Churchill

Manitoba · Canada

Challenging

Habitat

TundraCoastalWetland

Best Seasons

Summer

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-July

Entrance Fee

Free (town access)

Hours

Open 24 hours (summer daylight)

About This Location

Churchill, Manitoba — known as the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World' — is also one of North America's most extraordinary birding destinations. This remote subarctic town on the shores of Hudson Bay sits at the intersection of three major biomes: tundra, boreal forest, and marine, creating unique birding opportunities.

Over 270 species have been recorded in the Churchill area, including sought-after Arctic and subarctic specialties. Ross's Gull, one of the world's most elusive birds, has been found nesting near Churchill, and Smith's Longspurs display on the tundra alongside Pacific Loons and Willow Ptarmigan.

Location

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Notable Species

Ross's Gull Snowy Owl Willow Ptarmigan Smith's Longspur Pacific Loon

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

3/4/2026CAN-MB-Winnipeg, Périmétrique/St Marys1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

3/4/2026Maple Grove Park1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

3/4/2026Maple Grove Park1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/4/2026Bridgetown Drive, Winnipeg1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/4/2026Bridgetown Drive, Winnipeg1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/4/2026Bridgetown Dr.1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/4/2026Bridgetown Dr.1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/4/2026House In The Peg1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/4/2026House In The Peg1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

3/3/2026Winnipeg--Kings Park1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/3/2026House In The Peg1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/3/2026House In The Peg1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/3/2026Highway 19, Division No. 17, Unorganized CA-MB (50.6721,-99.7721)1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

3/3/20261448 Chancellor Drive1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

3/3/20261448 Chancellor Drive1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

3/3/2026Winnipeg--Kings Park1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

3/3/2026Winnipeg--Kings Park1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

3/2/2026Perimeter Hwy. and St. Mary’s Rd.1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

3/2/2026Maple Grove Park1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/2/2026Holo Crossing (Windygates) hawk watch, Pembina River Valley1 observed

Recent Observations

Pine Siskin

Victoria Cres, Winnipeg CA-MB 49.84229, -97.13407

3/4/2026

2 birds

Downy Woodpecker

Victoria Cres, Winnipeg CA-MB 49.84229, -97.13407

3/4/2026

2 birds

House Finch

Victoria Cres, Winnipeg CA-MB 49.84229, -97.13407

3/4/2026

5 birds

White-breasted Nuthatch

Victoria Cres, Winnipeg CA-MB 49.84229, -97.13407

3/4/2026

2 birds

Black-billed Magpie

Macdonald, Macdonald CA-MB (49.8137,-97.2314)

3/4/2026

3 birds

Northern Shrike

Macdonald, Macdonald CA-MB (49.8137,-97.2314)

3/4/2026

1 birds

Bald Eagle

Macdonald, Macdonald CA-MB (49.8137,-97.2314)

3/4/2026

2 birds

Gray Partridge

Macdonald, Macdonald CA-MB (49.8137,-97.2314)

3/4/2026

12 birds

House Sparrow

39 Pately Crescent

3/4/2026

Common Raven

39 Pately Crescent

3/4/2026

1 birds

Black-capped Chickadee

39 Pately Crescent

3/4/2026

2 birds

American Black Duck

Maple Grove Park

3/4/2026

1 birds

Mallard

Maple Grove Park

3/4/2026

88 birds

Blue Jay

415 Symington Rd, Winnipeg CA-MB (49.8715,-97.0038)

3/4/2026

1 birds

Sharp-tailed Grouse

Ditch Lake area

3/4/2026

6 birds

Rock Pigeon

Ditch Lake area

3/4/2026

1 birds

Pine Grosbeak

Ditch Lake area

3/4/2026

4 birds

American Crow

Harris Park

3/4/2026

3 birds

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Harris Park

3/4/2026

1 birds

Hairy Woodpecker

Harris Park

3/4/2026

1 birds

Birding Tips

1
Churchill is only accessible by train, plane, or winter road — plan logistics well in advance
2
June offers 20+ hours of daylight and peak bird activity, but bring warm layers and bug protection

Amenities

Parking

Guided Tours

Nearby Attractions

Prince of Wales Fort
Cape Merry

Birding Guides

Bird Identification Tips: How to ID Birds Like a Pro

11 min read

Best Birding Apps for 2026

7 min read

Best Binoculars for Birding in 2026

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Churchill for birding?▼

The best months to visit Churchill for birding are June-July. The best seasons are Summer.

What birds can I see at Churchill?▼

Notable species at Churchill include Ross's Gull, Snowy Owl, Willow Ptarmigan, Smith's Longspur, Pacific Loon. The area supports tundra, coastal, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Churchill?▼

Birding at Churchill is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

Is there an entrance fee at Churchill?▼

The entrance fee at Churchill is Free (town access). Hours: Open 24 hours (summer daylight).

What amenities are available at Churchill?▼

Churchill offers the following amenities: Parking, Guided Tours.