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BC Bird Trail Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just taking off, the BC Bird Trail is your guide to explore birding, conservation, and community in British Columbia.
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Situated on the Pacific Flyway, British Columbia is home to a vast array of North America’s best birdwatching opportunities. The BC Bird Trail is your guide to explore birding, conservation and community in the province. As an online resource and trip-planning tool, The BC Bird Trail connects locals and tourists with all there is to know about bird watching destinations and activities across Briti

sh Columbia. Funded in part by Destination BC, Tourism Richmond, Birds Canada, Indigenous Tourism BC, and more – the informative local travel website and self-guided itineraries can be found online at BCBirdTrail.ca

🪶 Looking for a   adventure in the South Fraser this long weekend? Check out  ! Made up of three distinct communities, L...
02/09/2024

🪶 Looking for a adventure in the South Fraser this long weekend? Check out ! Made up of three distinct communities, Ladner, Tsawwassen, and North Delta, The City of Delta welcomes a diverse array of migratory birds year-round.
🌊 Delta presents a variety of unique birding climates, including some smaller islands, like Westham Island. Accessible by crossing the Westham Island Bridge, this island is a haven for birds as the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is on the northern end. The wetlands and marshes make this sanctuary a popular rest stop for millions of .

🗒️ Find more birding hot spots in Delta on the South Fraser Bird Trail: https://bcbirdtrail.ca/trails/south-fraser/delta/
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Who's planning to do a bit of birding this long weekend? Browse the BC Bird Trails in your region for some inspiration f...
30/08/2024

Who's planning to do a bit of birding this long weekend? Browse the BC Bird Trails in your region for some inspiration for your trips 🗺️

A highlight of this summer has been seeing all your photos from around the province. Instagram user westcoast_landscapes captured this shot of an Anna's hummingbird, which isn't easy to do - they're small and very quick, darting around the crocosmia branches to get a taste of that juicy nectar! We couldn't resist sharing another beautiful hummingbird shot.

Make sure to tag us with so we can share your photos 📷⁠

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🧐 Taking time to observe common species is a great way to get a better understanding of bird behaviour.Take the  , for e...
26/08/2024

🧐 Taking time to observe common species is a great way to get a better understanding of bird behaviour.

Take the , for example. They're active in the summer and you'll often hear them being the first and last singing in the day. Their excellent eyesight allows them to be active in low light at dawn and dusk.

🪱 Take a look outside and you're bound to see one running across lawns or stalking earthworms in yards and parks.

Find the American Robin across every BC Bird Trail this summer. And don't forget to tag us in your photos!

📸 Trac Vu | Unsplash

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😃🐦️ We're delighted to bring you another edition of our BC Birder Profile Series! In this profile, we speak with Robert ...
21/08/2024

😃🐦️ We're delighted to bring you another edition of our BC Birder Profile Series! In this profile, we speak with Robert Butler, a prominent ornithologist and conservationist from Vancouver!

🪶 Robert shares with us how he discovered his passion for birds and tips for those just getting started!

🗒️Check it out at: https://bcbirdtrail.ca/field-notes/bc-birders-profile-series-robert-butler-vancouver/

👉️ You can learn more about Robert's work on his website www.robertbutler.ca, and pick up his latest book Letters from Gerald, available on Amazon!
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🌲🌊🪶 Take a trip to the island communities of Sointula & Alert Bay for an unforgettable coastal birding experience. Just ...
19/08/2024

🌲🌊🪶 Take a trip to the island communities of Sointula & Alert Bay for an unforgettable coastal birding experience. Just a 25-45 minute ferry ride from Port McNeill, Malcolm Island and Cormorant Island offer a serene setting with endless outdoor activities.

🗒️ Check out the Sointula & Alert Bay Itinerary on the Vancouver Island North Bird Trail and start planning your next adventure: https://bcbirdtrail.ca/trails/vancouver-island-north/sointula-alert-bay/
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🌞🦆🏖️ We can't believe it's almost September already! But, there are still 5 weeks of summer remaining, which is plenty o...
16/08/2024

🌞🦆🏖️ We can't believe it's almost September already! But, there are still 5 weeks of summer remaining, which is plenty of time to fit in some summer birding excursions.

