Bird watching, or "birding" as it is increasingly known, is growing in popularity everywhere. The Grand River watershed has much to offer the birder, and the trails of the watershed provide wonderful opportunities to enjoy this activity in all seasons. The spring migration will bring over 100 species of birds on their way north. Many birds stay to nest locally, and summer residents will be observed feeding their young who will soon learn to fly and find their own food. At the end of summer and into autumn, many birds will be observed practicing their flying skills or grouping together in flocks, preparing for the southward migration. In winter some birds remain as year-round residents, joined by others who migrate from the arctic and find suitable habitat in this area.

Although agricultural and urban areas dominate much of the watershed landscape, there is considerable natural habitat remaining. The Grand River watershed's extensive area, its north-south orientation and the great variety of habitats, all contribute to the richness and diversity of bird life. More than 290 species of birds have been reported here and close to 200 species nest. Click here to see a current checklist.

Many birds are habitat-specific, meaning that species of birds seen along the trails will most often be a reflection of the type of habitats traversed by the trail. River habitat will naturally be the place to see geese, ducks, gulls, osprey, and eagles. Mixed woods will have thrushes, some of the warblers, and owls. Wetlands will have a few warblers, sparrows, blackbirds, and herons. Open fields are likely to have sparrows, swallows, and hawks. Most of the trails have three or more types of habitat, therefore a good variety of birds may be seen. Seasonal differences will also have their effect.

The river itself, along with its reservoirs, tributary creeks and streams, riverbanks and associated swamps and marshes, provides much of the habitat diversity in the area. Ospreys, Wood Ducks, Spotted Sandpipers and Belted Kingfishers can be seen in or around water throughout the watershed.

The northern section the Grand River flows through the Great Lakes: St. Lawrence Forest Region, characterized by Red and Sugar Maples, American Beech and American Basswood. From Cambridge south to Lake Erie, it traverses the Deciduous Forest Region where ash, hickories and oaks are more prevalent. Woodland birds such as the White-throated Sparrow, Black-and-White Warbler and Golden-crowned Kinglet are more prevalent in the cooler northern part of the watershed, while birds such as the Blue-winged Warbler, Gray Catbird and Carolina Wren occur more commonly in the milder south.

Meadows, regenerating farmland and scrubby edges are rich in birds. Bobolinks, Northern Harriers and Eastern Meadowlarks favour the more open, grassy areas, while Song Sparrows, Brown Thrashers and Eastern Kingbirds like some shrubs in their open habitat. Indigo Buntings, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Mourning Warblers are quite common along woodland edges and brambly openings, though are more often heard than seen.

The watershed is also home to numerous Species at Risk, including forest birds such as the Acadian Flycatcher, Hooded Warbler and Red-shouldered Hawk; wetland birds such as the Least Bittern and Black Tern; urban birds such as the Chimney Swift and Common Nighthawk; and birds of more open habitats like the Red-headed Woodpecker, Short-eared Owl and Golden-winged Warbler. Bald Eagles nest at both the northern and southern extremes of the watershed, and can be seen in winter along open "ice-free" areas of the river.

Although there are fewer birds in the area during the winter, their presence adds colour and life to any walk, and the absence of leaves makes them easier to see. Black-capped Chickadees are ubiquitous, and in some areas such as the F.W.R. Dickson Wilderness Area, will eat right from a hiker's hand. And watch for an occasional White-breasted Nuthatch or Brown Creeper in the same flock. It is possible for the beginning birder to see as many as 15 to 20 species of birds on a good day in winter.

The Grand River watershed is blessed with an abundance of hiking and/or cycling trails that offer some of the best ways to experience the river's natural and historic attractions. Most of the trails in this publication are free for use, making these healthy activities available to people of all age, income and ability levels.

Some trails are found near the vibrant urban centres of Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge and Brantford. Others traverse the fertile farmlands, streams and wetlands of the rural areas, including the nearly contiguous Carolinian forests south of Cambridge, and the culturally and historically significant lands of the Six Nations.

