The Sunshine Coast is a lush, mountainous and forested region in the Strait of Georgia with many lakes and creeks attracting a great variety of shore birds, birds of prey, and inland dwellers .

Several communities have developed and protected key marsh areas creating estuary-like bird watching parks. Natural areas abound as well. The 157 species identified in Sargeant Bay Provincial Park are  divided into 3 distinct viewing areas: Saltwater of Sargeant Bay, berm and Colvin Lake, and upland forest above Redrooffs Rd.

The bay and marshland is an important stopover for migrating Harlequin ducks, Canada Geese and Trumpeter Swans. The tidal marsh supports a great variety of waterfowl including loons, grebes, cormorants and ducks. Upland, migratory song birds serenade.

Tony Greenfield and John Hodges usually lead a walk in Sargeant Bay the first Sunday of every month. Bird notes and counts are recorded twice a year for spring visitors and winter residents. Other popular bird watching sites on the lower Sunshine Coast are Ruby Lake, Mission Point, Roberts Creek Pier, Iris Griffith Wetlands, Smuggler Cove, and the Sechelt Marsh.

Other walks and talks for birds, geology, ecology are coordinated by the Sunshine Coast Natural History Society at various times during the year. Check their events calendar for more information.

Private bird tours can be arranged directly with John Hodges at johnhodges@dccnet.com

Download the bird form to tally your own sightings.

 
 
 
 
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Other Activities

  • Music Festivals

    Enjoy outdoor summer concerts on the Coast from June through September.

  • Watersports

    Sea Kayaking or StandUp Paddle-boarding- Negotiating the islets in Sargeant Bay and paddling along the shoreline is not only a good workout but interesting as well…

  • Biking

    Logging on the Sunshine Coast has created a mountain bike bonanza with access roads criss-crossing the forests and hundreds of trails to challenge all levels of rider.

  • Hiking

    There are myriad trails exploring coastal forests, mountains, and shorelines ranging in intensity and duration.

  • Mushrooming

    Foraging, feasting and information on treasures from the forest is the theme of the annual fall Mushroom festival.

  • Storm Viewing

    You can sense a storm coming when the air feels charged with quiet and the horizon squints down to a smudge.

  • Forest Bathing

    Forest bathing, or Shirin-yoku in Japanese, is defined as a short, leisurely visit to a forest and is regarded as being similar to natural aromatherapy.

  • Yoga / Massage

    Connect with your inner peace at this special sanctuary by booking a certified instructor for either one on one, couples or small group sessions.

  • Festival of the Written Arts

    Presents writers of diverse genres, attracting hundreds of locals and visitors annually.

  • Birding

    Local wetlands, estuaries, lakes, forests, ocean coastlines and marshes attract a great number of bird species to admire.

  • Beachcombing

    Treasures abound on local beaches from rocks and driftwood to tidal pools and microscopic sea creatures.

  • Art Crawl

    Every fall in October the large group of talented artists and crafters on the coast open their doors.

  • Indigenous Tours

    The Sunshine Coast includes the traditional, unceded territories of the Squamish (skwxwú7mesh), Sechelt (shíshálh), and Tla’amin and Klahoose nations.

  • Fishing / Crabbing

    Float peacefully in Sargeant Bay casting for cutthroat or steelhead or try a fishing charter with one of the experienced Sunshine Coast operators. Some tours include shellfish harvesting.

  • Flight / Marine Touring

    A great way to appreciate the coves, bays and waterways of this spectacular stretch of the West Coast.

  • Golf

    For those who enjoy a round of golf there are several great courses on the Sunshine Coast.