Marsh and wetland at Reifel Bird Sanctuary in the Fraser River Delta

George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary

British Columbia · Canada

Habitat
WetlandMarshCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

November-March

Entrance Fee

C$5 adults

Hours

9 AM - 4 PM daily

About This Location

The Reifel Bird Sanctuary sits in the Fraser River Delta near Vancouver, one of the most important estuaries on the Pacific coast. Over 300 species have been recorded in this 850-acre sanctuary, which combines managed marshes, sloughs, and grasslands with natural shoreline habitat.

Winter is spectacular here, with tens of thousands of Snow Geese and thousands of ducks and shorebirds. The sanctuary is also a reliable spot for Northern Saw-whet Owls, Sandhill Cranes, and diverse raptors throughout the year.

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/21/2026Iona Island (General)1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Barred Owl

14/21/2026

American Bittern

14/21/2026

Trumpeter Swan

34/21/2026

Marsh Wren

24/21/2026

Sora

34/21/2026

Canada Goose

14/21/2026

Great Horned Owl

14/21/2026

Ring-necked Duck

24/21/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

4/21/2026

American Robin

4/21/2026

Barrow's Goldeneye

24/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

104/21/2026

Mallard

44/21/2026

American Crow

24/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/21/2026

Northern Harrier

24/21/2026

Bufflehead

24/21/2026

Song Sparrow

14/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

14/21/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit from November through January for peak Snow Goose numbers in the thousands

  2. 2

    Ask the volunteer staff about current owl roosting locations — they are very helpful

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary for birding are November-March. The best seasons are Winter and Fall.
What birds can I see at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
Notable species at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary include Snow Goose, Sandhill Crane, Northern Saw-whet Owl, American Bittern, Short-eared Owl. The area supports wetland, marsh, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
Birding at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
The entrance fee at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is C$5 adults. Hours: 9 AM - 4 PM daily.
What amenities are available at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Gift Shop.