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 !

 

November Birding Tips

Arrival of most wintering species.

  • Most species have moved down off the mountains into to lower areas in search of food and a warmer climate. Fewer species occupy the upper forests at this time of year.
  • Similar species may join mixed flocks and flock together. Look for a rare bird mixed with common species.
  • Good places to search include berry bushes and trees. Check Aspens, Arbutus, Blackberry and other fruiting plants.
  • Check harvested farm fields, mud flats, estuaries, and the sea shore for wintering shorebirds, raptors, sparrows, and other passerines.
  • At dusk, listen for owls calling in or near forested areas
  • Check and watch activity around bird feeders. Birds will be hungry in the morning hours and some develop feeding patterns based on the availability of food in a location.
  • Scan along the tree-tops and along fence rows for a perched raptor, owl, or shrike.
  • Scan lakes, bays, and open water for a variety of waterfowl species.
  • On a stormy day, check grass fields for gulls

Good time to go out birding as leaves have fallen for most trees making birds more visible.

 

Recommended Bird Finding Guide Books for BC

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.

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.

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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