Summerland is perfect for birdwatchers, offering diverse ecological features that attract a wide range of bird species. From grasslands and marshes to mountainous areas and forests, the variety of habitats ensures an exciting birdwatching experience. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, these spots promise rewarding sightings.
Adams Bird Sanctuary
The Adams Bird Sanctuary, located down Peach Orchard Road across from the Peach Orchard Campground, is a serene spot teeming with birdlife. Named after the Adams family, who settled in Summerland in 1904, the sanctuary offers a peaceful walk through lush greenery. The sanctuary, once the property of Irvine and Doreen Adams, has become an oasis for birds, thanks to Irvine's passion for gardening and nature.
Recent sightings at the Adams Bird Sanctuary include Yellow-Breasted Chats, California Quails, Eurasian Collared-Doves, Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, and European Starlings. The sanctuary is also home to a family of bald eagles, often seen soaring overhead. It's a well-maintained spot perfect for a quick, peaceful getaway to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Trout Creek Ecological Reserve
Located 5 km southwest of Summerland, the Trout Creek Ecological Reserve on the south slopes of Mount Conkle is another excellent birdwatching spot. This reserve is a favourite for spotting Mourning Doves, Northern Flickers, Western Wood-Pewees, Black-Capped Chickadees, Mountain Chickadees, American Robins, House Finches, Chipping Sparrows, Vesper Sparrows, and Yellow-Rumped Warblers. The reserve's diverse habitats, including grasslands and forested areas, attract a wide range of species.
Visitors often use apps like Merlin to identify birds by their calls, adding an interactive element to the birdwatching experience. The reserve provides a tranquil environment, perfect for bird enthusiasts looking to escape.
Pyramid Park
Between Penticton and Summerland, Pyramid Park offers a surprising number of birdwatching opportunities despite its proximity to a busy highway. The park is home to various species, and it's not uncommon to see tree swallows engaging in lively interactions. This park proves that even in busier areas, nature enthusiasts can find rewarding birdwatching experiences.
Summerland Ornamental Gardens
The Summerland Ornamental Gardens are a beautiful spot for birdwatching, featuring stunning trees, a heritage home, and views of a trestle bridge and rushing creek. Birdwatchers can spot Bohemian Waxwings, California Quails, and Red-Tailed Hawks here. During May and late summer, the gardens are ideal for seeing Pygmy Nuthatches, quails, and Calliope Hummingbirds. The well-maintained grounds make for a pleasant visit, offering both natural beauty and birdwatching opportunities.
Trout Creek Trail
Trout Creek Trail in Summerland is known for its Pygmy Nuthatches and Bullock’s Orioles. Birdwatchers may also spot Pygmy Owls nesting in the area. The trail offers a scenic and enjoyable walk with plenty of birdwatching potential. It's a great spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while keeping an eye out for unique bird species.
Okanagan Lake Park
Okanagan Lake Park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities with its sandy and pebbly beaches surrounded by ponderosa pine and sagebrush. The park's natural arboretum, created in the late fifties with the planting of thousands of non-native trees, now provides extensive tree cover that attracts various birds. Visitors can expect to see Cedar Waxwings, quails, Northern Shafted Flickers, Western Meadowlarks, hummingbirds, and the Blue-Listed Lewis’s Woodpecker.
Summerland's birdwatching spots offer something for everyone, from serene sanctuaries and parks to scenic trails and beautiful gardens. Grab your binoculars and explore the diverse habitats that make Summerland a top destination for bird enthusiasts.
