Birdwatching on Prince Edward Island
Published June 19, 2025 | Tourism PEI
Did you know that 368 species of birds have been recorded on Prince Edward Island? Just like our many visitors, many species of migratory birds love to make an annual stopover to the Island.
Prince Edward Island is a premier bird-watching destination, offering migratory birds and world-class sighting opportunities for a mix of seabirds, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds in diverse ecosystems. Experts say that the best time for birding visit is from May to October, when the weather is generally warm and sunny.
Birding is the perfect opportunity to connect with the moment.
Just like the wandering trails, endless beaches and dramatic red sandstone bluffs are a treasure for visitors, many species of birds also take their rest here. So, bring your “life list” and let the excitement grow in your quest to discover “lifers.”
Best Birdwatching Hotspots
East Point (189 Species)
East Point is considered a pre-eminent hotspot for both the northward and southward migration of pelagic birds. The point is located “up east” on the northeast tip of the Island and offers excellent views of both coastal waters and inland wetlands. Be sure to visit the East Point Bird Watch Tower at the East Point Lighthouse.
Birders can expect to see a variety of waterfowl including ducks, geese, coots and sandpipers. Numerous raptors are also common sights, including Snowy Owls, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Cormorants and Harriers. Rare bird sightings include:
- Peregrine Falcon
- Short-Eared Owl
- Black-Legged Kittiwake
- Razorbill, Common Murre
- Purple Sandpiper
- Red-Necked Grebe
- Great Shearwater Jaegar
Prince Edward Island National Park
Most of the birds listed in the PEI Field Checklist of Birds can be found within the PEI National Park where diverse habitats provide a natural haven for birds. The various park sites feature dune-edged beaches, barrier sand spits, forested till uplands, barachois ponds and salt marshes.
Greenwich (175 Species)
At Greenwich, the park includes over 1,000 hectares of land and a variety of habitats including coastal marshes, woodlands, and ponds. This area is home to rare and endangered birds, as well as common species. Highlights include:
- Downy Woodpecker
- Black-capped Chickadee
- Carolina Wren
- Canada Warbler
Long Pond (155 Species)
Common sightings in this area are the common Blue Jays, American Goldfinches, House Sparrows and Chickadees.
Black Pond Migrating Bird Sanctuary
More than a dozen waterfowl species use the Black Pond Migrating Bird Sanctuary, near Red Point Provincial Park, as a stopover on their way south for the winter. Here, the Blue-winged teal rests up before its 4,000-kilometre flight to Central or South America.
Harvey Moore Sanctuary
Enjoy a pleasant one-hour trail walk through various woodland types and open fields with pleasant views of the back pond. This area is a haven for migrating waterfowl, including Canada geese and black ducks.
Black Marsh Nature Trail
At the western tip of the province at North Cape lies a coastal trail that offers scrub woodlands, Black Marsh and unique flora. From one side of the trail, you will spot marsh birds and common birds, while from the cliff you may see terns and gulls, cormorants, loons, scoter, Long-tailed Duck, gannets, Common Eider, Harlequin Ducks, and Bald Eagles.
Other Locations
Many provincial demonstration woodlots, parks and natural areas are open to bird watching.
Birdwatching Etiquette
Wherever you go in search of our feathered friends, you can help ensure their continued survival by following responsible birdwatching etiquette:
- In the PEI National Park, respect all signs to protect the Piping Plover, an endangered species, that nests on several beaches on the Island.
- Avoid trampling sand dunes or other sensitive areas; stay on designated trails whenever possible.
- Leave berries, leaves and plants in place; they are food for birds and other wildlife.
- Avoid disturbing shorebirds when they are feeding along the shore.
- Do not disturb nesting birds by approaching nests too closely.
- Do not litter. Better yet, pick up litter that you find while birding.
How will you celebrate your lifers?
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to go birdwatching on PEI?
Spring and fall migrations offer the greatest variety, while summer brings nesting shorebirds and songbirds. Birdwatching is possible year-round, with different species in each season.
Where are the best places to go birdwatching?
Top locations include coastal cliffs, salt marshes, and protected parks such as Prince Edward Island National Park and the North Cape area.
What birds can I see on PEI?
Birdwatchers commonly spot Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, shorebirds, seabirds, and a wide range of waterfowl depending on the season. In total, 368 species of birds have been recorded on Prince Edward Island.