🗒️ Check out our Field Notes blog "BC Birding in Summer" for some hot summer birding tips!
👉️ https://bcbirdtrail.ca/field-notes/bc-birding-in-summer/
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Have you ever wondered why   are often seen coasting high in the sky in effortless spirals? 🌀⁠⁠🪶 Turkey vultures take ad...
15/08/2024

Have you ever wondered why are often seen coasting high in the sky in effortless spirals? 🌀⁠

🪶 Turkey vultures take advantage of hot air thermals, columns of hot air that rise from the ground creating the perfect conditions for these birds to grab a ride up into the skies. When you see a group soaring along, it's called a "kettle" of vultures.⁠

The end of summer is the perfect time to see these raptors - if you're lucky, in kettles of dozens or hundreds. Catch them along every this time of year.⁠

📸 by (1) Divya Shankar and (2) Donghun Shin | Shutterstock⁠

☀️🐦️ Did you know summer is a great time to   in BC? For avid  , fall and spring are typically the most active seasons, ...
31/07/2024

☀️🐦️ Did you know summer is a great time to in BC?
For avid , fall and spring are typically the most active seasons, but there is still a lot of great to enjoy during the summer months.

Check out our blog "BC Birding in Summer" to learn more about what birds you can spot while enjoying the great outdoors this summer!

👉️ Read it here: https://bcbirdtrail.ca/field-notes/bc-birding-in-summer/
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🔎 Here's a cool little bird to look out for over the next few months - the small but mighty  .Measuring up to 10 cm in l...
30/07/2024

🔎 Here's a cool little bird to look out for over the next few months - the small but mighty .

Measuring up to 10 cm in length, their migration journey is massive - one of the longest, relative to their body size.

🌍️ After winter in Mexico, they move up the West Coast of North America to spend their summers in and Alaska. Come autumn, they'll make an appearance in the Rocky Mountains as they head back south.

Look for them on and the coast of BC this summer, and in a couple of months, you might spot them around the .

📷 Photo credit goes to . Check out his profile to see more epic Rufous hummingbird shots.

🪶   is one of BC's most popular outdoor destinations, home to several parks, nature reserves, and farm-fresh eateries. T...
29/07/2024

🪶 is one of BC's most popular outdoor destinations, home to several parks, nature reserves, and farm-fresh eateries. This agricultural region is home to farm birds like red-tailed hawks and harriers and is also a great spot for cedar waxwings.

🌾 Start your birding trip in Chilliwack at Wetlands Regional Park, a 107-hectare park made up of lake, marsh, and forested areas and home to over 180 bird species.

🍕 Next, fuel up at The Local Harvest Market, a sustainable local farm. Check out their market for fresh baked goods and pizzas, perfect for lunch on the go.

🚲️ Travel south to the Rotary Trail. You can bike or walk this 21km loop. You can also take a detour to arrive at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve.

🦅 The is home to one of the largest heron nesting colonies in the Lower Mainland, this facility includes an interpretive centre and multiple trails.

🍺 Wrap up your day with a visit to Farm House Brewing Co. Enjoy a delicious craft beer and meal made with farm-fresh ingredients in their inviting tap room.

🐦️We hope you enjoyed this day of birding in Chilliwack! View the full itinerary here: https://bcbirdtrail.ca/trails/fraser-valley/chilliwack/

⚠️ Please pay attention to travel advisories across BC when trip planning. Forest fire conditions can change rapidly. Please check travel advisories before and during your travel.
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.chilliwack

🐦    are neotropical migrants, making the long journey from Central America and Mexico to BC via the  .⁠These beautiful ...
23/07/2024

🐦 are neotropical migrants, making the long journey from Central America and Mexico to BC via the .⁠

These beautiful birds are like natural pest control! When feeding their chicks in the spring, you’ll likely see them zipping around catching as many insects as possible.

