The winter might not seem like the prime time for bird watching, but in south BC, early fall and winter bring home an array of migratory birds, and with the leaves falling from the trees, many of them also become easier to see during this time. Here’s a short look at a few of the types of feathered friends you may come across in the next few months when you head out into the great outdoors:

Snow Geese: These snow-white color geese can be found around Richmond and Delta starting in October. At places like Iona Beach in Richmond, you may be able to catch a glimpse of a large flock of hundreds of these geese in the peak of the migration season.

image – pixabay

Buffleheads: these little guys are actually hard to miss if you’re looking out for them on a walk. The black and white patterned water-loving creatures can be found around most ponds, lakes or by the ocean around where ducks and geese usually tend to hang out. They have a tendency to duck themselves underwater and come up somewhere else though, so keep a keen eye out.

Surf Scoters: a trip down to the southern lower mainland around White Rock or Delta will likely result in one finding a group of Surf Scoters. These black birds with a sharp orange and white beak hang out near the ocean but will sometimes be too far out to see in the low tide. They also are known to dive for their food and will sometimes spend a long time down under the surf.

Other birds to keep an eye out for are American Widgeons, Common Goldeneyes, Ring Necked Ducks, American Coots, as well as various species of Sparrows.