Bird Watching
Bald Eagles in a tree
For casual bird watchers and committed ornithologists alike, Maple Ridge and neighbouring Pitt Meadows offer great opportunities for bird watching.
Try areas like Grant Narrows Regional Park, the Pitt Polder, and Whonnock Lake Park for an impressive range of local and migratory birds year-round.
Grant Narrows Regional Park
Situated where the Pitt River joins the south end of Pitt Lake, Grant Narrows Regional Park abounds with protected marshland. Whether walking or cycling, explore dyke trails beneath pristine coastal mountains and discover the 200-plus species of birds and waterfowl that call the Pitt-Addington Marsh Wildlife Management Area home.
Possible sightings include warblers, thrushes, sparrows, orioles, trumpeter swans and more. Climb one of the wooden observation towers to catch a glimpse of nesting ospreys between May and August.
To get to Grant Narrows Regional Park, head north from the Lougheed Highway on Harris Road, take a right on McNeil Road, go left on Rannie Road, and drive to the end. Exploring Pitt Lake by canoe or kayak is a popular summertime option.
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Pitt Polder
The Pitt Polder distinctively combines marshes, bogs, farmland, intertidal flats and other terrain in the lowlands of north Pitt Meadows. It takes its name from a Dutch word that references the draining and dyking that early Dutch settlers did to make the land arable, and it's also a mecca for bird-watching today.
Pacific Flyway Route
Part of the Pacific Flyway route, the Pitt Polder is a rest stop for birds winging their way between Alaska and Patagonia. It provides much-needed habitat for rare species like the sandhill crane and the tundra swan. The Blaney Bog, just north of Maple Ridge's well-known 224th Street, is particularly rich in such species. In addition, bird watchers can spot buzzards, hawks, falcons, eagles, and blue herons here.
Raptors Ridge Birds of Prey
Interested in getting hands-on with magnificent hawks and falcons in a peaceful forest setting? Head to Raptors Ridge Birds of Prey. The venue provides lessons from trained falconers in handling captive-born and bred raptors such as red-tailed hawks. Children enjoy observing the barn owl nest boxes. Prices run between $30 and $150, and advance bookings are required.
Whonnock Lake Park
Whonnock Lake Park (27871 113th Ave) is best-known as a family recreation paradise with swimming, concessions, washrooms, a playground, and great trout fishing. Yet it's also a good place for native bird watching. Loons and mallard ducks use the lake as a breeding area, in addition to many varieties of small birds. Whonnock Lake is home to the world's largest tadpoles as well.
More Bird Watching
There's no limit to the bird-watching available in Maple Ridge. Listen for the sounds of woodpeckers and chickadees while strolling the Spirea Trail, laden with interpretive signage, in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Watch out for herons and kingfishers while viewing the fish hatchery in Kanaka Creek Regional Park.
Hiking & Bird Watching
Alternatively, head out on hiking trails like Hawk Rotary Loop, Osprey Rotary Loop, and Blue Heron Rotary Loop, where diverse bird species can be spotted not far from local roads and urban areas. For details on those trails, which range between 11km/6.8mi and 19km/12mi in length, pick up a copy of the Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Outdoor Recreation Trails & Events Guide from the Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge Visitor Centre.
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