Gulf Islands National Park

Birds

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is home to a rich variety of bird species, making it a fantastic location for birdwatching. With its coastal cliffs, forests, and wetlands, the park attracts both resident and migratory birds throughout the year.

Bald Eagle
A top predator in the park, bald eagles are often seen soaring high above the islands or perched near the water, watching for fish. Their large size and striking white head and tail make them easy to recognize.

Peregrine Falcon
One of the fastest birds in the world, peregrine falcons hunt by diving at incredible speeds to catch smaller birds in midair. They nest on cliffs and rocky ledges within the park.

Great Blue Heron
These tall, graceful wading birds are a common sight along the park’s shorelines and tidal flats. They are expert hunters, standing motionless before striking quickly to catch fish and other aquatic prey.

Marbled Murrelet
A unique seabird that nests in old-growth forests but forages in coastal waters, the marbled murrelet is a fascinating species to observe. It is often seen floating on the water’s surface or diving for small fish.

Common Murre
These seabirds resemble small penguins as they swim and dive in the park’s waters. They nest on rocky cliffs and islands, forming large, noisy colonies during the breeding season.

Rhinoceros Auklet
A relative of puffins, the rhinoceros auklet has a distinctive horn-like ridge on its beak. These diving birds hunt for fish in the coastal waters around the park.

Surf Scoter
A striking black sea duck with a white forehead patch and large orange bill, the surf scoter is a common winter visitor to the park’s waters. They dive for mollusks and crustaceans.

Black Oystercatcher
Easily recognizable by its bright orange bill and dark plumage, the black oystercatcher is often found along rocky shorelines, prying open shellfish with its strong beak.

Pacific Wren
A small but vocal bird, the Pacific wren is often heard singing its complex and melodious song in the park’s dense forests. Its brown plumage helps it blend into its surroundings.

Double-crested Cormorant
These large, dark waterbirds are commonly seen perched on rocks with their wings spread to dry. They are skilled divers, catching fish underwater with their hooked beaks.

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve offers a wealth of wildlife-watching opportunities, from marine mammals to soaring raptors, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Popular

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, located in British Columbia, Canada, is a stunning coastal park known for its diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife. The park’s varied habitats, including rocky shorelines, forests, and tidal pools, support a wide range of species. Below are some of the more popular wildlife species found in the park.

Harbor Seal
One of the most commonly seen marine mammals in the park, harbor seals can be spotted lounging on rocky outcrops or swimming in the waters around the islands. They are known for their round faces, spotted coats, and curious nature.

Steller Sea Lion
Much larger than harbor seals, Steller sea lions are powerful marine mammals that gather in noisy colonies along the park’s shorelines. They are known for their deep barking calls and impressive size, with males reaching up to 2,500 pounds.

River Otter
These playful and agile swimmers are often seen along the park’s shores and estuaries. River otters have sleek fur, webbed feet, and a strong tail that helps them navigate both fresh and saltwater environments.

Minke Whale
Occasionally spotted in the waters around the Gulf Islands, minke whales are one of the smaller baleen whale species. They are recognized by their sleek bodies, pointed snouts, and unique surfacing behavior.

Orca (Killer Whale)
One of the most iconic marine species of the Pacific Northwest, orcas can often be seen traveling in pods through the park’s waters. The resident orcas feed primarily on salmon, while transient orcas hunt marine mammals.

Gray Whale
These massive whales migrate through the park’s waters each spring and fall. Known for their barnacle-covered skin and long migrations, gray whales can sometimes be seen breaching or spy-hopping near the shore.

Douglas Squirrel
A small but energetic resident of the park’s forests, the Douglas squirrel is known for its reddish-brown fur and loud chattering calls. It plays a crucial role in dispersing seeds and maintaining the health of the park’s coniferous forests.

Raccoon
These adaptable mammals thrive in the park’s coastal and forested areas, where they forage for shellfish, berries, and small animals. Raccoons are easily recognizable by their masked faces and ringed tails.

Bald Eagle
Although technically a bird, the bald eagle deserves a special mention due to its prominence in the park. These majestic raptors are often seen soaring above the islands or perched on tall trees overlooking the water.

Garter Snake
One of the few reptiles found in the park, garter snakes are non-venomous and play an essential role in controlling insect and small rodent populations. They are often seen basking on rocks or slithering through grassy areas.

Birds

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is home to a rich variety of bird species, making it a fantastic location for birdwatching. With its coastal cliffs, forests, and wetlands, the park attracts both resident and migratory birds throughout the year.

Bald Eagle
A top predator in the park, bald eagles are often seen soaring high above the islands or perched near the water, watching for fish. Their large size and striking white head and tail make them easy to recognize.

Peregrine Falcon
One of the fastest birds in the world, peregrine falcons hunt by diving at incredible speeds to catch smaller birds in midair. They nest on cliffs and rocky ledges within the park.

Great Blue Heron
These tall, graceful wading birds are a common sight along the park’s shorelines and tidal flats. They are expert hunters, standing motionless before striking quickly to catch fish and other aquatic prey.

Marbled Murrelet
A unique seabird that nests in old-growth forests but forages in coastal waters, the marbled murrelet is a fascinating species to observe. It is often seen floating on the water’s surface or diving for small fish.

Common Murre
These seabirds resemble small penguins as they swim and dive in the park’s waters. They nest on rocky cliffs and islands, forming large, noisy colonies during the breeding season.

Rhinoceros Auklet
A relative of puffins, the rhinoceros auklet has a distinctive horn-like ridge on its beak. These diving birds hunt for fish in the coastal waters around the park.

Surf Scoter
A striking black sea duck with a white forehead patch and large orange bill, the surf scoter is a common winter visitor to the park’s waters. They dive for mollusks and crustaceans.

Black Oystercatcher
Easily recognizable by its bright orange bill and dark plumage, the black oystercatcher is often found along rocky shorelines, prying open shellfish with its strong beak.

Pacific Wren
A small but vocal bird, the Pacific wren is often heard singing its complex and melodious song in the park’s dense forests. Its brown plumage helps it blend into its surroundings.

Double-crested Cormorant
These large, dark waterbirds are commonly seen perched on rocks with their wings spread to dry. They are skilled divers, catching fish underwater with their hooked beaks.

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve offers a wealth of wildlife-watching opportunities, from marine mammals to soaring raptors, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.