Birding Capital of Canada

Rocky Point Bird Observatory is proud to proclaim that the Capital Region is the “Birding Capital of Canada”!

A recent analysis has revealed that the Capital Regional District of British Columbia has reached an impressive count of 423 confirmed bird species, surpassing other celebrated regions such as: Essex County, Ontario, home to renowned Pointe Pelée; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Metro Vancouver, B.C. Our region is also home to three historic Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and one of the best natural environments in urban Canada.

These remarkable circumstances speak not only to our area's rich biodiversity and favourable climate but also to the incredible passion and dedication of our local birding community. The Capital Regional District is home to numerous habitats uniquely suited to attract and support a diverse range of bird species. From the majestic Garry Oak meadows to the temperate rainforests and picturesque shorelines, our landscapes and seascapes create ideal conditions for resident and migratory birds, particularly wintering birds.

Moreover, the involvement of community members and organizations in birdwatching and conservation plays a crucial role in maintaining and celebrating our natural heritage. Their collective efforts, alongside the stewardship practiced by the 12 First Nations in the region, contribute significantly to our ecological richness and ensure the preservation of our avian assets for future generations.

As we showcase our status as the Birding Capital of Canada, we also emphasize our commitment to conservation, restoration, education, and the cultural and social aspects of our attachment to nature. I invite you to celebrate this achievement and support our ongoing endeavours to promote birdwatching in the Capital Regional District. This initiative is supported by the Greater Victoria NatureHood, which seeks to connect Greater Victorians to "nearby nature" and revitalize our three historic Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.

About the logo:  Black Oystercatcher (Fr: Huîtrier de Bachman) - a  common, resident shorebird in Greater Victoria; easily seen year-round, often heard.

“Anyone seeing a black oystercatcher for the first time might be inclined to laugh at its grotesque and rather comic appearance. Its outsized red bill is impossibly bright… When the bird nods and utters a piercingly loud whinny, the observer is convinced that it is simple as well as strange-looking."  -  J. Fenwick Lansdowne, Birds of the West Coast, Volume One, 1976