Bird Lovers' Paradise
In winter, thousands of trumpeter swans congregate on farmland across Vancouver Island to the delight of novice and veteran birders. The large white graceful birds are not the only birdwatching attraction. With its proximity to numerous waterways and its position on the Pacific Flyway—a major bird migration route—the Island attracts over 380 bird species and has become a top destination for international birders.
Surfbird (Isabelle Groc)There are excellent, easily accessible birding spots all over the Island. Near Victoria, Esquimalt Lagoon (www.esquimaltlagoon.com) is a great place to spot various bird species. The best viewing time is during the spring and fall when migratory birds such as sanderlings, plovers, and the spectacular oystercatchers with their thick orange bills take up residence, but birding here is excellent year-round. Watch for bald eagles, turkey vultures and Cooper’s Hawks.
Another great spot close to Victoria is Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary (www.swanlake.bc.ca), offering great birdwatching opportunities in all seasons. Two distinct areas support different bird species—the marshy lowlands surrounding Swan Lake, and the rocky, oak-forested highlands of Christmas Hill. Waterfowl is abundant during fall and spring migration. In the summer, expect to see red-winged blackbirds, marsh wrens, and chestnut-backed chickadees in the forested areas. Needle-beaked Anna’s Hummingbirds are a common sight year-round.
Goldstream Provincial Park near Victoria offers the opportunity to view birds feeding on the salmon 
The Island attracts over 380 bird species and has become a top
destination for international birdersspawning in Goldstream River. While December is the peak time for sighting bald eagles, the viewing is excellent anytime from mid-November through January. The small American dippers, easily recognizable by their dark grey plumage, are often seen along the stream searching for salmon eggs.
In the winter the Comox Valley supports about 3,000 trumpeter swans. One of the easiest places to see these magnificent creatures is the Comox Bay Farm. Contact the Comox Valley Naturalists Society for information on swan counts and good viewing locations (www.comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca).
The Somenos Marsh in Duncan is great for observing waterbirds and songbirds on the rich wetland ecosystem. Near Nanaimo, Buttertubs Marsh offers the opportunity to see numerous bird species at close range, including tree and violet-green swallows.
Every year, flocks of Brant geese descend in the Parksville/Qualicum Beach area from late February to April. The Brant Goose is similar to the Canada Goose but is smaller and darker with a shorter neck. The Brant Wildlife Festival takes place in April and offers nature walks, photography workshops, and other events to mark the return of the bird to the area (www.brantfestival.bc.ca).
The Tofino Flats on the west coast of the island provides critical waterbird
Western sandpipers (Isabelle Groc) habitat. In late April and early May, flocks of shorebirds congregate in this area. Look for the fast-moving western sandpiper, least sandpiper, whimbrel and other species. Every year, the Tofino Shorebird Festival in May organizes nature walks, slide shows and other events to celebrate the shorebirds.
For more information on birding sites, species that can be viewed at different times of the year, field trips and bird checklists, contact the local Vancouver Island Nature Clubs (www.bcnature.ca).