Unfortunately, these visitors aren’t as common as they used to be in Canada. Several factors, including pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change could cause this.

🪺 Barn swallows have almost entirely shifted to building their mud nests on artificial structures, like homes and sheds. If you find a nest, leave it! Barn Swallows will typically come back to the same nest year after year.

📸 Harry Collins | Shutterstock

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🐤 The brightly coloured   can be found in every region of the BC Bird Trail from May to September, but keep your eyes pe...
17/07/2024

🐤 The brightly coloured can be found in every region of the BC Bird Trail from May to September, but keep your eyes peeled! 👀 They can be difficult to spot. Head to https://bcbirdtrail.ca/trails/ to find out which trail you're closest to.

Male Western Tanagers are yellow in the front with darker backs and have striking orange-red heads, providing a pop of colour amidst the forest's earth tones.

This dreamy moment was captured by 📸 in Green Timbers Urban Forest in Surrey. Use or to see your photo here!

🐦️👏 We're very excited to bring you a new edition of our BC Birder Profile Series! In this profile, we speak with Dave L...
16/07/2024

🐦️👏 We're very excited to bring you a new edition of our BC Birder Profile Series! In this profile, we speak with Dave Leman, an active member of the Prince George Naturalists Club, with a lifelong passion for wildlife conservation and nature stewardship.

🪶 Dave shares with us how he first started birding, his advice for beginner birders and more! ⁠

🗒️Check it out here: https://bcbirdtrail.ca/field-notes/bc-birders-profile-series-dave-leman-prince-george/⁠

🤔🪶Can you name these 3 birds? These are just a few of the many birds you can see in BC this summer.🗒️Check out our Field...
09/07/2024

🤔🪶Can you name these 3 birds? These are just a few of the many birds you can see in BC this summer.
🗒️Check out our Field Notes blog "9 BC Birds to See This Summer" so you can identify them when you're out birding.
Some are seen throughout BC (or even in your backyard!), while others are specific to certain habitats. Grab your binoculars and see how many you can spot!⁠

👉️Read it here: https://bcbirdtrail.ca/field-notes/9-bc-birds-to-see-this-summer/
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🌲 🦅 Green Timbers Urban Forest is one of the largest parks in  . With wetlands, meadows, a marsh, a lake, and over 10km ...
28/06/2024

🌲 🦅 Green Timbers Urban Forest is one of the largest parks in . With wetlands, meadows, a marsh, a lake, and over 10km of nature trails, it’s an urban oasis perfect for bird-watching.

On a typical day, you might see bald eagles, woodpeckers, owls, or various waterfowl. Enjoy year-round fishing at the lake - you can even borrow a rod from the Surrey Nature Centre, located within Green Timbers Urban Forest!

⁉️Did you know… In 1929, despite public protests, massive trees that had become a tourist attraction were cut down in the area that would become Green Timbers Urban Forest. It was immediately replanted, which made the area known as the ‘birthplace’ of current reforestation techniques in BC. Later, Surrey residents voted to protect this history and the land by designating areas of the park an urban forest.



Chances are you've come across one of these graceful, long-legged creatures before. But if not, you're in luck!   are fo...
20/06/2024

Chances are you've come across one of these graceful, long-legged creatures before. But if not, you're in luck! are found across every region of the BC Bird Trail.

You'll often see them in shallow water (marshes, lakes, streams, and the ocean), where they stealthily hunt for their next meal. Great Blue Herons have specially shaped neck vertebrae allowing them to strike their prey quickly. Paired with their long, sharp beaks, Great Blue Herons are equipped with the perfect tools to catch fish, frogs, and even small rodents.

Take a look at these beautiful photos of Great Blue Herons that we were tagged in! We love to see your photos, so remember to tag us and .

Photo credit to Instagram Users:
📸 1: geofflogan, in Stanley Park
📸 2: mebphotography22, in Richmond
📸 3: chris_norman2292, in Delta

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🏔️🌲🦅 Protected by the Stawamus Chief Mountain, and populated by the continent’s highest concentration of wintering bald ...
19/06/2024

🏔️🌲🦅 Protected by the Stawamus Chief Mountain, and populated by the continent’s highest concentration of wintering bald eagles, is a spectacular destination for birding.

