Fall Bird Migration in British Columbia

British Columbia lies in the path of the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory thoroughfare between Alaska and Patagonia that stretches some 15,000 kilometres (9,000 miles).

Beginning in mid-September, huge numbers of turkey vultures, hawks, falcons, kestrels, harriers, osprey, and eagles gather in East Sooke Park on Southern Vancouver Island before crossing Juan de Fuca Strait.

Birdwatching can be done almost anywhere—on a sea kayak birding tour in Victoria, while on a casual stroll in Stanley Park, or visiting The Raptors on Vancouver Island.

October and November at Delta’s Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a spectacular time to see up to 80,000 lesser snow geese.

Mid-November through January, bald eagles descend on Goldstream Provincial Park, near Victoria. For a similar view, Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park is a gathering place for birds from November through February.

In the Columbia Wetlands, great gray owls, colourful western tanagers, and one of the largest concentrations of great blue herons in Western Canada call this place home.

Still want more? Check out the Tofino Shorebird Festival, Bird Week, Wings Over the Rockies, the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival, and the Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival.