Home to diverse ecosystems and habitats such as wetlands, forests, deserts and grasslands, the Thompson Okanagan offers a fantastic bird-watching experience. The region’s unique climate attracts both migratory and resident birds. Throughout the trail in the spring and summer, you’ll see the bright plumage of migratory birds, like the vibrant Lazuli Bunting or Yellow Warblers.
Rolling hillsides, mountains, lakeshores, wetlands and rivers comprise much of the Okanagan Valley, including Kelowna, The Shuswap and Vernon. Osoyoos, uniquely, is home to a desert environment in British Columbia, meaning warmer temperatures and surprising species such as the Northern Shrike (an adorable – but vicious – predatory songbird).
The towns of the Thompson Okanagan region offer the typical heart and soul of BC – bustling farmers’ markets, locally owned cafes and restaurants bursting with personality, cozy bookshops and thrift stores. And of course, the best wine around. Coupled with its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, the Thompson Okanagan is a top destination for bird enthusiasts looking to connect with nature.
- 1 Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma)
- 2 Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
- 3 Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
- 4 American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
- 5 Common Raven (Corvus corax)
- 6 Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
- 7 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)
- 8 Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
- 9 Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
- 10 Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus)
Data provided by eBird
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York.
Experiences
Bookable Experiences in Thompson Okanagan
Thompson Okanagan is teaming with unique experiences to discover the diverse range of birding habitats found all along the Salish Sea.
Itineraries
The Thompson Okanagan Bird Trail
