Spring is prime time for birding on the Lake Erie shore. Lake Erie is one of the Great Lakes — bordered by southern Ontario (Canada), western New York, northwest Pennsylvania, northern Ohio and southeast Michigan. Located at the junction of two major flyways, this area plays host to over 370 bird species during the spring migration. Although a steady flow of winged migrants pass through the region beginning in early March, massive numbers of northbound warblers (small songbirds) descend at the height of the migration in mid-May. It’s truly a spectacular sight.

The good news is most of the prime viewing locations offer some level of wheelchair-access. Accessible choices are available on the Canadian and American shores, as well as on some Lake Erie islands. Additionally, many birding areas sponsor special events during this very colorful time of the year.

Point Pelee offers wheelchair accessible, open-air shuttles to The Tip, the southernmost point in mainland Canada.

Located 31 miles (50 km) southeast of Windsor (Ontario), Point Pelee National Park is known as the warbler hot spot. The Point Pelee Visitor Center presents a good overview of the area, with interpretive exhibits, films, books and interactive displays. The Visitor Center has level access, barrier-free pathways and accessible restrooms. An access guide is available at the front desk, and an all-terrain wheelchair is available for loan.

Just outside the Visitor Center, you'll find the free shuttle to The Tip, the southernmost point in mainland Canada. You can also drive down to The Tip, but parking is limited during peak birding times. The open-air shuttles, which are ramped and can carry up to six wheelchairs, are really the best transportation choice.

Down at The Tip you’ll find more interpretive exhibits, accessible restrooms and a half-mile, (805 m) hard-packed dirt trail that leads out to a sandspit on Lake Erie. During the spring migration, the trees along this trail are filled with songbirds. At the end of the trail, there is a wheelchair-height viewing scope on an accessible deck at the sandspit. The Tip is a great area to explore, as it allows visitors an up-close-and-personal (yet accessible) nature experience.

During the spring migration, the Friends of Point Pelee and Point Pelee National Park offer a number of special events with their annual Festival of Birds. Slated to run for the entire month of May, this migratory celebration features special workshops, speakers, hikes and even a birding breakfast. Shuttle hours are also extended during May (from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) so birders have more time to enjoy The Tip.