Tundra Swan Migration Calendar
For many residents of Lambton County, the beginning of spring is often associated with the return of the Tundra Swans. Once the Tundra Swans start to arrive, spring is not far behind!
Check out our migration calendar for daily updates about how many swans have been spotted in the area. When you plan your visit, come to Lambton Heritage Museum and see our feature exhibit on Tundra Swans! Opening February 21, this exhibit includes interesting information about these incredible creatures, hands-on activities, and a Tundra Swan quiz to test your knowledge. The exhibit will be available until April 6, 2024. You can also explore Tundra Swan activities from the comfort of your home through the links below.
In a good year, there may be 15,000 individual birds resting on the bog, attracted by the melt water of spring and the remnants of the prior year’s corn crop. The first sound to be heard is the soft hoo-hoo-hoo, as the Tundra Swans glide effortlessly down to feed on flooded fields that mark the bottom of old Lake Smith.
The Lambton Shores area is fortunate to have a natural ‘staging’ place for the tundra swans behind the Lambton Heritage Museum property. This land is locally known as the Thedford Bog. Before it was drained for farming, this huge wetland was a stop-over for migrating birds. Each spring the fields continue to flood and the corn and bean stubble from the previous year’s harvest provides food for the birds. Depending on weather and field conditions, visitors can sometimes see thousands of swans, ducks and geese in their natural habitat. It is always best to call ahead or check the website as the swans can arrive as early as mid-February or as late as mid-March.
One of the best places to view the swans is behind the museum along Greenway and Goosemarsh Roads. Bring your binoculars as the swans are sometimes a good distance back from the road.
To find out how many swans are in the area or for help planning your visit, call Lambton Heritage Museum at 519-243-2600.
Virtual Talk: Tundra Swans in Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas
In this Virtual Talk, Amanda Bichel from Birds Canada explores the important bird and biodiversity areas in Lambton County. She also discusses the Tundra Swan migration in Ontario, exploring why they are here, when they come, where to find them, and more.
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