As the territory warms up each spring, hundreds of thousands of birds fly north to familiar grounds in the Yukon.
This migration offers some of the best bird watching chances all year, so it’s best to know where exactly to point those binoculars. Here are 4 ways to start your search for the bird of your dreams.
The Faro Sheep and Crane Festival
From May third to fifth, the small town of Faro is home to a yearly celebration of wildlife, the Sheep and Crane Festival.
Sandhill cranes make their way though the area, making it the perfect time to spot them riding thermals on their way north. And don’t forget to check out the adorable local sheep, if you need a break from all that birdwatching.
A Celebration of Swans
It’s not George R. R. Martin’s latest fantasy novel. A Celebration of Swans is a spring festival held all through April at the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre.
This is one of the best places to see the Trumpeter Swans on their migration route, and considered the Yukon birding event of the year.
Observatory tours
Beyond the fanfare of bird festivals, there are three bird observatories across the territory with great views of spring migration.
Check out the Albert Creek Observatory at Watson Lake, or swing by Teslin Lake Bird Observatory, where many migratory birds make their entrance to the Yukon. You can even see a demonstration of bird banding at the McIntyre Marsh Bird Banding Station, just outside of Whitehorse.
Out and about
Spotting unique birds doesn’t always require going out of your way. Birds like the Northern Wheatear, which travel 21,000 kilometres from South Africa, can be seen flittering along the Dempster Highway.
Above all else, the best way to spot plenty of birds is to show up prepared. Check out the latest Yukon Bird Guide for brushing up on your Yukon bird facts.
