Birding with an experienced guide with a destination in mind.
Vancouver is one of the most rewarding birding regions in Canada. Thanks to its coastal location, river deltas, forested parks, mountain trails and wetlands, birders can experience incredible diversity year-round. These locations are often within a short drive of downtown. Whether you’re visiting or local, these five birding hotspots consistently deliver. Why Vancouver Is One…
Few sights in North American birding feel as meaningful as watching a Whooping Crane at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. This is especially true of one striding through the shallows with a hard-won blue crab dangling from its bill. We took a boat tour with Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures staring Captain Tommy. The real stars…
A Royal Tern stands on East Beach in Galveston, Texas, wearing subtle winter plumage along the Gulf Coast. In winter, the black crown recedes, leaving a white forehead and shaggy dark crest. Compared to Sandwich Terns, Royal Terns are bulkier with thicker orange bills. Gull-billed and Forster’s Terns show slimmer shapes and different feeding styles….
These Pigeon Guillemots were photographed swimming near shore and commonly nest around Lonsdale Quay. They nest under the concrete pier, which resembles the rocky islands they typically breed on. Â They have very basic nests of stones, bones, and seashells with a central depression. Guillemots use crevices, cavities, and sheltered spaces for nesting in natural and…
Purple Martins on Iona Island showcase a remarkable conservation comeback in the Vancouver and Lower Mainland region. After decades of decline from habitat loss and nest competition, targeted stewardship reversed their disappearance. Carefully maintained nesting boxes on Iona Island provide safe breeding sites near productive coastal foraging areas. Additional nesting boxes now support Purple Martins…
Tree Swallows arrive early at Iona Beach, signaling spring across open fields and coastal wetlands. Identification can be tricky as they are similar to Violet-green swallows. Tree Swallows show glossy blue upper-parts, white underparts, with a full colored rump and color below the eye. At Iona, these birds favor fence posts and driftwood between fast…
1. Madera Canyon – Santa Rita Lodge Best time to go: Late spring to early summer (April–June) when migrants are active and birds are breeding. 2. Patagonia‑Sonoita Creek Preserve / Patagonia Lake State Park Tip: Visit during spring or early summer for best diversity; the riparian woodland supports birds during nesting season. 3. Sweetwater Wetlands…
The Lapland Longspur at the Iona Jetty showed crisp brown streaking, a pale face. If you look closely you can see the species’ trademark long hind spur visible in the photo. This elongated toe helps confirm the identification and separates it from other ground-foraging sparrows. The breeding plumage is strikingly different which can be seen…
The Northern Hawk Owl in Ladner, excited birders late last winter. It patrolled open fields bordered by scattered fir trees where it found a place to roost. This rare visitor chose the area for its abundant voles and wide, unobstructed hunting views. Its long tail and hawk-like posture helped it scan efficiently from exposed perches….
At the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, the Cinnamon Teal is a striking sight in sunlit ponds and quiet marsh edges. Males show deep chestnut plumage, a glossy blue forewing patch, and vivid red eyes that shimmer above the waterline. These dabbling ducks feed by filtering tiny organisms and biofilm through specialized comb-like plates along their…
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