Nature Conservancy of Canada Nature Reserves

Main Info

Birding Codroy Valley and vicinity

On this one-day guided birding tour, we’ll explore nature reserves managed for conservation by the Nature Conservancy of Canada in one of the richest birding areas on the Island. We’ll guide you to sites in two of Canada’s Important Bird Areas (IBAs), including the Grand Codroy Estuary Nature Reserve. The Estuary was designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1987 and is the only RAMSAR site in the province.

Tour Starts / Ends	Stephenville, NL
Departure time	6:30 AM
Return time	5:00 PM
Tour Includes	Pick up and drop off service Transportation during the tour A packed lunch Field checklist Proceeds going to support Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Newfoundland & Labrador programs
What you might see on this tour	Nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Long Range Mountains is beautiful Codroy Valley, a sheltered landscape providing rich habitat that supports a diversity of birdlife not found elsewhere in the province. The Grand Codroy River Estuary supports 19 species of waterfowl, including the Green-winged Teal, and is considered to be the provincial stronghold for breeding Blue-winged Teal and American Wigeon. Close by are several freshwater ponds that provide nesting habitat for the Pied-billed Grebe and Sora. In the spring, the surrounding forests are full of songbirds including Cape May Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, and Blackburian Warbler – the only area of the province these species are currently known to breed. Other interesting species that breed here in small numbers are the Least Flycatcher and Bobolink. We’ll visit sandy beaches to peer through a scope at the endangered Piping Plover and enjoy roadside views of nesting tern. In the fall, we can admire Surf Scoter and a variety of shorebirds as they rest and feed at staging areas nearby. Thousands of Canada Geese and winter waterfowl like Greater Scaup pepper the Grand Codroy River later in the season. In the wintertime, we’ll bird the trails by snowshoe to spot resident birds and finch species as they forage among the snow-covered trees.

Nature Conservancy of Canada Nature Reserves – Tour Fact Sheet
Seasons Offered	Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Tour Dates	January 1 through December 31
When to visit	Mid-May through June is best for songbird, spring vagrants Throughout the fall for shorebirds and migrating raptors Birding is good at Codroy Valley year round
Birds we may see	Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, Pied-billed Grebe, Sora, Semipalmated Plover, Piping Plover, Spotted Sandpiper, Arctic Tern, Common Loon, Great Blue Heron, Least Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Horned Lark, Boreal Chickadee, Hermit Thrush, Common Redpoll, White-winged Crossbill, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Bobolink, Northern Waterthrush, Cape May Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, gulls, raptors, woodpeckers, swallows
Other possible sightings	Moose, Woodland Caribou, Coyote, Red Fox, Seal, Snowshoe Hare, Pink Lady Slipper, Purple Pitcher Plan (NL provincial flower)
Bird-viewing habitats	Boreal forest, mixed forest, dune-swept beaches, estuary wetlands, hay fields, freshwater ponds, riparian areas.
Climate / Weather (average temperatures)	Spring (mid-May to June 20): 15°C (61°F) Summer (June 21 to September 20): 20°C (68°F) Fall (September 21 to December 20) 11°C (59°F) Winter (December 21 to March 20): hovers around 0°C (32°F) Visit our Getting Here page for more information about our climate.
Max bubble size	6 (plus your guide)
Tour pace & walking	Comfortable pace, easy walking over flat terrain
Ease of birding	Easy to moderate, with some rare sighting opportunities
Rare visitors to the area	Tundra Swan (2020) Red-headed Woodpecker (2020) Lark Sparrow (2019) Cackling Goose (2017) Little Egret (ABA Code 4) (2009)
Photographic opportunities	Excellent for birds and scenery
Currently not included	Pick up and drop off service, transportation during the tour. This is a self drive guide tour. Contact us for assistance.
What to bring	Visit our Getting Here page for information on what to bring.
Cellular reception	Yes, however there are patches of dead zones in some areas
Additional remarks	The Nature Conservancy of Canada manages the Grand Codroy Estuary Nature Reserve, which is a collection of properties around the Grand Codroy River totaling 262 hectares (647 acres). A well-maintained trail accessible from the Codroy Valley Wetland Interpretation Centre provides access to one piece of the nature reserve.

Nature Conservancy of Canada Nature Reserves

Main Info

Full Name

Your Email

Desired Tour Date

Number of Guests

Customer Support