With World Wildlife Day on March 3, there’s no better time to celebrate the incredible biodiversity right here in British Columbia, and one of the easiest (and free!) ways to experience it is through birding.
The BC Bird Trail is marking the occasion by inviting British Columbians and visitors to discover the province’s 500+ bird species through curated, self-guided itineraries that span from coastal rainforests to mountain valleys. Whether you’re spotting early spring migrants like returning American Robins or catching a glimpse of year-round residents like Stellar’s Jays, March offers a unique window into BC’s vibrant avian life.
World Wildlife Day’s 2026 theme focuses on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Birding is a perfect entry point for nature connection. Spring migration is just beginning, making it an exciting time for both novice and experienced birders. Families looking for meaningful Spring Break activities (March 16 to 27) can explore trails across the province at no cost. BC’s birding destinations support local tourism and conservation efforts in communities from Ucluelet to the Kootenays.
What does it mean to be responsible in nature, especially when it comes to birding?
Historically, we humans have not been great allies to our bird friends. In the past, studying birds often involved luring them with food, yelling loudly to mimic their calls, or even worse, hunting and killing them. For example, in Victorian Era Britain, the study of birds, and natural history in general, became a fashionable past-time for wealthy collectors who sought exotic bird eggs and skins for their personal collections. These previous methods of study and collection were not only cruel, but had severe impacts on bird populations, bird behaviour, and the environment.
Now that we know better, we can do better, and go forth to explore nature with good intentions, observing birds in their natural habitat, making efforts to reduce our impact on the birds and their home.
Bird with care! Get tips from the BC Bird Trail’s guide: “Birding 101: Responsible Birding.“