Coastal birding habitat

Williams Lake - Scout Island

British Columbia · Canada

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

May-October

About This Location

Williams Lake - Scout Island is a productive birding destination in British Columbia, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Northern Shoveler 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

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

4/20/2026Hazel Street1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/19/2026Becher's Prairie & Lakes North of Hwy 20 (General)2 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

4/19/2026Becher's Prairie & Lakes North of Hwy 20 (General)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

4/19/2026Becher's Prairie & Lakes North of Hwy 20 (General)1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

4/19/2026Becher's Prairie & Lakes North of Hwy 20 (General)2 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

4/17/2026Williams Lake--east end11 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

4/15/2026Becher's Prairie1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/15/2026Becher's Prairie1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/13/2026Williams Lake--Scout Island3 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

4/12/2026Becher's Prairie & Lakes North of Hwy 20 (General)2 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/12/2026Becher's Prairie & Lakes North of Hwy 20 (General)9 observed

Canvasback x Ring-necked Duck (hybrid)

Aythya valisineria x collaris

4/12/2026Becher's Prairie & Lakes North of Hwy 20 (General)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

144/19/2026

Northern Shoveler

94/19/2026

Gadwall

54/19/2026

American Wigeon

124/19/2026

Mallard

44/19/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/19/2026

Ring-necked Duck

64/19/2026

Lesser Scaup

144/19/2026

Bufflehead

74/19/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/19/2026

American Coot

2504/19/2026

Killdeer

14/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

44/19/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/19/2026

Red-necked Grebe

44/19/2026

Common Loon

44/19/2026

Osprey

24/19/2026

Northern Flicker

34/19/2026

American Crow

154/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

44/19/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Williams Lake - Scout Island for birding?
The best months to visit Williams Lake - Scout Island for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Williams Lake - Scout Island?
Notable species at Williams Lake - Scout Island include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Williams Lake - Scout Island?
Birding at Williams Lake - Scout Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Williams Lake - Scout Island?
Williams Lake - Scout Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.