Birdwatching in British Columbia

Birding contacts and birdwatching information



Local Birdingpal Contacts

Local Birdwatchers Using the Birdingpal resources you must agree to the following: If you contact a local Birdingpal and make arrangement to go birding, you should note it is common courtesy to make sure you show up for the appointment. If for any reason you are unable to do this, the least you must do is contacting the local Pal right away. Please note that most Birdingpals are serious birdwatchers. It is a privilege to contact them, and your message should reflect it. A local Pal does not get paid, but should he/she offer to take you out birding, using their own vehicle, it would be courteous to pay for the fuel. A lunch and/or a small gift would also be appropriate, something as simple as a souvenir of your country, or a pin from your local birding club. _____________________________________________________________ We want to hear about your experiences with Birdingpals. Please contact us with any comments or suggestions you have. CONTACT US _____________________________________________________________
		Initial	Last Name	Area	Available	Language
		M	Vooys	Abbotsford	Anytime	English, Dutch
		I live in the Fraser Valley, an hour east of Vancouver. Great birding at Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Iona Island and Boundary Bay. I have been birding since 2000 and have birded over much of the USA and Canada. I am aiming to see 700 ABA birds by 2012.
		D	Koenig	Chilliwack	Anytime	English
		Retired teacher living 100 km east of Vancouver. Fraser River Valley great for birding especially Bald Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons, raptors. Mountains and lakes nearby. I can take you hiking, biking or kayaking to see birds.
		D	Nicholson	Cranbrook	Anytime	English
		In terms of birding around Cranbrook, our local checklist has 260 species. Depending on the time of year a good total for a couple days of serious birding could be upwards of 140 birds. The area has birds typical of the southern interior cordilleran zone. During migration we get species that are boreal or arctic breeders in addition to the resident and local breeders. The area is also referred to as the Serengeti of North America because of the healthy populations of large mammals. One cannot help but see Whitetail, Mule Deer and Elk, and with some work Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat and Black Bear can be seen. I am an amateur naturalist, and in addition to local birds am also very familiar with local butterflies, moths and dragonflies.
		P	Lynch	Creston	Anytime	English
		Creston is home to the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, a 6,800 hectare (17,000 acre) expanse of wetland, grassland, woodland, and lower mountain slopes. The management area is a RAMSAR site recognizing its importance as a wetland. There is a wildlife interpretation centre which is open during the summer months and many kilometres of trails open year around. Not far away is Duck Lake. A short drive is the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge near Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Outside of the wildlife management area the valley has agriculture land which is also excellent birding during most of the year. The Creston Valley is also known as the Valley of the Swans. Each spring hundreds, to even thousands of swans, arrive during their migration north. About 300 species have been recorded in the local area. I have called them Creston valley home for about forty years and always been watching the birds. Other interests include hiking, photography, bicycling, canoeing, kayaking as well just about anything outdoors. The area around Creston abounds with opportunities for self-propelled recreation. In another life I taught ornithology, managed peregrine falcon recovery monitoring programmes, conducted fire effects monitoring programmes for birds, vegetation, small mammals and some charismatic species too.
		G	Sorenson	Delta	Weekends	English, very basic French and Spanish
		I am a bird biologist working with Bird Studies Canada in British Columbia. I am familiar with the best birding spots around Delta and the lower mainland and am happy to go birding with visitors in this area. I have birded and worked on field jobs across Canada and the United States.		Area: Delta, BC and Fraser River Estuary IBA Brunswick Point, Alaksen NWA, Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Boundary Bay, Boundary Bay Regional Park, Ladner--South Arm Marsh WMA, Deas Island Regional Park Area Birds: Wintering raptors, passerine hotspots, migrating and wintering waterfowl and shorebirds, gull congregations, and rare birds when they appear	Interests: Nature: birdwatching
		A	Murray	Delta	Anytime	English, some French
		Author of A Nature Guide to Boundary Bay. Keen birder, live near Boundary Bay, Fraser River Estuary, major Important Bird Area in Canada. Knowledge of many birding areas in BC.
