Vancouver is a beautiful coastal city in Western Canada with Mountains, Oceans, Farmland, Westlands and Forests. On the Pacific Flyway, Vancouver is an amazing place to bird during all seasons including migration. Come see the western endemics and birds west of the Rockies. Sooty Grouse, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Black Oystercatcher, Anna’s hummingbird and more
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…
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. 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…
Rare bird found, Taiga Flycatcher in Vancouver by Ethan Moon. The Taiga Flycatcher is a rare migratory bird from northern Eurasia with Old World flycatcher lineage. It breeds across eastern Russia, Siberia, and Mongolia in boreal taiga forests. In winter it migrates to South and Southeast Asia, including China, Thailand, and Vietnam. Breeding males show…
A Rock Sandpiper perched on coastal rocks during our 2024 KBA count by boat. We do not get to see this hardy bird often in Vancouver. Its dark plumage, spotted breast, and sturdy yellow-based bill matched classic traits noted in field guides. The Rock Sandpiper closely resembles its cousin, the Purple Sandpiper, but shows a…
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….
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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