There are many opportunities for birders to add to their checklists in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region.
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park, located near Squamish, has long been touted as one of the world's most significant locales for wintering bald eagles. Those interested in herons will find a trip to the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve in Chilliwack rewarding.
On a larger scale, the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary near Delta is known to attract thousands of birds on their migration routes, while Boundary Bay Regional Park in Tsawwassen is one of the top-rated Important Bird Area in Canada.
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
Each winter, countless bald eagles flock to the shores of the Squamish River Valley to feed on the plentiful salmon spawning there. The area has long been touted as one of the world's most significant locales for wintering bald eagles. An interpretive display walks visitors through the eagle and salmon life cycles.
It is incredible to see so many bald eagles in one place at one time. In 1994, the bird count was 3,769 in a single day – a world record! Peak eagle-viewing time is from mid-December to mid-January. Guided walking tours are available, while several rafting companies in Squamish offer guided eagle-viewing float trips. For more information, visit the Brackendale Art Gallery, which is the headquarters for the eagle count.
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park is located near Squamish, about one hour north of Vancouver via Highway 99.
Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve
The lush farmland region of the Upper Fraser Valley near Chilliwack is home to the 130ha/321ac floodplain of the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve. The area is a fair representation of the rapidly-declining wetland ecosystem. Bald eagles, deer, river otters, rabbits, beavers, mink and a variety of salmon – in addition to a large heron colony – call this reserve home. Some species, such as the painted turtle and coast tailed frog, are considered endangered and rely on the wetlands for survival.
The best time to view the heron nests is from March to April. The best time to view spawning salmon is during the fall. There is an onsite interpretive centre and admission is by donation. The nature reserve is located southwest of Chilliwack via Highway 1.
Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
The Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary hosts more than 60,000 visitors each year. Wetlands, marshes and low dykes serve as key resting points for countless birds on their annual migration trips, while many other kinds of wildlife reside here all year long.
In total, more than 280 bird species call the sanctuary home at one time or another. Visitors can observe them from the impressive two-storey observation tower.
While the best times to go birding here are from March to April (spring migration) and October to November (fall migration) bird enthusiasts who visit the sanctuary in November are likely to get a spectacular glimpse of the flock of 20,000 lesser snow geese en route south from Siberia. Kids get a kick out of throwing grain – available to purchase on site – to the sanctuary's countless ducks. An admission fee is in effect. The sanctuary is in Delta, one hour south of Vancouver via Highway 99.
Boundary Bay Regional Park
A spectacular seaside setting of sand dunes, salt marshes, lagoons and tidal flats, Boundary Bay Regional Park hosts Canada's highest population of wintering raptors. As well, the area is recognized around the world as an important rest stop for countless migrating birds on the Pacific migration route.
Boardwalks and viewing stops are located next to the park's wildlife reserves. Walkers, hikers, cyclists, equestrians and bird watchers alike roam the 16.4km/10mi Boundary Bay Dyke Trail.
While the birding is excellent from September to April, fall migrants are most diverse in September and October. In spring, listen as groups of songbirds delightfully chirp their choruses. The area is the top rated Important Bird Area in Canada as it exceeds global, continental and national standards for the diversity and number of birds supported.
The park is in Tsawwassen, one hour south of Vancouver via Highways 99 and 17.
Bird Watching Etiquette:
- View or photograph from a distance.
- Avoid noises or activities that stress wildlife or cause them to burn up energy in unneccessary flight.
- Avoid approaching wildlife that are breeding or with young as they are especially vulnerable at these times.
- Avoid feeding wildlife, as feeding can lead to unnatural food dependency, habituation to humans, disease or even death.
- Keep pets on a leash around any wildlife, and avoid bringing pets into sensitive wildlife habitats.
- Avoid trampling or damaging vegetation.
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