		T	Mitra	Delta	Weekends	English, Bengali
		I live a half hour away from Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. I am a Delta Naturalist Casual Birding member.
		R	Rutledge	Duncan, Vancouver Island	Anytime	English, French
		I live on Vancouver Island, one hr. North of Victoria and 10 mins. from Somenos Marsh. For Raptor lovers we have a Raptor exhibit 10 mins. away as well. There are many sites to visit for water birds and woodlands birds as well.
		R	Lawson	Duncan, Vancouver Island	Anytime	English
		Half way between Victoria and Nanaimo on the very natural Vancouver Island (NOT Vancouver). Willing to travel up and down south east Island - some international experience but just moved here late 2011, so not a local expert - but active as a birder.
		A	van Woerden	Fraser Valley	Anytime	English
		G	Dreger	Kamloops	Anytime	English
		I am very knowledgeable about the rural areas near Kamloops. I enjoy wildlife photography and am involved with the birding atlas of BC. The area is forested uplands and grasslands with waterfowl, raptors and many songbirds.
		D	Chapman	Kamloops	Weekend	English
		Fairly avid birder willing to share the local knowledge gained over the last few years.
		M	Klotz	Langley, B.C.	Weekends and Evenings	English, minor Spanish
		I am 40 something with a large love of birding and nature in general. I am very familiar with all the areas in Vancouver and surrounding area and would be interested in taking folks out for a half day.		Area: All of Greater Vancouver Area Birds: Pacific Coast Specialties.	Interests: Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, fishing
		L	Redford	Likely	Anytime	English
		P	Whalen	Nakusp, British Columbia	Anytime, April through September.	English and French
		Nice easy stroll in the early morning. I'm a photographer so bring your camera as well as binoculars. I have spare bins and scopes. Level of expertise is intermediate.		Area: Summit Lake and Upper Arrow Lake Area Birds: Ospreys, Bald Eagles, song birds, flycatchers and a few warblers.	Interests: Nature: birdwatching, photography, butterflies. Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, long walk, cruise. Sports: golf, fishing. Other interests: Travelling.
		G	Davidson	Nakusp	Anytime	English
		Nakusp is a small town in rural British Columbia on the shores of Arrow Lake. May and June are the best times to visit, August and September also quite good.
		A	Kirkley	Nanoose Bay	Anytime	English
		I live in an Important Birding Area on the east coast of Vancouver Island and would be pleased to show anyone the local birding locations.
		D	Sly	Nelson	Anytime	English, some French, German
		Amateur birder who keeps in touch. Does the bird counts.
		L	Wyman	New Westminster	Anytime	English
		I am a very amateur birder, although I am keen to learn more. I work random hours, so could be able to go out during the week or weekend. The Lazuli bunting is one of my favorite finds at Colony Farm.
		N	Robins	Parksville/Oceanside/Nanaimo	Anytime	English
		I am a birder who leads bird walks twice a week with the Backyard Wildbird Store. I live in Parksville which is an area filled with seabirds from November to May. From May to November the forests in the area are alive with songbirds. Check the www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com for up to date sightings in the Parksville and area.
		G	Roy	Pender Island	Anytime	English, French
		Located in the Gulf islands in southern British Columbia. Noted for seabirds, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Ducks etc.
		S	McRuer	Port Alberni	Anytime	English
		I have birded on Vancouver Island for 30 years and know most of it. Being located centrally in Port Alberni I know good birding spots both in the Tofino-Ucluelet area and the area North of Nanaimo, as well as the area around Port Alberni.
		W	Brick	Port Alberni	Anytime	English
		J	Plante	Port Hardy, Vancouver Island	Anytime	English
		West coast of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Bald eagles, great blue herons, hawks, sea birds, hummingbirds, songbirds (wrens), etc. I have been chasing birds with a camera for a looong time.
