Horned Grebe
More upright and slender than a duck, and with a pointed beak instead of a flat bill, they’re rarely seen out of the water. White/black/gray plumage much of the year, but while breeding (spring/summer) turn dark brown/black with a golden streak across the face that extends into feathery “horns”.
Active seasons
Found mostly in winter, but also in some parts of the Columbia Valley for breeding season during the warmer months of spring and summer.
How/where to find
Can be found anywhere there’s water, but ponds, lakes, and marshes are the best places to get a good look at them.
Seen year round throughout all Regions and Outposts on The BC Bird Trail, it’s during breeding season that you can easily spot the Horned Grebe on the Columbia Valley Bird Trail.
Photo by Jacob Neumann / Shutterstock
Find the Horned Grebe on the bird trail
Squamish
Protected by the Stawamus Chief Mountain, and populated by the continent’s highest concentration of wintering bald eagles, Squamish provides spectacular 360-degree views of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and old-growth forests. The recently-UNESCO-designated Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Reserve encompasses the fjord, its islands, and the extensive nature surrounding it.
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Radium and Invermere
Entering the village of Radium through the iconic Sinclair Canyon presents visitors with pristine views as they’re welcomed to the crossroads of adventure and relaxation. Farther south lies Invermere: a quaint, lakeside mountain town. Life on the edge of the Canadian Rockies affords incredible opportunities to slow down and relax, or ramp up and explore…
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Fraser Valley
The traditional territories of the Sts’ailes, Seabird Island, Sq’ewá:lxw, Cheam, Douglas, Leq’a:mel, Samahquam, Sq’ewlets, Skatin and Stó:lō Coast Salish Peoples, as well as the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui, Semiahmoo, Semá:th, and Mathxwí First Nations.
The Fraser Valley Bird Trail ushers birders along on a riverside tour of some of the province’s richest birding regions. Composed of four unique communities, this trail stretches from the Township of Langley in the west, through the Fraser River cities of Abbotsford and Chilliwack to the Village of Harrison Hot Springs at the southern…
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Prince George
We respectfully acknowledge the unceded ancestral lands of the Lheidli T'enneh, on whose land we live, work and play. Prince George is situated on the unceded territory of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation and their traditional lands cover much of the area from present-day Prince George to the Rocky Mountains.
Located in the heart of British Columbia, and the gateway to the North, Prince George offers an immersive birdwatching experience. Located amidst a range of ecosystems including forests, riversides, wetlands, and meadows, Prince George provides a unique and enriching birding adventure. With this itinerary, birders can design their route to explore the city’s neighbourhoods, discover…
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Richmond
The heart of the Pacific Flyway, and a central hub to travellers throughout BC, Richmond’s diverse communities and spectacular waterfront vistas are home to a plethora of migratory birds.
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Vancouver
The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Just a stone’s throw away from the city’s bustling urban life, Vancouver offers a captivating birdwatching adventure. With an array of diverse ecosystems, including ocean fronts, estuaries, parks, and forests, Vancouver provides a plethora of birding hotspots. From the iconic Stanley Park to the serene shores of English Bay, the gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park…
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South Fraser
The traditional territories of the scəw̓aθən (Tsawwassen), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and other Coast Salish Peoples.
The mouth of the mighty Fraser River empties into the Salish Sea and all around lie some of the most diverse waterways and marshlands in the province. Just a short 15 km drive from downtown Vancouver, the South Fraser Trail begins in Richmond with a series of important locations along the Pacific Flyway. Neighbouring Delta…
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Langley
From the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo and Matsqui First Nations who have lived in the region for centuries, to the Fort Langley National Historic Site, the Township of Langley is rich in local traditions. A one hour drive east of Vancouver, take in beautiful riverside and lagoon bird watching opportunities, keeping an eye out for kingfishers…
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Chilliwack
34 kilometres northeast of Abbotsford, Chilliwack is one of the province’s most popular outdoor destinations, boasting an assortment of parks, nature reserves, and farm-fresh eateries. This agricultural region is home to farm birds like red-tailed hawks and harriers and is also a great spot for cedar waxwings.
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Sea to Sky
The traditional and unceded shared territory of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Lilwat7úl (Lil’wat) Nations.
Regarded as one of the world’s best road trip routes, Highway 99 stretches 377 kilometers from the US border northeast to Cache Creek, BC. But it’s at the northern tip of Howe Sound, in view of the towering Stawamus Chief Mountain, that the Sea to Sky corridor of this coastal route earns its namesake. As…
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Southern Gulf Islands
We are grateful to live on and visit the Southern Gulf Islands and acknowledge that the lands and waters that encompass these islands have been home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial, part of the traditional unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations and Hul’quimi’num Treaty Group.
