Surrounded by majestic nature in the Fraser Valley, Maple Ridge offers a delightful haven for bird watchers. With its lush forests, serene lakes, and an abundance of wildlife, this charming city is a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts to find an array of bird species. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just starting, this area promises a rewarding experience.
Exploring the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest
One of the standout locations for bird watching in Maple Ridge is the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest. Managed by the University of British Columbia, this vast forest spans over 5,157 hectares and serves as both a research site and a public recreation area. The forest’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from dense coniferous stands to riparian zones, provides an ideal habitat for great bird watching in BC.
Best Time of Year to See Certain Birds
While you can find birds year-round, there are seasons that are a little better for birdwatching depending on the species you’re looking for and whether you’re hoping to catch them during their breeding, migration, or wintering periods.
Here’s a quick look at the best times of year to see certain birds:
Spring Migration
Migrating birds return from their wintering habitats in search of food and breeding locations, making spring a great time to observe birds since many species go on epic treks north, including warblers, thrushes, and shorebirds.
Summer Breeding Season
Does it always seem like you hear more birds in the summer time? That’s because it’s the perfect time for birds to establish territories and raise their young. You’ll be able to catch breeding plumage and courtship displays of colourful songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors that nest in a variety of habitats – from woodlands and wetlands to suburban gardens.
Fall Migration
As birds start to migrate southward in anticipation of the winter, fall brings on another wave of migration. During this migration, shorebirds, ducks, and raptors are frequently seen. Numerous species of these birds gather in inland flyways and coastal stopover locations.
Wintering Grounds
Though there are fewer species around, winter still offers opportunities to observe hardier local species and winter migrants seeking refuge in more temperate habitats. You’ll still find waterfowl, gulls, and eagles near open water sources, as well as northern finches and sparrows visiting backyard feeders in search of food.
Here is a list of common bird species in Maple Ridge and their preferred ecosystems:
Tips for a Successful Bird Watching Experience
Bird watching can be as simple as heading to your local park, a trail, or lake/marshland and looking around for birds. It’s very accessible. If you’re hoping to be a little more prepared, you can get yourself these birding essentials before you head out:
Binoculars: A decent set of binoculars go a long way to help you see birds without frightening them away. You’ll also be able to clearly see their differences in size, colour, and patterning. You don’t need the most expensive set, especially if you’re just starting out, and you might even be able to find a good pair in your local thrift store. We recommend ones that have a comfortable grip, adjustable focus, and enough magnification to give you a clear view from afar. You can pick some up at Skyview Outdoors in Surrey or Canadian Tire in Maple Ridge.
Field guides: These are a great way to help you identify different bird species based on habitat, physical characteristics, and behaviour. You can even get localized guides specific to your region to get even more accurate with identification. We recommend The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America by David Allen Sibley, which you can order it from your local bookstore or through online retailers. A Field Guide to Western Birds by Roger Tory Peterson is also a good choice.
Book and pen: Want to keep track of your sightings? A birding journal is a great way to record sightings, observations, and any notable interactions or behaviours. Not only is this a fun and personal record of your birding adventures, it can be a valuable reference for future birdwatching events for you and your family. Any notebook works great and there are even some that allow you to write in the rain without smearing if you ever find yourself in inclement weather.
Appropriate clothing choices: It probably goes without saying but when going out on any outdoor expedition, make sure you wear weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. To minimize disruptions to the birds and to blend in with your environment, think about dressing in earth tones though if you find yourself in popular hunting areas, you might want to wear some visible colours instead. We also advise packing layers because sometimes you can find yourself sitting still for a while as you watch or wait for birds.
Bonus birding accessories:
Camera: Capture memorable species or moments with a camera.
Birding scope: Good for longer distance viewing and is smaller and a little more compact than binoculars.
Apps or Resources to Help You
Bird watchers can now improve their birding experience with a plethora of internet tools and mobile apps thanks to modern technology. These resources are useful for identifying birds, monitoring sightings, and communicating with other birdwatchers across the globe.
Check out these popular apps and websites for bird watching enthusiasts:
eBird: This is a free online platform developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It allows you to record and share bird sightings, submit submit your observations, explore species distribution maps, and contribute to citizen science initiatives.
Merlin Bird ID: This user-friendly app helps you identify birds based on photos, sounds, or descriptions. Created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, it gives you tailored identification suggestions based on time of year, location, and other factors.
Audubon Bird Guide and App: This app offers information on 800+ bird species – from photos to range maps, and audio recordings of songs and calls. Create custom lists, track sightings, and access news and updates on species conservation. They also have an online bird guide that you can explore.
BirdNET: This innovative app uses AI to recognize bird species from their vocalizations. All you have to do is record a bird’s song or call using your phone, and get species identification and playback options.
Local birding clubs and organizations: These offer guided outings, educational workshops, and citizen science initiatives that provide opportunities for bird watchers of all ages and experience levels to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to our understanding of bird populations and habitats.
A Bird Watcher’s Delight
In addition to the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, the Fraser Valley offers plenty of spots to get out to go bird watching in Maple Ridge. Check out some of these spots:
- Allco Park
- North Alouette Regional Greenway
- Jerry Sulina Park
- Port Haney Wharf
Bird watching with Wild & Immersive in Maple Ridge
At Wild & Immersive, we love finding new feathered friends and we welcome you to join us to learn more about our local species. That’s why we hold a a variety of workshops and special events about birds so you can experience the joy of birding yourself. Whether you’re looking and listening for new species within the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest or you’re following along with one of our in-home events that teach you how to build birdhouses and feeders to attract birds to your yard. Visit our events page to learn more about upcoming gatherings.
A lifelong love of birding
Ultimately, bird watching is more than just a hobby – it’s a starting point for a lifetime of learning and a closer relationship with nature. The excitement of seeing a rare species or getting to know your most common local birds never fails to inspire surprise and amazement. Maybe you’re on your back porch listening to local birdsongs while sipping coffee or you’re joining us at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest on a birding trip with a brand new pair of binoculars in hand.
With the right tools, knowledge, and interest, you’re ready to spread your own wings and enjoy the experience!
*Originally published February 24, 2023. Updated August 2024.*