		A	Clements	Powell River	Anytime	English, some Spanish
		We live in a rural area north of Vancouver on the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia. It is a wonderful birding area with many indigenous birds. It is especially rich in winter waterbirds. We are serious birders who have birded in Europe, Australia, Japan, Central and South America and throughout North America. We are members of our local naturalist club so we know many local birders.
		K	Jochim	Quesnel	Anytime	English, German, Latin
		Good birding especially in spring.
		J	Hudson	Richmond	Anytime	English
		I have worked for 20 years as a field technician in ornithological research projects in B.C., U.S., Ireland and U.K. I have been studying and enjoying bird behaviour, and teaching and leading people new to birds in the Vancouver area for 10 years. I've led several Pals in the past. I have a relaxed approach to birding and teaching, and emphasize awareness and connection with our environment.		Area: West Dyke Trail, Terra Nova, Iona Regional Park, Reifel Bird Sancturary Area Birds: booming bitterns, flashy warblers orioles and tanagers, raptors and rarities	Interests: birdwatching, photography, butterflies, walking, hiking, music.
		V	Knap	Richmond	Anytime	English, Czek, Russian
		J	Hodges	Roberts Creek	Anytime	English
		I have been birding here for 5 years and know the hotspots on the Sunshine Coast. Mission Point, which is about 10 minutes away, is a good spot to find Rock Sandpiper in the winter. Roberts Creek is on the Sunshine Coast a 40 minute ferry ride from Vancouver.
		L	Rockwell	Summerland	Anytime	English
		Birding seriously since 1973. Trout Creek Ecological Reserve warden since 1992. Studying a population of Gray Flycatchers since 1990. Contributing nest records to the BC Nest Record Scheme since 1980. Conduct a Birding For Beginners course for a local college and Parks and Recreation department. The Summerland area is approximately 50 km from Kelowna to the north and 15km from Penticton in the south. It is an area of dry forest and agriculture. Water birding is confined to the shores of Okanagan Lake,primarily during migration and the winter. Species in this area that may be of interest are: Gray Flycatcher, Red-breasted, Pygmy and White-breasted Nuthatchs, Western Bluebird, Rock Wren, White-throated Swift, Western Tanager, Clarke's Nutcracker and Cassin's Finch. Summerland is about an hours drive from exotics like Yellow-breasted Chat, Brewer's Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Chukar, Gray Partridge, Mountain Bluebird, Bobolink, Canyon Wren and Williamson's Sapsucker. Although I am unable to accompany you on such long outings, I can still guide you to resources and areas over coffee.
		G	Pugh	Surrey, British Columbia	Most days (dependent on other committments)	English
		Local birder who enjoys making new contacts and showing visitors around the varied habitats of the Lower Mainland.		Area: Area Birds: Any birds that are generally found in the area	Interests: Nature: birdwatching
		J	Gordon	Surrey/Langley, BC	Anytime	English
		Former Photojournalist who has had a lifetime interest in nature and has been birding regularly since 2009. I have birded with BirdPals in the UK and across Canada with great success. Although more geared toward bird photography outings I am also a birder and enjoy learning from other birders who may teach me a thing or two.		Area: Vancouver/Boundary Bay/Fraser Valley Area Birds: Short-eared Owls, American Tree Sparrow, Bald Eagle and other seasonal species.	Interests: Nature: birdwatching, twitching, bird photography,
		L	Pollard	Surrey	Anytime	English
		Close to Boundary Bay, one of the most important IBA's in Canada.
		G	Carlson	Surrey/Vancouver	Anytime	English, some Swedish, French
		I'm a professional biologist, who lives near the SW Coast of British Columbia, within driving distance to the rain forests and to the Boundary Bay IBA marine area and Reifel Bird Sanctuary.
		J	Bell	Terrace	Anytime	English
		Terrace is a couple hours south of the alaskan panhandle and part of the Pacific Flyway. A variety of songbirds stay here to breed, and we are only a 30 minute drive from the Kitimat River Estuary which is a major attraction to both breeding and migrating waterfowl. Terrace is an ideal staging point for birders as we are located in the middle of various converging habitats: coastal wetlands, rugged mountains, subalpine, old growth conifers and deciduous flats are all close by. A day's travel northward will take you to the Boreal region. In Prince Rupert you can take the Ferry to the Queen Charlotte Islands to see magnificent sea birds, and thereare adventure tours in Prince Rupert that offer birding, wild grizzly bear watching and world class fishing.
