Birding Field Trip-Reifel Bird Sanctuary (Delta, British Columbia)

Saturday, February 8, 2025
8:00 AM 3:00 PM 08:00 15:00

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Saturday, Feb. 8th - Reifel Bird Sanctuary (Delta, BC) – 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Trip Leader: Barry Antler (831.428.5203) or barryantler@gmail.com

Pre-registration required: see below for registration information

International border crossing: see below for information and required documentation

George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a protected area in Delta, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of the Fraser River estuary, designated a site of Hemispheric Importance by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. The sanctuary consists of over 300 hectares of managed ponds, natural marshes, wetlands and treed pathways. If you haven’t been there, it is a treat. You can get up close and personal with the birds. In the winter it is possible see Black-Capped Chickadees, Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets, and many other forest birds. Winter also brings concentrations of owls (including Saw-Whet Owls), eagles and hawks. Look for Dunlins, Wilson’s Snipes and Black-bellied Plovers in the mudflats as well. There are adequate restroom facilities and most of the trails are accessible. Time permitting, and with a consensus, on the way home we could stop at the Boundary Bay Dyke where we might spot Snowy and Short-eared Owls.

Barry will be our guide, and he has pre-registered our group. As the trip is in Canada you must have a current passport, Nexus or an enhanced driver’s license. If you have Nexus or Global Entry everyone in your car must also have that designation. A limited number of cars are allowed at the sanctuary, so carpooling will be necessary. Please indicate in the “comments” on Signup Genius if you are willing to drive, and if so, how many extra people your vehicle will hold. Meet at the Chuckanut Park and Ride located at 999 N Burlington Blvd. in Burlington at 8 am.

If anyone is coming from Bellingham, please indicate that in the “comments” as well so we can arrange to meet up with you further north. Bring a border-friendly lunch (no fruit with seeds) as there are no food concessions onsite. The entrance fee is $8 dollars for adults, and $6 for seniors. US and Canadian dollars, as well as credit, and debit cards are accepted. More info on the sanctuary itself here: www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com.