Explore the winter visitors of Vancouver’s shores and uncover the fascinating lives of sea ducks in Stanley Park.

Program Overview

Each winter, tens of thousands of waterfowl make their way to the shores of Vancouver, within the English Bay, Burrard Inlet & Howe Sound Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA). Two of the most common sea ducks you’ll spot are the Surf Scoter and Barrow’s Goldeneye. Join wildlife photographer and SPES Nature House Educator Frank Lin in this hour-long presentation to learn about these remarkable sea ducks and their relatives through stunning photographs and detailed illustrations.

What You’ll Learn

  • Introduction to the Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA)
    Understand what makes the English Bay, Burrard Inlet & Howe Sound IBA a crucial habitat for sea ducks and other wintering waterfowl.
  • Spotting Surf Scoters, Barrow’s Goldeneye, and more!
    Learn to identify common sea ducks and discover their unique traits and behaviors along the Seawall.
  • Life on the Shoreline
    Explore the lives and adaptations of sea ducks that help them thrive in Vancouver’s coastal environment during the winter.
  • The Winter Migration of Sea Ducks
    Uncover the migration patterns of sea ducks and understand why they are drawn to the Vancouver area each year.

Watch the Program

Running Time: 68 minutes

Additional Resources

Enhance your waterfowl knowledge with these helpful resources:

  • Learn About Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBA)
    Dive into more information about IBAs and discover why they are essential for protecting species like the Surf Scoter and Barrow’s Goldeneye. Explore IBAs
  • 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 birding program with SPES naturalists and experienced birders. Find Upcoming Programs

Take Action for Waterfowl

Help protect Stanley Park’s sea ducks and their habitat:

  • Volunteer with SPES
    Join our bird monitoring volunteers to help track sea duck populations and support conservation efforts. Learn More
  • Support Our Work
    Your donations fund critical conservation work and educational programs that support sea ducks 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!