From genteel Victoria to its rugged northern tip, Vancouver Island has hundreds of spots for birdwatching. Among the favorites are:

SOUTH ISLAND

Gulf Islands - The islands off the Saanich Peninsula, north of Victoria, are great for bald eagles, cormorants, hummingbirds, loons, herons and owls. Hotspots include Ruckle Provincial Park and Mount Tuam, on Saltspring Island; Active Pass, between Mayne and Galiano islands; Sidney Spit Provincial Park, off Sidney.

Victoria - The Victoria shoreline is loaded with waterfowl, from terns to Harlequin ducks. Hotspots include Odgen Point Breakwater; Willows Beach and Cattle Point. Away from the water, check out Beacon Hill Park for geese and songbirds; Mount Tolmie for eagles and other raptors.

Victoria Area - Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, in Saanich, is probably the hottest spot on south Vancouver Island for birdwatching. The sanctuary is home to Canada geese, mallard ducks, eagles, falcon, woodpeckers and hummingbirds. Other spots include Esquimalt Lagoon, Thetis lake, Ten Mile Point, Victoria International Airport, Galloping Goose Trail, Witty's Lagoon, and Observatory Hill.

Goldstream Provincial Park - Just a short drive north of Victoria, Goldstream's heavy forests shelter all kinds of birds including Steller's Jay, hawks, eagles (particularly during fall salmon spawning season), herons, ducks, robins and other songbirds.

Duncan - The Somenos Marsh, adjacent to the Trans Canada Hwy., is shared by a variety of waterfowl and songbirds. Canada geese, Trumpeter swans, mallards, larks, robins, wrens, herons and others share the tall grasses and wetlands of this low-lying marsh.

Nanaimo - If you're into eagles, the Nanaimo Harbor-Newcastle Island area is your paradise. Morrell Lake Nature Sanctuary off the Nanaimo Lakes Road offers nearly 12 kilometers of easy trails and a variety of birds from waterfowl to songbirds.

Parksville - The Brant goose has become such a visitor to the Parksville-Qualicum area, that an annual festival is held every February. The best viewing spot is right along the shoreline.

NORTH ISLAND

Courtenay - Trumpeter swans invade the Courtenay-Comox Valley area during the winter months, feeding off the stubble in farmers' fields. The best viewing spot is Farquharson Farms, right on the highway. Watch, too, for pheasant.

Strathcona Park - The upper elevations of Strathcona Provincial Park are a great place for Whiskey Jacks. Take some bread and feel the thrill as these daring birds pluck it from your fingertips. Keep an eye open for grouse, ptarmigan and ravens.

Woodhus Slough - Halfway between Courtenay and Campbell River, the ponds and marshes of Woodhus Slough, near the Oyster River, are home to Trumpeter swans, mallards, swallows, warblers, sparrows and eagles. Nearby the ocean, look for shorebirds and gulls.

Mitlenatch Island - This huge rock in the Strait of Georgia, off Campbell River, is home to thousands of nesting gulls, cormorants and pigeons.

Johnstone Strait - While you may have gone to the Strait primarily to see killer whales, you'll not be able to miss the eagles and varied seabirds.

Scott Islands - The most determined birder may want to charter a ride to these islands off the very north tip of Vancouver Island. Three of the five islands, while off limits, do provide the chance to see tufted puffins, murres, auklets and gulls.

WEST ISLAND

Botanical Beach - On the southwestern side of Vancouver Island, not far from Victoria, Botanical Beach has eagles, ducks, cormorants, gulls, ravens and shorebirds.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - This three-section park, from the south end of the West Coast Trail north to Tofino, offers eagles, cormorants, shorebirds, songbirds, ravens, gulls and woodpeckers.
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