Few people know that Niagara is known by birders (bird watchers) and naturalists over the world as an excellent place to observe water birds, from November to January along the Niagara Rivers edge from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie.

On Dec.11,1996, the Niagara River became the first site on the planet to be designated a binational important bird area—for Canada and the United States.

Birders tell me the Niagara River and the Falls is a mecca for at least eighty-five different varies of birds.

These birds are gathering here to get over winter or to rest before continuing south. At this time of the year there is an abundance of small fish such as shiners, smelt, and alewives, many stunned from going over the falls, whirlpool or rapids as easy prey.

The river is also a place where you can find surface feeding ducks, geese, diving ducks and Mergancers.

So, don’t be surprised at this time of the year to see nature clubs flock to line the edges of the Niagara River with scopes and binoculars at the ready.