Canada is a little known birder's paradise, offering diverse ecosystems that attract a diverse array of bird species, particularly during the spring and summer months (May to September). From coastal wetlands to the rugged rocky mountains, the expansive boreal forest and threatened grasslands Canada is home to many migratory species and some high-quality and desired year-round residents. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just starting out, Canada’s birdwatching hotspots provide some amazing experiences. At Meadowlark Birding Tours, we’ve curated a list of the best birding spots in Canada, in no particular order. At these locations you can find everything from migrant warblers to owls in the cold winter months. Ready to plan your next birding adventure? Let’s dive into some of the best birdwatching destinations Canada has to offer. Point Pelee National Park
Point Pelee National Park is often regarded as Canada's premier birding location, and understandably so. It is located in southwestern Ontario and is the extreme southern tip of the Canadian mainland. Point Pelee is a 15km peninsula that juts out into Lake Erie, making it the first land migratory birds encounter as they cross the a lake, resulting in a "migrant trap" effect. The first three weeks of May mark peak spring migration, with vibrant warblers, including Protonotary Warblers, Blackburnian Warblers, Black-throated Blue Warblers and Northern Parulas, vireos, and other songbirds such as Wood Thrushes, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Scarlet Tanagers passing through. Typicially, a day of biridng at Point Pelee starts with a visit to the tip, waterbirds such as Red-breasted Mergansers, Bonaparte's Gulls and Common Terns often rest on the sandy spit. If the wind conditions are favourable, birders may be lucky to witness a phenomenon known as "reverse migration" where hundreds of birds stream south, over the tip towards Lake Erie. The reason for this behaviour is not yet fully understood. Leisurely walking the trails of the park is rewarding, and one may be treated with up to 30 species of warbler with a visit at the correct time of year! There are also hotspots nearby, most notably Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. The wetland complex here often yeilds numerous shoreboirds, particularly flocks of Dunlin, Black-bellied Plovers and Ruddy Turnstones. In the evening, the twittering display of male American Woodcocks can be seen at the parking lot of the DeLaurier Homestead trail. If you are interested in visiting Point Pelee National Park, we encourage you to join our Point Pelee Migration Birding Tour. The Bay of Fundy & Grand Manan
The Bay of Fundy, straddling the border between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is one of Canada’s best birding destinations. Known for its extraordinary tidal ranges, some of the highest in the world. The tidal flats, mudflats, and coastal marshes become a bustling feeding ground for shorebirds in early August. Tens of thousands of Semipalmated Sandpipers line the shores and are best observed at high tide, when there is limited space for them. If you are dedicated you may be able to pick out an uncommon White-rumped Sandpiper amongst the large flock. Other shorebird species found here are Semipalmated Plovers, Least Sandpipers, and the 'Eastern' subspecies of Willet which may one day earn full species status. When we visit this region on our Bay of Fundy & Grand Manan Birding Tour, we also spend time in the forests looking for migrants such as Blackburnian, Bay-breasted and Black-throated Green Warblers and Blue-headed Vireos. At Bay of Fundy National Park we have a chance to find Boreal Chickadee, a scarce species on the east coast. Grand Manan Island is another highlight of this region, situated in the Bay of Fundy it is the perfect launching point for a pelagic trip. In the offshore waters here we can expect to find Great Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrels and thousands of Red-necked Phalaropes. If you are lucky, one may spot a South Polar Skua or Cory's Shearwater in the offshore waters of the bay. In August, the Bay of Fundy offers birdwatchers unparalleled opportunities to see both migratory species and local residents in a spectacular coastal setting. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, the Bay of Fundy should be on your birding bucket list. Cold Lake, Alberta
