Boreal/Taiga birding habitat

National Lakeshore - Cape Spear

Newfoundland and Labrador · Canada

Habitat
Boreal/TaigaForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

About This Location

National Lakeshore - Cape Spear is a productive birding destination in Newfoundland and Labrador, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This boreal/taiga and forest habitat attracts Common Eider, Long-tailed Duck, and Purple Sandpiper 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 Coot

Fulica americana

4/21/2026St. John's--Quidi Vidi Lake2 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

4/21/2026St. John's--MUN Botanical Garden1 observed

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)

Anas crecca

4/20/2026St. John's--Lundrigan's Marsh Conservation Area1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

4/20/2026Bowring Park1 observed

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

4/20/202617 Cherrybark Crescent, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, CA (47.494, -52.823)1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

4/20/2026Goulds--Third Pond1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

4/19/2026Goulds--Bidgood Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-legged Kittiwake

54/19/2026

American Herring Gull

24/19/2026

Northern Gannet

24/19/2026

Black Guillemot

104/19/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

14/19/2026

American Crow

14/19/2026

Purple Sandpiper

254/18/2026

Common Raven

14/18/2026

Long-tailed Duck

184/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/16/2026

Bald Eagle

14/16/2026

Common Murre

14/15/2026

Iceland Gull

14/15/2026

Common Loon

14/15/2026

Great Cormorant

14/15/2026

American Black Duck

24/12/2026

American Robin

14/11/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit National Lakeshore - Cape Spear for birding?
The best months to visit National Lakeshore - Cape Spear for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at National Lakeshore - Cape Spear?
Notable species at National Lakeshore - Cape Spear include Common Eider, Long-tailed Duck, Purple Sandpiper, Black Guillemot, American Herring Gull. The area supports boreal/taiga, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at National Lakeshore - Cape Spear?
Birding at National Lakeshore - Cape Spear is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at National Lakeshore - Cape Spear?
National Lakeshore - Cape Spear offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.