Winter is, perhaps surprisingly, a great time of the year for bird watching in the Fraser Valley. While some of the local bird populations travel south of the border, seeking warmer climates and more readily available food sources, migratory species from other regions settle here for the comparatively milder winters. From waterfowl to northern raptors, the valley welcomes a wide variety of seasonal birds. Many visit on a regular basis, keeping to the same, strict seasonal schedules that their flocks have held for generations.
Northern Flicker: A personal favourite of mine, the Northern Flicker is a larger variety of woodpecker, easily identified by its spotted breast feathers and vibrant red facial feathers. In the western half of North America the underside of their tail and flight feathers take on a beautiful coppery orange-red tone, while in the east, they take on a vibrant yellow. While they are present in the valley for most of the year, they seem to have a much more prominent presence during the winter months — especially in rural areas. They are commonly found in more open spaces, among the trees. Keep an eye out for them while hiking. If you’re lucky, you may even find them in your own backyard.
Trumpeter Swans: Heralding winter in the Fraser Valley, Trumpeter Swans are the largest species of waterfowl native to North America, weighing up to 15 kilograms (approx. 30 lbs) with wingspans of up to three metres across. They typically migrate south at the end of autumn as their northern habitats begin to freeze over. They tend to gather in shallow ponds and calm river waters, and throughout the Sumas Flats, you’re likely to see them resting in farm fields. While similar in appearance to other migratory swans, Trumpeters can be identified by their imposing size and solid black bills, as well as calling or “trumpeting,” a low-pitched call, sounding something like an out of tune bugle.
American Coot: The American Coot, or mud hen, is a unique bird. While commonly found in aquatic environments, and possessing many duck-like traits, they are in fact, not ducks, but a distantly related order of water bird. They are easy to spot, sporting stark black feathers, white beaks, and piercing red eyes. But the most noticeable feature of the American Coot is their scale-like lobed feet. An uncommon trait among birds, these oddly shaped toes are much better suited to all terrain travel than the webbed feet of their distant relations. American Coots can be found throughout most of B.C. year-round; however, you’re more likely to see them locally in the late winter and early spring.
Hooded Merganser: Of the three species of Merganser, the Hooded Merganser is, notably, the smallest. They tend to favour secluded, forested wetlands, making their nests within the cavities of trees. This makes them a rare sight, especially in southern B.C., but when they are out in view, they’re hard to miss. Adorned with a prominent crest of feathers, they stick out along the waterlines. The female of the species sports a more subtle, soft brown crest, while the male is heavily contrasted in black and white. You may also notice their beady, golden yellow eyes.
Northern Harrier: These curious raptors are unique among hawks, noted for their owl-like faces and sense of hearing. Though, as the name suggests, Northern Harriers are most commonly found in northern Canada and Alaska, they are known to travel south during the winter months. They tend to prefer wide open spaces — like fields and shallow marshes — for hunting small ground dwelling rodents. Identifiable by the large white patch just above the tail feathers, watch for them when passing farms and expansive fields, as you may find a Harrier looking for mice.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, as this region plays host to dozens of species of birds. Consider this more as a personal recommendation and an invitation to keep your eyes on the skies.
Elyssa is a BSc student, pursuing studies in Physical Geography while also entertaining her creative side within the visual arts. She is currently the Creative Director here with the Cascade. Having previously been an Illustrator, Production Assistant, and Production Manager, she's been around a while. In her free time she can often be found knitting and watching reruns of outdated shows from the 80s.
