As I've mentioned before, I'm not the world's most patient or observant birder, but you positively can't miss these guys. They are enormous (about the size of a Great Blue Heron) and make a noise kind of like you'd imagine a pterodactyl might make. Also, they're pretty used to their human neighbours in the park, so they'll casually stroll down the path toward you. It's a little disconcerting being that close to such large pointy beaks, I'm not going to lie! I was completely intrigued by these cool-looking birds, and I immediately wanted to learn a little more about them.

On our trip to Vancouver last weekend to see the visiting Snowy Owls at Boundary Bay, we also took the opportunity to check out George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. They are both just a short drive from the ferry terminal, so combining the two made an easy day trip from Vancouver Island. The 300 hectare (740 acre) sanctuary is located on the outskirts of Vancouver, on Westham Island in Delta. It is part of the Fraser Valley Estuary, and consists of managed wetlands, marshes, and low dykes with established walking trails running through them. Even though it's technically on an island, the sanctuary is easily accessible by a short bridge.