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Bird Watching on Vancouver Island, Bird Species, Vancouver Island Birds
Bird Watching on Vancouver Island, Bird Species, Vancouver Island Birds
Bird Watching on Vancouver Island, Bird Species, Vancouver Island Birds
Bird Watching on Vancouver Island, Bird Species, Vancouver Island Birds
Bird Watching on Vancouver Island, Bird Species, Vancouver Island Birds
Bird Watching on Vancouver Island, Bird Species, Vancouver Island Birds

Bird Watching on Vancouver Island

Bird watching was known as the "Elderly Hobby." After the rise of CORONA Virus, bird watching has become very popular on Vancouver Island. Based on what YAM Magazine claims, birding is one of the common activities in Vancouver Island's nature, done probably by many birders every year. Vancouver Island birds of prey are to blame for the global pandemic's outdoor soundtrack. The chirps and trills of Vancouver Island birds piqued our interest as we were urged to get outside by health experts. Like sourdough, coffee, and online shopping, bird watching became one of the hottest trends during the lockdown. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, more than 50,000 Canadian bird-spotting applications were made in April 2020 than in April 2019. The Island's year-round birding capital is Parksville, two hours up-island from Victoria. Not to mention that every city on Vancouver island is an independent bird watching area. Thousands of birds stop there on their trip from Patagonia to Alaska as part of the Pacific Flyway migratory route. Others spend the winter months taking advantage of the abundant food and ice-free water. Tourism Richmond's new BC Bird Trail, which debuted in September, illustrates the growing popularity of bird watching on Vancouver Island and its economic benefits. 

Vancouver Island Birds Are Awaiting!

One of the observations from which you may learn a great deal is bird watching. And you know that Vancouver Island is one of the ideal bird habitats in North America according to Birds Canada; bird watching is one of the popular outdoor activities done by people and tourists of the Island. It allows you to connect with nature by allowing you to see the minute variations between birds. There are around 10,000 species on the planet, each with its unique set of habits and ecology. Because birds do not live in isolation, you can witness a wide variety of exotic flowers and animals. Birds engage in a variety of activities that entice us to watch and admire them. Bird viewing brings you to some bird watching areas like the seaside, the street, and the forest. Also, other wildlife viewing tours may have a bird watching gift as a bonus. So, keep in mind to contact us to inform you about fabulous bird watching opportunities we have in hand for your journey.

Species / Bird Watching
Greater White-fronted Goose Watching on Vancouver Island

Greater White-fronted Goose Watching on Vancouver Island

The Greater White-fronted Geese is a stocky brown goose found across the Northern Hemisphere, including Vancouver Island.

Canada Goose Watching on Vancouver Island

Canada Goose Watching on Vancouver Island

Canadian Geese abound on Vancouver Island throughout the winter months. When migratory birds return north in the spring, this rises. Their unique coloration makes them easy to spot.

Brant Watching on Vancouver Island

Brant Watching on Vancouver Island

Brant is a type of migratory game bird on Vancouver Island. These waterfowls can be categorized as geese which come to the Island every spring.

Eagle Watching on Vancouver Island

Eagle Watching on Vancouver Island

Come to Vancouver Island to see how the apex feathered predator come down from the sky for a grab. Let Vanisle Wildlife be your company!

Vancouver Island Bird Species

If we want to start the number of every bird you may gaze upon during your bird watching tour, we would need more than one article to name them. As you know, because of the great climate Vancouver Island possesses, it is one of the ideal places where migratory birds can spend a season or more. So, based on good timing, some migratory birds might be present to show off their beauties.
However, the symbol of Vancouver Island birding is Bald eagles. Most common birds on Vancouver Island are Ducks, Geese, Swans, Sandpipers, Phalaropes, Loons, Grebes, Murres, Puffins, Shearwaters, Cormorants, Avocets, Oyster Catcher, Herron, Belted Kingfisher and Bald Eagle, Plovers, Gulls, and Jaegers. Join our bird watching groups to show you our Vancouver Island feathered friends.

Bird Watching Seasons on Vancouver Island

Top Tips for Better Bird Watching 

Be quiet. Loud noises easily scare birds, causing them to flee for cover. Avoid making any unexpected movements. Birds are startled by abrupt movement, much as they are by loud noises. Approaching a bird necessitates stalking it, moving slowly and cautiously. Study their habitat. Each bird is uniquely suited to its environment. Benefit from the flocks. Simply because there are more birds to look at, your chances of locating an uncommon bird are much higher in a flock. Patience is required. A sparrow hopping about in a bush will eventually relocate into a position where you can see it well. Bird viewing frequently takes patience and a willingness to wait for the birds to appear.

