Estuary birding habitat

Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)

British Columbia · Canada

Habitat
Estuary
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open year-round, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary) is a productive birding destination in British Columbia, with 253 species recorded on eBird. This estuary habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, and Mallard among many others. Boreal and temperate forests host breeding warblers, sparrows, and waterfowl during the productive summer months.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

4/21/2026Vancouver--Crab Park (Portside)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

4/21/2026Reifel Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

4/21/2026Deer Lake Park1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

4/21/2026Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)2 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/21/2026Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/21/2026Iona Island Bird Observatory2 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

4/20/2026Surrey—Green Timbers Forest1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

4/20/2026Delta -- Hornby Dr. between 104th St and 112th St1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/20/2026Vancouver--Queen Elizabeth Park1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/20/2026Burnaby Mountain1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

4/20/2026Burnaby Mountain1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

64/21/2026

Greater Scaup

164/21/2026

Bufflehead

14/21/2026

Common Goldeneye

24/21/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

4004/21/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/21/2026

Black-bellied Plover

34/21/2026

Killdeer

54/21/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

234/21/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

84/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

34/21/2026

Dunlin

804/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

264/21/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

854/21/2026

California Gull

14/21/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

4/21/2026

Caspian Tern

14/21/2026

Horned Grebe

384/21/2026

Red-necked Grebe

34/21/2026

Common Loon

34/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Time your visit around low tide for the best shorebird viewing.

  2. 2

    Scan open mudflats and salt marsh edges for rails and herons.

  3. 3

    Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.

  4. 4

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  5. 5

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary) for birding?
The best months to visit Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary) for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)?
Notable species at Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary) include Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Anna's Hummingbird, Black-bellied Plover. The area supports estuary habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)?
Birding at Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)?
There is no entrance fee at Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary). Hours: Open year-round, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)?
Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.