As the BC Bird Trail expands throughout the province, we wanted to shine a light on the people on the ground in these communities. Learn more about the bird-watching experiences in these destinations through the eyes of the experienced locals with our BC Birders profile series.
Griffin Duckworth is an Environmental Studies student at Capilano University, and a passionate birder. He picked up the hobby in Surrey a couple of years ago, but it was moving to Squamish and discovering the Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary that turned it into a daily practice. He files a checklist from the estuary most days, and credits birding for shaping both his studies and his community life, including volunteer roles with Nature Squamish and the Howe Sound Biosphere Region.
“In November 2025 I found a Western Cattle-Egret along the train tracks in the Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary. I was absolutely thrilled as this was only the second record of this species in Squamish. I called some friends. After an hour…two Common Ravens decided they would start taking dives at it. They forced the egret into the air, taking swipes and pulling the bird’s feathers out. Eventually the ravens got bored of bullying the egret. As soon as they left, a Bald Eagle came in to finish the job. The eagle chased the egret for five gruelling minutes as they both climbed in elevation. After a number of close calls, the eagle decided to back off. The last thing we saw was the Western Cattle Egret flying south, headed away from Squamish. As far as self-found rarities go, that was my most dramatic by far. Thankfully my good friend Niall was able to get some pictures of the showdown. It was hard to believe that encounter had really happened!”
In the early 2020s, a Northern Flicker in Surrey caught Griffin Duckworth’s attention. This robin-sized woodpecker forages for ants and also rubs them into its feathers, probably as an antiparasitic. Its barbed, sticky tongue also wraps around the skull on the inside. This “spark” moment with this bird would lead to a passion, profession, and an incredible, curious community.
“When I was first getting into birding…I was struck by how the birds can teach you something new every day, as well as some more technical things like behaviour being a method of identification.”
Griffin Duckworth
A year later, Griffin relocated to Squamish, along the Pacific Flyway at the head of Howe Sound and found himself focused on birding. The Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary covers several distinct habitats over 673 hectares and is home, lodging and rest stop for a remarkable diversity of birds year-round, including the Red-throated Loon, the endangered Purple Martin and Belted Kingfisher. At the time of writing, Griffin was in the Environment and Society bachelor’s program at Capilano University. He credits birding for this educational path. “I have so much to thank birding for, as it led me to my schooling, and to important community commitments like volunteer positions with Nature Squamish and the Howe Sound Biosphere Region…Birding dictates the shape of my day.”
Griffin makes a checklist each day to keep track of different species of birds. For anyone ready to explore the area, he recommends the area in the Estuary near the train tracks that cut through the East Marsh, as well as the Estuary Chelem Trail off of Spit Road. Also, Amblepath Slough, Sp’akw’us Feather Park, Alice Lake Provincial Park, and the Mamquam Spawning Channels.
Nature Squamish’s Squamish Estuary Monthly Bird Count, held the second Sunday of each month (for 35+ years), is Griffin’s favourite community event. Newcomers are provided with binoculars. The new Squamish Bird Festival, put on by Bird Friendly Squamish and Nature Squamish, is another immersive way to celebrate Global Big Day
and World Migratory Bird Day.
“Some of the most insightful moments of my life have been while I was completely lost in thought and surrounded by birds. Whether a remarkable personal experience, a new achievement, or community engagement, there is always a special reason to keep birding at the end of the day.”
Looking to start your own birding adventure in Squamish? Check out the Squamish Bird Trail!
