Bird Watching
Bald Eagles in a tree
Nimpo Lake, located in the high Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region's wilderness, provides excellent birdwatching territory.
Bird species in the area include hawks, bald eagles, kingfishers, whiskey jacks, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds. As well, countless species of waterfowl nest and begin migration from Nimpo Lake.
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park (South) is one of British Columbia's largest provincial parks and home to numerous lakes. As a result, it is full of waterfowl. Trumpeter swans, the largest indigenous North American bird species, are found on Turner Lake and Lonesome Lake from late-October to mid-April. Catch a glimpse of these swans during an early-spring paddle along the Turner Lake chain.
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Tatlayoko Lake Bird Observatory
The Tatlayoko Lake Bird Observatory, located in the Tatlayoko Valley, was established in 2006 as a banding station for migratory birds. Every August and September, volunteers gather to observe and track the birds within this conservation corridor. Visitors can volunteer to become bird banders, contributing to the study of more than 210 species of birds.
More Birdwatching Areas
The Chilanko Forks Wildlife Management Area, home to 52 bird species and large number of waterfowl, is located on Highway 20. Chilanko Marsh is accessible from the Puntzi airport road. This marsh is made of three separate wetland basins, which serve as habitat for 139 different bird species such as the sharp-tailed grouse. The Puntzi Marshes are located close to Chilanko Forks. Migratory waterfowl here include the horned grebe, Northern pintail, and Northern shoveler.
Anahim Lake
Anahim Lake, a 10-minute drive west of Nimpo Lake, is also a prime area for bridwatching. In spring, summer and autumn, many varieties of waterfowl and migratory birds are found here. The Eagle's Nest Marsh hiking trail, on the southwest side of Anahim Lake, is one of the best birdwatching trails in the area.
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