A Symphony of Wings: Diverse Species Await
Vancouver Island boasts a breathtaking tapestry of birdlife, with over 300 species gracing its shores, forests, and skies throughout the year. Here's a glimpse into some of the feathered marvels you might encounter:
Witness the majestic Bald Eagle, a symbol of strength and freedom, as it patrols the coastline with its keen eyesight. Keep an eye out for the agile Peregrine Falcon, the fastest bird on Earth, plummeting through the sky in a breathtaking hunting dive. The graceful Turkey Vulture, with its impressive wingspan, will captivate you as it circles overhead, searching for carrion.
Be mesmerized by the vibrant plumage of the Varied Thrush, a chestnut-backed songbird with a melodious whistle. The Hutton's Vireo, a tiny olive-green wonder, will delight you with its intricate, bubbling song. Don't miss the dazzling Anna's Hummingbird, a jewel-toned marvel with iridescent feathers, as it sips nectar from vibrant flowers.
Spot a graceful Trumpeter Swan, North America's largest waterfowl, gliding elegantly across a tranquil lake. Watch playful flocks of Mallards dabbling in shallow waters, their iridescent plumage shimmering in the sunlight. Keep an eye out for shorebirds like the Killdeer, easily identified by its loud, piercing call, or the Black-bellied Plover with its distinctive black belly patch.
Observe the gregarious Common Murre, a black-and-white seabird that nests in dense colonies on rocky cliffs. The acrobatic Tufted Puffin, with its brightly coloured beak, will entertain you as it dives underwater in search of fish. Be on the lookout for the sleek Pink-footed Shearwater, a long-distance migrant that glides effortlessly across the ocean waves.