Surfbirds on Passage Island, BC

We spotted a flock of Surfbirds (Calidris virgata) on the rocky south shore of Passage Island. They stood out in their bold breeding-phase plumage, black-and-white spotted and perfectly camouflaged among the kelp-covered rocks. We watched them probe the wave-washed crevices for food, a rare sight to see so many together. The island was alive with other birds as well. Glaucous-winged Gulls circled overhead. Cormorants of all three Pacific species—Pelagic, Double-crested, and Brandt’s— dried their wings on the rocky outcrops. We also spotted Black Turnstones picking along the tide line. A pair of Harlequin Ducks rode the surf, and a Bald Eagle patrolled from above. Passage Island is only accessible by boat, which keeps it quiet and wild. Its isolation makes it an outstanding stop for spring and fall migrants. For birders willing to make the trip in July, it offers unforgettable encounters with Surfbirds in full breeding dress. This is a vibrant community of seabirds that define British Columbia’s rugged coast.