The Binocular Site
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, British Columbia
This sanctuary is nestled along the coast toward the southern-most edges of British Columbia, on Westham Island.
It covers nearly 300 hectares and offers a home to millions of birds.
The sanctuary consists of several habitats including upland fields, marshes, fresh water, and tidal salt water mud flats. Snow Geese are perhaps the most well-known inhabitants here, with special events celebrating their presence in November each year.
About 25,000 Lesser Snow Geese are found here during late fall and early winter. Other waterbirds are found here year round, along with songbirds, woodpeckers, shorebirds, and raptors of all types.
For example, here you can find Great Blue Herons, Whistling and Trumpeter Swans, Mallards, Gadwall Pintails, Cooper's Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Shovelers, Wigeons, Blue Winged and Green Winged Teals.
Several other geese species are found here as well including Canada Geese, White Fronted Geese, and Ross Geese. You will also find other wildlife such as beavers, muskrats, minks, raccoons, coyotes, harbor seals, and painted turtles, making this an excellent place to see all kinds of animals.
The provincial bird of B.C. is the Steller's Jay and you can find a checklist for birding activities in British Columbia here.
Photo credit to roland, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about the waterfowl, wetlands and wildlife of the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary and find visitor information here.If you've visited the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this British Columbia bird watching location below.
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Average User Rating
After living in the Greater Vancouver Area for 24 years We only heard about this hidden wonder fall 2008. After my first visit I was hooked and became a yearly member on my second visit. Every time we go which is getting to be every 2 weeks we see a different bird and a beautiful view of the islands and mountains. Please take a look at my photos and i hope you will be hooked has i am. http://www.flickr.com/photos/wizard_of_wonders/sets/72157605638159061/
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