Bird watching opportunities abound in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. Catch sight of the American white pelican at Anahim Lake. Or head to Bowron Lake Provincial Park to view birds – from swallows to songbirds – along the park's famous canoe route.
The 100 Mile Marsh is a spring stop-over for migrating gulls, swans, ducks, geese and grebes. Spring also heralds the arrival of trumpeter swans, who use the marsh during migration. Scout Island Nature Centre in Williams Lake is a prominent area for colourful migratory waterfowl and fascinating marsh birds.
When out bird watching, make sure you or your pets do not disturb the wildlife.
Birding in Anahim Lake
Anahim Lake is a birding paradise. You'll find eagles, ospreys, ducks and songbirds here. Spring and summer waterfowl species include the red-necked grebe, wood duck, ring-neck duck, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal and Barrow's goldeneye. Also watch for common loons, spruce grouse, ring-billed gulls, black terns, Canada geese, American bitterns, sandhill cranes, woodpeckers as well as great horned and great gray owls. Great blue herons stalk the shallows of Anahim while blackbirds compete for favourite perches.
The star attraction at Anahim Lake is the American white pelican. See these majestic migrating flocks of birds with 3m/9.8ft wing spans riding rising air currents to great heights, then soaring slowly and gracefully in circles. While the pelicans' only nesting ground is Stum Lake in White Pelican Provincial Park, they use regional lakes, including Anahim, as feeding grounds from late June through early September.
Anahim Lake is a 3-4 hour drive west from Williams Lake, off Highway 20.
Bowron Lake Provincial Park
Bowron Lake Provincial Park is a terrific birding destination. Diverse species found along the park's canoe route include such year-round residents as Steller's jays, Clark's nutcrackers, and ravens. From late April to mid-September look for more than 20 species of waterfowl. Late spring and summer are best for songbirds. Also watch for five species of swallows, as well as calliope and Rufous hummingbirds, American bitterns, ospreys, bald eagles, soras and woodpeckers.
On the wildlife front, be sure to keep an eye out for moose, deer, black and grizzly bears, mountain goats, caribou, beavers and river otters.
Bowron Lake Provincial Park is a 90-minute drive east from Quesnel, off Highway 26.
100 Mile Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary
The 100 Mile Marsh sanctuary is a spring stop-over for wide varieties of migrating gulls, swans, ducks, geese and grebes. Redwing and yellow-headed blackbirds raise their young here as well. Spring heralds the arrival of trumpeter swans, who use the marsh during migration. By April, when the marsh begins to thaw, look for long-tailed and ring-necked ducks. Listen for singing marsh wrens and watch for common yellowthroats. You'll also catch sight of California gulls bound for the Arctic.
Learn more about the area's intriguing wildlife along one of the walking trails; interpretive signs identify the species you'll discover en route.
The marsh and sanctuary is located on the west side of Highway 97 in the community of 100 Mile House, beside the Visitor Info Centre.
Scout Island Nature Centre
This nature centre is a prominent area for colourful migratory waterfowl and fascinating marsh birds. Enjoy exceptional viewing opportunities in spring and fall. Year-round, discover ospreys, bald eagles and black-capped chickadees. You'll also encounter many other species, including the yellow-headed blackbird, marsh wren, Brewer's blackbird, great blue heron, hooded merganser, as well as swallows, flycatchers, gulls, hummingbirds and songbirds. Sharing the local ecosystem are red foxes, mink, river otters, beavers and muskrats.
The Scout Island Nature Centre includes marsh and lake, grassland as well as small forest environments. Follow 2.5/km/1.5 mi of trails for great wildlife viewing. The Nature House features natural history displays where you can study local ecosystems.
Scout Island is at the west end of the community of Williams Lake, and is connected to the mainland by a vehicle causeway.
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