Stanley Park is a bird lover’s paradise. Situated on the edge of Vancouver, this magnificent park can be conveniently accessed by visitors by bus, car or on foot from downtown. Over the course of a year, as many as 230 species of birds are easily viewed and heard in its diverse landscape of forests, wetlands and seashore.
The summer breeding bird populations are diverse and plentiful. The park is not only home to four nesting pairs of bald eagles and an expansive great blue heron colony, it is also a nursery for songbirds, owls, and many other species. Its winter seashore is teeming with thousands of waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds, and a short hop over to Lost Lagoon will provide a view of freshwater species.
Location:
Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4
Burnaby Lake Park is a city park and offers excellent bird watching. Start at the Nature House and the boardwalk at Piper Spit on the north end of the lake off of Winston Street. Here you can encounter lots of resident ducks and geese. Famous are the Wood Ducks that can be very elusive, but are easily spotted perched on low hanging branches or in the water.
The large nest-boxes that were put up across the water are for the Wood Ducks since they are cavity nesters and are suffering from the loss of habitat in the region. Different shorebirds can be spotted as well as different heron species and diving ducks. Songbirds can be found all around the lake and there’s a resident Bald Eagle pair on the south side. The large viewing tower next to Piper Spit offers a great view of the lake area.
Location:
9146 Avalon AvenueBurnaby, BC V3N 4G8
Reifel Bird Sanctuary is located in Ladner and is a very popular place for the novice and experienced birder as there’s lots to see for everyone. You don’t have to look far, the ducks will welcome you in the parking lot. Most likely you will encounter the pair of resident Sandhill Cranes as well.
Watch out for the cranes during breeding season as they become very protective of their chicks. The British Columbia Waterfowl Society manages the Sanctuary and conducts regular bird counts, monitors species of concern, and regulates visitor activities. There’s lots of waterfowl, songbirds and birds of prey and every season throughout the year brings different species as they migrate to, through, and from the area.
Location:
5191 Robertson RdDelta, BC V4K 3N2
Boundary Bay Regional Park in South Delta is an internationally recognized Important Bird Area, Thousands of birds stop by every year when they use the Pacific Flyway migration route, a major fly route for migratory birds that stretches from the North Slope of Alaska to Central and South America.
The sandy beaches, salt and fresh water marshes, mudflats, sand dunes and meadows attract a wide variety of birds. Famous are the Snowy Owls that can turn up in the winter when they migrate south from the Arctic. Be discreet when you come to see these magnificent birds as many other bird watchers will be joining you.
Location:
Boundary Bay RdDelta, BC V4L 1N2
Open fields, hedgerows and wetlands provide habitat for more than 200 bird species as well as other animal species in this regional park. Trails for both walkers and cyclists showcase great views of river, fields and mountains. You’ll find picnic tables and washrooms near the community gardens.
Location:
Colony Farm RdPort Coquitlam, BC V3C 6M3
