Backyard Birds of British Columbia: Top Hotspots & Species (2024)

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Are you a bird lover looking to enjoy the sights and sounds of British Columbia’s wonderful backyard birds?

From the Rocky Point Bird Observatory to Salmon Arm Bay, there are plenty of hotspots for birdwatching in BC.

The Dark-eyed Junco, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Black-capped Chickadee are just some of the 25 species that can be found here – but which ones should you look out for all year round?

With this guide, you’ll discover what kinds of birds live near your home as well as how to create an inviting habitat with food sources and shelter.

Get ready to explore BC’s vibrant avian community!

Top 5 Hotspots for Birdwatching in British Columbia

Birdwatching in British Columbia offers prime opportunities to spot a diverse range of species. The top 5 must-visit hotspots for avid birders are Rocky Point Bird Observatory, famous for its migrating raptors; Iona Island’s wetlands, home to various waterfowl and shorebirds; Salmon Arm Bay, a critical feeding ground for migratory birds passing through; Reifel Bird Sanctuary with its easy-access trails and hides; and Castlegar, where an assortment of songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors can be found.

Rocky Point Bird Observatory

You really must visit Rocky Point Bird Observatory, one of the prime birdwatching hotspots in British Columbia, to observe the incredible diversity of migratory and resident birds that concentrate along the Strait of Georgia.

Located on the tidal flats of Boundary Bay near Vancouver, this renowned site offers excellent opportunities to view shorebirds and see birds up close during banding. As a key research station, Rocky Point provides valuable data on migration patterns and populations to support conservation of birds along the Pacific Flyway.

Iona Island

Head over to Iona Island to see hundreds of migrating birds stopping to rest and feed along the Fraser River estuary. Situated in the coastal rainforest near Vancouver, Iona Island provides access to a globally significant ecosystem that supports remarkable avian abundance.

Species diversity peaks in spring and fall as migrant songbirds find haven in the island’s varied habitats. From waterfowl along the estuary to warblers within the forest, a visit to Iona Island offers an opportunity to discover the many birds of British Columbia.

Salmon Arm Bay

Travel to Salmon Arm Bay, regarded for its rare seabirds and waterfowl along the wetlands. Positioned on major migratory corridors, Salmon Arm Bay attracts avian diversity. Waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds find refuge in its rich habitat. With over 270 species recorded, the bay draws birding enthusiasts who appreciate this important ecosystem and support conservation efforts for the continued preservation of its native wetlands.

Reifel Bird Sanctuary

Wander through the lush wetlands and listen to the songs of hundreds of bird species at Reifel Bird Sanctuary, a birder’s paradise.

1. Over 300 bird species can be spotted throughout the seasons.
2. Trails and observation towers offer prime viewing opportunities for visitors.
3. Professional naturalists lead informative guided tours to educate visitors.
4. The sanctuary protects vital wetland habitat that is critical for many birds.

Castlegar

Visit lively Castlegar, where over 215 bird species flock around the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. Hear the sweet whistles of Varied Thrushes in gardens and parks. Follow the quick darts of Anna’s Hummingbirds visiting nectar feeders.

Learn tips for hosting a variety of backyard birds at this premier spot to connect with our feathered friends.

Top 25 Backyard Birds of British Columbia

Birdfeeder perches are busy places here in the Pacific Northwest. Juncos hop and scratch under feeders while pine siskins flutter about, flickers swoop in from nearby trees, chickadees dart in for quick meals, and red-breasted nuthatches descend headfirst down trunks as you refill your birdfeeders for the crowds that’ll soon return.

Dark-eyed Junco

Drop by your backyard to spot the Dark-eyed Junco, the most common feeder bird in British Columbia. These charming songbirds flock to backyards during winter for much-needed food and shelter. Their slate-colored plumage lets them blend into the snowy surroundings as they forage on the ground.

Juncos often visit feeders in large numbers, but won’t hog the space from other birds. They prefer black oil sunflower seeds and cracked corn. Though they nest in coniferous and mixed forests, Juncos find refuge in suburban yards until spring migration calls them back to their breeding grounds.

Pine Siskin

Contradictorily, the Pine Siskin is not the most common feeder bird in British Columbia, though it does frequent backyard feeders. These enamored little finches mostly eat seeds and insects. They breed across Canada and parts of the western U.

