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

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/19/2026St. John's--Kenny's Pond1 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

6/19/2026Goulds--footpath--Second Pond to Third Pond1 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

6/19/2026ECT--White Horse Path--Bauline to Marine Drive Prov Park Reserve2 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

6/18/2026St. John's--Kenny's Pond1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/18/2026Goulds--footpath--Second Pond to Third Pond1 observed

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

6/17/2026St. John's--Tobins Rd water catchment basin4 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-legged Kittiwake

36/19/2026

American Herring Gull

26/19/2026

Manx Shearwater

36/19/2026

Savannah Sparrow

16/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

26/18/2026

Common Murre

2506/18/2026

Common Tern

16/18/2026

Northern Gannet

256/18/2026

Horned Lark

16/18/2026

American Robin

26/18/2026

Song Sparrow

16/18/2026

Swamp Sparrow

36/18/2026

Black Guillemot

76/18/2026

Razorbill

56/18/2026

Thick-billed Murre

26/18/2026

Atlantic Puffin

6/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

16/18/2026

Great Shearwater

16/18/2026

Sooty Shearwater

6/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

236/18/2026

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.