Point Pelee National Park of Canada

Spring Migration

Finding Rarities

Finding a rarity is both exciting and rewarding for the birder. Many hundreds of observers scouring an area as small and productive as Point Pelee each spring usually find many rare birds. There are some, like the Virginia's warbler, lesser nighthawk, swallow-tailed kite, sage thrasher and Cassin's sparrow that are perhaps once-in-a-lifetime sightings. One, however, must always be positive about an identification before reporting a rarity to others.

Many rarities are somewhat predictable as to when, and sometimes where, they will appear. The list which follows includes many of the sought-after rarities at Pelee and the best times they are to be looked for. Never expect to see more than a few of these listed on any one visit!

• Bird Numbers at Point Pelee Arrival of Migrants
• Finding Rarities
• Monthly Summaries of Spring Migrants
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June