Birding Section
Centre photo by John and Sheila Linn. Left and Right photos by Ed Dubois.
The Birding Section offers the opportunity to go on field trips to see over 260 bird species annually. Some species live here permanently and many others pass through in spring and fall on their migratory routes. Nature Vancouver Birders meet year round.
Scroll down for Birding events or please contact Program Coordinator JUDE GRASS for more information.
Birders' Night
Evening programs of the Birding Section start with introductions and items of general interest. The main presentation begins after a short break for light refreshments.
These programs are open to the public and members are encouraged to invite their friends. For more information and suggestions for future programs please contact the Program Coordinator JUDE GRASS.
- WHEN: First Thursday of each month from September to May at 7:30 p.m.
- WHERE: Parish Hall of St. Mary’s Anglican Church (Kerrisdale – 2490 West 37th Avenue at Larch Street), Vancouver.
During the Covid 19 restrictions we are offering weekly EVENING SPEAKER SERIES via ZOOM Video – Conferencing.
Upcoming Birders' Night Presentations
TURKEY VULTURES – David Manning – September 03, 2020. For details click HERE.
Out of Town Trips
Christmas Bird Count
Members of Nature Vancouver organize and conduct the annual Vancouver Area Christmas Bird Count. Click below to see the reports of last two counts.
Bird Surveys
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, our outdoor activities are on hold at the moment. We plan to restart these activities as soon as the restrictions are lifted and we develop a safe protocol for distancing.
UBC Farm
Every third Sunday of each month, join in a bird survey at the UBC Farm. All levels of birding knowledge are welcome to participate. The monthly survey takes from two to four hours, depending on weather conditions and how many birds we see. The survey begins at 8 a.m. (March to September) and 9 a.m. (October to February). Meet at the main gate to the UBC Farm, located on South Campus, at 3461 Ross Drive. http://ubcfarm.ubc.ca/
UBC Botanical Garden
The first Wednesday of each month, Nature Vancouver conducts a bird survey at the UBC Botanical Garden. The Friends of the Garden support and participate in this monthly survey. Meet at the Garden entrance gate at 8:00 am on the first Wednesday of the month throughout the year. The survey takes from two to four hours, depending on the weather, how many birds are seen, and how many plants are enjoyed along the route. All levels of birding knowledge are welcome to participate. For more information, contact Bev Ramey at 604 224-7689. This monthly bird survey is organized by Nature Vancouver, in partnership with the UBC Botanical Garden.
Members can also volunteer to participate in annual events such as the Great Backyard Bird Count and Christmas Bird Count. More information is available on BIRD STUDIES CANADA website.
Bird Studies Canada is also looking for volunteers to help with British Columbia Coastal Waterbird Survey. This survey involves counting water birds at specific locations along the BC coast each month. Volunteers should have intermediate to advanced bird identification skills and have access to binoculars or a spotting scope. Click HERE for more information.
Where to Bird in Vancouver
Wondering where to find birds in the Vancouver area? Check out our list of VANCOUVER AREA BIRDING SITES and the ebird HOTSPOTS for Metro Vancouver area.
Publications
Wandering Tattler
The monthly newsletter of the Birding Section is published from September to April. Copies are available at Birders’ Night Programs or from Editor Jude Grass ($2.00 per issue). Annual subscription (8 issues) for $22.00 includes postage and handling. Please make cheques out to VNHS – Wandering Tattler and mail to the Editor, 17375 27A Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S 0E9.
THE BIRDER'S GUIDE TO VANCOUVER
Now expanded with all-new colour maps and more than 100 additional colour photographs, this guide explores 33 local birding areas that attract significant numbers of species throughout the year. Each area has a description, brand new walking map and information on the seasonal variations in species. Driving directions are also included.
This guide can be purchased at a Nature Vancouver Birders’ Night, online from Harbour Publishing or Amazon.ca, or from retailers such as Wild Birds Unlimited, Backyard Bird Centre and Chapters.
Seasonal Check List - Birds of Greater Vancouver
Enjoy this free guide and checklist for birding in the Greater Vancouver area. Area covered: Greater Vancouver from the International Boundary (including Point Roberts, WA) North to 49°. 35′ N West to the eastern shoreline of Howe Sound (including Bowen Island) and to the middle of the Strait of Georgia. East to 122° 33′ W (260th St. in Langley and Maple Ridge) including all of Golden Ears Provincial Park. There is also an alternate version, with more species per page.
Committee
The program and activities of the Birding Section of Nature Vancouver are organized by an elected committee of up to eight members.
Chair: Jude Grass
Members: Angela Bond, Colin Clasen, Tom Plath, and Neill Vanhinsberg
