BC BIRD TRAIL By Shayne Kaye
Birding is a hobby that is quickly gaining popularity, but did you know it can also make an excellent family activity? It can be a perfect reason to get the family outside, enjoying and connecting with nature. But birding also provides an opportunity for learning and appreciating the great outdoors, even the wild world right outside your doorstep! If you’re a family looking for some birding fun in 2021, here’s some help with tips and places to go along the BC Bird Trail.
WHY BIRDING IS GREAT FOR FAMILIES Birdwatching is something that can be done anywhere, which makes it easy to plan for. It can fill as little or as much time as you want; It’s perfect for a short, active part of a busy day or the main activity for a full day adventure. It’s also affordable, as most parks and trails are free to explore (unless you want to make a trip to a sanctuary which may ask for a donation or entrance fee). As a bonus, you don’t need expensive gear to go birding. Birding is also a great way to be active, even during times where travel is restricted - try sticking to local parks and discover some new areas close to home. The great thing about family birding outings is that they can be as simple as gathering in your own backyard and focusing on what birds you can see or hear.
FRASER VALLEY BIRD TRAIL Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park is good for birdwatching, picnics, and short walks, as the trail is broken up into three smaller sections Matsqui Trail Regional Park has flat trails and lots of historical interest points at the park Fishtrap Creek Park easy to access right in the middle of Abbotsford Willband Creek Park is just at the edge of Abbotsford, with parking and flat trails.
FOR THE KIDS Birding offers learning opportunities for kids and fosters a love of nature. Learning the basics of birding encourages responsible practices while being out in nature. As kids start to identify birds by sight and sound, it gives them a huge sense of achievement. It’s exciting to check birds off your list as you spot them in the wild! Families can participate in events like bird counts throughout the year, either through schools or local birding groups. These activities help youngsters learn why it’s important to engage with nature and participate in Citizen Science projects, like bird counts, to help conservation efforts. Birding is a fun way to get into science, but it also opens up creative interests for kids, like photography or drawing, which can be great lifelong creative outlets.
Family-Friendly Trail Locations Here are some family-friendly spots on the BC Bird Trails that include shorter trails, are close to playgrounds and amenities, or have other fun activities nearby.
RICHMOND DELTA BIRD TRAIL George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary has food for the ducks available, as well as parking right next to accessible trails Terra Nova Rural Park has parking and a playground The Boundary Bay dyke has several access points on a long, flat trail great for short birding trips.
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CENTRAL VANCOUVER ISLAND BIRD TRAIL The Raptors, dedicated to promoting conservation and raising awareness for birds of prey, lets you see birds of prey up close with daily flying demonstrations and more Somenos Marsh is an easy stop along the highway as you head up-Island, right on the edge of Duncan Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre has a great nature house, right beside amenities of Cowichan Bay Buttertubs Marsh is wheelchair and stroller accessible North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre lets you get up close with birds and other animals
