A last minute, weekend bird photography trip carried me across the border to Desbarats, Ontario. I had never heard of this area until I was on the hunt to find a few specific birds. Desbarats, located within the Algoma District is a terrific somewhere in the middle of vastness.
A small town within a big geographic range, they display a huge heart for their birds and people who come to explore their area.
This farming community is an accessible 45 minute drive from the US and Canadian border town of Sault Ste Marie.
Why Travel to Desbarats, Ontario?
Why not travel to Desbarats? After a brief visit, I’ll definitely return as there’s more to explore. As a birder and bird photographer, this area serves as a winter home to many birds. This includes: Northern Hawk Owls, Red Crossbills, Purple Finches, Snow Buntings with occasional sightings of the Boreal Owl and Great Gray Owl.
In addition to birds, the early morning and evening light covers the landscape with hues that would make oceans envious.
Where to See the Birds?
The birds are visible and also within photography range. However, to see them in this large area, I would recommend a birding guide.
Carter Dorscht, a local expert bird guide brings in-depth knowledge from his work with the Kensington Conservancy, eBird and Bird Studies Canada. You can contact Carter at Dorscht Birding.
He visits the hotspots almost daily and if a bird is in the area, there’s a high probability he’ll help you find it!
Where to Stay in Desbarats?
If you’re planning to stay in the area, Jean Paul’s bed and breakfast keeps you local. Appropriately named the Ruffled Grouse B&B , you’ll enjoy the cozy cabin, views and access to nature. Jean’s sparky passion for birds and photography knowledge is an added plus.
If I Only Had More Than A Couple of Days
While in the area, we also found a Gyrfalcon in Sault Ste Marie, Canada. Between the border town, the neighboring islands and communities, the spring migration will offer additional diversity.
What makes Desbarats, Ontario special? The people!
I can honestly say I’ve that never added as many phone numbers in a short window as I did last weekend. Almost everyone we drove by, stopped, rolled down their windows and we started sharing what we were seeing. We agreed to text when we found birds and interesting sites. Complete strangers turned into a band of birding friends in search of ‘the one’.
One other tip? Wear layers in the winter, the winds coming across the fields chill the sun’s warmth quickly. Happy birding!
Related read: Travel Photography by Car: Let’s Do This
2 comments
Awesome article Sheen and great pictures too! Thanks for the mention of my B&B! Yes, it is a great community of birders in the Algoma District and we are always willing to help people find their lifers! It was great meeting you and I am glad that you discovered just how friendly everyone is up here in the North! ;-D 😀
Thanks so much Jean and you’re very welcome. Look forward to seeing you again in the near future!
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