ducks Archives - Stanley Park Ecology (SPE)

Mar 7, 2026 @ 01:30 pmEvents

Scaup Zone and Scoter Friends: Ducks and Other Waterbirds

Have you noticed the colourful ducks splashing in the waters of the Salish Sea? Join this birding program to learn about two common winter residents of Stanley Park: the Lesser Scaup and the Surf Scoter (plus other waterbirds nearby like the Common Merganser!). Led by avid birder, wildlife photographer, and SPE Nature House Outreach Specialist Frank Lin, this walk will bring participants to the seawall to admire the flocks of birds in the waves and learn about their identifying traits and seasonal behaviours. No birding experience necessary! Feel free to bring your own binoculars or borrow ours.

several Greater Scaups and Surf Scoters in the sunny water — Photo: Frank Lin

Feb 11, 2026 @ 01:00 pmEvents

Senior Stroll: Winter Birds and Wildlife [FULL]

Welcome senior participants! Join us for a slow-paced stroll around Lost Lagoon to admire the late winter birds and other wildlife in the nearby waters, trees, and shores. We’ll turn our attention to the colourful ducks and lively hummingbirds, plus look out for recent beaver activity and whatever else we can find along the way. This is a beginner-friendly nature outing!

Sideview of a northern shoveler standing in water with drops coming off of its large bill — Photo: Liron Gertsman

Jan 17, 2026 @ 01:00 pmEvents

World Waterfowl Day: Drop-In Duck Talks

Join our World Waterfowl Day celebration with our drop-in Duck Talks at the Nature House! If you’ve visited the waters of Stanley Park this winter, you’ve likely noticed the hundreds (and sometimes thousands!) of charming waterfowl that have taken up residence for the cold season. Swing by the Nature House at 1:00, 2:00, or 3:00 pm for a drop-in duck presentation all about these diverse winter birds.

two ducks on the water, with a male tufted duck in focus — Photo: Frank Lin

Jan 17, 2026 @ 10:00 amEvents

World Waterfowl Day: Guided Duck Walk [FULL]

It’s World Waterfowl Day and we’re celebrating the resident winter waterbirds around Stanley Park! Through the winter season, tens of thousands of waterfowl spend their time on the shores of Vancouver, in what has been designated the English Bay, Burrard Inlet & Howe Sound Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA). Two of the most common are the Surf Scoter and Barrow’s Goldeneye, among many other charismatic birds. Join wildlife photographer and SPE Nature House Educator Frank Lin in this walk to learn about these two fascinating sea ducks and their relatives that find their way to Stanley Park Seawall.

Stick around for our Drop-in Duck Talks later in the afternoon at the Nature House!

a male and female surf scoter pair in flight over the water — Photo: Frank Lin; surf scoters

Dec 21, 2025 @ 09:30 amEvents

Birds of a Feather: Winter Waterbirds

The waters of Stanley Park are alive with quacks, chirps, preening, and an occasional ruffled feather. Curious about this cold but bird-filled season? Join us for our monthly birding program, Birds of a Feather! This month, local birder Kris takes us on a relaxed, interpretive outing to explore seasonal and year-round feathered residents — with a focus on the charming winter waterbirds. No birding knowledge or experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and enjoy nature with each other!

a common goldeneye (duck) on the water — Photo: Liron Gertsman; Common Goldeneye

Nov 2, 2025 @ 09:30 amEvents

Wigeons and Waddles: Duck Walk

If you’ve been around the waters of Stanley Park, you’ve likely noticed the hundreds (and often thousands!) of wigeons gathered nearby. This time of year, many ducks and other water birds arrive to our region during the fall migration period, and it’s a great time to dive into birding and get to know these diverse and charming feathered friends. Join SPE Nature House Educator, avid birder, and photographer Frank Lin for a stroll around the nearby waters to appreciate the quacks and splashes of the autumn season.

Join Us!