Hotspots
While these locations are known for spectacular numbers or viewing opportunities, we also strongly recommend also using the principles of lakewatching to identify new vantage points to further our understanding of waterbird movements in the Great Lakes.
LAKE ONTARIO
Van Wagner's Beach, Hamilton, Ontario
Keen bird watchers hoping to view pelagic Jaegers, Gulls and Shorebirds watch for ideal weather conditions at Van Wagner's Beach from late August through November.
Key Species include Parasitic Jaeger, Long-tailed Jaeger, Pomarine Jaeger, Sabine's Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Red-necked Phalarope, Red Phalarope, Brant, Northern Gannet.
There is no standardized/daily count; however, multiple observers are usually present on ideal weather. This is a "dead end" location, making counting migratory movements a difficult task.
Hamlin Beach State Park, New York
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Derby Hill, New York
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LAKE ERIE
Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York
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Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania
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Ohio Shoreline
Locations such as Headland Dunes, Lakewood Park or Huron Harbor
Point Pelee National Park, Ontario
LAKE HURON
Kettle Point, Ontario
Including Kettle Point proper and Ipperwash Beach
Port Huron, Michigan and Point Edward, Ontario
LAKE MICHIGAN
Tiscornia Park, Michigan
Miller Beach, Indiana
Harrington Beach State Park, Wisconsin
Previous Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory waterbird count site.
LAKE SUPERIOR
Whitefish Point, Michigan
Navigate the dunkadoo website for recent count results in spring or fall!
Wisconsin Point, Wisconsin
Jaegers are the name of the game here, with a nearby landfill providing a notable boost in gull numbers.