The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store

Nanaimo Bird Report

May 14, 2026
“EXPLORE NATURE” --- GO BIRDING:
To report your sightings phone the Store at 250-390-3669 or e-mail us at birding@thebackyard.ca. Please remember, when reporting a sighting to leave your name and phone number along with the date the species was seen and location of your sighting.
*********************************************************

California Quail (R. Hocken)

Tuesday May 12, 2026:  

The Tuesday Bird Walk was unfortunately cancelled today but will resume next week.

Sunday May 10, 2026:

The Sunday Bird Walk went to Legacy Marsh in Lantzville. Weather was sunny with some clouds, 15C. It was quite walk with not a lot of singing happening, must be nesting already. A few highlights from the walk were seeing the Warbling Vireo a few times, a Hammond’s Flycatcher was seen up the power line trail with a Wilson’s Warbler singing. 

8 birders saw and heard the following 34 species:

Mallard

Pied-billed Grebe

California Quail

Great Blue Heron

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Rufous Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird

Hairy Woodpecker

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Western Flycatcher

Hammond’s Flycatcher

Violet-green Swallow

Common Raven

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Pacific Wren

Warbling Vireo

American Robin

Wilson’s Warbler

Orange-crowned Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Black-headed Grosbeak

Spotted Towhee

Song Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Brown-headed Cowbird

Red-winged Blackbird

Purple Finch

American Goldfinch

Chipping Sparrow (J. Morrison)

Wednesday May 6, 2026:

Black-headed Grosbeak was seen at Morrell Wildlife Sanctuary.

If you have any bird sightings to report or need help identifying, just email or call the store, birding@thebackyard.ca or 250-390-3669, toll-free 1-888-808-BIRD (2473)

The Backyard Bird Walks

Our bird walks go out Sunday mornings in Nanaimo and Tuesday mornings in Parksville and Qualicum Beach area, are easy walks that go for two to three hours (back for lunch is the plan). Bring binoculars and a field guide. The walks are weather pending.

Please check our blog (www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com) for any cancelations.

Sunday Bird Walk, May 17, 2026:

Sunday Bird Walk is CANCELLED for the long weekend and will resume on May 24^th.

Tuesday Bird Walk, May 19, 2026:

Tuesday Bird Walk will be going to the Shelly Road side of the Englishman River Estuary in Parksville.

Meet at the end of Shelly Road, off of HWY 19A, at 9:00 am. Weather cooperating.

Good birding! Colin Bartlett

CANCELLED - Tuesday Bird Walk

 Unfortunately we have to CANCEL tomorrows Tuesday Bird Walk, May 12, 2026  to Springwood Park. 

We will resume next Tuesday May 19, 2026, at the Shelly Road entrance to the Englishman River Estuary.

Good birding Colin.

BIRD WALKS RESUMING

 BIRD WALKS RESUME 

We are happy to announce that the Sunday and Tuesday bird walks will resume starting this weekend.

Sunday May 10, 2026, the bird walk will be going to Legacy Marsh in upper Lantzville. Meet at the parking area located at the corner of Normarel Drive and Sywash Ridge Road at 9:00 am.

Tuesday May 12, 2026, the bird walk will be going to Springwood Park in Parksville. Meet at the corner of Despard Ave W and Chestnut Street at 9:00 am.

Look forward to seeing you at the bird walks, Colin.

Weekly Bird Walks are ON PAUSE

 There will be no bird walk this Sunday, March 29th or Tuesday March 31st.

We will post to our blog, social media, and email list once the new dates are decided so keep your eyes peeled!

Thank you!

Tuesday Bird Walk CANCELED

Today’s bird walk, Tuesday March 24 2026, has been CANCELED.