Bird Watching in Oak Bay - Heading South

Victoria Golf Course

The course is private property but birding is permitted in the early morning and late evening. Public beach access through McMicking Point is available at all times. There is ample public parking on Beach Drive. The shoreline is full of birds, especially towards Gonzales Point where Brandt’s Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant and Double-crested Cormorant can be found on the rocks. In the scrub along the shoreline California Quail, Black Oystercatcher and House Finch are found year-round while Golden-crowned Sparrow and Fox Sparrow can be found in winter. Lincoln’s Sparrow, Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Pacific and American Golden-Plovers are found on the golf course during migration. Seasonally, look for Wandering Tattler, Whimbrel, Baird’s Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Short-billed Dowitcher, Greater Yellowlegs, Killdeer, Black Turnstone and Surfboard. Offshore look for loons, grebes, alcids, oldsquaw, Harlequin Duck, Common Tern, Heerman’s Gull and Red-necked Phalarope. During migrations the Horned Lark, American Pipit and Lapland longspur frequent this location. Watch for Whimbril during the spring.

McNeill Bay

This bay is located along Beach Drive between Monterey Ave and Transit Avenue. On the east side of the bay is Kitty Islet. The rocks at either end of the bay are excellent places to find Black Oystercatchers year round. Species often reported include Harlequin Ducks through most of the year and Tufted Puffins through the summer. Trial Island, home to Bald Eagles, various sea birds and the occasional Peregrine Falcon, is visible but best viewed with binoculars.

McMicking Point

Located on the east side of McNeill Bay, is commonly frequented by gulls. Harlequin Duck can be found year round. Caspian Terns are encountered in late summer and Pelagic Cormorant and Double-crested Cormorant in winter. Wandering tattlers, whimbrels and Pacific golden plovers are frequent visitors.