Easily accessible from Victoria or Vancouver via a serene ferry ride, the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia offer a captivating birdwatching escapade. Encompassing a rich tapestry of coastal, forested, and shoreline habitats, these islands are a haven for bird enthusiasts. From the diverse ocean and estuarine landscapes to lush marshlands and serene woodlands, the…
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Cowichan
Located between Victoria and Nanaimo, Cowichan takes its name from “Quw’utsun,” the name given to the valley by its original inhabitants, the Quw’utsun people. It is rooted in the Hul’q’umi’num word “shquw’utsun” which directly translated means “to warm one’s back in the sun. Look out for turkey vultures in the spring and summer, trumpeter swans in…
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Sointula and Alert Bay
To visit these smaller island communities on Malcolm and Cormorant Islands, take a 25-45 minute BC Ferries sailing from Port McNeill. Sointula is a quaint and unique community on Malcolm Island, that embraces its Finnish heritage, offering a serene coastal setting, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Alert Bay…
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Whistler
With glaciated mountains at either side, it’s not hard to see why Whistler has been called the Valley of Dreams. The alpine home of countless bird species, including some higher-altitude specialties like Canada Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, and Ruffed & Sooty Grouse. Golden-eared visitors might also listen for the high pitched call of the local hoary…
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Columbia Valley
The traditional territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc people.
Located between the Rocky and Purcell Mountains in southeast BC, the Columbia Valley is just a short trip from Alberta and the USA border, and about a ten hour drive from Vancouver. Situated along the Upper Columbia River, the wetlands surrounding these friendly communities are renowned for their birdlife. Stretching from Golden in the north,…
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or jump right to an itinerary...
Kimberley Radium Hot Springs and Invermere-Panorama Cranbrook Golden
Delta
The City of Delta is composed of Ladner, Tsawwassen, and North Delta – three distinct communities that welcome an incredible diversity of migratory birds, from snow geese to the western sandpiper, year-round.
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Harrison River Valley
Not only do the sandy beaches of Harrison Lake, thirty-two kilometres north of Chilliwack, inspire some of the most dynamic outdoor adventure opportunities in the province, but they also provide a unique habitat for migratory birds and birders alike.
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Port Alice
The Village of Port Alice is a picturesque community built on a mountainside affording excellent views of Neroutsos Inlet from every vantage point. It is accessed via a short, scenic drive on a newly paved section of highway 30. The community is a gateway to the wild west coast where visitors can explore further via…
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Port McNeill
Port McNeill is Vancouver Island North’s second-largest community, and is celebrated for its stunning coastal views, outdoor recreational opportunities, and as a starting point for eco-adventures and whale-watching tours. From Port McNeill, a scenic drive by highway and logging road leads to Cape Scott Provincial Park and the North Coast Trail. Or head a few…
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Central Vancouver Island
The traditional land of the Coast Salish people including the Quw’utsun, Halalt, Stz’uminus, Snuneymuxw, Snaw-naw-as, K’ómoks, and Qualicum First Nations
A short drive from Victoria or serene ferry sailing from Vancouver, Central Vancouver Island is home to diverse ocean, estuary, riverside, marshland, forest, and alpine habitats – a wide variety of birding hot spots, all nestled safely along the Strait of Georgia. Never far from farm-fresh dining and locally-roasted coffee, birders can plan a route…
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Nelson and Kootenay Lake
We would like to acknowledge, with gratitude and appreciation, that the land on which we walk and live is the traditional territories of the Sinixt, the Syilx, and the Ktunaxa peoples, and is home to many other indigenous persons, including the Inuit and Metis.
Take a peaceful journey through the stunning landscapes of British Columbia to Nelson and Kootenay Lake which offers an exceptional birdwatching experience. Nestled amidst diverse ecosystems including lakes, forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows, this region is a haven for bird enthusiasts. The tranquil waters of Kootenay Lake and the surrounding marshlands create a rich habitat…
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Photo: Joy McAdams
Cranbrook
Cranbrook is known as the true crossroads of the Kootenays, as you’ll only ever be a few minutes from experiencing incredible lakes, rivers, and adventure. Plus, it routinely reports the most sunshine hours of any city in BC, so it’s best to plan for a lot of time spent outdoors.
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Port Hardy
Port Hardy is located at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and as a gateway to the stunning wilderness of Vancouver Island. It is the northernmost point of the Island Highway 19, site of the regional airport and the starting point for the BC Ferries Inside Passage…
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Parksville Qualicum Beach
Parksville Qualicum Beach is a charming collection of 14 unique communities – all epitomizing the relaxing Vancouver Island lifestyle. The sandy beaches of this region are truly remarkable, spanning as wide as 1 kilometre at low tide. Stick to the scenic coastline for plentiful pelagic birding opportunities, then relax and recharge your batteries with the…
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Langford
The traditional territories of the Coast Salish, specifically Esquimalt, Songhees, Scia’new, and W̱SÁNEĆ people represented by the Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum and Malahat First Nations.
Inset from the southern tip of Vancouver Island, this outdoor lover’s paradise just 15 kilometres from Downtown Victoria. Named “BC’s Best Community 2021” by Maclean’s Magazine, Langford’s popular downtown core is surrounded by lush, green hills chock-full of hiking trails and lookouts with local wildlife around every turn. Though many small private lakes dot the…
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Kimberley
Home of both the largest urban park and freestanding cuckoo clock in Canada, Kimberley is a good place to hide out and take in the splendour of the Rocky Mountains.
