Bird Diversity in The Land Between

The Land Between is the only region in Ontario where you can see birds from both the North and the South - the only place you can see a raven and a cardinal together! 

The Land Between, also known as COTTAGE COUNTRY, is a unique 240km-long bioregion in central Ontario, running parallel to Highway 7 from Georgian Bay to the Ottawa Valley. Situated between the Canadian Shield and the St. Lawrence Lowlands, this "ecotone" (transition zone) acts as a critical, biodiverse corridor for wildlife, featuring rocky barrens, lakes, and rich biodiversity. Echo Lake is part of this region vital for water filtration, biodiversity, and recreation.
Bird Distribution and Abundance DataThe Land Between – Bird Buddies Resources

How Are Muskoka's Birds Changing?

Source: Muskoka Watershed Report Card Chapter 9 -- HOW ARE MUSKOKA’S AVIAN SPECIES CHANGING?

Birds are a key indicator of ecosystem health in Muskoka, but understanding how their populations are changing is challenging due to limited long-term data. Historically, most bird records only noted whether a species was present, not how many there were or how populations were shifting. 

New tools are helping fill these gaps. The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is now collecting population data across the province, providing a clearer picture of breeding birds in Muskoka. At the same time, eBird, a citizen science platform, allows thousands of birders to share observations each year, greatly expanding what we know about bird distribution, migration, and breeding activity. Together, these efforts are already revealing changes. 

Some species, including bald eagles and red-bellied woodpeckers, are expanding their breeding ranges into Muskoka, while others, like the common nighthawk and eastern whip-poor-will, are disappearing from historical habitats. Climate change and habitat shifts are likely influencing these patterns. 

With its large, protected forested areas, Muskoka may be one of the last refuges for some of these species in a changing climate. Continued data collection and community involvement are essential to understanding and protecting the species that call this region home. 

The next time you're out on your boat, sitting dockside or out for a walk, take a picture, video or audio and submit your observations to eBird - online or via app (iOS and Android).
eBird


🐦‍⬛ GUIDED BIRDING IN MUSKOKA 🦉

Discover Muskoka sponsors guided bird-watching events from April 11 to May 18 that take place all over Muskoka, including Lake Of Bays!
Grab your binoculars and discover the beauty of Muskoka, one bird at a time! Get your tickets here:

Birding In Muskoka: Nature Takes Flight





Bird Identification Guides


Airborne Birds – Nightjars, Swifts, Hummingbirds & Swallows

Birds of Prey – Vultures, Osprey, Eagles, Hawks, Owls & Falcons

Common Raven - Hinterland Who's Who

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