Victoria has got some great places for birding. I went to school at University
there and got hooked birding in my third year. I listed 4 places easy to get
to but you should check out the Field Naturalist Book Store downtown on
Blanshard and View St or the Provincial Museum for some up
to date local bird books. Bruce Whittington at the Field Naturalist is a
great direction-giver.

1. Martindale Flats- This is a huge farmland valley about 2 miles south of
Sidney maybe 5 miles from the ferry terminal. It reminds me of a
mini Skagit/Samish Flats area. Its easy to see Peregrines and other raptors.
There are some great hedgerows for sparrows and some ponds for ducks
as well.

2. Clover Point - its the point of land you can walk to from Beacon Hill Park.
Its a little to the east and has a road that runs down the middle of the
spit off Dallas Road. It often has great looks at scoters, gulls,
Black Oystercatchers and some of the sandpipers (I've seen Rock Sandpipers
and Turnstone there).

3. Ogden Point Breakwater- on the other side of Beacon Hill Park (West)
is a long breakwater that is a easy walk. Its a great place for ducks,
shorebirds and even the occasional Kittlitz's Murrelet.

4. Esquimalt Lagoon- this is a great place for ducks and shorebirds. If you
follow the signs to Metchosin as you head up the Island Highway toward Duncan.
Its about 3 miles after you exit the main highway and maybe 7 miles from
Victoria. There is a recreational center on the left and you turn left
just past it. Look for 6 Mile Pub as you exit (good lunch stop).