137 species

compiled by Al Grass

printed 08/95

. . . other viewing opportunities at Golden Ears Provincial Park . . . more information on Golden Ears Provincial Park . . . list of available bird checklists

May 2002 - The taxonomic order, common names and four-letter codes included in this web version of the Golden Ears Provincial Park Bird Checklist published in 1995 have been updated using the 7th edition of the American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) Check-List of North American Birds (AOU 1998) and its supplement (AOU 2000).

The following is a list of the bird species that may be observed in Golden Ears Provincial Park. The status of each species is indicated by an abundance level in each of four seasons. The standard four letter code is shown for each species. Note: The status of each species is based on the best available information and is subject to change as new observations are recorded. Many species are likely more abundant than listed. Recommended Birding Areas Explanation of Symbols Seasonal Occurrence Sp = Spring (March - May) S = Summer (June - mid August) F = Fall (mid August - November) W = Winter (December - February) Relative Abundance c = common [almost always seen; large numbers] f = fairly common [usually observed; moderate numbers] u = uncommon [often seen, but not on every visit] r = rare [seen a few times each year; may be hard to find] ca = casual [few known records, but to be expected] ac = accidental [only 1 or 2 records; outside normal range] Other Symbols * = species to breed in the checklist area

Recommended Birding Areas The forest, marshy areas, streams and lakes of Golden Ears Provincial Park provide for the needs (food, water and cover) of birds and other wildlife. By visiting different habitats, you will see a greater variety of birds. Even though birds may be found throughout the park, the following locations include a range of habitats and offer a variety of viewing opportunities. Mike Lake: Mike Lake, including the surrounding forest, is the best birding locale in the park, including waterfowl, vireos, warblers, Common Loon and Pied-billed Grebe. Flycatching birds seen in drowned trees include Cedar Waxwing, Willow Flycatcher and swallows. Spirea Nature Trail: There is a boardwalk through this interesting bog site, where the insect-eating sundew plant grows. Watch for Cedar Waxwing, MacGillivray's Warbler, Song Sparrow and swallows. Vaux's Swifts are seen overhead, especially on overcast days. Alouette Lake Day Use Area: An open grassy picnic site on the northwestern side of the lake. Canada Geese and Brown-headed Cowbirds are common. Osprey may be seen hunting for fish over the lake. Alouette and Gold Creek Campgrounds: There is good birding here. Excellent opportunities to view Red-breasted Sapsucker, Swainson's Thrush, Dark-eyed Junco and Steller's Jay. Fine dawn chorus. Gold Creek: The Gold Creek area includes the West Canyon and Lower Falls Trails. This is a beautiful valley with a boulder strewn creek. Mountain goats are sometimes seen on the domed peak at the start of these trails (Evans Peak). Black and Vaux's Swifts, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, American Dipper, Common Raven, Coooper's Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk should be looked for. Sub-alpine Trails: Do Not venture into these areas unless you are properly equipped! Trails to the Golden Ears and up Alouette Mountain lead into the sub-alpine, including the majestic old-growth forest near Lake Beautiful on the Alouette Mountain Trail. Birds to look for include Blue Grouse, Hermit Thrush, Varied Thrush and the rare Three-toed Woodpecker.