Bird Watching in Oak Bay

Oak Bay is surrounded by a mainly rocky coastline and is home to numerous backyard birders. The area is a magnet for the 240 species that visit the Victoria region annually. Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles are often-seen residents, as are numerous shorebirds and British Columbia’s provincial bird the Steller’s Jay.

While Victoria’s climate makes for successful birding year round, species are more numerous during the spring and fall migrations. The highest bird numbers occur in winter, representing several species of waterbirds, including gulls, cormorants, diving ducks, dabbling ducks, grebes, alcids, and mergansers.

Recommended bird watching locations on the following pages become a self-guided tour when followed in sequence, beginning in the area where the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is being redeveloped. The route is easily traveled by car or as a cycling or walking tour.

The Victoria Natural History Society occasionally leads birding tours in Oak Bay that are open to everyone. Whale watching and kayaking adventures offer excellent close-up views of birding spots accessed only from the water.

For birds common to our area, please see our Commonly Observed species page.