Esquimalt Lagoon
British Columbia · Canada
Moderate
May-October
Free
Open daily
About This Location
Esquimalt Lagoon is a productive birding destination in British Columbia, with 244 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Eurasian Wigeon, 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
Ancient Murrelet
Synthliboramphus antiquus
Northern Waterthrush
Parkesia noveboracensis
Pomarine Jaeger
Stercorarius pomarinus
Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
Lewis's Woodpecker
Melanerpes lewis
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Calidris subruficollis
American Golden-Plover
Pluvialis dominica
Bank Swallow
Riparia riparia
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Rock Pigeon
Killdeer
Semipalmated Plover
Least Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper
California Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Belted Kingfisher
Common Raven
Brewer's Blackbird
Black Oystercatcher
American Crow
European Starling
Short-billed Dowitcher
Birding Tips
- 1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
- 2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
- 3
Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.
- 4
Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.
- 5
Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse
- Royal Roads University
- Hatley Castle
More in British Columbia
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Fraser River Delta sanctuary near Vancouver with 300+ species and massive winter Snow Goose flocks.
Beatton Provincial Park
Boreal/Taiga birding hotspot in British Columbia with 212 recorded species.
Becher's Prairie & Lakes North of Hwy 20
Grassland birding hotspot in British Columbia with 207 recorded species.
British Columbia Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in British Columbia →