Shorebird Season at Hillman Marsh

A Long-Billed Dowitcher is one of the shorebird species you may spot at Hillman Marsh during the Shorebird Celebration. Photo courtesy of Jean Iron.

Leamington – May is for the birds – and birders – at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. The Shorebird Celebration takes place from May 1 – 21, 2025. Volunteers from the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) will again host Shorebird Viewing events from 3pm - 5pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the celebration, with an additional date booked on Monday, May 19.  

“Shorebird enthusiasts from around the globe visit Hillman in May to spot spectacular shorebirds in the mudflats at Hillman’s Shorebird Habitat,” said Kevin Money, ERCA’s Director of Conservation Services.  

The shorebird habitat at Hillman Marsh is unique in North America.  The managed wetland cell typically creates the perfect combination of mudflats to provide nutrition and a resting area for migrating shorebirds. The marsh is managed annually to produce the desired habitat, and water levels are reduced slowly so mud flats appear in preparation for shorebird arrival. The birds are often very close to the shoreline which makes for exceptional viewing, and a large bird blind is open for visitors to photograph and study the birds. 

However, this year there were some challenges associated with the managed habitat due to invasive Hydrilla, low lake levels and a damaged pump.  

"The low lake levels resulted in the Shorebird Habitat being left dry following winter months,” Money explained. “While we would normally pump water in from the west cell of the wetland to create the mudflats the migrating birds rely on for feeding and resting, that cell remains closed due to invasive Hydrilla.”   

In addition, it was discovered that repairs were needed around the inlets that allow the wetland to be slowly drained. These necessary repairs have now been made, extended pipes have been temporarily installed, and the wetland flooding is now underway. 

“While habitat management activities at the cell were somewhat delayed this year, we are confident that we will be able to create the resting and feeding conditions that the migrating shorebirds will need in time for peak migration,” Money said.  

In addition to the OFO-led viewing events, renowned Shorebird expert Jean Iron will host a guided hike on May 14. Participation is included with admission, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Information about the Shorebird Celebration activities can be found at https://essexregionconservation.ca/shorebird .   

Entry to Hillman Marsh Conservation Area is $10 per vehicle from May 1 - 30, and will be collected via HONKMobile cloud-based technology, using your smartphone and a QR code to pay. A Seasonal Pass provides unlimited entry to Holiday Beach, Hillman Marsh and the John R. Park Homestead all season long. A Spring Birding Pass provides unlimited access to Hillman Marsh from April 15 - May 31.  Seasonal Passes and Spring Birding Passes should be displayed printed side up on your dash. 

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province of Ontario and governed by local municipalities. For more than 50 years, it has provided the organization and delivery of programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in Ontario.