Birding the South Okanagan
The South Okanagan in British Columbia is one of Canada’s top birding destinations. Its desert valleys and forested mountains support rare birds. This area is the only desert in Canada and is the northern extent of the Mohave desert. Birders exploring this region encounter unique habitats filled with species rarely seen elsewhere in Canada. It’s an ideal spot for those birding the South Okanagan. Check out our guide for the South Okanagan
Kabau Mountain and Kruger Mountain
Our tour began at Kabau Mountain and nearby Kruger Mountain, where forests meet grasslands. These ridges allow for excellent raptor-watching opportunities. Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Turkey Vultures soar frequently above the slopes. Songbirds like Western Bluebirds and Townsend’s Solitaires add color to the meadows. After sunset, birders will hear the haunting calls of the Common Poorwill, a secretive nightjar perfectly adapted to rocky slopes. Both mountains combine sweeping scenery with exciting chances for unusual high-elevation and desert-edge birds. This makes it a perfect location for birding the South Okanagan.
Nighthawk Road, Sagebrush Road, and Road 22
Exploring Nighthawk Road, Sagebrush Road, and Road 22 highlights the South Okanagan’s desert and riparian habitats. Sagebrush areas hold Gray Flycatchers, Lark Sparrows, and Brewer’s Sparrows. Loggerhead Shrikes perch on wires, scanning for prey across open country. Along Road 22, wetlands and thickets attract Bobolinks, Yellow-breasted Chats, and Black-headed Grosbeaks. Raptors like Swainson’s Hawks and Northern Harriers patrol the fields. At night, birders sometimes hear the Common Poorwill calling from rocky slopes nearby. These routes are among the best places for birders seeking both grassland and riparian specialties in the South Okanagan. This part of the world has always been a true paradise for birding.
Osoyoos Desert Museum Nk’Mip
The Osoyoos Desert Museum Nk’Mip showcases the unique ecology and Indigenous culture of the Okanagan desert. Birders often find Calliope Hummingbirds, the smallest North American bird, feeding at nearby flowers. The area also supports Bullock’s Orioles, Rock Wren, and Western Kingbirds. Raptors like American Kestrels and Cooper’s Hawks are commonly seen hunting over desert grasslands. Nk’Mip combines cultural experiences with birding opportunities, making it an essential stop.
White Lake
White Lake is a mix of wetlands and open grasslands. It an ephemeral lake, which is a lake that has no outlet. The white is from the salt and minerals left after the water evaporates. Waterbirds include Eared Grebes, American Avocets, and Spotted Sandpipers, mostly in spring. Grassland species like Horned Larks and Western Meadowlarks are common. The surrounding hillsides support Vesper Sparrows, Mountain Bluebirds and Western Tanagers. Raptors like Prairie Falcons occasionally hunt here, thrilling birders with fast aerial displays. White Lake remains a reliable location for both breeding grassland birds and migrating waterfowl. This location always draws birders interested in birding the South Okanagan.
Vaseaux Cliffs and Vaseaux Lake
The dramatic Vaseaux Cliffs tower above Vaseaux Lake, offering birders breathtaking views alongside specialty species. Canyon Wrens sing from rock ledges, while Rock Wrens nest in crevices. White-throated Swifts dart rapidly across cliff faces, often joined by Peregrine Falcons chasing prey. Lewis’s Woodpeckers nest in nearby snags, easily spotted with their green wings and red faces. Over the lake, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Great Blue Herons are usually observed. Vaseaux is a highlight of any South Okanagan birding tour, showcasing the beauty and diversity of birding the South Okanagan.
Wrap it up in a Winery
A birding tour through the South Okanagan offers far more than incredible wildlife. After exploring mountains, deserts, and wetlands, many visitors unwind at the region’s world-class wineries. Vineyards surrounding Osoyoos and Oliver boast stunning views alongside tastings of award-winning wines. Combining rare bird sightings with local wine culture makes the South Okanagan one of Canada’s best for a birding destination. This really caps off a perfect end to a day of birding the South Okanagan.
