George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary - Ladner

by Dad

Activity:

A 890 acre bird sanctuary on Westham Island in the Fraser River about 6 miles west of Ladner, B.C.   Over 230 species of birds have occurred at the sanctuary. 

Age group:

All ages. 

Expense rating:

See the website below for current admission rates.

:

Lots of birds.  When we went in June, there weren't many exotic birds but lots of cute ducklings and goslings.  The kids really enjoyed feeding the birds.  There are pleasant paths, and a viewing tower.  It's a fun drive there because Westham Island is so flat, you feel like you're on the prairies. 

:

If you have young children watch out for the bird "do-do", there's lots of it and it gets stuck to bottom of your shoes. 

Details:

Gates open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Phone (604) 946-6980 for information.  Website: reifelbirdsanctuary.com

Area:

Westham Island, located six miles west of Ladner (Delta). 

Season:

All seasons.  Best fall, winter, or spring.  Shore birds start arriving in mid-August, followed by mallard and pintail ducks.  During the months of September and October the number and varieties of birds increase, reaching a peak in early November.  Many thousands of these birds remain all winter until the end of March.  Nesting activity occurs during April and May. 

Educational highlights:

The migrating habits of birds.   As many as 20,000 snow geese arrive at the sanctuary every November from Russia. 

Fun for the adult?:

Bird watching, over two miles of nature trails.