		G	Sunderland	Vancouver, British Columbia	Anytime	English
		I used to run my own nature tour business so am used to guiding both groups and individuals. Have also worked for 23 years as a cruise ship naturalist speaker so am personable and know the value of being entertaining. Have lived and birded in Vancouver for over 30 years so am pretty familiar with the birds and birding spots.		Area: Stanley Park, South Delta, Reifel Bird Sanctuary Area Birds: Migrant warblers and sandpipers, nesting bald eagles, typical local birds Our website www.satipotours.com www.satipotours.com	Interests: Nature: birdwatching, twitching, butterflies, Travel: stroll, walking,train, bus, cruise. Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club. Attend: concert, dance show, theatre, live music, Participate: night life, party, bar, rock, country, classical,wine, beer,
		M	Habdas	Vancouver	Anytime	English
		I am an computer and photography instructor with the Vancouver School Board and an active member of the Vancouver Natural History Society birding section. Visit my website at www.birdsphotography.com.
		E	Yoa	Vancouver	Weekend	English, Japanese, Cantoneese
		I'm fairly new to birding, but have become gradually better at identifying the birds common the the area through photography. I love photographing them. I also enjoy visiting a pair of bald eagles that have a nest nearby on the weekends.
		C	Knox	Vancouver	Anytime	English
		B	Scott	Vancouver	Weekend	English
		G	Innes	Vancouver	Anytime	English
		D	Matthews	Vancouver	Anytime	English
		I am a Master bird bander (ringer) and birder in the Vancouver, BC, Canada area.
		B	Self	Vancouver	Anytime	English
		British by birth, I have birded North America for over 40 years and have travelled extensively to bird. The Vancouver checklist has over 400 species and the area is good at almost any time of the year. We are a shorebird mecca in Spring and Fall migration.
		M	Boyd	Vancouver	Weekends	English, some Spanish
		P	Kelly	Vancouver	Weekend	French, German, English, Written Arabic, Turkish
		While I would be delighted to host visiting birders, I would need plenty of prior notice, would be unavailable between March and June inclusive and would be limited to Vancouver and the Lower Mainland (where I have almost thirty years birding experience), since I have a busy accounting practice.
		E	Padilla	Vancouver	Weekend	English, Filipino
		I like to see and identify lots of birds in Vancouver.
		L	Cowan	Vancouver	Anytime	English
		I am retired and would like to share my love of birds and local knowledge with other Birdingpal members. I have lead monthly bird walks for the areas largest club, Nature Vancouver, for 15+ years and have been an avid birder since 1989. I live in Pitt meadows which is about 20 km from Vancouver proper.
		E	Carol	Vancouver	Weekend	English, some French
		The Lower Mainland of BC is an amazing place to live for a birder. I am an "amateur intermediate" birder.
		L	Conti	Vancouver	Weekend	English
		I live in East Vancouver. I frequent John Hendry Park quite a lot. I bird with my dog who has become rather patient with my hobby. I enjoy the challenge of listening and tracking down the location of the bird.
		W	Glavind	Vancouver (Summer only)	Anytime	English, some Spanish
		Our winter residence is in Mazatlan, Mexico. Wally.
		K	La Plante	Vancouver (West)	Anytime	English
		J	Gazte	Vancouver	Anytime	Basque, Spanish, Intermediate English
		I am a birder coming from Europe and I know most of the European birds. I arrived in BC one month ago and I would like to know more about birds as well as all wildlife here! I am interested in visiting different ecosystems as Fraser River (Bald Eagle), Okanagan Desert (Gold Eagle), Vancouver Island, etc.I have a good telescope, binoculars and the Sibley's Guide. I could meet any time on weekends and from 12am on weekdays.
