Bird Watching

Get a bird's eye view

This region boasts some of the province's best and varied habitat for birds and has an incredible abundance of species – well over 280 during the nesting season.

From eagles to loons

Both the novice and experienced birdwatcher will find much to see, from majestic bald eagles to mysterious loons, from yellow headed blackbirds that inhabit wetlands to the Western meadowlarks of the dryland areas.

Bird watching highlights

  • Walker Valley, 108 Ranch: great waterfowl nesting area, Western meadowlarks, mountain bluebirds, shorebirds like Wilson's phalarope, many types of warblers and songbirds
  • Scout Island, Williams Lake: many waterfowl, especially wood ducks, Northern Orioles, warblers, songbirds
  • Alkali Lake, southwest of Williams Lake: American white pelicans and many migrating waterfowl in the Spring
  • Churn Creek Provincial Park/ Fraser River: Lewis's woodpecker, Northern oriole, long-billed curlew, Lazuli bunting, Golden eagles
  • Highway 20 (west of Williams Lake)/ Chilcotin: waterfowl, bluebirds,
    raptors; rosy finches and horned larks in the late winter

Other popular areas

The 100 Mile Marsh, the Interlakes area, Bella Coola valley, the Horsefly and Cariboo Rivers and Provincial Parks.