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

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

6/16/2026ECT--White Horse Path--Bauline to Marine Drive Prov Park Reserve2 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

6/15/2026Goulds--Bidgood Park1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

6/15/2026Quidi Vidi Lake--Rennies River Outflow1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

6/15/2026Goulds--Bidgood Park1 observed

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

6/15/2026Goulds--Pipeline Rd--Doyles Rd to Power's Rd1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

6/15/2026St. John's--Virginia Lake1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

6/15/2026Pouch Cove--Memorial park1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/14/2026St. John's--Kenny's Pond1 observed

Northern Wheatear

Oenanthe oenanthe

6/14/2026St. John's--Signal Hill1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

6/14/2026NL--Cape Spear1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Guillemot

6/16/2026

Black-legged Kittiwake

6/16/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

6/16/2026

American Robin

6/16/2026

Savannah Sparrow

6/16/2026

American Herring Gull

26/15/2026

Northern Fulmar

26/15/2026

Northern Gannet

76/15/2026

Northern Flicker

16/15/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

36/15/2026

Atlantic Puffin

2006/15/2026

Razorbill

256/15/2026

Common Murre

4006/15/2026

Arctic Tern

16/15/2026

Bald Eagle

16/15/2026

Swamp Sparrow

36/15/2026

Common Tern

26/14/2026

American Pipit

26/14/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/14/2026

Willet

16/14/2026

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.