Shorebirds return to Tofino
Over 40 species of shorebirds, including large migratory concentrations of Whimbrels and impressive flocks of Western Sandpipers and Dunlin are on their way.The shorebirds are returning to the coastal shores of Tofino, Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Long Beach Lodge Resort is joining with the Raincoast Education Society to welcome them.
Every year from late April through May, Sandpipers, Plovers, Whimbrels, and many other shorebirds pass through the Tofino area as they make their long journey from South and Central America northward to their Arctic breeding grounds.
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Flocks land to rest and feed in the Tofino-area, alighting in Tofino-area forests and on the mudflats, sandy beaches, and rocky shorelines of the region.
Tofino, Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s diverse geography creates ideal habitat for over 40 species of shorebirds, including large migratory concentrations of Whimbrels and impressive flocks of Western Sandpipers, Dunlin and more. The threatened Red Knot is also a regular visitor each spring, as well as Rock Sandpiper in winter.
The Tofino Shorebird Festival celebrates this impressive annual migration with a series of educational birding activities throughout the region.
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Local and visiting experts offer guest lectures, birding workshops and boat trips. The Festival is a great opportunity to experience the largest wildlife migration in the region, learn about these impressive birds, and understand why Tofino is one of the very best places in western Canada for bird watching.
On May 3, at 7:00 pm, Long Beach Lodge Resort will be hosting Ann Nightingale of Rocky Point Bird Observatory for a slide-illustrated talk about her Vancouver Island Big Year, currently in progress. In the first four months of 2015, Ann has visited dozens of birding locations on the island, and has found more than 150 species so far. Ann’s presentation will be followed by a movie at 8:00 pm. A Big Year, starring Owen Wilson, Jack Black and Steve Martin, is about two bird enthusiasts competing in a year-long bird-spotting competition.
