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

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

8/23/2026Ferry Causeway, Delta CA-BC 49.01383, -123.119741 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

8/23/2026Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal Jetty1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

8/23/2026Surrey--Blackie Spit/Crescent Beach (combined)1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

8/23/2026Sea Island--Ferguson Rd1 observed

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica

8/23/2026Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal Jetty2 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

8/23/2026Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal Jetty1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

8/23/2026Delta—Boundary Bay -- 64th Street1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

8/23/2026Reifel Bird Sanctuary1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

8/23/2026Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)1 observed

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Calidris subruficollis

8/22/2026Delta—Boundary Bay1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

1208/23/2026

Rock Pigeon

68/23/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

18/23/2026

Killdeer

28/23/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

38/23/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

598/23/2026

Least Sandpiper

28/23/2026

Short-billed Gull

28/23/2026

Ring-billed Gull

68/23/2026

California Gull

38/23/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

108/23/2026

Caspian Tern

58/23/2026

Common Loon

28/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

68/23/2026

Belted Kingfisher

28/23/2026

Steller's Jay

18/23/2026

American Crow

78/23/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

58/23/2026

Purple Martin

128/23/2026

Bushtit

28/23/2026

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.