Birding in British Columbia
A hub for birding information for British Columbia, Canada. Featuring Rare Bird Alerts, directory to nature clubs and online birding groups, birding forums, and more.
Rare Bird Alert
Where to go?
British Columbia is a vast and diverse natural region of Canada located on the Pacific Flyway that hosts many world renowned birding locations.
From offshore pelagics to high alpine plateau, from temperate rainforests to pocket deserts, from coastal bays and inlets to rolling prairie, British Columbia has it all.
Choose where to go based in the species you wish to see !
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Birding in the News
September Birding Tips
Fall migration is in full swing.
- On the warmer, sunnier days, watch the sky for migrating raptors, soaring high in the late summer warm air currents.
- Similar species may join mixed flocks and flock together. Look for a rare bird mixed with common species.
- Good places to search include berry bushes and berry trees. Check Aspens, Arbutus, Hawthorn, Blackberry and other fruiting plants.
- During southern migration, bad weather may produce a fallout of species, especially near a large crossing. Check areas at the fringe of a large body of water crossing as birds will rest and wait for good weather before making the journey south.
- Pelagic species may venture into near shore waters to feed. Ferry passengers can often view several pelagic species during a crossing.
- Summer vagrant species may still be around, keep an eye out for them.
- Let garden flowers go to seed to help attract seed eating birds.
- Check harvested farm fields, low farm reservoirs, mud flats, estuaries, and the sea shore for migrating shorebirds.
Recommended Binoculars
The Nikon Monarch M7 is one of the most popular binoculars among BC birders — and for good reason. It hits a sweet spot between optical quality and price, with a rubberized, waterproof body that holds up to years of field use in rain, mud, and rough terrain. The Nikon M5 is a solid, lighter-weight alternative if you mostly bird in fair weather.
For most birders, 8x42 is the ideal combination — enough magnification to pick out field marks without sacrificing the wide field of view you need to track moving birds. Stepping up to 10x42 gives you extra reach but a narrower view and less forgiveness for hand movement, so it's best suited to experienced birders with steady hands.
Other binoculars worth considering:
- Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 — a great entry-level option with solid optics at a lower price point
- Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 — excellent value with HD glass and Vortex's lifetime warranty
- Vortex Razor HD 8x42 — premium optics for serious birders who want the best clarity available
Recommended Bird Finding Guide Books for BC
Sibley Guide to Birds of Western North America
The gold standard for western birders — superb illustrations and detailed coverage of every species found in BC.
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of Canada and the USA
One of the most up-to-date and comprehensive guides available, with excellent plates and range maps.
Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding
Essential reading for birders ready to tackle the tricky identifications — covers ageing, subspecies, and difficult species groups in depth.
Birding in British Columbia is a BC Birding resource and community message board maintained by Kevin Slagboom | About