BIRD WATCHING

There are more than 200 species of birds that breed in the Okanagan due to the diversity of habitats in this area. There are 16 noted bird watching areas in the Vernon/Armstrong vicinity.

In the Deep Creek, Otter Lake area you can see, among many others, the Wood Duck, Swainson's Hawk, Pygmy, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, winter sparrows and Lazuli Bunting. If you are lucky, you may see Golden-crowned, White-throated or Harris' Sparrows!

If you visit the Thomas Hayes Ecological Reserve, you may see Long-billed Curlews, Turkey Vultures, flycatchers, vireos or Western Tanagers.  There are others species that make this area their home as well.

Near O'keefe Ranch you will find O'keefe Pond.  Here you may see the Ruddy Duck, Wilson's Phalarope and perhaps the Long-tailed Duck and scoters.

Check out the North Okanagan Naturalists' Club at www.nonc.ca if you'd like to become more versed in our local natural environment!