Try pishing. A birding method that includes creating little, squeaky noises with the back of your hand or blowing air through your clenched teeth to make a low whistled pish. Small birds are drawn to such noises and will frequently fly into view to investigate. Wearing brightly colored clothing is a no-no. Many birds have poor color vision, yet bright clothing, such as whites, will contrast with the surroundings and make movement look more visible. Finally, have a look around. Many bird observers are so concentrated on the flock in the thicket that they overlook the other habitats nearby.

When Is the Best Time for Bird Watching on Vancouver Island?

Because of the high number of bird migrations that occur in the fall, it is one of the greatest times of the year to go birding BC. Plus, based on what NYC Audubon claims, from dawn to 11 am is the best time of the day to go see some birds. Some of the trails with bird watching option are strategically located along areas where birds would pass by during their migration, allowing visitors or birders to catch birds migrating south in search of warmer climes. Some will stay for the entire winter to take advantage of the mild environment and plentiful food on Vancouver Island, while others will merely pause for a rest on their way south. Bird watching may be fairly thrilling during peak migration, and local birding locations might change overnight, so each outing can offer fresh surprises. Don't allow the cooler weather deter you from going bird watching in the fall; there are numerous benefits to doing so. If you don't like the heat of summer, fall birding provides a pleasant combination of warm and mild temperatures, allowing you to stay out on the trails for longer periods of time. You'll also have all the benefits of quieter trails for birdwatching because the weather is still decent, but not warm enough to lure summer crowds. If you plan on staying out for a while, remember to carry layered clothing because even on pleasant days, mornings and evenings can be chilly. Now is a good time, if you can, to get back into the habit of keeping a set of warm clothes in your car.

Where Is the Best Location for Bird Watching on Vancouver Island?

Bird watching is one of the widespread activities on Vancouver Island, which is being done all over it. Parksville is the bird-watching capital of Vancouver Island, offering great birding opportunities for professional and beginner birders, including indoor bird watching. Enthusiast may find the chance to observe these feathered creatures on each coordination of the Island. Nonetheless, some of the best places you may go to watch some birds are Tofino Mudflats, Deep Bay Spit, Admirals Lagoon, Sidney Spit, Little Qualicum Estuary, Nanaimo Estuary, Somass Estuary, Englishman River Estuary and Courtenay Airpark. Furthermore, bird watching is also available on the rocky and sandy beaches along every coast. Swan Lake is a wildlife haven in the heart of the city, and it's a great place to start if you're new to the area. Spring warblers, wrens, downy woodpeckers, waterfowl, raptors, and the occasional rare bird can all be seen throughout the year. Based on experience, do not underestimate some of the trails on Vancouver Island. Nothing more than listening to a bird singing can cheer you up while trying to finish a tough hike. It can sometimes refresh your soul to go on strongly.

10 Best Birding Hotspots on Vancouver Island

Experience a different bird viewing in the capital of bird watching on Vancouver Island. 

Birds in Port McNeil are awaiting for you beloved birders, Don't waste any time!

What can be more delightful than viewing birds in the capital of Vancouver Island.

Right on the eastern side of the Island there lays an amazing bird watching hotspot.

While spending time in the Pacific Rim region, try great Tofino bird watching?!

A great place customized for a sheltered bird watching along with other activities.

Great bird Watching Trail on Southern Island

Decent bird Watching for animal Lovers

Another awesome place to go for a customized bird watching in a virgin environment.

Come here for listening to birds' singing on the most famous trail of the island.

Let's See Some Birds!

Follow the link and customize the kind of bird watching tour you desire on Vancouver Island. Stay at peach, since Vanisle Wildlife take all your wishes under considerations.

How Much Bird Watching Cost?

Every year, millions of Canadians and people in North America engage in bird watching events, and birding activity has been steadily rising for decades. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, bird watching activities contribute more than $100 billion to the national economy each year. Nowadays, with the rise of Covid-19, bird watching has found its place among people and tourists on Vancouver Island. Bird watching tours can differ in price based on the options you choose for your birding adventure and the services you expect Vanisle Wildlife to provide. Nevertheless, our prices for bird watching adventures begin from $90 and increase accordingly.

