As winter loosens its grip on Ontario, a remarkable natural event begins—spring migration. From March to May, thousands of animals take part in their seasonal journeys, returning to their breeding grounds or waking from hibernation. For wildlife rehabilitators, this is one of the busiest times of the year, as migrating and newly emerging animals often face challenges that require human intervention.
Birds on the Move
Spring is prime time for bird migration. Many species head north to their summer nesting areas, filling the skies and forests with movement and song. Some of the key migrators include:
- Canada Geese & Tundra Swans – These large birds are among the first to return, often seen flying in V-formations as early as February and March.
- Raptors (Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons) – Birds of prey like Red-tailed Hawks and Bald Eagles begin their migration in March and April, soaring over ridges and along lake shores.
- Warblers & Songbirds – By April and May, colorful warblers, Eastern Bluebirds, and Robins arrive, bringing their cheerful calls back to Ontario’s forests and meadows.
- Shorebirds – Sandpipers, Plovers, and other wetland birds follow thawing waterways, making crucial stopovers in marshes.
How Rehabbers Help: Birds often collide with buildings, become exhausted from long flights, or get caught in late-season storms. Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured birds, ensuring they have a second chance to complete their migration.
Amphibians on the March
On the first warm, rainy nights of spring, frogs and salamanders make their way from forests to vernal pools, where they breed. Species like the Wood Frog and Spotted Salamander rely on temporary spring pools to lay their eggs. However, roads often cut through their migration routes, leading to high mortality rates.
How Rehabbers Help: Conservation groups and volunteers often set up temporary crossing sites or assist in relocating amphibians safely across roads. Some rescue efforts involve raising eggs found in unsafe areas and releasing young frogs and salamanders back into protected wetlands.
Mammals Awakening
While not technically migrating, several mammals become active again as the snow melts:
- Black Bears – After months of hibernation, hungry bears emerge in March and April, looking for food.
- Bats – Many bat species, like the Little Brown Bat, wake from hibernation and begin their search for insects.
- Raccoons & Skunks – These common critters, having spent much of winter in dens, start roaming more actively at night.
How Rehabbers Help: Some hibernating animals, particularly bats and bears, emerge weak or injured. Wildlife rehabbers care for orphaned bear cubs and bats suffering from White-Nose Syndrome, a disease that affects hibernating bat populations.
Fish on the Move
Ontario’s rivers come alive with migrating fish, particularly:
- Walleye & Pike – These fish move upstream in March and April to spawn in shallow waters.
- Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) – These fish make their annual spawning run from the Great Lakes into tributary rivers between March and May.
How Rehabbers Help: Though fish rehabilitation is rare, conservation groups monitor spawning habitats, protect against pollution, and help restore fish populations affected by environmental changes.
What You Can Do to Help
If you come across an injured or distressed migrating animal, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than trying to care for it yourself. You can also help by supporting local wildlife centers, reducing window collisions for birds, and being mindful of amphibian crossings on rainy nights.
Spring is a time of renewal and movement in Ontario’s wild spaces. Thanks to the efforts of wildlife rehabilitators and conservationists, many of these animals get the help they need to complete their incredible journeys.
