Pinery’s varied ecosystems are home to countless species of plants, insects, birds, and reptiles. We encourage you to observe and appreciate as many of them as you can during your visit. Several species not previously known to science have been found and documented for the first time in Pinery!
MAMMALS
Thirty-two species of mammals have been recorded at Pinery. A few of the Park’s most commonly seen mammals are red squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, beavers, coyotes, and flying squirrels. At Pinery, most people enjoy seeing the White-tailed Deer. Your best chance at viewing deer is along the Bike Trail in the day-use area. Bike along the trail in early evening or morning. In late October and early November, watch for a large buck deer with fully-grown antlers, ready for mating season.
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
Pinery hosts a diversity of reptiles and amphibians and plays an important role in protecting their habitat. Much of Southern Ontario has been drastically altered in the last century, with over 90% of the forests and marshes being cleared in this area. Many reptiles and amphibians, like the Blue Racer and the Bull Frog, have become quite rare or have disappeared entirely from the area. Other factors that threaten the survival of reptiles and amphibians include road traffic, human persecution of snakes, and commercial exploitation. Protection for natural areas like Pinery and the education of the public about their role in the ecosystem are crucial to the survival of these creatures.
Twenty-nine different species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded at Pinery. This includes turtles, snakes (none of which are venomous), and Ontario’s only species of lizard (the Five-lined Skink). Our amphibians include salamanders, frogs, and toads.
Reptile and Amphibian Checklist (pdf)
BIRDS
Pinery’s rare habitats provide shelter and space for over 300 different species of birds, 124 of which nest in the Park. You can watch the magnificent migration of thousands of Tundra Swans in March or watch warblers pass in May and June. Observe Red-throated Loons at the beach in the fall or walk the trails in summer to see Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, or Cerulean Warblers. In the winter, Red-tailed Hawks and Tufted Titmice are common sights at the Visitor Centre feeders.
