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Hawk Cliff

Ontario  >  Canada

The Hawk Cliff site has grown in popularity and today it is recognized as one of the prime fall migration hawk watching destinations in North America.

Added* by Joey Addesi
Most recent update 23 март 2025

Description

Hawk Cliff, located near Port Stanley, Ontario, is one of the premier birding destinations in the province, especially renowned for its fall raptor migration. Situated along the northern shore of Lake Erie, this site offers stunning views of the lake, rolling farmland, and patches of Carolinian forest. The habitat is a mix of open fields, wooded areas, and coastal bluffs, providing diverse environments that attract a wide range of bird species.

The highlight of Hawk Cliff is the raptor migration, with thousands of Broad-winged Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Bald Eagle, Osprey and Peregrine Falcon passing through. The site is particularly famous for high concentrations of Red-tailed Hawk and Turkey Vulture later in the season.

Details

Access

Hawk Cliff is located just east of Port Stanley, along the northern shore of Lake Erie. It sits at the end of Hawk Cliff Road, a gravel road off Dexter Line (Elgin County Road 24). The area is about 30 minutes south of London, Ontario, and roughly 2 hours from Toronto by car.

There is limited roadside parking at the end of Hawk Cliff Road. During peak birding times in fall, the road can get busy, so arriving early is recommended. No designated parking lot is available, but visitors park along the side of the road without blocking traffic.

The best way to experience Hawk Cliff is by walking along the gravel road and adjacent trails to watch for migrating raptors and songbirds.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Agriculture

Conditions

Flat , Hilly

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Autumn migration

Route

Narrow trail , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

It's a fantastic place to visit, especially in the fall, when thousands of raptors pass through on their way south!

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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