RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill has many unique natural features, including wetlands, kettle lakes and forests that make it a haven for wildlife and a birder’s delight. Thanks to our ongoing care and protection of our natural environment, more than 115 bird species call our community home.

Birding is a fun, educational outdoor activity for people of all ages. The thrill of spotting a rare species or finally catching a glimpse of that hard to spot owl is a wonderful feeling. You may be able to find a few of the extraordinary birds listed below in their natural habitats the next time you visit a Richmond Hill park or trail, or maybe even in your own back yard.

When you spot one, take a photo and share it with us on Instagram @myRichmondHill or use the hashtag #myRichmondHill for the chance to be featured on our page.

American Redstart – Moraine Park (south of Nantucket Drive between Bel Canto Crescent and Sandbanks Drive)

American Redstarts are small birds that are easy to spot as they hop through trees and branches at Moraine Park in search of insects. Males are black with bright, orange patches on their wings and tail. Females have grey heads with yellow patches on their sides, wings and tail.

Gray Catbird – Little Don Park (behind St. Anne Catholic Elementary School)

Gray Catbirds can be found hopping along small trees and shrubs at Little Don Park. They are medium-sized, light grey birds with a little bit of black on their head and tail. If you can’t spot one, listen for their distinctive cat-like mew. 

Great Horned Owl – Twickenham Park (68 Canyon Hill Avenue)

One of the most common owls in North America is the Great Horned Owl. This classic bird has big, bright yellow eyes and two feathered tufts that look like ears. Great Horned Owls are nocturnal, but, if you’re lucky enough, you may be able to spot one sitting on a branch at dusk at Twickenham Park.

Green Heron – Newberry Park (227 Bernard Avenue)

You can often find Green Herons standing still at the edge of the ponds at Newberry Park as they search for their next meal. They are shorter and stockier compared to other herons. From afar, Green Herons look dark brown, but in good light you will notice their deep green backs.

Hairy Woodpecker – Beaver Woodland Trail (behind David Hamilton Park)

Hairy Woodpeckers are black and white, with checkered wings and two white stripes on their head. Males have a dash of red on the back of their heads. As you walk through Beaver Woodland Trail, look for them foraging on large tree trunks and branches. You may even be able to hear the swift drumming sound they make on trees. 

Orchard Oriole – Rouge River Headwaters Trails (Redstone Road behind Headwaters Community Park)

If you look up at the trees around the river edges of the Rouge River Headwaters and Trails, you may find an Orchard Oriole. Adult males are mostly black with brown underparts, while females are greenish-yellow with white on their wings. You may notice their pouch-like nests hanging from trees during their short breeding season.

Explore local safely

Residents are encouraged to admire wildlife from a safe distance and to not approach or touch them. It is also important not to feed birds and other wildlife as it can do more harm than good. Find out more on how to coexist with urban wildlife by visiting RichmondHill.ca/Wildlife.

Please also stay local and follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols including practicing physical distancing and wearing a mask or face covering.

Help protect our natural environment and keep it enjoyable for all. Remember to stay on established trails, pick up after your pets and do not litter.

MEDIA CONTACT
Ash O’Malley, Communications Advisor, ash.omalley@richmondhill.ca