As BC birders know, fall is one of the best times to get out and discover some of the many species that make their home here, at least part of the year.
And this fall, as the BC Bird Trail enters its second year, visitors and locals are invited to get outside and explore dozens of inspiring new birding watching opportunities with the addition of the South Fraser Bird Trail and Columbia Valley Bird Trail.
Launched in partnership with Destination British Columbia and a group of partners inspired by BC’s diverse communities and the natural landscapes, the newly expanded trails bring the current count of self-guided regional itineraries on the BC Bird Trail to four.
The new South Fraser Bird Trail takes visitors through the islands of Richmond where the mouth of the mighty Fraser River empties into the Salish Sea. Deemed “the heart of BC’s Pacific Flyway,” this region is a major north-south stop for migratory birds on their way between Alaska and Patagonia.
Delta is home to three distinct communities: Tsawwassen with its breathtaking beaches, the waterfront community of Ladner, and North Delta, featuring amazing waterfowl viewing parks.
The shores of Surrey’s protected bay are packed with birds, and the rivers and farmland nearby provide plenty of bird-friendly habitats. Serpentine Fen Park, a serene wetland park featuring a 3.5-kilometre trail with several wooden viewing towers, is home to more than 130 bird species, including the Northern Pintail and Northern Harrier. Every year, Richmond is inundated with incredible bird species ranging from great blue herons and dunlins to American widgeon and snow geese.
Birding in the Columbia Valley Set along the Upper Columbia River, the new Columbia Valley Bird Trail is nestled between the Rocky and Purcell Mountains in southeast BC.
The wetlands surrounding these friendly communities, including Golden, Invermere and Kimberley, are renowned for their birdlife and outdoor adventure opportunities.
The wetlands of Moberly Marsh in Golden are a critical resting and feeding area for resident and migratory birds such as the sandhill crane, and are a prime viewing area for many other waterfowl.
The Columbia Wetlands and conservation area is the perfect place to view horned grebe and is considered by many to be one of the best birding locations in the province. Nearby Cranbrook is the main southern hub of the Columbia Valley Bird Trail, with a charming town and amenities for visitors to enjoy while exploring the surrounding wetlands.
4 BC Bird Trails to explore
The newly added trails add to the BC Bird Trail’s series of four self-guided itineraries, including the Central Vancouver Island Bird Trail, South Fraser Bird Trail, Fraser Valley Bird Trail and Columbia Valley Bird Trail.
Developed as the leading source of information on attractions, activities and accommodations related to birdwatching travel in the province, the BC Bird Trail encourages respectful travel through the province as people from all backgrounds discover the super, natural wonders of birding.
Whether it’s sighting the Alaskanesting Pacific golden-plovers embarking on its non-stop flight of over 8,000 km, or spotting the migrating snow geese, the BC Bird Trail offers a wealth of viewing opportunities all year long.
For more information or to plan your own birding experience, visit BCBirdTrail.ca.
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