Know Before a Vancouver Island Bird Watching

-Bird populations are diverse and numerous, and they use a wide range of habitats, thus their numbers and behaviours are markers of ecosystem health. -Migratory birds make up three-quarters of the population of Canada. They migrate north in the spring to take advantage of the long days of the Canadian summer and swarms of bugs, then return to warmer parts of the Americas when Canada is blanketed in snow. -Birdwatching and bird listening can be amazing experiences, but you need to be attentive and, most importantly, quiet. -Noise pollution and loud noises can shock wildlife, causing stress in birds and other creatures. While making some noise on the path to alert animals of your presence is a good thing, especially while hiking in bear country, blaring your speakers and partying into the night does far more harm than good.
- Many birders keep a life list, which is a list of all the species they've seen in their lives, usually including information like the date and location of the sighting. The American Birding Association has certain requirements for how a bird species should be documented and recorded in such a list if it is submitted to the ABA; nevertheless, the criteria for personal recording of these lists are extremely subjective.

Your Guide for Bird Watching on Vancouver Island

It is essential to have a decent and experienced tour guide. You'll be able to learn which species are likely to be present at the time of year you plan to visit, as well as the appropriate areas to look for them in. The nature on Vancouver Island is so vast that even indigenous people aren't entirely dominant on every part of it. So, if you don't want to get lost in it, it's best to ask a wildlife viewing tour operator to introduce you to an experienced guide.
For the time being, let's elaborate on the reasons why asking an expert tour guide is a must:

1. They have guided too many visitors and have enough knowledge regarding the potential bird watching locations. 2. They can help you learn how to behave while watching birds and not scaring them off. Also, they how to help you make the most of your bird watching adventure. 3. Bird watching tour guides have guided so many people through this magnificent journey, and they know when is the best time to view some birds amongst the dense trees of the forest. 4. Last but not least, you can benefit from the services they provide for the convenience of your bird watching journey.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, hop on and head to Vancouver Island. Bring your nature-expedition bucket list and check them all here. Plan your bird watching adventure in advance and finish it by choosing the right tour operator. For more information regarding selecting the best bird watching tour operator on Vancouver Island, please feel free to contact our team. Vanisle Wildlife is a proud tour operator in responsible whale watching, bear watching, bird watching and wildlife viewing, and we are willing to educate our guests about the wonders and the fragility of Vancouver Island's lands, water, and air.

Go Beyond for Your Bird Watching

Port Renfrew Wildlife Watching

Port Renfrew Wildlife Watching

Ucluelet Wildlife Watching

Ucluelet Wildlife Watching

Port Hardy Wildlife Watching

Port Hardy Wildlife Watching

Tofino Wildlife Watching

Tofino Wildlife Watching

Victoria Wildlife Watching

Victoria Wildlife Watching

Telegraph Cove Wildlife Watching

Telegraph Cove Wildlife Watching

Campbell River Wildlife Watching

Campbell River Wildlife Watching

Port McNeil Wildlife Watching

Port McNeil Wildlife Watching

Sidney Wildlife Watching

Sidney Wildlife Watching

Port Alberni Wildlife Watching

Port Alberni Wildlife Watching

Sooke Wildlife Watching

Sooke Wildlife Watching

Parksville Wildlife Watching

Parksville Wildlife Watching

Bird Watching FAQs

You'll be able to start birdwatching with presence, curiosity, and patience. You can experiment with different habitats, seasons, and locations to improve your birding skills. You should be able to identify and learn about the species you come across in your bird guide.
Have Seen any Birds? Share it Away!
Ron Shillum
June 30, 2023, 20:27

Looking for appropriate bird house designs for the Comox Valley. Some of our Senior residents would like to put up birdhouses to attract birds. We have a small Hobby Shop for volunteers to assist with construction and selecting locations. We are on the Puntledge Estuary at Ocean Front Village in Courtenay. Any guidance appreciated.

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Fiyona
May 6, 2022, 06:42

Is birding on Vancouver Island a year-round activity?

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Admin in reply Fiyona
September 7, 2022, 06:14

Hi,
Yeah birding is done all over the year, However during fall and spring the number of birds increases to a considerable amount due to migration which can make your bird watching tour even more delightful.

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