Bird’s-eye view
Five nature hot spots that will make you want to become a birdwatcher
Nature therapy is good for the soul. When travel restrictions loosen up, we’ll all be looking for ways to get outside more while still maintaining a little social distance from each other. Spotting, identifying and photographing different species of birds lets you connect with nature in a unique way that engages all your senses. It’s a challenging pastime that involves constant learning about birds, habitats and conservation efforts. Most importantly, it’s fun. Whether you are a Sunday birdwatcher or a seasoned twitcher, there are plenty of amazing birding destinations in Canada. Here are five Canadian nature hot spots that could turn anyone into an avid birder.
Point Pelee National Park,
Ontario: One of North America’s best bird migration sites sits at the southernmost tip of mainland Canada. Point Pelee National Park has been called the warbler capital of North America. It’s possible to see 34 different species of warblers in a single day. You can also see orioles, flycatchers, vireos, sparrows and many other bird species. Though Point Pelee is Canada’s second smallest national park, it is one of the most ecologically diverse parks. Visitors should also take time to enjoy the park’s sandy beaches and trails. The marsh boardwalk should not be missed. Spring is peak birding season.
Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Quebec: At the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock are home to the largest migratory bird refuge in North America. The island’s colony of 110,000 northern gannets can be reached via a boat tour. In all, more than 200,000 birds nest on the 4.16-square-kilometre island. Four hiking trails give you close up views of gannets and other wildlife. Park wardens are also trained naturalists that can answer questions about the birdlife and wildlife in the park.
Grand Manan Archipelago,
New Brunswick: These isolated Bay of Fundy islands have been renowned as a birdwatching destination since the visit of John James Audubon in 1831. More than 360 bird species have been seen on the 20 islands of the archipelago and there are 131 nesting species. It’s a good place to see Atlantic puffins, Arctic terns, razorbills, dovekeys and kittiwakes as well as many other species. The islands are also renowned for whale watching. Finback, humpback, minke and endangered North American right whales can be seen on whale watching tours or from shore.
Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, Alberta: At nearly 1,200 square-kilometres, Lesser Slave Lake is Alberta’s third largest lake. It is surrounded by boreal forest and experts have dubbed the region “North America’s bird nursery.” Nearly half of all North American bird species rely on Canada’s boreal region. Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Spring and fall migrations are peak birding time and an annual spring festival hosted by the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation celebrates the return of the songbirds. In the spring and fall, flocks of up to 3,500 tundra swans have been seen on the lake along with many other species of waterfowl. Visitors can watch naturalists counting and banding birds during the migrations.
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, BC: Just 25 kilometres south of the city of Vancouver, this federal migratory bird sanctuary contains nearly 300 hectares of managed wetlands, natural marshes and low dykes in the heart of the Fraser River Estuary. Nearly 300 bird species have been spotted at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. In October and November, up to 80,000 lesser snow geese turn the sky and land white when they arrive at the sanctuary after a 5,000-kilometre migration from Russia. This sanctuary is a wonderful nature escape in easy reach of the big city.