05/28/2026
A hopeful sight in our Simcoe County Forest ✨🐦
Two Kirtland’s Warblers, a globally endangered migratory songbird, have been spotted in a restored section of the Simcoe County Forest. Just a few decades ago, this species was on the brink of extinction. Today, fewer than 5,000 remain worldwide, making this sighting a truly remarkable milestone.
Even more exciting? This didn’t happen by chance.
Back in 2017, the County began transforming a former aggregate pit into the exact kind of habitat these birds need: young pine–oak forest. Through careful restoration, including planting native species, removing invasives, and even controlled burns, a once-disturbed landscape has become a place where recovery is possible. This sighting marks an exciting milestone for local conservation efforts and signals early success in creating habitat for a species that was once nearly extinct.
If you’re visiting the Museum Tract in the coming weeks, you might catch a glimpse of these incredible birds (they may remain until early July!) But with that opportunity comes responsibility. These warblers nest on the ground and are highly sensitive to disturbance, so giving them space is essential to their survival.
👉 If you go birdwatching, please:
• Stay on designated trails at all times
• Keep noise to a minimum
• Do not approach or attempt to observe the birds at close range
• Keep a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife
• Keep dogs leashed and under control
Let’s celebrate this moment and do our part to help ensure the Kirtland’s Warbler continues its comeback in Simcoe County!
