Reifel Bird Sanctuary

British Columbia · Canada

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird

Habitat

Boreal/TaigaForest

Best Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

Entrance Fee

C$5 adults

Hours

Open daily, 9 AM - 4 PM

About This Location

Reifel Bird Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in British Columbia, with 275 species recorded on eBird. This boreal/taiga and forest habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Boreal and temperate forests host breeding warblers, sparrows, and waterfowl during the productive summer months.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Boreal Chickadee Spruce Grouse Gray Jay Black-backed Woodpecker White-winged Crossbill Mallard Rock Pigeon American Crow Bald Eagle Northern Flicker Common Raven European Starling

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/6/2026Serpentine Fen1 observed

California Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma californica

3/6/2026Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

3/6/2026Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)2 observed

Rock Sandpiper

Calidris ptilocnemis

3/6/2026Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal Jetty1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

3/6/2026Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)1 observed

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

Ring-necked Duck x Lesser Scaup (hybrid)

Aythya collaris x affinis

3/5/2026Stanley Park1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

3/4/2026Surrey Lake Park1 observed

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/4/2026160th St Access Road To The Serpentine Dike Pumphouse.2 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

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

Birding Tips

1
Listen for boreal specialties like Boreal Chickadee and Spruce Grouse.
2
Check spruce and fir stands for crossbills and other irruptive finches.
3
Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.
4
Scan the canopy edges at dawn for migrating warblers and other songbirds during spring and fall.
5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

Nearby Attractions

Boundary Bay Regional Park
Burns Bog
Ladner Village

More in British Columbia

George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Fraser River Delta sanctuary near Vancouver with 300+ species and massive winter Snow Goose flocks.

Beatton Provincial Park

Boreal/Taiga birding hotspot in British Columbia with 212 recorded species.

Becher's Prairie & Lakes North of Hwy 20

Grassland birding hotspot in British Columbia with 207 recorded species.

British Columbia Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in British Columbia →

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Reifel Bird Sanctuary for birding?▼

The best months to visit Reifel Bird Sanctuary for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.

What birds can I see at Reifel Bird Sanctuary?▼

Notable species at Reifel Bird Sanctuary include Boreal Chickadee, Spruce Grouse, Gray Jay, Black-backed Woodpecker, White-winged Crossbill, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, American Crow, Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, Common Raven, European Starling. The area supports boreal/taiga, forest habitats.

How difficult is birding at Reifel Bird Sanctuary?▼

Birding at Reifel Bird Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

Is there an entrance fee at Reifel Bird Sanctuary?▼

The entrance fee at Reifel Bird Sanctuary is C$5 adults. Hours: Open daily, 9 AM - 4 PM.

What amenities are available at Reifel Bird Sanctuary?▼

Reifel Bird Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.