Active migration is best viewed from atop the ruins area. Watch the river for waterbirds, the skies for raptors, and the surrounding grass, shrubs, and trees for songbirds. A spotting scope will be helpful for many scenarios. A majority of the rare and noteworthy birds found here come from the ruins and visitors centre area.

On the right days in the spring, there can be a noticeable reverse migration of songbirds from the ruins. 

Raptor migration is often better in the fall. Any raptor on St. Joseph Island will likely get funnelled all the way down to the ruins area before they cross the water into Michigan. Watch for them appearing from behind the tree line to the north. 

Waterbirds such as geese, ducks, loons, grebes, swans, gulls, and terns can be observed migrating and/or on the water. If there are strong winds, the protected bays may hold resting waterbirds.  

Walking or biking the road in from the gate can be highly productive, especially in the spring when everything is singing. If you begin before sunrise, hearing one or more Barred Owls is almost a sure thing, among other nocturnal singers.

You typically do not get as many species on the hiking trails as you do from the main road and visitors centre/ruins area, but they may be worth doing to pick up songbird species missed from the road. The bugs can be extremely bad on the road and trails, usually starting in late May and sometimes lasting into August.

Barred Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Mute Swan

Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site is operated by Parks Canada. It is protected for its historical significance, but also has a major ecological significance as well. It is part of the St. Joseph Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary. 

During spring and fall migration, this can be one of, if not the most, productive birding locations in the Algoma District. The combination of mixed forest, wetland, meadow, and open water attracts a wide variety of species. A number of regional rarities have been recorded here and given it's geographic location within the Great Lakes, there is a strong potential for provincial-wide rarities to be found here as well. 

The site is only open to vehicular traffic during operating hours, which is currently June 1 to September 30, Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Outside of operating hours, the gate at the entrance is closed and you will have to walk or bike in. It is approximately 3 km from the gate to the visitor centre and ruins area, but the road is paved and flat, save for one very minor elevation change.

A small entrance fee will be required if you are visiting during operating hours. Restrooms will only be available during operating hours. Staff will be happy to give you a checklist of all the birds that have been recorded within the boundaries of the site. They also have a historic museum and a small gift shop in the visitors centre.

For more information, please visit the Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site and St. Joseph Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary websites.

This site will be of interest to any general naturalists as well. There is a wide variety of other wildlife and plants to find here.

LaPointe Point Trail - 1.4 km - this trail goes through mainly a hardwood forest and leads to an additional vantage point of the St. Marys River.

Rains Point Trail - 0.5 km - this trail leads to an additional vantage point of the St. Marys River. It is advertised as wheelchair accessible.

Cemetery Trail - 2.0 km - this trail goes through a mixed hardwood and softwood forest typical of St. Joseph Island, where a variety of songbirds can be heard.

Voyaguer Trail - 0.4km - leads from the fort ruins through a cedar forest to the back bay, where sometimes resting waterfowl can be observed.

You can learn more about these trails and obtain a map here.