🌾The Squamish River Estuary is a local gem for , with over 240 species recorded annually! Accessible through downtown Squamish, this beautiful estuary is a great place to see waterfowl and songbirds. Watch for Purple Martins, Great Blue Herons, and Spotted Sandpipers.

🤔 Looking for more birding hot spots in Squamish? Check out the Squamish Itinerary on the Sea to Sky Bird Trail: https://bcbirdtrail.ca/trails/sea-to-sky/squamish/
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☀️ Summer is the perfect time to get the kids involved in fun and educational nature-related programs. Many local nature...
13/06/2024

☀️ Summer is the perfect time to get the kids involved in fun and educational nature-related programs. Many local nature groups and conservation centres have great opportunities for kids to learn about birds, nature, and the important ecosystems of BC.

🧒🐦️ We’ve collected a list of nature and bird-related activities to keep your kids busy and learning this summer: https://bcbirdtrail.ca/field-notes/summer-nature-and-birding-activities-for-kids/

🐦️👏 We're so happy to bring you another edition of our BC Birder Profile Series! ⁠In this profile, we speak with Kris Cu...
07/06/2024

🐦️👏 We're so happy to bring you another edition of our BC Birder Profile Series! ⁠In this profile, we speak with Kris Cu, birding guide, wildlife photographer and BC Outreach Specialist for .Canada.

🪶Kris shares with us his favourite birding spots, how he got into birding, and some great birding tips.

Learn more about Kris and check out his photography on his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kris.cu/

🗒️Check it out here: https://bcbirdtrail.ca/field-notes/bc-birders-profile-series-kris-cu-surrey/

📸Images courtesy of Kris Cu.
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🏕️ 🎣 🦉 Summer is just around the corner, a time when birds and humans are at their most active (well, at least for some ...
05/06/2024

🏕️ 🎣 🦉 Summer is just around the corner, a time when birds and humans are at their most active (well, at least for some of us).

Curious about what birds you might encounter this summer? Read our blog post here 👉️ https://bcbirdtrail.ca/field-notes/9-bc-birds-to-see-this-summer/

The Purple Martin, pictured here, is mostly found on the south coast of the province, along the or . Thanks to conservation efforts, these large are part of an ongoing success story. By installing nest boxes, are encouraged to reside in their previous habitats. This photo of a Purple Martin and its nesting box was taken at the on .

Which birds are you hoping to see this summer? Let us know in the comments 👇

🌊🌲🦅 Port Hardy, located at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty & abund...
04/06/2024

🌊🌲🦅 Port Hardy, located at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty & abundant wildlife, making it an excellent place for a adventure!

🛥️ When visiting , book a tour with Coastal Rainforest Safaris to the islands surrounding the northern tip of . This globally significant hosts over 90% of the Canadian population of Tufted Puffins and 55% of the global population of Cassin’s Auklet!

👉️Learn more about the Port Hardy Outpost on the BC Bird Trail: https://bcbirdtrail.ca/trails/vancouver-island-north/port-hardy/
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🌲🥾 Today is BC Trails Day!   aims to increase awareness about responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardsh...
01/06/2024

🌲🥾 Today is BC Trails Day!
aims to increase awareness about responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship while encouraging people to get out there and enjoy some of what this beautiful province has to offer.

🪶If you need some inspo, check out the BC Bird Trail website for our curated itineraries. We've got tons of trail recommendations for or even just a leisurely stroll. Happy Trails! 👋

❓  the   will regularly consume its feathers 🪶 forming a plug in its stomach? It's thought that they do this to hold fis...
29/05/2024

❓ the will regularly consume its feathers 🪶 forming a plug in its stomach? It's thought that they do this to hold fish bones until they can be properly digested.

