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The other life list: birding

Luckily, Canada’s the spot to check off some of most sought-after.

by Bruce Ramsay 14 August 2008

“Ornitogolfing” is how the late, naturalist, field-guide author and Bird Watcher’s Digest columnist, Roger Tory Peterson, described the passionate pursuit of species to add to your list. Here are some of Canada’s greatest spots to score your next eagle or birdie.
Alberta Since 1992, birdwatchers have thrilled to view thousands of bald and golden eagles soar between the peaks of the Kananaskis Valley during biannual migrations. 
best viewing: March through early April, and late September through October. www.eaglewatch.ca www.discoveralberta.com
New Brunswick The annual ebb and flow of millions of migrating shoreline birds, including semipalmated sandpipers, is as awe inspiring as the amazing tides of the Bay of Fundy (the world’s highest). 
best viewing: Early to mid-August, when individual roosts may be home to 100,000 birds or more. www.bayoffundy.com www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca
Manitoba For the adventurous birder, Churchill, MB, offers the chance to spy 270-plus species, including Arctic terns, harlequin ducks, tundra swans—and even the odd polar bear. 
best viewing: Summer; July is a particularly good time. www.birdersworld.com
British Columbia The remote southern Chilcotins are home to raptors, songbirds and water fowl, including Canada and snow geese, red tail hawks, swans and orange-crowned warblers.
best viewing: May through September, with May and June the optimal months. www.tyax.com www.gobc.ca
Ontario Canada’s most southern tip, Point Pelee, is a major stopover for many migratory birds. More than 370 species have been spotted here, which is likely why the area was named one of North America’s “Top 15 Birding Spots” by Birder’s World magazine.
best viewing: Join the Annual Point Pelee Festival of Birds in early May. www.pc.gc.ca www.ontariooutdoor.com
Nunavut Canada’s newest territory, rugged and otherworldly breathtaking, is a dream trip for many birders—as is the chance to spot rare, northern breeds.
best viewing: Summer (July and August) is the easiest time to travel. www.nunavutparks.com www.nunavuttourism.com
Quebec Birding in Quebec, especially around the romantic Gaspésie area, means an inspiring blend of forest and seashore watching, plus an equally rare opportunity to reward yourself with delicious French cuisine.
best viewing: Springtime (although the cuisine is always in season). www.quebecmaritime.ca www.bonjourquebec.com
www.birdwatching.com www.camacdonald.com www.web-nat.com

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Usage guidelines

We welcome you to use these story ideas as inspiration for your own stories about Canada. The CTC owns all rights worldwide. (Our images are also royalty-free and available for editorial print, broadcast and electronic use.) If you choose to reproduce these texts for editorial use only, please include the author's byline and "courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission." If you cut, edit or modify the text in any way, please include this note: "The text has been modified from the original." Thank you.

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Prince Edward Island, Credit - Mandatory Tourism PEI/John Sylvester - Background Image