Duck Lake

At the southernmost portion of Kootenay Lake lies one of the top birdwatching hotspots in western Canada, Duck Lake. The shallow and productive waters of this wetland complex play host to the only significant mudflats within hundreds of kilometres, making them an exciting destination during migration season. In spring through fall the lake plays host to tens of thousands of migrant waterbirds including Canvasback, Common Goldeneye, American Avocet, Black-Necked Stilt, American White Pelican, three species of teal and one of the few nesting colonies of Western Grebe in the province. Rare grassland species such as American Bittern and Short-eared Owl are elusive but possible. The area is BC’s only nesting site for the gorgeous Forster’s Tern, but similar species including Black, Common and Caspian Tern also appear.