George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Delta

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Sandhill Cranes are one of the Reifel Sanctuary's most beautiful birds, gracefully scanning the waters for fish and other delicacies.

STATS

HOURS

RATES

Type:

Bird Watching

Season:

All Seasons

Weather:

All Weather

Time:

3 hours

Cost:

What to bring:

Camera, Binoculars, Sense of Curiosity, Hiking Boots, Bird Book

Type:

Bird Watching

Season:

All Seasons

Weather:

All Weather

Time:

3 hours

Cost:

What to bring:

Camera, Binoculars, Sense of Curiosity, Hiking Boots, Bird Book

Sun-Sat: 9:00am - 4:00pm

[Last Updated: July.2010]

Adult: $5
Senior/Child (2-14): $3

Annual Pass: $25
Annual Pass Family: $50

Birdseed: $0.50/packet

[Last Updated: July.2010]

Located on the north western tip of Westham Island, where the Southern Arm of the Fraser River meets the Strait of Georgia lies the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This 740 acre expanse of dikes, wetlands and marshlands which was once a prominent farm is home to hundreds of species of permanent and migratory birds and has become a mecca for birdwatchers and visitors to enjoy throughout the year since 1963.

Spanning over 740 acres of land, the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is one of the crown jewels of the Delta region which sits on the southern arm of the Fraser River encompassing the north-westerly half of Westham Island alongside the Strait of Georgia.

Once owned by George C. Reifel and his family, the land was bought in 1927 and consisted of a successful brewery, real estate business but was also a large sugar beet farm. During the Reifel family's time on the farm many dykes and causeways were constructed creating new habitats for birds. In 1960 the family leased the property to the British Columbia Waterfowl Society as a bird sanctuary. In 1972 the land was sold to the government where it was permanently established as the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the site where the family's farm was once located was designated the Alaksen National Wildlife Area.

Today, the Sanctuary is a popular bird watching locale with hiking trails, bird blinds, lookouts and a gift shop with wide ranging habitats for hundreds of species of permanent and migratory birds. Species such as Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles and Owls nest and raise their young on the marshlands and dikes while birds such as Lesser Snow Geese, Chickadees, Western Sandpipers and Long-billed Dowitchers can be spotted during their migratory journeys.

As the area is a bird sanctuary, no pets or cycling is permitted. Also, be sure to buy a packet of birdseed (or bring your own) to feed the hundreds of ducks which line the pathways.

Different months of the year bring different migratory bird species:

• Spring (March - May): Arrival of Swallows, Hummingbirds, Shorebirds and Warblers (nesting activities in April and May) and the departure of Snow Geese.
• Summer (June - August): Arrival of shorebirds and ducklings and goslings are abundant during early June.
• Fall (September - November): Snow Geese and Swans peak in November and Shorebirds, Warblers and Hawks are abundant.
• Winter (December - February): Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Sparrows, Woodpeckers and Waterfowl are abundant.

The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a popular birding site where bird enthusiasts, amateur photographers and visitors can enjoy views, the natural setting and the many birds and animals that call this sanctuary home.