gray bird on body of water under white sky

Reifel Bird Sanctuary

British Columbia · Canada

Habitat
Boreal/TaigaForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

Entrance Fee

C$5 adults

Hours

Open daily, 9 AM - 4 PM

About This Location

Reifel Bird Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in British Columbia, with 275 species recorded on eBird. This boreal/taiga and forest habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

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

Wood Duck

26/19/2026

Sandhill Crane

36/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/19/2026

Bald Eagle

16/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

26/19/2026

Tree Swallow

26/19/2026

Violet-green Swallow

16/19/2026

Barn Swallow

26/19/2026

Marsh Wren

16/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

16/19/2026

House Finch

16/19/2026

Spotted Towhee

26/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

36/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/19/2026

Canada Goose

446/19/2026

Mallard

686/19/2026

Northern Pintail

46/19/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

16/19/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

16/19/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

76/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for boreal specialties like Boreal Chickadee and Spruce Grouse.

  2. 2

    Check spruce and fir stands for crossbills and other irruptive finches.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Scan the canopy edges at dawn for migrating warblers and other songbirds during spring and fall.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Reifel Bird Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Reifel Bird Sanctuary for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Reifel Bird Sanctuary?
Notable species at Reifel Bird Sanctuary include Boreal Chickadee, Spruce Grouse, Gray Jay, Black-backed Woodpecker, White-winged Crossbill, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, American Crow, Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, Common Raven, European Starling. The area supports boreal/taiga, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Reifel Bird Sanctuary?
Birding at Reifel Bird Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Reifel Bird Sanctuary?
The entrance fee at Reifel Bird Sanctuary is C$5 adults. Hours: Open daily, 9 AM - 4 PM.
What amenities are available at Reifel Bird Sanctuary?
Reifel Bird Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.