a stone building sitting on top of a lush green hillside

Iona Island

British Columbia · Canada

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

May-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Iona Island is a productive birding destination in British Columbia, with 288 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Gadwall 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

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/20/2026Chaldecott Park and King Edward extension1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/20/2026Iona Island (General)10 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/20/2026Delta -- Roberts Bank, south dyke, jetty base (including 41b Street marsh)6 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/20/2026UBC--Cecil Green & Museum of Anthropology grounds1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

4/19/2026Richmond--Garden City Lands1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

4/19/2026Surrey—Green Timbers Forest1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

4/19/2026North Vancouver--Maplewood Flats Conservation Area1 observed

Rock Sandpiper

Calidris ptilocnemis

4/19/2026Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal Jetty1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

4/19/2026Science World1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

1004/20/2026

Canada Goose

124/20/2026

Northern Shoveler

44/20/2026

Gadwall

64/20/2026

American Wigeon

124/20/2026

Mallard

144/20/2026

Northern Pintail

54/20/2026

Green-winged Teal

1504/20/2026

Ring-necked Duck

84/20/2026

Greater Scaup

64/20/2026

Common Merganser

14/20/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/20/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

44/20/2026

Virginia Rail

34/20/2026

Killdeer

44/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/20/2026

Dunlin

30004/20/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

104/20/2026

Caspian Tern

44/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

84/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Peak spring migration runs mid-May in this region — plan visits around this window for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Iona Island for birding?
The best months to visit Iona Island for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Iona Island?
Notable species at Iona Island include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, American Crow, Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, Common Raven, European Starling, American Robin. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Iona Island?
Birding at Iona Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Iona Island?
There is no entrance fee at Iona Island. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Iona Island?
Iona Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.