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

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/19/2026Cypress Provincial Park1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

6/18/2026Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal Jetty10 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

6/18/2026Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal Jetty2 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

6/18/2026Delta--Brunswick Point1 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Russet-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

6/15/2026North Vancouver--Heywood Park1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

6/15/2026Iona Island--South Jetty1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

6/19/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

16/19/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

16/19/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

56/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

56/19/2026

Bald Eagle

16/19/2026

American Crow

126/19/2026

Common Raven

36/19/2026

Tree Swallow

166/19/2026

Violet-green Swallow

16/19/2026

Barn Swallow

96/19/2026

Marsh Wren

16/19/2026

Bewick's Wren

16/19/2026

European Starling

116/19/2026

Swainson's Thrush

86/19/2026

American Robin

66/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

16/19/2026

House Finch

16/19/2026

American Goldfinch

76/19/2026

Savannah Sparrow

16/19/2026

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.