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Description
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a protected area in the Fraser River estuary, south of Vancouver. The area includes managed wetlands, natural marshes and low dikes. For the millions of birds seeking feeding and resting areas during their annual migrations along the Pacific Coast, the nature reserve is ideally located. Over 250 species have been recorded in the sanctuary.
The reserve has resident nesting sites for Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, Spotted Towhee and many others. 1 000 000 shorebirds will use the sanctuary during their yearly migration, including birds such as Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher and Western Sandpiper.
Thousands of geese visit the sanctuary. Most numerous is Snow Goose, which will begin arriving from their northern breeding grounds in late September and can reach numbers of up to 20 000 birds by late October. 200 000 ducks use the delta during the winter. The most numerous species seen are American Wigeon, Mallard and Northern Pintail. 70 000 gulls also use the sanctuary as a wintering ground as do loons, grebes, herons and cormorants.
The 300-hectare area has numerous walking trails, bird blinds, and lookouts.
Details
Access
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is located approximately 5 km south of Vancouver, along the northwestern end of Westham Island. The Sanctuary is 13 km west of Ladner in the Municipality of Delta. Ladner is west of the intersection of Highways 10 and 17A. From Ladner, follow Ladner Trunk Road (Highway 10) west to 47A Avenue and on to River Road. Follow River Road westward for 3 km and cross the bridge on your right onto Westham Island. Follow the main road to where it ends and there is a sign pointing left towards the driveway entrance gates of the Sanctuary. Follow the driveway 1 km to the Sanctuary parking lot. Click on the P in the map for directions.
The sanctuary is open year-round from 9 am to 4 pm, closed on Mondays. Reservations are required for all visitors to reduce overcrowding on weekends and holiday. You can make a reservation starting three days before your visit up until 8 am of the day in question. See the link below to make a reservation. Entrance fee is $ 8 (2024).