Many of the trails are linear, and users must either retrace their steps or arrange to have transportation home at the end of their journey. Other trails are looped and return the user to the starting point. Trails in this brochure all have public parking lots at their beginning, and with one linear trail exception, at the end.

Most trails are multi-use, primarily for walking, cycling (bicycles, not motorbikes), and cross-country skiing. One trail allows horses and snowmobiles in season. Each trail will have the authorized use recorded in this brochure or on the more detailed accompanying website, or commonly posted on signposts and display kiosks located at the beginning of the trail.

The level of difficulty of the trails varies somewhat, but most are easy to moderate in difficulty. Most trails are fairly level, some following either abandoned rail lines or the Grand River shoreline, and a few have moderate grades. Some of the trails even have sections allowing for wheelchair use. Most trail surfaces consist of small stone gravel, also referred to as stone dust. Others have some sections with hard dirt surface and are easy to travel in good weather. But some trails have muddy sections, boardwalks, or very narrow pathways. One trail, passing through and beside a golf course, consists entirely of asphalt surface.

In a few cases, again as indicated in the literature, some trails are open to walking only. One reason may be the difficult nature of the trail surface. Another reason is that in some cases the trail goes through very sensitive or fragile habitat, where plants, animals, or birds require special protection. A special case where trails are less developed is the Six Nations Trail, where there is a focus on habitat diversity and the heritage of the Six Nations people.

There are two major trail systems that dominate the watershed, and representative sections are included in our selection of 20 trails. The first is the Grand Valley Trail, which runs from north to south almost the entire length of the watershed. The other is the Trans-Canada Trail, which in its broader scope allows one to walk from one coast of Canada to the other! Many local trails in the Grand River watershed are integrated into the southern Ontario loop of the Trans-Canada Trail.

Beginning birders will find pleasure and satisfaction in discovering the beauty and individuality of birds – but beware that birding can become a life-time addiction! A reputable nature store will offer appropriate advice on binoculars and field guides. A good quality pair of binoculars can be a productive investment - avoid ones that are very small. For beginners, a book such as Peterson’s Field Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America will be helpful.

For novice birding enthusiasts wanting to expand their involvement, there are two formal activities that are available through local nature clubs. The first is the continent-wide annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. It takes place within two weeks of Christmas and lasts for one day. It follows a set protocol within a prescribed area, some of which may involve parts of trails in this “Trails Take Flight” project. The second type of event is held by local clubs, and is called a Big Day. Club members simply identify all the birds they can find in the specified day, anywhere they can, including trails if the participant so desires. For more information, simply contact the club in your area of interest.

Birding and hiking are great ways to intensify one’s contact with nature. To experience this in comfort, wear clothing suitable to the season and footwear appropriate to the trail conditions. Bring a drink and a snack, but leave pets and noisy behaviour at home (birds tend to stay still and hide, or take flight if a threat is perceived).

Trail users are asked to show consideration for the natural environment by staying on the formal trail path. "Take nothing but pictures, and leave nothing but footprints" is a good motto for both groups and solitary users. Also be considerate to trail neighbours: park only in designated parking areas, do not litter, and especially do not trespass on neighbouring private property.

With this brief introduction, we hope you have a wonderful time exploring the trails, and getting healthy exercise while introducing yourself to the fantastic birding opportunities in the Grand River watershed.

Through the Grand River Country website's hypertext "links" users may gain access to other sites on the Internet which are not part of Grand River Country's Web pages. The partners of Grand River Country assume no responsibility for any material outside of the Grand River Country Web pages, which may be accessed through any such "link".

Maps and text in this website are for illustrative and general information purposes only. Trail routes, conditions, access and permitted uses may change over time. Neither the partners in the Grand River Country Tourism Alliance, nor the managers of trails included in this production, guarantee the accuracy of information contained in the maps and text of this website. Any interpretations or conclusions drawn from the maps or written descriptions are the sole responsibility of the user. Dress according to weather conditions, never hike alone or beyond your abilities, and remember that safety is a personal responsibility. Also, links to external websites and organizations are for information purposes only, and Grand River Country assumes no responsibility for, nor endorsement of, content or activities.