The Arboretum, University of Guelph

Ontario · Canada

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringSummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

The Arboretum, University of Guelph is a productive birding destination in Ontario, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This forest and urban park habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Black-capped Chickadee, and Dark-eyed Junco among many others. Boreal and temperate forests host breeding warblers, sparrows, and waterfowl during the productive summer months.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Cambridge--Hespeler Mill Pond (Ellacott Landing)11 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/4/2026Riverside Park, Cambridge1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/4/2026Speed River trail from Edinburgh to Gordon, Guelph1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

3/3/2026Speed River Trail--Wellington Rd 32 east towards Guelph1 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/3/2026The Arboretum, University of Guelph1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/3/2026Waterloo--Hillside Trails1 observed

Barred Owl

Strix varia

3/2/20267170–7176 Walkers Line, Milton CA-ON 43.46221, -79.920891 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

3/1/2026Speed and Eramosa River confluence, Guelph2 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/28/2026Waterloo--Winchester Park5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

193/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

43/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

43/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

13/5/2026

Canada Goose

33/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Mallard

33/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

83/4/2026

European Starling

33/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Horned Lark

13/4/2026

American Robin

13/4/2026

Cedar Waxwing

33/4/2026

Pine Siskin

13/4/2026

American Goldfinch

53/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit The Arboretum, University of Guelph for birding?
The best months to visit The Arboretum, University of Guelph for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at The Arboretum, University of Guelph?
Notable species at The Arboretum, University of Guelph include Mourning Dove, Black-capped Chickadee, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, American Crow, American Tree Sparrow, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon. The area supports forest, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at The Arboretum, University of Guelph?
Birding at The Arboretum, University of Guelph is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at The Arboretum, University of Guelph?
There is no entrance fee at The Arboretum, University of Guelph. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at The Arboretum, University of Guelph?
The Arboretum, University of Guelph offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.