maple sugar bush. It is a pleasant walk for the whole family. This delightful trail is located across the street from Jakeman’s Maple…

Trillium Woods

Wildwood Conservation Area

  • 3995 Line 9, RR 2

Wildwood Conservation Area is a 3,5000 acre outdoor playground, located in the north part of Oxford County, where you can enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, birding, boating, swimming, and so much more! Camping or day use fees are required to access on site amenities…

Wildwood Conservation Area

Youth Start (Millenium Trail System)

Discover the Millennium Trail System The trail follows the banks of the Thames River, through mixed hardwood and softwood forests, marshland and some retired agricultural areas, some of which are slated for reforestation. Hikers may spot the occasional deer, beaver, blue heron…

Youth Start (Millenium Trail System)