Churchill
Manitoba · Canada
Challenging
June-July
Free (town access)
Open 24 hours (summer daylight)
About This Location
Churchill, Manitoba — known as the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World' — is also one of North America's most extraordinary birding destinations. This remote subarctic town on the shores of Hudson Bay sits at the intersection of three major biomes: tundra, boreal forest, and marine, creating unique birding opportunities.
Over 270 species have been recorded in the Churchill area, including sought-after Arctic and subarctic specialties. Ross's Gull, one of the world's most elusive birds, has been found nesting near Churchill, and Smith's Longspurs display on the tundra alongside Pacific Loons and Willow Ptarmigan.
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
Ring-necked Duck
Aythya collaris
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Regulus satrapa
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia atricapilla
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Corthylio calendula
Alder Flycatcher
Empidonax alnorum
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
House Sparrow
Snow Goose
Canada Goose
Red-breasted Merganser
Semipalmated Plover
Ruddy Turnstone
Baird's Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
Arctic Tern
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Common Eider
Long-tailed Duck
Common Merganser
Hudsonian Whimbrel
Lesser Yellowlegs
Parasitic Jaeger
American Herring Gull
Birding Tips
- 1
Churchill is only accessible by train, plane, or winter road — plan logistics well in advance
- 2
June offers 20+ hours of daylight and peak bird activity, but bring warm layers and bug protection
- 3
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
- 4
Check the tide schedule — shorebirds are most active during falling and low tides
- 5
Bring waterproof boots and scan the marsh edges for rails, herons, and bitterns
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Prince of Wales Fort
- Cape Merry
More in Manitoba
Manitoba Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Manitoba →