Went during migration. Lots of different birds coming and going. Beautiful park to walk around in. Get there early to avoid the crowds and get good parking. We try to go every year. It's very peaceful and relaxing
My wife, daughter and I visited the bird sanctuary on March 7th, 2015. It was my wife's idea to go and initially I didn't want to make the trip. I'm glad that I did! We had a wonderful time exploring the sanctuary and identifying as many bird species as possible - which was only eight compared with other people that identified over thirty different species on the property that day. Watching and listening to the Sandhill Cranes was a real treat. Our daughter really enjoyed feeding the wide variety of duck species at the sanctuary as well. The price to get in is very reasonable and the visitors and staff are friendly. This is a great place to go if you want to get into bird watching or just stroll around for a few hours, taking in the fresh air and relaxing.If you are going to visit the sanctuary, I would recommend picking up a bird guide that has color pictures before you visit. It might make the experience even more enjoyable.If you would like to read a more detailed blog post about the sanctuary, please visit our site at:www.toddlerintowfromcanada.com
An enthusiastic birdwatcher, I visit Reifel at lease once each time I visit Vancouver. This year did not disappoint. The 10-15,000 Snow Geese were waiting for me just outside the Sanctuary in one of their favourite fields. I stood for an hour just watching, listening and taking pictures. Cannot fail to be impressed by this spectacle. Just back in my car and there was a ring-necked Pheasant walking along the side of the road! I spent a few hours in the park and was able to accumulate 55 species, pretty respectable considering the time of year. Maybe next time I will get that Saw-whet owl that eluded me! If you like nature, you cannot help but like this park. Lots of Mallard ducks for the kiddies to feed and lots of interesting trails for all. There is a nice little visitor's centre, good washroom facilities and a very nice "warming shack" heated by a wood stove that was definitely welcome during my visit (picnic table in the shack where I enjoyed my packed lunch).
We were brought to the place for a day family event and did not know what to expect. the place was packed but since there was so much land it was acutally quite nice you just passed people every so often. the bids were everywhere and very very polite. there were lots that would eat out of your hand from the very big to very small. the chickadees and the big crane were out main attractions we were there just over two hours and could stay a bit more. we will defintally e back a warmer time of the year. maybe spring when the babbies are out.
A great visit for an afternoon, particularly with young children. Hundreds of ducks waiting to be fed with dollar bags of bird feed available from the gift shop. This is at no charge. For the more adventurous, you can enter the sanctuary for a small fee and wander the paths to various blinds for specialized watching. Many varieties of birds to be seen and a scenic walk.
A great way to start off the new year by visiting with some of our little (and big) feathered friends. We got there early and therefore were able to get a good parking spot as it fills up very fast and you would have to park on the road and walk back. It was quite cold but lots of brave people and of course a never ending supply of hungry ducks and Sandhill cranes. We were also entertained by watching the ducks coming in for a landing on the frozen ponds. We saw more than one quack up (lol). If I might make a suggestion, especially families with small children. I suggest that you make use of the wash-room facilities at the start of the walk as it can be a very long walk in discomfort as there was only one port-a-potty along one of the trails and it was out of commission. The entry cost is very reasonable at $3.00 for seniors and $5.00 for adults, and the duck feed is only a dollar. Kids of all ages enjoy feeding the birds and hungry squirrels. Bring good walking shoes as the trails can be muddy and a little slippery, and most importantly bring your camera and field glasses.
This sanctuary is a little out of the way, but more than worth the trip. It was recommended to us by a local BC birding expert as a real hot spot of birding. There are so many birds, and so many birders around you that if you need help identifying, you can just ask someone. Even the Sandhill Cranes are easy to spot. This is a must-visit spot for anyone who is a birder, or interested in birding or even just nature. It is very reasonably priced, and you only have to be 60 to get senior rates.
I am not a bird watcher but I can imagine that this would be a dream place for one. I enjoyed trying to feed the chickadees with seeds in my hand as I saw others doing but no such luck for me. Loved the ducks following us around for seeds. If you walk on the outer path you have a lovely view of the sea. Walk on the inner path and you meet almost no one. Lots of informative signs along the paths. The weather was excellent when we went in September so it made for a nice afternoon family walk. Closes at 4pm although you have until 5 to get out. No receipts given for your entrance fee.
This is a great place to go for a stroll and see many different birds. Bring birdseed or buy it there. Some birds will take food from your hand. This is an easy walk for all ages. Will be going again soon. Have had bird land on our heads lol.
As easterners, we were amazed at the number of birds in this area that we just don't get to see. There were a number of mature bald eagles in various locations as well as a couple of immature ones that were up close and personal, making for great pictures. Tons of ducks including the most Wood Ducks I've seen in one place ever. The highlight was a pair of Barred Owls nestled near the top of a huge pine tree, a Golden Eagle and some sandhill cranes right beside the path on the way back.Wonderful bird viewing, easy walking with lots of well marked trails and at only $3.00 for seniors, a bargain too. We'll definitely be back before we head home in a couple of weeks.