The combination of mass bird migrations and cooler weather makes fall one of the best times of the year to spot a variety of beautiful birds soaring across the skies and gliding through the waters! Since launching in 2020, The BC Bird Trail has established itself as the leading source of information on attractions, activities, and accommodations related to birdwatching, offering self-guided birding tours for people of all ages to get out and delve into the world of birdwatching.
Whether you’re new to birding or have lots of experience, bcbirdtrail.ca shares a list of the birds you’ll likely spot in each area of BC, along with the birding hotspots (e.g. parks, wildlife centres, and estuaries) to visit. Here are five must-visit locations for viewing some extraordinary bird migrations this fall.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park – Vancouver: With over 70 kilometres of trails, it is easy to spend hours exploring the Pacific Spirit Regional Park. A number of habitats can be found within the park that contribute to the diversity of species that can be spotted there. With the largest wild greenscape within the urban area of Vancouver, this park is an important habitat for songbirds and other woodland species such as the Pileated Woodpecker as well as Barred and Great Horned Owls. Featured in BC Bird Trail’s Vancouver Outpost
Mud Bay Park – Surrey, BC
A scenic area with a shoreline loop trail along Boundary Bay, Mud Bay is a well-known birdwatching hotspot, with opportunities to see shorebirds and waterfowl, especially at low tide. Every year, thousands of birds flock here to feast on food. Featured in The South Fraser Bird Trail
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – North Vancouver, BC: Known as one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions, with the namesake bridge at the core of a large and diverse park full of activities to discover, this park is also a birdwatching hotspot on the North Shore! If you are looking for an up close and personal experience with birds of prey, consider a visit to Raptors Ridge at the Capilano Suspension Bridge park. Raptors Ridge is an educational facility committed to educating the public about raptors—birds of prey such as owls, hawks and falcons—and to wildlife conservation. Featured in BC Bird Trail’s North Shore Outpost
Terra Nova Rural Park – Richmond, BC: Located along the Pacific Flyway, this 63-acre park offers great opportunities to see migratory birds, with viewing platforms along the trails perfect for bird-watching. Over 80 different bird species have been spotted here including eagles, hawks, herons, colourful waterfowl, and twittering songbirds. Featured in The South Fraser Bird Trail
Derby Reach Regional Park – Langley, BC: 12.9 km of trails through forested areas nestled along the banks of the Fraser River offer opportunities to see a variety of local and migratory birds, such as warblers, woodpeckers, and waterfowl like mergansers, grebes, and ducks. Featured in The Fraser Valley Bird Trail
Ready to take flight on your first birdwatching adventure? Visit www.bcbirdtrail.ca for more birdwatching hotspots, self-guided birding trails, and community itineraries to explore the best of birding all across BC.
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