The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store
Nanaimo Bird Report
March 12, 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.
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Brant (R. Hocken)
Tuesday March 10, 2026:
The Tuesday Bird Walk went to Rathtrevor Provincial Park in Parksville. Weather was mixed, it started off sunny, changed to snow and rain, then to showers and ended with an overcast day. A few highlights from the walk were Trumper Swans flying over, a Cooper’s Hawk that was perched near the beach play area and a pair of Common Goldeneye just out front of the beach.
4 birders saw and heard the following 25 species:
Trumpeter Swan
Brant
American Wigeon
Mallard
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Horned Grebe
Common Loon
Pacific Loon
Bald Eagle
Cooper’s Hawk
Short-billed Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
Anna’s Hummingbird
Northern Flicker
Common Raven
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Pacific Wren
American Robin
Spotted Towhee
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Ring-necked Duck (R. Hocken)
Sunday March 8, 2026:
The Sunday Bird Walk went to Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo. Weather was sunny, and a cool 6C. A few highlights from the walk were seeing the Tree and Violet Green Swallows feeding over the marsh, a Virginia Rail was heard, and a pair of Killdeer were seen.
19 birders saw and heard the following 36 species:
Canada Goose
Mallard
Ring-neck Duck
Bufflehead
Pied-billed Grebe
Hooded Merganser
Great Blue Heron
Killdeer
Virginia Rail
Eurasian Collared Dove
Anna’s Hummingbird
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Tree Swallow
Violet-Green Swallow
Common Raven
American Crow
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Bushtit
Bewick’s Wren
Pacific Wren
Marsh Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Cedar Waxwing
American Robin
Varied Thrush
European Starling
Spotted Towhee
Song Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
House Sparrow
At your backyard bird feeders watch for Varied
Thrush and flocks of House Finch. Chickadees are not as frequent at the feeders
as they have begun to nest so make sure your nest boxes are cleaned and ready.
Bushtits have also been seen starting to build their nests. These are signs
that spring is near along with the singing that is happening as sunrise by the
robins, juncos, House Finch and Bewick’s Wren in my backyard.
Also watch for Turkey Vultures as they are starting their movement north.
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, March 15, 2026:
Sunday Bird Walk will be going to Maki Road Trail in south Nanaimo.
Meet directly at the parking lot, located at the end of Maki Road, at 9:00am. Weather cooperating.
Tuesday Bird Walk, March 17, 2026:
Tuesday
Bird Walk will be going to the Plummer Road side of the Englishman River
Estuary in Parksville.
Meet at the trail head located at the corner of Plummer Road and Shorewood Drive, at 9:00 am. Weather cooperating.
Good birding! Colin Bartlett
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