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Add Bird Watching in New Brunswick to Your Photography Bucket List

We have another addition to your photography bucket list. If you are a fan of wildlife photography, we have some insight into the types of birds you can expect to find in New Brunswick and how to find them.

New Brunswick, a province located in eastern Canada, is a bird watcher’s paradise. With a diverse range of habitats, from coastal marshes to dense forests, the region is home to a wide variety of bird species

Not only is bird watching in New Brunswick a rewarding experience, but it also provides an opportunity for photographers to capture stunning images of these feathered friends. In this article, we will discuss some of the best places to go bird watching in New Brunswick and the types of birds you can expect to see.

Bird Watching Locations In New Brunswick

Let’s review a few locations where you can anticipate getting some of the best bird-watching and photography opportunities in New Brunswick.

  • The Bay of Fundy
  • The Acadian Forest:
  • The Upper St. John River Valley
  • The Tantramar Marshes

The Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy, located on the Atlantic coast of New Brunswick, is a popular destination for bird watching. The bay is known for its high tides and diverse ecosystems, making it a haven for a wide range of bird species. Some of the most commonly seen birds in the area include the American Black Duck, the Common Eider, and the Double-crested Cormorant. The bay also provides an excellent opportunity to photograph shorebirds such as the Black-bellied Plover and the Ruddy Turnstone.

The best time to go bird watching in the Bay of Fundy is during the spring and fall migration seasons when thousands of birds pass through the area. During these times, you can expect to see large flocks of waterfowl and wading birds. The Fundy National Park and the nearby trails of the Fundy Trail Parkway are great places to start your bird watching and photography adventure.

The Acadian Forest

The Acadian Forest, located in the interior of New Brunswick, is home to a diverse range of bird species. The forest is known for its mixed-wood stands of deciduous and coniferous trees, providing habitats for birds such as the Black-backed Woodpecker, the Canada Warbler, and the Black-throated Blue Warbler. The forest is also home to the rare Spruce Grouse, a bird that is difficult to spot but a treat to photograph when you do.

The best time to visit the Acadian forest is during the summer months when the birds are actively nesting and singing. The Kouchibouguac National Park and the nearby trails of the Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail are great places to start your bird watching and photography adventure in the Acadian Forest.

The Upper St. John River Valley

The Upper St. John River Valley, located in the northwest region of New Brunswick, is a prime spot for bird watching and photography.

The valley is known for its diverse habitats, including wetlands, deciduous and coniferous forests, and grasslands, providing a wide range of bird species to spot and photograph. Some of the most commonly seen birds in the area include the Great Blue Heron, the Belted Kingfisher, and the Bald Eagle. The valley is also home to the elusive American Woodcock, a bird that is difficult to spot but a treat to photograph when you do.

The best time to visit the Upper St. John River Valley is during the spring and fall migration seasons when thousands of birds pass through the area. During these times, you can expect to see large flocks of waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors. The Upper St. John River Valley also offers great opportunities for birding by canoe or kayak, allowing you to get close to the birds and capture unique perspectives. The Aroostook State Park, the Fish River and the nearby trails of the International Appalachian Trail are great places to start your bird watching and photography adventure in the Upper St. John River Valley.

The Tantramar Marshes

The Tantramar Marshes, located in the southeastern region of New Brunswick, is a prime spot for bird watching and photography. Don’t confuse it with the nearby Tintamarre National Wildlife Area (which is also a good place to consider). The marshes are known for their diverse habitats, including salt marshes, mudflats, and grasslands, providing a wide range of bird species to spot and photograph.

Some of the most commonly seen birds in the area include the American Black Duck, the Greater Yellowlegs, and the American Avocet. The marshes are also home to the hard to find Saltmarsh Sparrow, a bird that is difficult to spot but a treat to photograph when you do.

The best time to visit the Tantramar Marshes is during the spring and fall migration seasons when thousands of birds pass through the area. During these times, you can expect to see large flocks of waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds.

The marshes offer great opportunities for birding by foot or bicycle, allowing you to get close to the birds and capture unique perspectives. The Johnson’s Mills Shorebird Reserve, the Shepody National Wildlife Area, and the nearby trails of the Trans-Canada Trail are great places to start your bird watching and photography adventure in the Tantramar Marshes.

Conclusion

New Brunswick is a great destination for bird watching and photography. With a diverse range of habitats, the region is home to a wide variety of bird species. 

We listed only a handful of the many places to go bird watching in New Brunswick. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, New Brunswick offers an opportunity to see and photograph some of the most beautiful birds in the world. So, add bird watching in New Brunswick to your photography bucket list, and you won’t be disappointed.

Tell us about your bird watching experiences in New Brunswick below in the comments or share your photos with us on Instagram

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