Tag: Birds

World Migratory Bird Day 2025 — Creating Bird-Friendly Communities Across the Pacific Flyway

Each year, World Migratory Bird Day unites people across the globe in celebrating one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena—the seasonal movement of billions of birds across vast distances. In 2025, the focus is on how we can make our communities—rural and urban alike—safer, healthier, and more welcoming for migratory birds. When Is World Migratory Bird…
Becoming a Community Scientist

Community science is a fun activity for everyone to enjoy – no matter your skill level! Did you know Earth Day is April 22? With nature shaking off the winter blues, it’s no wonder we celebrate this beautiful planet in the spring! And as the first sightings of spring pop up throughout the province, there…
Species Profile — Red-winged Blackbird

We often see them dancing on telephone wires or hear their song as spring returns. The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is one of the most common birds in North America, with a range stretching coast to coast across southern Canada. As is often the case in nature, the sleek black body and vibrant red-and-yellow shoulder…
Wetlands — A Stop-over in the Great Migratory Journey

Take a moment and picture yourself amongst the wildlife of your local wetland. Look for colourful blooms, hear the croak of the frogs, and maybe, listen for the call of a bird. Wetlands are biodiversity hotspots and invaluable ecosystems across Canada. They are the home or place of refuge to a multitude of species including…
Quadra Island Schoolyard Given New Life with Wetland Build

A schoolyard on Quadra Island is being given new life as the B.C. Wildlife Federation, Quadra Island Elementary School, and School District 72 restore a historic wetland to provide habitat for native plants and animals, while also creating an outdoor classroom for students. At first glance, the school’s large sports field surrounded by towering trees…
Species Profile — Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a medium-sized bird commonly found near rivers, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands across North America. Ranging from 28 to 30 cm in height, with a wingspan of 48 to 58 cm, this striking species is known for its shaggy crest, sharp dagger-like bill, and loud, mechanical rattle call. Its plumage…
Species Profile — Long-Billed Dowitcher

The long-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) is a medium-to-large shorebird often seen in British Columbia during its fall migration along the Pacific Flyway. Though less commonly spotted in winter, some individuals remain in southern parts of the province before continuing their journey as far south as Central America during colder months. This species is a classic…
Species Profile — Trumpeter Swan

There’s no denying it: wetlands play a critical role in providing habitats for a variety of life. Studies have found that over 900 species require wetlands, with 64% of all endangered and threatened animal species needing access to them during some point in their life. In Canada, approximately 45 of the 95 species classified as…
Species Profile — Rufous Hummingbird

Ah, the Rufous Hummingbird—a common yet seemingly rare bird that captures our attention and makes us stare in awe at its fiery feathers and futuristic flight. Their flight pattern is mesmerizing, darting and hovering in a way that resembles something like a spaceship. Given their status as such a captivating creature, let’s take a closer…
Species Profile — Steller’s Jay

As the weather warms and the daylight extends, we being to hear an active chorus of springtime birds. Commonly seen foraging for food around campgrounds and parks, Steller’s jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) are the blue-winged symbol of B.C.’s healthy evergreen forests, as well as, our provincial bird! They’re known for their unmistakably blue feathers, triangle-crested heads, and…