S., then migrate south for winter. Conserving shrublands helps protect the siskin’s breeding and winter grounds.

Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is a large woodpecker found widely across North America. It’s a rather striking bird with brown barred upperparts, black spots on its white underparts and undersides of wings, and brilliant yellow feathers under the tail and wings.

Northern Flickers spend much of their time foraging on the ground, unlike other woodpeckers. They mainly eat insects like ants and beetles, excavating them with their long barbed tongue. They’ll also eat seeds and berries. You can attract Northern Flickers to your yard by scattering millet or sunflower seeds on the ground.

Northern Flickers migrate south for the winter across a broad front. Though still widespread during winter, their numbers notably decline in the northern parts of their range. They return and start breeding in late winter and early spring. The male will establish a nest site in a tree cavity, drumming frequently to proclaim ownership.

After mating, the female lays 5-8 eggs that incubate for about 11-12 days before hatching.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

You’d observe the resourceful Red-breasted Nuthatch spiraling up and down trees like a tiny woodpecker. These inquisitive birds with red-splashed breasts probe bark crevices for insects and seeds. Their nasal yank-yank calls echo through coniferous forests as they hop acrobatically among branches.

Consider leaving suet and seeds in mesh feeders to attract these agile songbirds to your yard. With proper habitat, Red-breasted Nuthatches readily nest in boxes and natural cavities.

Black-capped Chickadee

Cause these cute little buggers will perch right next to ya, cockin’ their heads and chirpin’ up a storm!

• Gathering in flocks means protection and warmth in the harsh winter months. Their familiar chick-a-dee-dee-dee songs brighten any dreary day.
• Even though their favorite munchies are seeds and insects, these resident charmers will visit peanut feeders when birdseed runs low.
• They build nests out of moss, shed fur, and plant fibers in natural cavities and birdhouses. Mated pairs share parenting duties, incubating eggs for about 2 weeks before the chicks hatch.

Heading to the mountains in summer, the calls of Black-capped Chickadees become less frequent but their energy and curiosity never waver.

What Are the Most Common Backyard Birds All-year-round in British Columbia?

Many bird species call British Columbia home year-round. Let’s take a closer look at the most commonly seen birds in backyards across the province, regardless of season.

Here are the top five resident backyard birds:

Bird Name	Feeding Habits	Tips for Attracting
Song Sparrow	Seeds, berries	Keep a mix of native plants with fruit and seeds (e.g. currants)
American Robin	Earthworms, fruit, insects	Plant berry-producing trees/bushes (e.g. serviceberry)
Downy Woodpecker	Insects, ants, seeds	Suet blocks, birdbaths to attract insects
House Finch	Seeds, buds, berries	Keep feeders well stocked with diverse seed blends
House Sparrow	Seeds, insects	Avoid overly cleaning up leaf litter with insects

Focus on providing a variety of food sources, plus trees and bushes for shelter. Then sit back and enjoy your feathery backyard guests!

What Are the Most Common Backyard Birds During Summer in British Columbia?

Take a stroll through your garden as bright flashes of crimson and rosy pink catch your eye – Purple Finches flit between branches, feasting on seeds.

Western Bluebirds patrol lawns and open fields for insects to feed their young. Place nest boxes in open areas.

Steller’s Jays gather acorns and seeds. Offer peanuts and suet.

White-crowned Sparrows sing their distinctive oh-dear-me song. Scatter millet and nyjer seed mix.

Hummingbirds hover at nectar feeders. Use a 4:1 sugar water ratio.

The birdlife changes with the seasons, but summer brings delightful splashes of color and activity. You can appreciate the beauty and interconnectivity of your backyard food chain.

Birds to Spot Beyond the Backyard in British Columbia

Visit our cherished Rocky Point Bird Observatory to glimpse marbled godwits and other shorebirds beyond your backyard. As an avid birder, I’ve journeyed to some of British Columbia’s prime birdwatching spots outside the backyard.

The coastal rainforests host bald eagles and common ravens. Mountain forests are home to American dippers diving into icy waters. Grasslands support burrowing owls and migrating long-billed curlews. Witness the avian wonders in BC’s diverse ecosystems.

Even brief excursions rejuvenate the spirit and provide rare glimpses of birds seldom spotted at backyard feeders.

