Not Your Average Birding Tour

Oxford County is where birding meets culture in small town Ontario. Make your next birding adventure well rounded with unique afternoon experiences like Early Bird Coffee’s Roasting Lab experience or exploring Terry Graff’s “Avian Cyborgs” at the Woodstock Art Gallery. Read on for afternoon inspiration, followed by several popular birding locations in Oxford County.

Woodstock Afternoon Activities

1. Canadian Raptor Conservancy: Don’t miss the chance to see magnificent birds of prey up close. The Conservancy often hosts events and educational programs, providing a unique opportunity to learn about these incredible birds and their conservation. Look out for events at Wildwood (August 3^rd 2024 @ 10am) or Pittock (August 3^rd 2024 @ 1pm).
2. Woodstock Art Gallery: Now until August 17^th 2024 see Terry Graff’s exhibit Avian Cyborgs. Unique artwork that incorporates technology into birds creating cyborgs fighting for their survival.  A must-see exhibit in addition to the rotating exhibits in the gallery including pieces from their permanent collection. Take the stairs when going to the second floor to catch sight of some wise owls!
3. Early Bird Coffee: Want to add a flamingo to your birding list? Visit Early Bird Coffee, who roasts their artisanal coffee at their Woodstock Juliana St location. You can even book the Roasting Lab experience, joining owner and coffee roaster Elio Capporici to make a batch of coffee together. If you visit the downtown café, you are steps away from your next stop. Disclaimer: There is no real flamingo, just packaging that features it. If you really expected a coffee shop to have a real flamingo, well… I have no words.
4. Habitual Chocolate: Toucans and macaws grace chocolate bar labels at this chocolatier making chocolate from scratch using ethically sourced beans. Each bar highlights the unique flavours of the cacao bean’s origin. If you have anyone with special dietary needs this chocolate chop is nut and gluten-free and also offers dairy free chocolate.  Sample some bars and we highly recommend the chocolate dipped dried fruit!
5. Record Works: For a unique twist on birding find the Eagles and A Flock of Seagulls flipping through vinyl at Record Works in Woodstock. If you prefer Duck Hunt or playing with Angry birds check out their large selection of video games. Enjoy bird themes in a different medium and indulge in nostalgia while you’re at it.
6. Upper Thames Brewing: Pop into Oxford’s first craft brewery which celebrates paddling and the Thames River watershed. Enjoy a craft brew or one of their many animal themed non-alcoholic options like hop-water and craft sodas.  They are also well known for thin crust pizzas and special events (bingo, trivia, live music).
7. See a Passenger Pigeon: Want to see what a passenger pigeon looks like? 20 minutes away you can see one at the Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum. Their replica museum school includes a taxidermy exhibit with a passenger pigeon. While there, explore a replica early 1900’s Cheese Factory.
8. The Oxford County Cheese Trail: Cheesemakers, farms, chocolatiers, and artisans have come together to celebrate everything cheese and dairy in Oxford County.  Discover over 30 local businesses and choose the ones you would like to visit to sample, tour and take home the flavours of Oxford County.

Dining in Oxford

In Woodstock you will find Indian, Balkan, English, Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants as well as cozy cafes, hearty pubs and casual dining. View Woodstock Restaurants. In Ingersoll enjoy classic diners, cafes, Thai, hearty roadhouse grub and fine dining. View Ingersoll Restaurants. Whatever your preference, Oxford’s diverse culinary scene has something for you.

Birding Spots You Won’t Egret

Curious what you will see while in our natural areas?  See our trail map for a list of species available here. The Thames River watershed is home to several popular birding areas in Woodstock, Ingersoll and in the northwest corner of Oxford County.

Millenium Trails System - Burgess Trail (Woodstock)

There are over 10 kms of foot trails in the Millenium Trail System including Burgess/Standard Tube trail system and Youth Start Trail. You’ll find a collage of different biomes including wetlands, forest and meadow. There is an accessible parking lot near the Dundas Street entrance of Standard Tube Park. The Burgess Park trails also connect with the trails of Roth Park and Pittock Conservation Area to the east. Please stay on designated trails to protect the ecosystems.

Birding is a popular activity on the trail, with some 109 species submitted to eBird as of January 2022. Look for waterfowl, great blue herons, eagles, and songbirds near the river. Many warblers pass through in spring. Learn more.

Pittock Conservation Area (Woodstock)

Pittock is a birding hot spot with more than 200 species observed. The conservation area is well maintained and easily accessible, with ample parking and year-round access. Purchase a day pass and access various terrains, featuring a mix of forest, meadow and wetlands. If you’re here for birds, you’ll likely want to come in the warmer seasons or during fall migration (when activity peaks). Pittock connects to the Millenium Trail system and the 10 KM Roth Park Trail along the south side of the reservoir. Learn more.

Lawson Nature Tract (Ingersoll)

Lawson Nature Tract, managed by the Ingersoll Nature Club, is a 2 km trail network with three loops through forest, meadow and treed swamp.  When birding here you look for woodpeckers, owls, wrens and nuthatches. The site is managed by the Ingersoll Nature Club who host events on site including the Annual Christmas Bird Count. Spring visitors also enjoy the abundance of trilliums.  Winter is a key season at the tract when volunteers stock bird feeders along the trails. Learn more.

Talbot Land Trust Properties (Ingersoll)

The Talbot Land Trust Properties (TTLT) protects 2200+ acres in Oxford, Elgin, Middlesex and Perth Counties that are home to 50+ species at risk; The TTLT has a vision to create a network of permanently protected areas that are rich in biodiversity and sustain life.  Sites in Oxford County include. Five Points Forest (Driedger Tract, Ross’s Woods and Ridgeview Wetlands) and Mud Lake Nature Reserve. All group visits to and activities on a TTLT nature reserve must be approved by TTLT prior. You can contact TTLT to request a group visit or attend one of their many events hosted throughout the year. Learn more.

Wildwood Conservation Area

More than 200 species of birds have been observed at Wildwood Conservation area.  Explore meadow, forest, wetlands and the reservoir (kayak and canoe rentals available). A day pass is required to access the property and its extensive 20 KM trail network.  Learn more.

Make it an Overnight

With so much to see and do, Oxford County is the perfect destination for bird enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. Don’t forget to bring your camera, binoculars, and a sense of adventure. If you want to stay in Oxford (we don’t blame you), be sure to check out our local accommodations.