Birding

Situated on the very edge of the continent, Tofino is an exceptional place for birds. In spring, waterfowl and shorebirds gather by the thousands on the extensive Tofino mudflats on their way north. Have you ever stood in awe as 15,000 Western Sandpipers take to the air to escape the headlong rush of a Peregrine Falcon? You can in Tofino. Have you ever held your breath as you view a magnificent Bald Eagle eyeball to eyeball through a spotting scope? You can in Tofino.

By early June, delight in finding resident birds, like the exquisite Townsend’s Warbler, Rufous and Anna’s Hummingbirds, or search for Band-tailed Pigeons or Eurasian Collared Doves. If you prefer to be on the water, try Cleland Island and surrounding waters throughout the summer for species such as Black Oystercatchers, Wandering Tattlers, Tufted Puffins, Pigeon Guillemots, and Harlequin Ducks.

Birding

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If you want to see true oceanic, offshore birds, check with local bird guides for available tours. Bullers, Pink-footed, and Flesh-footed Shearwaters and Jaegers are frequently seen. As many as 4 to 6 South Polar Skuas are seen on late summer trips, along with Red Phalaropes, Sabines Gulls, Kittiwake, Cassins Auklets and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel.

There are four extraordinary birding seasons in Tofino. Don’t miss any of them. Good birding everyone.