This trail exists upon the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Syilx (Okanagan) Band, Osoyoos Indian Band and their people. Travel consciously and respectfully.

Home to diverse ecosystems and habitats such as wetlands, forests, deserts and grasslands, the 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 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 Okanagans 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 Okanagan is a top destination for bird enthusiasts looking to connect with nature.

Spring birding in The Okanagan

Spring brings plenty of migratory birds back to the Okanagan, like the vibrant Lazuli Bunting and Yellow and Nashville Warblers, and year-round residents become more active. Keep an eye out for California Quails, bobbing along trails, and watch the skies for a variety of swallows, Black-billed Magpies and regional favourite, the Osprey. In wetlands or along the lakeshore watch for Great Blue Herons and waterfowl like Cinnamon Teals, Green-winged Teals, Redheads, Northern Pintails, American Wigeons and Buffleheads.

Summer birding in The Okanagan

The Okanagan is a major tourist destination in the Summer with many flocking to enjoy water activities on the lake. But it’s also a vibrant birdwatching destination. Willow, Western Wood-pewee, Least, Hammond’s and Dusky Flycatchers flock to the area for the warm weather. Look out for the vivid plumage of the Lazuli Bunting and Western Bluebird. A variety of Swallows and Kingbirds can also be spotted, and on the lakeshores keep your eyes peeled for Long-billed Curlews and Ospreys hunting for fish.

Fall birding in The Okanagan

Fall in the Okanagan is a rewarding time for birdwatching as migratory birds pass through the region. Keep an eye down low for curious California Quails exploring underbrush. Scan the shrubs and trees for Townsend’s Solitaires and the Townsend’s Warblers. Listen for the calls of the White-crowned Sparrows and American Goldfinches. Along waterways, you may see Common Mergansers, Sandhill Cranes, Northern Pintails, American Wigeons and colourful Wood Ducks. Raptors like Turkey VulturesOspreys, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers and American Kestrels can be seen hitching rides on thermals up above.

Winter birding in The Okanagan

Winter birdwatching in the Okanagan may be cold but it offers unique birdwatching experiences. While many birds have migrated south, the region still hosts a variety of impressive birds. Look for Downy Woodpeckers and White and Red-breasted Nuthatches climbing up and down trees. In the forests, listen for soft hoots of Great Horned Owls and calls of Mountain Chickadees. Wintering waterfowl also arrive on the lakes, like Common & Barrow’s Goldeneyes, and Common & Hooded Mergansers. Look for American Coots and if you’re lucky, a Trumpeter Swan. An exciting winter sight is the Northern Shrike – an adorable (but vicious) predatory songbird!