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….
This male Lazuli Bunting was photographed at The Throne in Osoyoos, perched among the dry branches overlooking the valley. Its bright blue head and orange chest make it easy to spot during spring and summer. These buntings prefer open slopes and shrub-covered hillsides, often singing from exposed perches like this one. A fun fact: their…
At Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos, visitors will see the dazzling display of a male Calliope Hummingbird. This is the smallest bird in Canada and the only one with a serrated magenta gorget. During courtship, this tiny desert jewel perches among sagebrush and antelope brush. It flares its iridescent throat feathers in the sunlight…
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…
A Brief History of Reifel Bird Sanctuary The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary has been a protected haven for birds and nature lovers since the 1960s. The Sanctuary is located on Westham Island in Delta, BC. Originally farmland owned by the Reifel family, the property was transformed into a sanctuary by George Reifel. He…
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…
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