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Description
Despite its small size, King's Mill has recorded an impressive 170 species. Its habitats include scattered trees and bushes, a creek mouth and coastal area. The trees along the creek boast a smaller heronry (usually about 10-12 individuals). It should be noted that the park is due to be expanded to include a pond and improved beach area once the nearby condo developments are completed.
Throughout the year, you can find Eurasian Collared Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Killdeer, Glaucous-winged Gull, Pelagic Cormorant and Double-crested Cormorant, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagle, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, American Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, American Robin, House Finch, American Goldfinch, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow and Spotted Towhee.
In the winter, there are Snow geese and Canada geese, American wigeon, green-winged teal, bufflehead, common and Barrow's goldeneye, hooded and common merganser, horned grebe, black turnstone, short-billed gull, ruby-crowned kinglet, varied thrush, fox sparrow, dark-eyed junco, and golden-crowned sparrow. Keep an eye on the harbour areas for small numbers of surf scoters.
Spring brings common loon, spotted sandpiper, turkey vulture, osprey, tree and violet-green swallow, Swainson's thrush, savannah sparrow, red-winged blackbird, brown-headed cowbird, orange-crowned warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, Wilson's warbler, and western tanager.
In Summer, look for peregrine falcon, willow flycatcher, and cedar waxwing.
Fall has waves of migrants stopping by for short periods. This often a time when you may spot red-necked grebe just off shore.
The tide fluctuates greatly. You are more like to see killdeer at low tide. You can also explore farther along the beach when the water is low.
Be sure to check out the "circle of logs" in the water next to the marina. This is where you can often spot seals, short-billed gulls, cormorants, and it is the best place to look for black turnstones. A spotting scope would be handy for looking here.
Details
Access
King's Mill Walk Park is located along the waterfront of North Vancouver. Allow 30-40 minutes to have a good exploration of the park. You can drive and park in a number of locations, though perhaps the easiest starting point along MacKay Road. From there you can cross West 1st Street and take the pediastrian overpass to the trail.
Public transit goes directly to the park.
As well, you can bike to the park, although the birding route is probably better traversed on foot.
The area is very dog-friendly and you will likely want to enter the huge off-leash dog park to explore the coastline. The dog park is usually busiest from 10am to 12pm.
*You can continue along the Spirit Trail to further explore the waterfront, or take the trail in Lower MacKay Creek park to extend your walk.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , River , Sea , Beach , Mud flats , City/villageConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Winter , Spring , AutumnBest time to visit
Winter , SpringRoute
Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
There are several cafes, bakeries, and a brew pub in the area that you may want to visit before / after your walk. There are no public washrooms. The park is wheelchair accessibile, although less so for birders.
Links
- eBird Hotspot: North Vancouver--Harbourside
- Knead Bakeshop
- Black Kettle Brewing Company
- Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates and Patisserie