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.
Rare Bird Alert
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 !
Visitor Information
Recommended Binoculars
Nikon Monarchs (Nikon M7 or Nikon M5) are a popular choice among birders as they offer a good balance between quality optics and price. The M7 is waterproof and protects the bins better from water, dust/sand, bumps and knocks. Get the M5s if you mostly bird in fair weather and on easy trails.
8x42 magnification is the sweet spot for most birders, as more magnification is not better. If you have sharp eyes and really steady hands, you can try 10x42 to get that extra zoom. When increasing magnificaiton, you sacrifice field of view so there is a trade off.
Bird Photography
- Oct 04 2024 Photo Challenge - All BC Birds! (184)
- Aug 29 Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Willows Beach) (1)
- Aug 27 Scratching an itch (1)
- Aug 27 Mallard taking off (1)
- Aug 27 Mallard taking a bath (1)
- Aug 08 What are the best cameras and lenses for p... (6)
- Aug 06 American Goldfinches fighting (1)
- Jul 28 Song Sparrow (1)
Birder's Corner
- Sep 18 Rookie Backyard Bird Lover (2)
- Aug 13 american white pelican (1)
- May 05 OWL Open House May 4 & 5 2024 (2)
- Feb 17 Birdhouse (1)
- Nov 02 East Sooke Buffet (1)
- Sep 09 Black capped Chickadees Nesting? (1)
Birding in the News
Sep 22, 2024 | Coast Reporter
Sep 17, 2024 | CTV News Barrie
Oct 10, 2024 | Times Colonist
Oct 09, 2024 | City of Richmond
Aug 31, 2024 | Dignity Memorial
October Birding Tips
Fall migration continues, arrival of wintering species in south BC.
- On the warmer, sunnier days, watch the sky for migrating raptors, soaring high in the mid-day thermals.
- 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.
- During southern migration, bad weather may produce a fallout of species, especially near a large crossing. Check areas at the fringe of a large body of water crossing as birds will rest and wait for good weather before making the journey south.
- Pelagic species may venture into coastal waters to feed. Ferry passengers can often view several pelagic species during a crossing.
- Summer vagrants species may still be around, keep an eye out for them.
- Let garden flowers go to seed to help attract seed eating birds.
- Check harvested farm fields, low reservoirs, mud flats, estuaries, and the sea shore for migrating shorebirds.
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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