Located along the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, Cold Lake is an often-overlooked birding gem that offers a rich diversity of species and peaceful natural landscapes. This quiet area, centred around Cold Lake, which is more than 25km wide and the surrounding boreal forest and transitional parkland, is a haven for both migratory and breeding birds. Located three hours northeast of Edmonton it is an ideal location for birdwatchers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. 22 warbler species can be found here, notably high density of Tennessee Warblers and Connecticut Warblers and species such as Chestnut-sided Warbler and the 'ruficapilla' subspecies of Nashville Warbler and Palm Warbler reaching the western extent of their range. The style of birding here is much different than other warbler hotspots such as Point Pelee National Park where the most of the warblers are strictly migrants, here they are focusing on breeding and establishing/defending their territories. This means that we can reliably find them in their preferred habitats with more predictability as well as hear them singing. It's not just warblers that make this area special, however. On this tour we also commonly find species such as Boreal Chickadee, Canada Jay, LeConte's Sparrow, Nelson's Sparrow, Yellow Rail and if we are lucky, Great Gray Owl. On our Cold Lake Warblers Birding Tour, we often see nearly 150 species, and believe that nobody knows this area as well as Meadowlark Birding Tours! Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill, located on the shores of Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba, is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” but it is also renowned destination for birdwatching, particularly in June. At this time of year the region is teeming with migratory and breeding birds. Thousands of birds return to the region each year to nest. Some of the most common species include Arctic Terns, Pacific Loons and White-crowned Sparrows. The region's varied ecosystems, coastal subarctic tundra, boreal forests, and wetlands, provide ideal habitats for range species, making it a birdwatching paradise. While it may not have the diversity of other birding locations in Canada, it has unique species that are difficult to find elsewhere. Other species to keep a keen eye for are, Willow Ptarmigan, Hudsonian Godwit, Parasitic Jaeger, Little Gull, Sabine's Gull and Red-throated Loon. Churchill was once the most reliable place in the world to see the enigmatic, Ross's Gull, and while none have been seen in nearly a decade, it is something to keep in mind as a possibility. Churchill isn't easy to reach as there are no roads connecting it to the rest of the country, but there are commercial flights from Winnipeg and regular train service on VIA Rail. On our Churchill - Subarctic in Spring Tour, we will arrange all transportation and accommodation with the tour beginning in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Saskatchewan and Alberta Grasslands
Birding on the grasslands of southwestern Saskatchewan and southeast Alberta is a truly spectacular experience, offering vast, open landscapes that are home to a wide variety of bird species. The expansive, rolling plains of the Canadian Prairies are alive with the sounds of Western Meadowlarks, Horned Larks, and Savannah Sparrows, while wetlands and shallow lakes attract large populations of migratory waterfowl, such as Northern Pintails and Cinnamon Teal. This region is also a critical breeding ground for rare species like Sprague’s Pipit, Baird's Sparrow, Thick-billed and Chestnut-collared Longspurs, Lark Buntings and Burrowing Owls. As you travel through the prairies, you may also spot Ferruginous Hawks hunting over the open fields which are home to Long-billed Curlews and Upland Sandpipers. Given the size of the area, it’s difficult to pinpoint just one location in Saskatchewan and Alberta, the entire region offers incredible birding opportunities. Whether exploring the Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan or the Wild Horse or Tide Lake area of the Alberta prairie, birdwatchers are sure to be rewarded with diverse species and breathtaking scenery. For the purposes of this blog post, we have included bandlands locations such as UNESCO World Heritage site Dinosaur Provincial Park in this region. On our Canadian Prairies Birding Tour which takes place each year in early June, we visit all of the important birding hotspots in this region. Okanagan Valley
