Toddler Tourist by Hillary Handy

Birding in North Simcoe

In North Simcoe, the sounds of spring bring delight to our souls. It feels as if we have been hibernating for far too long. Then you hear the chirping of birds and suddenly, everything feels different. You’re coming alive!

I have never been one to really appreciate birds, until I started visiting the George Langman Bird Sanctuary. Seeing wildlife through my children’s eyes is so much fun. So, while this isn’t exactly birding in the wild, it is a nice soft launch into appreciating nature.

North Simcoe is uniquely positioned along major migration routes, making it a natural classroom every spring and fall. Wetlands, forests, shorelines, and open fields provide habitats for hundreds of bird species throughout the year. From the marshes of Wye and Tiny to the wooded trails of Copeland Forest and Scout Valley, birds are everywhere…if you slow down enough to notice.

Recently, my nieces and nephew entered an art contest where they had to draw a warbler. I thought to myself, I wouldn’t know a warbler if it landed on me. This made me think about my grandmother, who had many bird-watching books and a hutch filled with bird figurines I always played with when I visited as a youth. I realized, I do not know that much about birds, but there must be something to it. This promoted a whole little in-home inquiry that landed me here, sharing this with you!

Let’s bring back a sense of wonder for our children that doesn’t require a screen, but could benefit from some binoculars.

Bird watching taps into skills children are already developing, while gently strengthening them in meaningful ways.

• Focus and patience: Waiting quietly for birds to appear builds attention span in a way that feels like play, not work.
• Curiosity and learning: Children naturally ask questions: Why does that bird sound like that? Where is it going? This opens the door to science, geography, and storytelling.
• Confidence and pride: Identifying a bird, even just remembering its colour or call, gives kids a sense of accomplishment.
• Connection to the environment: Seeing wildlife up close helps children develop empathy and respect for nature early on. This is form of eco-stewardship and environmentalism we need to promote in our children.

Bird watching also meets children where they are. A five-minute observation can be just as meaningful as an hour-long walk.

For parents, bird watching offers something rare: permission to slow down.

In a world that encourages constant productivity, standing still and listening can feel almost radical. Bird watching reduces stress, encourages mindfulness, and creates space for real conversation. Parents often find themselves learning alongside their children, which levels the playing field and strengthens connection.

One of bird watching’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. You don’t need fancy equipment—binoculars are helpful but optional. Birds can be spotted from trails, boardwalks, beaches, or even backyards and schoolyards.

North Simcoe offers countless family-friendly spots with flat paths, signage, and viewing platforms, making it welcoming for strollers, grandparents, and first-time birders alike.

Here are a few local spots to start you on your journey…

1. Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre (Midland)
2. Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area
3. Copeland Forest (Oro-Medonte)
4. Scout Valley (Orillia)
5. Tay Shore Trail (Victoria Harbour to Port McNicoll)
6. Local Backyards, Schoolyards and Parks

So, when you’re out and about this spring, think of us when you hear the call of a songbird. Send us your photos of your discoveries. We would love to see!