Birding in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada is enjoyed in almost every community and in every season. The massive rivers, wetlands, marshes and lakes in the Kootenays creates many nesting and feeding grounds for many species of birds. Many of the low lying bird sanctuaries are protected areas. The massive high alpine meadows and forests visited by birrds - well that is a different story - some are protected others are not.
Some of the communities in the Kootenays have developed parks and protected areas designated for bird populations. It is an effort to protect sensitive nesting and feeding grounds. Many of these well developed birding parks fall under migratory paths of birds therefore bird populations vary throughout the seasons. The importance of these parks is crucial for the survival of many bird species as wetlands are disappearing and development continues to encroach on wildlife. Some of the these developed wildlife management areas are designated as heritage lands, wildlife reserves and/or provincial or national parks.
Birdwatching opportunities in the Kootenay region varies per destination. Some birding destinations are located in well developed wildlife parks and protected areas with information centres and helpful wildlife staff onsite. Most include a network of walking paths, lookout towers, viewing benches, bird checklists, gift shops and more.
Other birding destinations in the Kootenays are located in the wilderness backcountry. These birding opportunites are remote. There are no services and no amenties near these remotes lakes and rivers (well maybe a pit toilet nearby) . There is, however, plenty of scenery to keep a camera busy. Accessing these wilderness birdwatching destinations often requires driving a gravel forestry road (some rough, some not) or hiking a trail (some short, some long).