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The Shuswap
The Shuswap Is Situated Within The Traditional, Ancestral, And Unceded Territory Of The Secwépemc People.
Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, the Shuswap region offers a captivating birdwatching haven. The diverse landscapes, including lakeshores, riversides, marshlands, forests, and alpine meadows, create a mosaic of habitats that attract a wide variety of bird species. Planning a birdwatching route leads to exploring the region’s vibrant communities, independently-owned businesses, and exceptional birding…
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Osoyoos
The ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band and its people.
Located in the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band and its people, Osoyoos presents a unique climate filled with grasslands, highlands, deserts and mountains. Due to its mild climate, Osoyoos is an ideal year-round road trip and birding destination where hundreds of bird species have been recorded. The town of Osoyoos presents…
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Tofino
We respectfully acknowledge the unceded traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples and the traditional keepers of their land. We want to say thank you for allowing us to live, work, and play on your lands.
A beautiful drive across Vancouver Island, Tofino offers an unforgettable birdwatching adventure. Set against the backdrop of diverse coastal ecosystems, including oceanfronts, estuaries, marshlands, and dense forests, Tofino serves as an oasis for birding enthusiasts. With its prime location along the Pacific coastline, this region presents a rich array of birding hotspots and opportunities to…
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The Okanagan
This trail exists upon the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Syilx (Okanagan) Band, Osoyoos Indian Band and their people. Travel consciously and respectfully.
Home to diverse ecosystems and habitats such as wetlands, forests, deserts and grasslands, the Okanagan offers a fantastic bird-watching experience. The region’s unique climate attracts both migratory and resident birds. Throughout the trail in the spring and summer, you’ll see the bright plumage of migratory birds, like the vibrant Lazuli Bunting or Yellow Warblers. Rolling…
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Vernon
We recognize the City of Vernon is located in the traditional territory of the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation.
The City of Vernon, located in the traditional territory of the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation, is set against a backdrop of diverse ecosystems including lakeshores, wetlands, and picturesque meadows. From the serene lakeshores of Kalamalka Lake to the tranquil woodlands of Silver Star Mountain, the region provides habitats for numerous avian species. This…
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Surrey
Surrey is a big city full of people, farmland, and birds. The shores of Boundary Bay full of endless amounts of marine life, while nearby rivers and farmland ecosystems provide bird-friendly habitats all year round. Since the 1980s Surrey has seen an immigration boom create an incredibly diverse city, with more than 30% of local…
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Vancouver’s North Shore
We gratefully acknowledge that we all work, live and play on the traditional, shared and unceded territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam Peoples. We acknowledge and express deep gratitude to these peoples, on whose territory that the Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association Operates.
Just a short drive from Vancouver or a serene ferry journey from Victoria, Vancouver’s North Shore in British Columbia offers an exciting birdwatching experience. Nestled within the diverse ecosystems of ocean, estuary, riverside, marshland, forest, and alpine habitats, this region provides a rich array of birding hotspots along the scenic Strait of Georgia. The local…
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Golden
Golden, British Columbia is a historic town nestled in the Columbia Valley at the northern end of the Columbia Wetlands. This 180km stretch of protected wetlands is home to more than 260 bird species as well as a variety of fish, amphibians, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. It’s these very mountain ranges, two historic rivers, and…
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Vancouver Island North
GILAKAS’LA. Our Vancouver Island North communities are located on the traditional territory of the Kwakwakaʼwakw people, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.
The Northern tip of Vancouver Island is home to some of the most exceptional bird watching opportunities on the Pacific Coast. This ecologically diverse region, with ancient coastal rainforests, rocky islets, and expansive estuaries, supports a wide range of bird species. While the sheltered waters of the Broughton Archipelago serve as an excellent winter habitat…
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Abbotsford
Renowned for its airshow, planes aren’t the only sights in the skies above Abbotsford – look out for hawks around the farms and airfield, as well as swamp sparrows and elusive American bittern. 45 km east of Langley, this cultivated city weaves an eclectic tale of agriculture, community, and natural environment.
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Kelowna
Kelowna is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) of the syilx/Okanagan people who have resided here since time immemorial.
Kelowna is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) of the syilx/Okanagan people who have resided here since time immemorial. With diverse ecosystems including lakeshores, wetlands, riversides, and sprawling vineyards, this region offers many birding hotspots. This itinerary leads you through the city’s distinct neighborhoods, unearthing its hidden treasures like charming wineries and breweries,…
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Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Ken Hagen
Sooke
The District of Sooke occupies the unceded traditional territories of the T’Sou-ke and Scia’new Nations. Central to Sooke’s history, we recognize the ongoing presence, influence and rights of these Nations within the community. It is with tremendous gratitude that we have the honour to call these lands home.
A short drive from Victoria or a peaceful ferry ride from Vancouver, Sooke, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, offers an enchanting birdwatching experience. Surrounded by a tapestry of coastal landscapes, including ocean shores, estuaries, woodlands, and lush marshlands, Sooke provides an ideal habitat for a diverse range of bird species. Nestled within…
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