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

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

8/22/2026St. John's--Virginia Lake1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

8/22/2026CBS--Station Road Ponds1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

8/22/2026MUN--Burton's Pond1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

8/22/2026St. John's--Mundy Pond1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

8/21/2026St. John’s/Paradise--Woods behind Elizabeth Park1 observed

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

8/21/2026St. John's--Tobins Rd water catchment basin19 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

8/21/2026St. John's--Quidi Vidi Lake1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

8/20/2026Goulds--Cochrane Pond Rd--fields btw Back Line and Hwy 31 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Guillemot

18/22/2026

Black-legged Kittiwake

28/22/2026

American Herring Gull

68/22/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

48/22/2026

Common Tern

278/22/2026

Northern Gannet

368/22/2026

Savannah Sparrow

38/22/2026

American Goldfinch

28/22/2026

Swamp Sparrow

18/22/2026

American Pipit

48/21/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

18/21/2026

Atlantic Puffin

18/21/2026

Common Murre

38/21/2026

Black-headed Gull

18/21/2026

Northern Harrier

18/21/2026

Semipalmated Plover

18/19/2026

American Crow

18/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

68/13/2026

White-winged Crossbill

68/13/2026

Razorbill

28/13/2026

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.