Uncover the fascinating diversity of waterfowl that make Stanley Park their seasonal home and learn how to tell these beautiful birds apart.
Program Overview
As summer fades into fall, new avian visitors arrive in Stanley Park. Many different waterfowl species find their way to the park throughout the year. But could you identify if a bird is a duck, a goose, or another type of waterfowl? This program, hosted by experienced birder, photographer, and SPES volunteer Frank Lin, explores the varied species you might encounter along the Seawall and throughout the park, including dabbling ducks, diving ducks, mergansers, and goldeneyes.
What You’ll Learn
- Identifying Waterfowl
Get expert tips on how to distinguish between common waterfowl species, from ducks and geese to unique water birds like grebes and loons. - Dabbling vs. Diving Ducks
Learn about the key differences between dabbling and diving ducks, including behaviors, habitat preferences, and feeding techniques. - Spotting Mergansers and Goldeneyes
Discover the unique traits that make mergansers and goldeneyes stand out, as well as where to spot them in Stanley Park. - Seasonal Migration Patterns
Explore the migration patterns of waterfowl and understand why Stanley Park attracts such a wide range of species across the seasons.
Watch the Program
Running Time: 85 minutes
Additional Resources
Enhance your waterfowl knowledge with these helpful resources:
- Stanley Park Life List
See the full list of bird species observed in Stanley Park, including waterfowl and other seasonal visitors. View the Life List - Duck Identification Sheet
Download this handy Duck Identification Sheet made by Frank Lin to help you identify the different species of ducks and waterfowl around Stanley Park. This resource includes key features and helpful diagrams. Download Now - Attend a Program
Want to see these birds in action? Join us for an in-person or online waterfowl identification program with SPES naturalists and experienced birders. Find Upcoming Programs
Take Action for Waterfowl
Help protect Stanley Park’s waterfowl and their habitat:
- Volunteer with SPES
Join our bird monitoring volunteers to help track waterfowl populations and support conservation efforts. Learn More - Support Our Work
Your donations fund critical conservation work and educational programs that support waterfowl and other wildlife in Stanley Park. Donate Now
Explore More Wildlife Programs
Curious to learn about more of Stanley Park’s wildlife? Check out these other videos in our Wildlife Watch series:
Thank you to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for supporting this project!