Birdwatching in British Columbia 2024-2025

Although a variety of birds species is widely distributed all over British Columbia, the south of the province offers some of the best birding experience. The Okanagan Valley is a must for birders as it provides consequent segregation of bird species as well as an excellent illustration of the attitudinal zonal vegetation. The diversity of habitat includes 107 resident, 193 species breeding, and 308 species recorded. The common species include Long-billed Curlew, Grasshopper Sparrow, Mountain Bluebird, Western Meadowlark, Vesper Sparrow, and Lark Sparrow.

A significant basin, known as The Georgia Depression, contains lowlands surrounding the city of Vancouver, the east coast of Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, and the coastal north. It holds a juxtaposition of varied habitats including agricultural areas, drier deciduous forests, urban parks, mixed forest, rocky coastline lagoons, urban development, open sandy shores, intertidal mudflats and both salt and freshwater marshes. The bird species are numerous and include geese, herons, swans, ducks, owls and so on. Moreover, you can see Crested Myna, Little Gull, Tropical Kingbird, Tufted Puffin, Western Tanager and much more in these areas.

George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary is listed in Canada's top 10 birding locations. Further southwards Victoria also offers nice birdwatching.

Spring and fall are often recommended to witness migrations. Summer breeding season between June and September is also extremely rewarding period. But generally, you can enjoy birdwatching all year round, with different species having different seasons.