Located on the Pacific Flyway, British Columbia is a birding paradise so bring your camera and your curiosity and visit us in central British Columbia where over 200 species of birds make their homes in the Cariboo Mountains.  Birding comes naturally when there are huge populations of raptors, migratory and mountain birds in this widespread mountain wilderness area. 

Some birds are truly unique within this area of the Cariboo -  the Chestnut-backed Chickadee which favours the Cedar Hemlock forests, the Varied Thrush which breeds extensively in the Cariboo Mountains down to lake level and the Tennessee Warbler and Magnolia Warbler which are primarily found in this region. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned birder this is a unique and rare experience – a very special way of getting out and enjoying the spectacular beauty of the seasons. 

Anchored by huge Quesnel Lake, deepest fjord lake in the world, with habitat ranging from wetlands to alpine, it provides habitat for many varied bird species.  It is also one of the largest migratory staging areas in BC.   Hiking through the marshlands and interior rainforest to the alpine you will meet many feathered friends, large and small, and have exceptional photo opportunities.  Birds include eagles, owls, osprey, migratory birds – ducks, swans, geese, blue herons, sandhill cranes. Traveling the rivers by boat eagles and belted king fishers keep us company along with a plethora of other birds that call the rivers home like the elegant common loon. 

A first rate experience in an authentic Canadian wilderness classroom led by professional naturalists and birders.

Phil Ranson – Master Birder and Cariboo Mountains Bird Specialist

Phil has a lifetime of birding experience and Ecotours – BC is very proud to have him as our Master Birder.  He is the co-ordinator for the Cariboo region for the Breeding Bird Atlas.  Phil works with Ecotours-BC interpreting and guiding the birding expeditions.  He has a limitless fountain of knowledge on birds and the forests and he enjoys sharing it with all who cross his path.

The alpine and subalpine of the Cariboo Mountains region is a birder’s odyssey with a phenomenal selection of hard to find birds.  Included in this menagerie of birds is 9 species of owls, jays, song birds, raptors, woodpeckers and hard to find birds*. 

Also, click here for more detailed information on the birds. 

Birds you can expect to see –

• * Boreal owls
• Hawk owls
• Tennessee Warblers
• Horned Larks
• Stellar Jays
• Grey Jays ( aka “Whiskey Jack” or “Camp Robber”)
• 3 species of Ptarmigans
• * Gray Crowned Rosy Finch
• Rosy Finch
• American Pipit
• Black Backed Woodpecker
• 3 Toed Woodpecker
• Golden Crowned Sparrow
• Boreal Chickadee
• Flycatchers
• Hammond’s Flycatcher
• Caliope Hummingbird
• Rufous Hummingbird
• White Crowned Sparrow
• White Throated Sparrow

In intermediate forest regions (lower to mid-elevations) you can expect to see

• Wilson Warbler
• Northern Water Thrush
• Fox Sparrow
• Chestnut Backed Chickadee
• 8 – 9 species of warblers
• Juncos
• Flickers
• Ravens
• Crows
• Hermit Thrush
• Swanson’s Thrush
• Varied Thrush
• * Black Swifts
• Vaux’s Swift
• Pine Siskin
• Magnolia Warbler
• Vireo – 3 species
• Grouse
• Hawks –  4 – 6 species
• American Goldfinch
• Owls – 9 species

 Water and Wetlands

• Bald Eagles
• Golden Eagles
• Common Loon
• Grebes – 4 species
• Mergansers – Hooded and Common
• Herons
• Sandhill Cranes
• Hawks
• Water Ousel (aka Dippers)
• Belted Kingfishers
• * Barrows Golden Eye
• Canada Geese
• Ducks

Birding Itinerary

• Day 1 - Intermediate Forest Birds (low to mid-elevations)
• Day 2 -  Alpine and Sub-Alpine Forest Birds
• Day 3 - Wetlands Birds
• Day 4 – Guest Choice – revisit one of your favorite areas or opt for a tour of a historical 1860’s Cariboo goldrush site.