Birding on the Mudflats: in-the-field interpretation
Monday April 28 – Friday May 2, 2025
The Tofino Shorebird Festival is one of our region’s longest running events, and one of the RES’s marquee public education offerings. Due to unforeseen circumstances in 2025, we will be offering a streamlined schedule focused on in-the-field interpretation. See details below.
Birding on the Mudflats
In partnership with BC Nature and Hotel Zed, the RES will be hosting a ‘Birder in Residence’.
Join our expert birder, Liam Ragan of B.C. Nature, on the mudflats behind Hotel Zed to experience the spring shorebird migration at its peak! Whether you are a keen birder or a casual nature-lover, don’t miss the chance to observe and learn more about the incredible diversity of shorebirds (and other species) passing through on their way north. The mudflats in Jensen’s Bay directly behind Hotel Zed offer some of the best viewing opportunities anywhere in BC. This public event is open to one and all at no cost!
Monday through Friday, April 28 – May 2
On the birding platform at Hotel Zed
FREE Drop-by Event
Monday, April 28— 11am – 2pm | Tuesday, April 29 — Noon- 3pm | Wednesday, April 30 — 1 – 4pm | Thursday, May 1 — 2 -5pm | Friday, May 2 — 2 – 5pm
Find fellow birders, spotting scopes and bird guide Liam Ragan from BC Nature!
This is the best opportunity to spend some time down on the Tofino mudflats to view flocks of shorebirds foraging and resting during their annual migration north. The mudflats at this location offer some of the best and most accessible high-quality shorebird habitat in Tofino. Bird viewing on the mudflats is tide relevant – the rising tide when birds are pushed up towards the upper mudflats for a better view. This is a great event for both new and experienced birders, as well as anyone interested in learning more about the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area.
Bring your binoculars or spotting scope, or else we will have a couple to share. No dogs please.
Thank you to Liam for his time & expertise.
Liam Ragan is an enthusiastic lover of, and authority on, all things BIRDS and he will share his infectious enthusiasm and immense knowledge with us over the week. Liam is the Provincial Coordinator for Important Bird Areas in B.C. and an avid conservation photographer with a passion for everything from owls to arthropods.
Check out Liam’s photography here with the Big Year
Instagram @laimragan,
Our Raincoast Institute Birds course will return in 2026, but please check out Seaweeds and Marine Invertebrates in June and July. Our Shorebird Soiree auction fundraiser will also be postponed, but please stay tuned.
Whimbrels, Sandpipers, Dunlin and more!
Every year from late April through May, flocks of sandpipers, plovers, whimbrels, and many other shorebirds pass through the Tofino area. Thousands stop here to feed and rest as they make their impressive journey from South and Central America northward to their Arctic breeding grounds.
The protected forests, expansive mudflats, long sandy beaches, and rocky shorelines of the region create the right combination of habitats to draw over 40 species of shorebirds to the area, including the largest migratory concentrations of whimbrels anywhere in British Columbia, and impressive flocks of western sandpipers, dunlin and more.
Thank You to our Festival Partners
A huge thank you to our 2024 festival partners, in alphabetical order:
Roar Tofino • Hotel Zed • Ucluelet Brewing Co. • Cap N’ Hook • Gaia Grocery • Jamie’s Whaling Station • Pacific Sands Resort • Nova Harvest • Pioneer Boat Works • Reservas Tequila • • Sacred Stone . • Tofino Distillery • Tofino Time • Tofitian • Co0p Tofino • Coop Ucluelet • Jeremy Koreski • Mint Cleaning • Sea Wench • Tofino Sea Kayaking • Tofino Fishing & Trading • Coastal Bliss • Jeju • Mermaid Tales • OverZealous Ink • Paddle West Kayaking • Middle Beach Lodge • Ucluelet Aquarium • Tofino Breath and Meditation • Ucluelet Aquarium • Atleo Air • Bonzai Sea Adventures • Saltspring Centre for Yoga • The Den • Pluvio • The Pointe Restaurant • TRM
Tofino Shorebird Festival Photo Gallery
Some photos from previous years!
Need help?
If you have any questions about our courses, our events, or just us in general – we’re here to help!
