So You Wanna Be a Bird Nerd?

Welcome to Kingsville – Your Migration HQ This May

Hey there, feather freaks and fledgling birders—

May is migration season, and you’ve landed in one of North America’s top birding zones.

Whether you’re armed with a fancy scope and a lifetime birding list, or you just thought “hey, birds are neat,” we’ve got a whole lotta chirp coming your way.

From world-famous parks to sunset socials with wine, we’re here to help you get your bird on.

🌎 Why Kingsville Is a Flyway Favourite

We’re not just being cocky - Kingsville and Essex County are officially a birder’s dream. Tucked between Lake Erie’s north shore and the lush Carolinian forest, we’re smack in the middle of the spring migration superhighway.

That means: thousands of birds. Hundreds of species. And one heck of a reason to wake up early.

📍 Your Birder’s Bucket List

These are the spots that serious beak geeks (and regular nature lovers) dream about:

🦅 Point Pelee National Park – Welcome to the tip! One of Canada’s top birding destinations, especially hot for warblers and rarities in May. Get there early and get ready to be wowed.
🪶 Hillman Marsh – The OG shorebird hangout. If long legs and little peeps are your thing, you’ll love this tranquil marshland just outside of town.
🌾 Obijway Prairie – It’s like the prairie version of a party—wild, grassy, and full of songbirds. Great for a quieter day trip.
🦢 Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary – Right here in Kingsville! A charming combo of history, conservation, and cool birds.
🚤 Pelee Island – Hop on the ferry and feel like a true adventurer. Remote, peaceful, and packed with birds. **We suggest you read the "Know Before You Go... just so you know.

And don’t forget to grab the ultimate companion:

👉 Download the W.E. Bird Digital Pass – It’s your FREE mobile-friendly trail map, checklist, and Essex County badge of honour all-in-one. It even allows you to "check-in" to different locations for prizes to be won through Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island! Did we tell you it's free?

📸 Bird Sighting List: Who to Watch For

Here’s a small curated list of some feathered friends you're likely to encounter during your May visit:

Prothonotary Warbler: Point Pelee National Park; A vibrant yellow warbler with blue-gray wings, often found in wooded swamps.
Black-throated Blue Warbler: Point Pelee National Park; Striking black and blue plumage; males are especially eye-catching.
Scarlet Tanager: Ojibway Prairie Complex; Brilliant red body with black wings and tail; a true showstopper.
Indigo Bunting: Ojibway Prairie Complex; Small songbird with deep blue plumage; often seen in open woodlands.
Baltimore Oriole: Hillman Marsh; Bright orange and black bird known for its beautiful song.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak: Ojibway Prairie Complex, Black and white bird with a distinctive rose-red patch on its chest.
Yellow Warbler: Point Pelee National Park; All-yellow plumage with subtle red streaks; common in shrubby areas.
Red-winged Blackbird: Hillman Marsh; Glossy black males with red and yellow shoulder patches; often seen in wetlands.
Great Crested Flycatcher: Ojibway Prairie Complex; Large flycatcher with a loud call and a lemon-yellow belly.
American Redstart: Point Pelee National Park; Black and orange warbler; males are especially striking.

🍷 Join us for our Tweet & Meet Social Hour

📅 Monday–Thursday, All May Long

🕓 4 PM–5 PM

📍 JOE. Kingsville & JOE. Hot+Cold at The Grove Motel.

We’re talking a birdwatching social (although we'll accept any type of social geek).
We're offering🍷 a FREE glass of local wine for our overnight guests.
It's a fun place to unwind and chitter chatter with fellow birders (from pros to just-here-for-the-wine types).

AND… 🐦 We've also got The TWEETER BOARD where you can drop your daily sightings, brag about that Blackburnian Warbler, or just leave a smiley face because you tried.

It’s a vibe. Don’t miss it.

👀 Birding for Beginners: It’s Easier Than You Think

You don’t need to know your thrush from your tanager to enjoy the show.

Here’s how to fake it 'til you make it:

Go early – Birds are basically morning people.
Dress chill – Earth tones = stealthy.
Download Merlin Bird ID – Like Shazam, but for birds.
Binoculars help – But you can still bird without them.
Hang with the pros – They’ll point stuff out and let you peek through their gear if you ask nice.

🐥 Extra Birdie Goodies

Whether you’re here for the lifers, the laughs, or the local pinot—The Grove is your basecamp for all things birdy.

Stay curious. Stay cool. And if you spot a Blackburnian, we want pictures (tag us on instagram @TheGrove.Rocks)

See you soon, The Grove Crew

Bird-loving, wine-pouring, binocular-sharing hosts🍷🐦✨