Iona Island

British Columbia · Canada

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringSummerFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

May-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Iona Island is a productive birding destination in British Columbia, with 288 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Gadwall among many others. Boreal and temperate forests host breeding warblers, sparrows, and waterfowl during the productive summer months.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Taiga Flycatcher

Ficedula albicilla

3/5/2026VAC west side1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/5/2026New Westminster--Port Royal River Walk1 observed

Rock Sandpiper

Calidris ptilocnemis

3/5/2026Steveston--Jetty at Sand Heads4 observed

Ring-necked Duck x Lesser Scaup (hybrid)

Aythya collaris x affinis

3/5/2026Stanley Park1 observed

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

3/4/2026Stanley Park--Second to Third Beach1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/4/2026Boundary Bay Dyke (12th Ave-64th St)1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

3/2/2026Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal Jetty3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

53/5/2026

American Wigeon

123/5/2026

Mallard

163/5/2026

Northern Pintail

123/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

63/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/5/2026

Greater Scaup

13/5/2026

American Crow

33/5/2026

Tree Swallow

23/5/2026

European Starling

23/5/2026

American Robin

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/5/2026

Canada Goose

23/5/2026

Trumpeter Swan

63/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/5/2026

Short-billed Gull

103/5/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

3/5/2026

House Finch

23/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

83/5/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Peak spring migration runs mid-May in this region — plan visits around this window for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Iona Island for birding?
The best months to visit Iona Island for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Iona Island?
Notable species at Iona Island include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, American Crow, Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, Common Raven, European Starling, American Robin. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Iona Island?
Birding at Iona Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Iona Island?
There is no entrance fee at Iona Island. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Iona Island?
Iona Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.