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

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

6/19/2026Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)2 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

6/18/2026Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal Jetty2 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

6/18/2026Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

6/18/2026Delta--Brunswick Point1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

6/17/2026Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)1 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

Barred Owl

16/19/2026

Common Nighthawk

16/19/2026

American Robin

56/19/2026

Osprey

26/19/2026

European Starling

36/19/2026

Great Horned Owl

16/19/2026

Spotted Towhee

16/19/2026

Northern Flicker

26/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/19/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

26/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

36/19/2026

Swainson's Thrush

16/19/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

16/19/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

36/19/2026

Western Flycatcher

16/19/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

16/19/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

26/19/2026

Song Sparrow

16/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

26/19/2026

California Quail

16/19/2026

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.