While the main attraction is to scan the two cells for waterbirds, the woods, particularly along the east side, can be good for migrant songbirds. The woodland edge can be particularly good by providing shelter during east, northeast and north winds. Conversely, the shrub and tree row along the west border of the lagoons can similarly be good during west winds.

In morning, walk the perimeter road in a counter-clockwise direction, such that the sun is at your back; in the afternoon and evening walk the cells in reverse.

A scope is helpful when viewing waterbirds as they may be across a cell.

The Lakefield Sewage Lagoons is a very popular birding spot among local birders. The gate is locked, but the municipality allows birders to access the site provided that you don't park in front of the gate (park parallel to the fence on the west [right] side of the entrance gate or along the south side of CR 33 immediately to the east of the entrance where there is space for several vehicles - look for the signs that tell you where you can't park). Municipal employees usually leave the gate open during their service visits, but under no circumstances should birders drive their vehicles past the open gate. Walk along the gravel berm road around the two cells while birding here. 

The north (first) cell is good primarily for diving ducks. The south (second) cell has aeration booms and can also be good for ducks and occasionally other waterbirds, including shorebirds, which will perch on the booms or forage on the algal mats which form along the cattail margins to the cells. These cattail margins often harbour post-breeding Marsh Wrens, Green Herons and occasionally Least and American bitterns. In fall they support a variety of sparrows including, occasionally, Nelson's Sparrow. In late summer the lagoons may support signficant concentrations of swallows, Purple Martin and Chimney Swift.

The fields surrounding the lagoons support typical grassland bird species, including Eastern Meadowlark and Bobolink.

Given its elevation and relatively unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape, the lagoons can be a good place to view raptor migration in both spring and fall.

The single-lane gravel road around the perimeter of the two cells is just wide enough for a service vehicle, so be sure to step to the side to let municipal vehicles pass.