Squamish, located in British Columbia, Canada, is a fantastic destination for birdwatching due to its diverse natural landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. Birdwatching tours in Squamish offer opportunities to spot a wide variety of bird species throughout the year. Here's an overview of the best places to go birdwatching, some recommended stops, the variety of bird species you might encounter, and the best seasons for birdwatching in Squamish:
Known as the "Eagle Capital of the World," this park is famous for winter bald eagle viewing. Thousands of eagles congregate along the Squamish River from November to February.
This park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with a variety of forest birds and waterfowl near Shannon Falls and the adjacent estuary.
The Squamish Spit, a sandbar along the Squamish River estuary, attracts numerous bird species. It's a prime spot for shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors.
This park provides a chance to see forest-dwelling birds, including songbirds and woodpeckers, in a lush woodland setting.
Consider visiting the Squamish Adventure Centre for information on recent bird sightings and maps of local birdwatching hotspots.
Make a stop at the Squamish Estuary Bird Observatory (SEBO) to learn more about the local bird population and possibly participate in organized birdwatching events.
Bald Eagles: Squamish is renowned for its winter bald eagle migration. You can see them perched in trees or flying over the rivers.
Waterfowl: Various waterfowl species can be found along the rivers and estuaries, including Canada geese, ducks, and swans.
Shorebirds: During migration seasons, you may spot sandpipers, plovers, and other shorebirds on the sandy shores of the Squamish Spit.
Songbirds: The forests around Squamish are home to numerous songbirds, such as warblers, thrushes, and sparrows.
Raptors: Apart from eagles, you can observe hawks, owls, and falcons in the area.
Seabirds: While near the coast, keep an eye out for gulls, cormorants, and other seabirds.
This season is great for seeing migratory birds as they return to their breeding grounds. You can witness the arrival of songbirds and waterfowl.
Summer is ideal for birdwatching in the forests and estuaries. Songbirds are active, and shorebirds can be seen in coastal areas.
As fall approaches, you'll witness the southward migration of birds. The estuaries and rivers become busy with waterfowl and shorebirds.
Winter is the best time to observe bald eagles in Squamish, as thousands of them gather along the rivers to feed on salmon.
Before embarking on a birdwatching tour in Squamish, consider joining a guided tour with Globalduniya Premium local tour operators or contacting local birdwatching groups for the latest information on bird sightings and tips on making the most of your experience. Additionally, respect the natural habitats and wildlife by following ethical birdwatching practices and codes of conduct