		L	Lee	Vancouver (West)	Anytime	English
		Avid birder and certified bird bander. Experience Northwestern birds up close by coming out and visiting our banding station. Lots of knowledge about our birding hotspots, bird calls and songs in the Lower Mainland.
		B	Denham	Vancouver	Anytime	English
		I am a beginning to intermediate birder, so don't expect expert identification skills. I do know the Vancouver area and the various birding locations well. I also am part of a couple of local birding groups so would be able to take you on one of their outings if the timing is right.
		J	Cadieux	Victoria, BC	weekends	English
		I specialize in showing beginners what easy fun birding can be from the perspective of my work as a Parks Canada naturalist and park warden.		Area: Uplands Park, Mt Tolmie Park, Swan Lake Park, Beacon Hill Park Area Birds: Nesting: Great blue herons, Bald Eagles, Coopers Hawks, spotted Towhee	Interests: Nature: birdwatching, photography, fishing, swimming, beach, walking, hiking, bus, biking, long walk, ship, cruise, Visit: museum, restaurant, arboretum, architecture appreciation, Attend: concert,environmental/climate rally, Participate: rock, classical, social gatherings,
		G	Hart	Victoria, British Columbia	Anytime	English
		My wife and I recently retired and I now have more time for birding. I have lived and birded in several areas of coastal BC over the past 45 years and am familiar with all the local birding hot spots. I also carry a camera everywhere taking pictures of natural history subjects.		Area: anywhere on southern Vancouver Island Area Birds: Sky Lark; western species: varied Thrush, Pacific Wren, Spotted Towhee, owls	Interests: Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, butterflies & moths, dragonflies. Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, biking, long walk, Attend: concert: live music,folk roots & blues.
		G	O'Neill	Victoria	Anytime	English, French
		E	Pellizzon	Victoria	Anytime	English
		I have been birding for 12 years and know some of the best spots for birds in my area.
		R	Schortinghuis	Victoria	Anytime	English
		I have been birding for 12 years. I organize and lead field trips for the Victoria Natural History Society so I know the area very well.
		J	Gatten	Victoria	Weekend	English
		Victoria is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and offers a nice slice of Pacific Northwest birding. The main draw of the area, from a ABA birding standpoint, is the Sky Larks that have been established here for over a century.
		C	Prior	Victoria	Anytime	English
		I live in a city which is well placed for both Spring and Fall migrants as well as coastal species. I have lived in the U.K., Australia as well as the last 30 years in Canada. Most winters I travel extensively to wildlife reserves around the world.
		J	Cuomo	Victoria	Anytime	English
		There are a bunch of good birding spots near Victoria. I know of 3 spots to find Barred Owls, along with Great Horned Owls depending on the time of year. Eagles, Oyster Catchers, and other seasonal migrants all depend on what time of year your around.
		S	Lindenberger	White Rock, Vancouver	Anytime	English, German, Hebrew, Spanish
		We have some really fine birding areas near us, both in BC and we're right on the Washington border, so that's within reach.
		M	Cuthbert	White Rock	Anytime	English
		Naturalist and conservation volunteer near Vancouver BC and the Fraser River Estuary, top rated Important Bird Area in Canada and designated Site of Hemispheric Importance.
Professional Guides If you contact a professional Birdingpal guide you must be prepared to pay a fee for guiding services.
