The objective of this website is to provide photos and general information about birds on Vancouver Island and related topics to entertain, inspire and educate viewers. However, be aware that while the photos are genuine, the information is based on the general knowledge and observations by the author and not verified by experts or scientific research. Every attempt has been made to make sure the information is as accurate as possible, but before using any of this information please cross-check with reliable references or experts in the field.

Vancouver Island is the largest island on the west coast of North America. It measures 460 km from the southern tip of Victoria to the northern tip of Cape Scott and averages about 80 kilometers wide. Rugged fiords and gorgeous sandy beaches are found on both the Salish Sea and Pacific Ocean costlines while forested mountains punctuated by jagged peaks typify the spine of the island. The varied geology provides a variety of habitats suitable for many different birds.

Thanks to the mild currents of the Pacific and its location on the Pacific flyway, Vancouver Island attracts more than its share of avian species and is the birding hotspot of Canada. Approximately a 100 species are year-round residents and the population is augmented in the summer by breeders from the south and the return of northern breeders in the winter. Regular migration stop-overs during the  spring and fall are also considered to be Vancouver Island birds. 

Vancouver Island's location is also an excellent landing spot for vagrant birds that have strayed voluntarily or by the force of nature from their normal habitats.  Some of these birds can come from as far as Asia or Europe and often follow the coastline rather than tackle the dense forests and peaks of the coastal mountains. Vancouver Island just happens to be enroute and is a convenient place to rest and refuel. Some of these birds only stay for a few hours while others stay for several weeks. To date there have been approximately 200 vagrant species recorded, but who knows how many haven't been seen or have been seen but not recorded.

 

The Northern Mockingbird is abundant in the southern US, but vagrants regularly stray onto Vancouver Island. It is reported on Vancouver Island about 7 to 8 times every 10 years. The most frequent sightings seem to come from the west coast. 

Green Herons were a regular breeding species on Vancouver Island 20 to 25 years ago, but they have been extremely scarce since then. Does this indicate that there has been a significant decline in their abundance?

The feisty and dynamic Rufous Hummingbird is a favorite breeding species on Vancouver Island. It usually arrives from from early to late March in concert with the blooming wild currant and salmon berry. 

Undoubtably the Wood Duck one of the prettiest birds in the world. It is a regular year-round species on Vancouver Island, and breeds in the seclusion of small wooded ponds. 

The American Kestrel has a year-round presence on Vancouver Island. It nests in tree cavities or nest boxes and is found near open fields and pastures.

The Common Merganser is a large, powerful diving duck that breeds on Vancouver Island. The species provides a good example of sexual dimorphism. The female bears no resemblance to the male. One of the cutest sights you'll ever see is a couple of red-headed ducklings riding on the female's back.

The Great Egret is a vagrant that makes its way to Vancouver Island about 2 or 3 times every 10 years. Its breeding range is as far north as the southern half of Oregon, and it is a year-round species in California.

The Semipalmated Sandpiper is one of the three sandpipers commonly referred to as peeps. The other two are Western and Least sandpipers. 

CONTENTS

1. For rare and uncommon birds click VAGRANT BIRDS 
2. For birds found mainly offshore click PELAGIC BIRDS 
3. For Bald Eagle and bird activity during salmon spawn click SALMON SEASON 
4. For birds tha migrate here for the winter click WINTER MIGRANTS 

UNDER CONSIDERATION

5. SUMMER BIRDS - birds that migrate here for the summer nesting season but leave for the winter
6. MIGRATION STOP- OVERS - birds that regularly stop here before continuing their migratory journeys 
7. BIRDING HOTSPOTS ... 
8. WHITE RAVENS ...
9. 
 
 

NOTICE BOARD

DEC. 17, 2025 - BOOKS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT:

VICTORIA - Munro's & Ivy (Bolen & Tanners are out of stock)
DUNCAN - Volume 1 Books
LADYSMITH - Boundless Books
NANAIMO - Chapters
NANOOSE BAY - Springford Market
PARKSVILLE - (Fireside & Sea and Summit appear to be out of stock)
QUALICUM - Mulberrybush
BOWSER - Salish Sea Market
COMOX - Blue Heron Books 
COURTENAY - Laughing Oyster
CAMPBELL RIVER - Save On Foods (Coho appears to be  out of stock)

 *check the bookstore website for current book availability

DEC. 17, 2025 - BOOKS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT:

VICTORIA - Munro's. Bolen, Ivy's, Tanners
DUNCAN - Volume 1 Books
LADYSMITH - Boundless Books
NANAIMO - Chapters
NANOOSE BAY - Springford Market
PARKSVILLE - Sea & Summit, (Fireside appears to be out of stock)
QUALICUM - Mulberrybush
BOWSER - Salish Sea Market
COURTENAY - Laughing Oyster
COMOX - Blue Heron
CAMPBELL RIVER - Coho Books, Save On Foods
 

Dec. 17, 2025 - BOOKS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT:

This book is currently out of print, but used copies may be available at stores that sell used books. There have been regular requests for this book but not enough to warrant a reprint.