With more than 220 bird species sighted every year, the Vancouver Island region is a top destination among international bird watchers. The region is such a birding hot spot thanks to its position on the Pacific Flyway, a major bird migration route. In addition to the long list of resident birds, a multitude of species stop here to rest and feed and many stay for whole seasons. In fact, more birds remain in the Vancouver Island region during the winter than anywhere else in the country, making birding a truly year-round activity.
Seasonal Bird Watching Highlights
Early to later spring is an excellent time for birding because birds are so active, especially ducks, loons, grebes, geese, and black brant. Summer is breeding season for many species, which means plenty of singing, displaying, and nesting. Savannah sparrows, Eurasian widgeon, and an array of waterfowl migrate through or into the region in the fall, and turkey vultures gather in large numbers in the Sooke region before they fly to California and Mexico for the winter.
Winter is one of the best times to see bald eagles; while these birds of prey are here year-round, they feed on spawning salmon during the fall and winter and are commonly seen at salmon-bearing rivers.
Trumpeter swans are another big draw in the winter, especially in Oceanside and the Comox Valley.
Bird Watching Tours
Bird watching is an avidly pursued activity virtually everywhere in the Vancouver Island region. Guided birding adventures are available and include hiking and walking tours in diverse settings, such as tidal flats, shore areas, forests, rivers, lakes, and bird sanctuaries. Whale watching tours are another excellent way to see a variety of birds, as well as whales and other marine mammals.
Attractions of special interest to birders include facilities for falcons and other sacntuaries for birds of prey, injured wildlife, and parrots, as well as a marine research centre.
Bird Watching Events
Birds are also the focus of some of the region’s annual events, including Oceanside’s Brant Festival in April, the Tofino Shorebird Festival in May, and the Eagle Extravaganza in Goldstream Provincial Park near Victoria from December until February.