The Reifel Refuge on Westham Island in Delta is the premier location to observe birds in the Lower Mainland. There is a wide variety of habitats and therefore species of birds, and many of them can be observed at close quarters, allowing exceptional viewing opportunities. On Saturday, Nov. 23, about 20 members of the Sunshine Coast Natural History Society made their annual trek to the refuge. We were rewarded with a spectacular day, with blue skies and no wind. Another benefit of visiting Reifel is the scenery, as the refuge allows panoramic views of all the surrounding mountains including the Sunshine Coast, North Shore, Fraser Valley, Mt. Baker and Vancouver Island.
The winter months are the best time to visit the refuge as many species of birds choose to winter in the relatively mild climate of the Fraser Delta. Huge flocks of snow geese, 20,000+, winter in the vicinity foraging on either the fields of Westham Island or the Fraser River foreshore. They are often in motion when a bald eagle flies over, and the flashing black and white wings of thousands of birds are a sight to behold. Many species of ducks and other water birds also winter on the fresh water ponds of the refuge. Black-crowned night herons are a fixture on one of the ponds, and this is the only location in B.C. to see this species. A few sandhill cranes inhabit the refuge, and these spectacular, long-legged birds are always a favourite, especially when their loud distinctive calls ring out. The vast cattail marsh between the refuge and the river is full of activity with marsh wrens hiding in the vegetation and many northern harriers patrolling the expanse.
The trees around the refuge ponds are famous for hosting roosting owls, which can be closely observed in the daytime, especially the huge great horned owl, top of the food chain in the night. Another attraction is the black-capped chickadees, which are so tame that they feed from people’s hands.
Our group also visited Brunswick Point, on the river near the refuge, where the highlight was the huge flocks of a small shorebird, the dunlin, which perform amazing aeronautics as they attempt to confuse the predatory peregrine falcons.
To report your sightings or questions, contact Tony at [email protected] or 604-885-5539. Good birding.