		First	Last Name	Area	Available	Language
		Thomas	Plath	Richmond, British Columbia, Canada	Anytime	English, basic German
		Visitors will learn a lot and have fun. I've been a wildlife biologist for the past 25 years, a Registered Professional Biologist for 13 years and considered an expert on birds in British Columbia. My love for natural history began early (1970) and as a teen had participated on numerous bird inventory projects. Enthusiastically sharing my passion with others, I was given the VNHS (Nature Vancouver) Garibaldi Award for outstanding service in 1993. I'm a provincially recognized wildlife specialist on birds and have been used as an expert witness for all Species at Risk in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia. My expertise has often used by various levels of government and the private sector, including Canadian Wildlife Service, Transport Canada, Ministry of Environment, BC Conservation Data Centre, regional districts, and non-government conservation organizations (e.g. The Nature Trust, The Land Conservancy), and several consulting companies. I enjoy passing my knowledge to others and have led over 140 bird watching field trips both locally and abroad for many natural history groups; organized and conducted ornithology workshops for non-government and government agencies; and taught courses on identification, biology and behavior of birds at Capilano College, for the Vancouver School Board and Vancouver Community College. In 2010 I created Satipo Tours and now lead birding trips worldwide.		Area: Boundary Bay, Iona Island, Reifel Bird Sanctuary, White Rock Pier Area Birds: Sooty Grouse, Gyrfalcon, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Ancient Murrelet, Thayer's Gull	Interests:
		A	Dorst	Tofino	Anytime	English
		Adrian Dorst first arrived in Tofino in 1972 to conduct bird surveys in the newly-established Pacific Rim National Park for Canadian Wildlife Service. That summer job turned into full time residency with Adrian supporting himself with occasional bird surveys, a variety of short-term jobs, wood carving and freelance nature and wilderness photography. In 1976 he co-authored the book, Birds of Pacific Rim National Park, and in 1990 had his first photographic book, Clayoquot, On the Wild Side, published. This book, depicting the wild west coast of Vancouver Island and its wildlife, became a best seller. When the photography market slumped a decade ago, Adrian turned to guiding, both birding trips and more general interpretive nature hikes. After 4 decades of birding in Tofino, he has personally seen over 290 of the 330 species ever recorded here, and his knowledge of where to find them is second to no one. Expect a relaxed tour with many stories.
		Dannie	Carsen	Victoria	Anytime	English
		Dannie Carsen has lived in Victoria since 1980 and been involved with the Victoria Natural History Society for almost 30 years. Dannie was the Christmas Bird Count leader for 3 years, and has led numerous trips for the VNHS. For several years, Dannie was also involved in organizing post-conference trips for the BC Field Ornithologists and enjoyed planning trips to the Peace River, Okanagan Valley, and Columbia Valley. In past years, Dannie spent considerable time around San Blas, Mexico helping with the International Birding Festival by collecting binoculars for local birders and leading river trips for local birders. Dannie knows the Saanich Peninsula birding hotspots and is able to get you from Victoria International Airport or the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to the interesting local specialties found in farmer’s fields, parks and waterfront locations near Victoria. “Birding by Bike” tours are available for a biking big day (or half day) with bikes provided as required. Dannie can also provide “Birds and Wine” tours of the Saanich Peninsula and the Cowichan Valley which starts with 5 hours birding in the morning and finishes with 3 hours of winery and ciderhouse visits on southern Vancouver Island.
Local Information
		Name			Description
		Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia			British Columbia
		Local weather			Yahoo
		Suggested bird watching group for Delta BC (which is on the south edge of Vancouver, BC) is Delta Naturalists’ Casual Birding group (DNCB). See the blog at dncb.wordpress.com/ and the picture gallery at www.flickr.com/groups/dncb/. If someone contacted me I’d just put them in touch with this group and suggest joining them on the next weekly local birding trip. Regards - G. Bodie			club
		Federation of BC Naturalists			Club
		Nature Vancouver			Club
		Victoria Natural History Society			Club
		Chilliwack Field Naturalists			Club
		Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve			Club
		South Okanagan Naturalists			Club
		Rocky Point Bird Observatory			Banding
		George C. Reifel			Bird Sanctuary
		Meadowlark			Festival
		Brant Wildlife			Festival
		Boundary Bay			Sites
		Nature Guides BC			Books about BC
		Nature Guides BC			Blog
		Bird Guide			Sites
		Saturna Island			Sites
		Birdnotes.net			Birding
		Creston Valley			Sites
		Jeffrey Newman's			Cariboo region
		Bluewater Adventures			Pelagic
		Birding Hotspots around the world			Sites