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
King Eider
Somateria spectabilis
Black Tern
Chlidonias niger
Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)
Anas platyrhynchos x rubripes
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Semipalmated Plover
Canada Goose
Tundra Swan
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
American Wigeon
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Hudsonian Godwit
Short-billed Dowitcher
Wilson's Snipe
Spotted Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
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 →