Grab your binoculars - and don't forget the camera - as bird watching is plentiful throughout all four destination areas and seasons in the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region. With an abundance of forests and wet lands, the region offers bird watchers a variety of song birds, waterfowl, raptors, marine birds and more. Some of the finest eagle viewing in the world results from the region's prolific salmon runs. Keen birders have the chance to watch their winged friends all year round, but the best time to see the widest range of species is during the spring and fall migrations.

The most famous feathered resident of the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region is the Bald Eagle. In the winter, large numbers of Bald eagles gather on the banks of rivers throughout the region to feed on the spawning salmon. The highest concentration of eagles can be found along the Squamish, Mamquam and Cheakamus Rivers in Sea to Sky Country, as well as on banks of the Harrison River in Mighty Fraser Country. Visitors have the opportunity to view these majestic birds by booking a guided float trip down one of the rivers. Or, watch from a comfortable distance at the Brackendale Eagle Reserve. The best time of the year to view eagles in Mighty Fraser Country is from November to December, and from December to January in Sea to Sky Country.

Did you know? Each year the Fraser Valley hosts the Bald Eagle Festival to celebrate the Valley and honour the Bald eagle. Last year approximately 2,500 eagles were sighted during this annual two-day festival. The festival included entertaining and educational viewing sites, tours, presentations, booths and demonstrations. Sea to Sky Country is home to a second annual eagle festival, the Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival. The festival is held forty minuted north of Vancouver in Brackendale, which earned its title - The World Eagle Capital - back in 1994 when a world record count of 3,766 Bald eagles was recorded. During the festival the Brackendale Art Gallery hosts a number of popular events including art shows, tours, presentations and photo contests. Brackendale Eagles – 2:05 There is no place in the world that has such a large population of Bald Eagles.  Come and take a tour down the Squamish River and witness first hand these majestic animals.

Birds of prey can be seen at various facilities in the region. The Orphaned Wildlife Rehab Society (OWL) in Delta is a non-profit society dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured birds of prey. Each year about 360 birds come in to be rehabilitated. Because of injuries, over 25 birds of prey have become pemanent residents of OWL. These birds assist in educating school groups and public tours in the summer.

Boundary Bay in Metro Vancouver has seashores, inter-tidal mud flats, estuaries, salt marshes, and land habitats that are all perfect homes for birds. Great numbers of wintering waterfowl and birds of prey can be found in this part of the Graser River Estuary. The area is the top rated Important Bird Area in Canada as it exceeds global, continental and national standards for the diversity and number of birds supported. The annual event - Birds on the Bay - features  nature walks, speaker presentations, wildlife viewing opportunities, and workshops.

Did you know? Every year between mid September and late January, over 20,000 snow geese arrive in the Fraser River estuary. These 'Lesser' Snow Geese are returning from their nesting grounds on Wrangel Island in Russia.

Bird watchers also flock to Manning Park, a spectacular park in Mighty Fraser Country. With 206 separate species of birds, beautiful flora, camping facilities, and numerous trails for hiking, horse back riding and biking, it's no wonder this is the third most popular park in the province. Get your cameras ready: the Spotted owl, an at-rish species, has been sited in Manning Park.

Also in Mighty Fraser Country are the Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park and the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve and Interpretive Centre. Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park is a 93 hectare (230 acre) park with a lake, marsh and forests. It is a sensitive habitat which makes it unsuitable for pets and intensive recreation; however, it is a great place for bird watching, wildlife viewing and photography. The Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve is home to over 200 Great Blue heron nests and variety of flora and fauna including Painted turtles, Bald eagles and Salish sucker. This 130 hectare (321 acre) site is located on the un-dyked floodplain of the Vedder River in Chilliwack.

Journey up the Sunshine Coast to Ruby Lake and discover the spectacular wood ducks, the focal point of the resort's conservation efforts. Be sure to visit the Ruby Lake Nature Reserve and the Iris Griffith Interpretive Centre to see informative displays and visit the 20-acre reserve, featuring a freshwater lagoon and forested acreage. The lagoon is also home to the annual Ruby Lake Lagoon Duck and Wilderness Festival.

Did you know? Over 120 pairs of Bald eagles nest within the Metro Vancouer city limits. Bird Watching Etiquette: View or photograph from a distance Avoid noises or activities that stress wildlife or cause them to burn up energy in unneccessary flight Avoid approaching wildlife that are breeding or with young as they are especially vulnerable at these times Avoid feeding wildlife, as feeding can lead to unnatural food dependency, habituation to humans, disease or even death Keep pets on a leash around any wildlife, and avoid bringing pets into sensitive wildlife habitats Avoid trampling or damaging vegetation Source: www.env.ogv.bc.ca/bcparks/conserve/wildviewing_part2.pdf