These spectacular fellas with bright breeding plumage can be tricky to find, but you might spot them this time of year along the . You're most likely to find them during breeding season in small, marshy areas and freshwater ponds. Don't forget to tag us if you spot one! 🔎

📸 by Jacob Neumann / Shutterstock

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Two curious and cautious goslings by  in Delta, BC.Geese families are out in abundance these days! Goose mothers are pro...
24/05/2024

Two curious and cautious goslings by in Delta, BC.

Geese families are out in abundance these days! Goose mothers are protective of their goslings, who will stay with them for several months. Make sure to always admire from a respectful distance.

We love sharing your photos, so make sure to tag them with 📷⁠

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🦆🌼 It’s that time of year again! No matter where you are in BC, spring is one of the best times to get out birding. Baby...
14/05/2024

🦆🌼 It’s that time of year again! No matter where you are in BC, spring is one of the best times to get out birding. Baby birds like these little Mallards are starting to explore their surroundings and learn from their mama.

Baby birds, warmer weather, and abundant blooming flowers make spring one of our favourite times to get out birding.

If you’re wondering where to start your adventure this spring, check out the article linked to this post to find inspiration for every region. Always remember to keep a respectful distance and let nature take its course.

This adorable family scene was captured by Hollie ().

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🐦️🌍️ Tomorrow is Global Big Day! 🪶Join the world's biggest day in birds, and help eBird with citizen science. It only ta...
10/05/2024

🐦️🌍️ Tomorrow is Global Big Day!
🪶Join the world's biggest day in birds, and help eBird with citizen science.
It only takes 5 or 10 minutes to contribute: Go anywhere on , note your observations and submit them to eBird. There's even a free app to make submitting your checklist nice and easy!⁠

🗒️ This important event helps give eBird an important snapshot of bird populations across the globe!

👉️ Looking for some birding hotspots to enjoy Global Big Day? Check out the curated itineraries on our website.

📸 Image courtesy of eBird
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🦅 🦆 Greater Vancouver's Bird Celebration month starts this FRIDAY!Hosted by  and running from May 10-26, there are a var...
06/05/2024

🦅 🦆 Greater Vancouver's Bird Celebration month starts this FRIDAY!

Hosted by and running from May 10-26, there are a variety of events and activities, both in-person and online.

Whether you're a bird nerd or bird curious, check out the event calendar to find an event that suits you! All events are family-friendly and most are free.

👉️ Learn more here: https://vancouverbirdcelebration.ca/



🌊 Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) with their distinctive black plumage, vibrant orange bills, and chattering ...
29/04/2024

🌊 Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) with their distinctive black plumage, vibrant orange bills, and chattering calls are an exciting species to encounter along BC's coastal shoreline.

🤔 Did you know? Oystercatchers play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems by feeding on shellfish, including mussels and limpets. Their foraging behaviour helps regulate populations of these species and contributes to the overall health of intertidal habitats. 🦀

📸 Image credit: , taken in Parksville Qualicum Beach.

BC

🐦️🌊 The 25th annual Tofino Shorebird Festival starts THIS SUNDAY, April 28!🪶 This event hosted by Raincoast Education "c...
23/04/2024

🐦️🌊 The 25th annual Tofino Shorebird Festival starts THIS SUNDAY, April 28!
🪶 This event hosted by Raincoast Education "celebrates the spring migration of shorebirds with educational birding opportunities throughout the area."
Check out the calendar of events and experience one of the greatest migrations of wildlife in the region.

👉️ Learn more here: https://raincoasteducation.org/what-we-do/events/tofino-shorebird-festival/

📷️ Image courtesy of Raincoast Education

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Look Up, Stay Grounded

Situated on the Pacific Flyway, British Columbia is home to a vast array of North America’s best birdwatching opportunities. The BC Bird Trail is your guide to explore birding, conservation and community in the province.

As an online resource and trip-planning tool, The BC Bird Trail connects locals and tourists with all there is to know about bird watching destinations and activities across British Columbia. Funded in part by Destination BC, Tourism Richmond, Birds Canada, Indigenous Tourism BC, and more – the informative local travel website and self-guided itineraries can be found online at BCBirdTrail.ca