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

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

Snow Goose

2504/21/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

94/21/2026

Canada Goose

304/21/2026

Wood Duck

174/21/2026

Blue-winged Teal

14/21/2026

Cinnamon Teal

44/21/2026

Northern Shoveler

504/21/2026

Gadwall

404/21/2026

Eurasian Wigeon

14/21/2026

American Wigeon

1004/21/2026

Mallard

2004/21/2026

Northern Pintail

204/21/2026

Green-winged Teal

404/21/2026

Ring-necked Duck

84/21/2026

Lesser Scaup

24/21/2026

Bufflehead

104/21/2026

Hooded Merganser

14/21/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/21/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

304/21/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

254/21/2026

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.