Hey everyone,

I'm looking to take the ferry down from Prince Rupert on Friday the 24th, and will have about 3 days on Vancouver Island to go birding. The current plan is to rent a car in Port Hardy and drive down to Victoria over the 3 days, seeing as much as I can. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best place to see birds on the Island during this time of the year?

Many thanks!
-Julia

One stop you can make and it's right beside the highway is Somenos Marsh just as you enter Duncan it'll be on your left. Soon as you see The Forest Discovery Centre, Baljet GM and the new big stupid city type mall with Can Tire etc. you'll see the Marsh. You'll have to turn just after Thrifty Foods and get back on the highway north. There's an place to park and hit the boardwalk. Good for a liitle leg stretch and viewing.

Oh keep your eyes open for signs. The Pacific Raptor Centre on Herd Rd is a must see.
About two minutes from Duncan you'll see the North Cowichan Municiple Hall. The next light is Herd Rd to the left. Five minutes along Herd on the left is the Raptor Centre. They do flying demos etc. It's a great spot. Plus since this is just minutes from my place your sure to see some hawk, eagle or vulture sightings. The area seems pretty thick with them.

Both spots are very close.

Have fun.

_________________
"Wake Up To Nature"

Hi There,

In the Greater Victoria area I would add Swan Lake - Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. There is a lake, small deciduous woods. It is fairly well signed for a nature center. Traveling north on highway 17 take the McKenzie Road exit and go east. Turn right again at the first road. At the T-intersection go left and at the end of that road you should see the parking lot.

Cattle Point and Uplands Park are also nice to go to (in the Oak Bay area of Greater Victoria). There is a nice rocky beach area that is good for marine birds. Across the road (Beach Drive) there is a Garry Oak meadow with walking trails. Sorry if these directions are a bit convoluted. but the park is on google maps if you need to get a visual. From downtown Victoria travelling north on Blanshard turn right (east) onto Fort Street (one way). Continue along Fort. You will go straight through a funny shaped intersection and then past Foul Bay Road (there will be a Safeway complex to your right at this intersection). Turn right onto Cranmore Road (if you miss this one turn right onto Bowker Avenue and continue with remaining directions). At the end of the road (T-intersection) turn left onto Beach Drive. Follow Beach Drive and turn right at the Scenic Drive sign/entrance. There is a boat launch here and amply parking.

Also the Victoria Natural History Society does field trips Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Check their website for more information.

Happy Birding