Birding in British Columbia

A hub for birding information for British Columbia, Canada. Featuring Rare Bird Alerts, directory to nature clubs and online birding groups, birding forums, and more.

Where to go?

British Columbia is a vast and diverse natural region of Canada located on the Pacific Flyway that hosts many world renowned birding locations.

From offshore pelagics to high alpine plateau, from temperate rainforests to pocket deserts, from coastal bays and inlets to rolling prairie, British Columbia has it all.

Choose where to go based in the species you wish to see !

Bird ID & Location Help

Bird Photography

Birder's Corner

Regional Birding Talk

June Birding Tips

Most breeding bird species are have arrived and begin nesting.

  • Watch for juvenile birds as they often look different from their parents
  • Listen for the persistent calls from hungry young
  • Start early in the day as birds are most active in the morning (birds avoid hot sun as well)
  • Forests, Meadows, Hilltop, and Sea and Oceans should have an abundance of species to view.
  • During breeding and post-breeding, song birds will quiet down so listen and learn their call sounds, however some species may continue to sing.
  • Post breeding adults and juveniles may wander outside their normal range, watch for rare species
  • Many birds molt in summer and develop an alternate/eclipse plumage which is more drab, offering a better natural camouflage.

Late May to early June is the best time to discover rare species as migrating birds may overshoot their breeding areas.

Birds to watch for: nighthawks, flycatchers, and rarities

 

Recommended Bird Finding Guide Books for BC

Book: The Sibley Guide to Birds, 2nd Edition

The Sibley Guide to Birds, 2nd Edition Essential field guide for identifying our North American Birds.

Good clear colour plates with notes and key details to help with bird identification.

Book: Field Guide to North American Birds

Field Guide to North American Birds
Best-selling North American bird field guide is the most up-to-date guide on the market.

Compact, good colour plates and many rare species covered in this bird identification book.

Book: Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding

Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding
Bird Identification Challenges and How to Approach Them

A great resource for learning advanced identification skills! Not intended for beginners but invaluable as you learn to identify more birds.

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