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 !

 

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.

Birding in British Columbia is an online magazine and community message board produced and maintained by K. Slagboom | About

Copyright © K. Slagboom 1997-2024.
Web site maintained by Cool New Media
.