The region’s mild climate and diverse ecosystems make it a haven for birdwatchers. One of the Okanagan's standout features is its role as a migratory corridor for both songbirds and waterfowl, particularly in spring and fall. The valley is home to several Canadian specialty species that are hard to find elsewhere such as Flammulated Owl, Gray Flycatcher, Williamson's Sapsucker and Lewis's Woodpecker inhabit the ponderosa pine forests. While Sage Thrashers and Grasshopper Sparrows can be found locally in the open grasslands and sagebrush of the area. On the cliffs Rock Wrens and Canyon Wrens can be heard belting put their songs while White-throated Swifts circle above. The region's rich biodiversity, combined with its unique topography, makes the Okanagan Valley an outstanding birding location, attracting both casual birdwatchers and seasoned enthusiasts looking for rare species and stunning scenery. After a day of birding, visitors can unwind by sampling the region’s celebrated wines. The Okanagan’s vineyards, set against a backdrop of stunning mountains and lakes, offer a perfect way to relax and reflect on a day of birdwatching amidst breathtaking scenery. We visit the Okanagan Valley in May as we offer our Okanagan Valley in Spring Birding Tour where we will be on the lookout for many of these specialties. Newfoundland's Avalon/Bonavista Peninsula
Newfoundland is a hidden gem for birdwatchers, offering an incredible diversity of species due to its unique geography and ecosystems. The island’s rugged coastlines, lush forests, and expansive bogs provide ideal habitats for both migratory and resident birds, making it a must-visit birding destination in Canada. Top hotspots on "The Rock" include Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, home to one of the largest seabird colonies in North America. Here, birders can spot Northern Gannets, Razorbills and Common Murres. Elliston's Bird Island is another prime location, known for its cooperative colony of thousands of Atlantic Puffins which provide excellent photography opportunities. Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is located conveniently close to St. John's and on a regular whale watching trip from Bay Bulls, birdwatchers can get an up close and personal view of the islands that hold millions of nesting seabirds. This location is one of the best sites to find Thick-billed Murre in North America. Abundant songbirds on the Avalon include Blackpoll Warbler, Fox Sparrow and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. In the winter months, Newfoundland becomes a hotspot for tough to find and sought-after species such as Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull and Dovekie. For the past few summers, a Steller's Sea-Eagle has been frequentiong the coastline near Trinity, will this bird continue in future years? Contact us about a custom tour to Newfoundland. Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Canada, especially for birding enthusiasts visiting in August and September. This time of year is ideal for observing a wide range of bird species on their southbound migration. Coastal areas, particularly along the island's northern and western shores, are prime locations to spot waterbirds such an array of confusing gull, many of which are hybrids, alcids, and cormorants. The island’s diverse habitats also attract shorebirds like Western Sandpipers, Black Turnstones, and Black Oystercatchers which can often be seen feeding along tidal flats and beaches. In addition to the rich birdlife, the wilderness ins close proximity to the island is home to some of the highest concentrations of Grizzly Bears on the pacific coast. The late summer months are ideal for bear viewing, as grizzlies forage along riverbanks for salmon, providing a rare and exciting opportunity for wildlife watchers. Whether you're birding or bear-watching, Vancouver Island is a must-see destination for nature lovers in late summer and early fall. Contact us about a custom tour to Vancouver Island. Calgary, Alberta
While it it not widely known, Calgary offers very good birding opportunities year-round. The city’s proximity to the intersection of the foothills, aspen parkland, boreal forest and the prairies results in diverse habitats near the city.In spring and fall, thousands of migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds pass through the city and neighbouring regions. During the breeding season, the cattails and reeds are filled with Yellow-headed Blackbirds while American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts feed along the shoreline. In the forests one can find Western Wood-Pewees, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Baltimore Orioles, and Swainson's Hawks are the most numerous raptor. Winter time brings a new and exciting suite of bird species, it is quality over quantity in these months as the number of species found from December to early March is limited. However, Calgary in the winter is one of the best places in North America to find Snowy Owls, Great Gray Owls and Northern Hawk Owls as well as irruptive winter finches and residents such as American Three-toed Woodpecker and Boreal Chickadee. Join us on a private Calgary day trip or schedule a custom tour. Gavin McKinnonGavin McKinnon is a professional birding tour leader and the founder of Meadowlark Birding Tours. He can be contacted by email at [email protected].
0 Comments
|
