Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Esquimalt Lagoon features miles of breathtaking ocean beachfront perfect for walks, beachcombing, sand castles and water play, Across the road from the beach is the lagoon, where ducks and swans float and herons and eagles are often spotted along with many other shorebirds. The calm water of the lagoon is perfect for a peaceful ride in the canoe or kayak. Depending upon the tide there will be one island, and none to several small gravel bars, on the lagoon side of the bridge. These are regular lounging spots for gulls and should also be carefully scoped out for shorebirds. Mew Gulls and Glaucous-winged Gulls are frequent loungers but check the flocks carefully because birders have reported Heermann's, Bonaparte's, Ring-billed, California and even Western Gulls from this site. In the Spring watch for large orange bills and dark heads as small flocks of Caspian Terns may also rest on the bars. Shorebirds in season include Black Oystercatcher, Black-bellied Plover, Western and Least Sandpiper, Dunlin, Black and (rarely) Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, dowitcher, Semi-palmated Plover, yellowlegs, and Killdeer.