BC’s wilderness offers immense rewards for those seeking feathered treasures. Revering nature’s flying jewels energizes us to safeguard their threatened habitats. Cherish lifelong chances to see, enjoy and protect British Columbia’s magnificent birds.

Keep an Eye Out for the Backyard Birds of British Columbia

Peep the colorful Dark-eyed Junco fluttering about your feeder as you peek out your window for those top backyard birds in British Columbia.

Come winter, Mountain Bluebirds and other species descend from mountain forests to backyard feeders for sustenance until their breeding grounds thaw. Observe birds’ behaviors and really get to know your local feathered friends by providing food, water, shelters, and native plants year round.

Shelter Shortcuts

Attracting backyard birds requires providing the right habitat. To start, grow native shrubs or trees to provide shade. Then help the birds build nests by offering materials like pet hair or lint from the dryer.

Throwing Shade, or Growing Shade?

You’ll find shade-loving beauties like dogwoods or rhododendrons brightening dim corners. Tall cedars or sequoias cast cooling shade, inviting the chestnut-backed chickadee and hairy woodpecker to nest.

Umbrellas supplement native trees, helping control sunlight for Steller’s jays and white-breasted nuthatches looking to escape the heat. Thoughtful landscaping provides invaluable shade benefits for backyard birds and creates a more hospitable habitat.

Make a Nest Helper

You can help your feathered friends build nests by providing natural materials like grass clippings, pet fur, yarn scraps, and shredded paper.

• Grass clippings provide warmth and structure.
• Pet fur offers insulation against the elements.
• Yarn scraps make a cozy interior lining.
• Shredded paper helps shape the interior.
• Natural fibers like moss allow birds to mold the nest.

  By offering an assortment of natural materials, you enable birds to construct sturdy, insulating nests for raising their young. Providing nesting materials creates a more bird-friendly habitat in your own backyard.

Food for Thought

Forage along friends, we’ve got a feast of bird-friendly food ideas ready to explore!

Offering native plants that provide berries and seeds sustains backyard birds through the seasons. Consider serviceberries in spring, elderberries in summer, and checkermallow in fall.

Strategically placing feeders creates a bird buffet. Choose tube feeders to serve nyjer, hopper feeders for black oil sunflowers, and platform feeders with millet.

Adjust offerings as needs change. For example, suet satisfies winter energy requirements and sugar water fuels hummingbirds on migration.

Most importantly, keep feeders clean to support bird health.

Applying these nourishing food for thought tips cultivates an avian oasis. Together, we can spread our wings and fly toward a brighter future.

Water, Water, Anywhere?

The right food items can attract new species to your backyard, but water is an essential element too. Birds need to drink and bathe frequently, so adding water features provides vital hydration. There are many simple ways to create pond paradises. A basic birdbath offers aquatic refreshment for local species.

With some planning, you can upgrade to ponds, fountains, drippers, and foggers. Water elements entice many birds to visit like robins, finches, wrens, even Steller’s jays and ravens. Monitor and report usage to citizen science databases. Your observations contribute to knowledge of backyard birds of British Columbia, including species like jays, woodpeckers, and sparrows.

• Birdbaths offer a simple starting point for adding water.
• More advanced options are small ponds, fountains, misters.
• Water attracts many species—robins, jays, sparrows, finches.
• Observe and record visits to contribute data.
• Providing water aids birds and increases diversity.

Backyard Bird Safety

Witness birds flyin’ high as you block windows and glass doors for safety ’round your sanctuary. Multiple daily near collisions are simply a doubt for species that see windows as sky. Though impacts happen in mere milliseconds, the hard glass surfaces leave your avian neighbors stunned or worse.

With creative window dressings, preempt impacts from window dangers; draw patterned shades, apply frosted films, distribute decals, strategically place plants, and string insect netting or parachute cords.

Every little difference adds insurance for the busy birds drawn close toward your bird-friendly feeders.

Likewise, enclose night roosting spots while keepin’ felines indoors to prevent a single stalking minute.

Together we’ll build sanctuaries to honor flight paths that once spanned continents.

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Our Cornell Lab of Ornithology-trained experts provide research-backed advice on bird-friendly gardening, nest boxes, baths, feeders and more based on field observations of backyard birds across the province.

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