Saint John and the surrounding area is a great place for bird watching with salt water marshes, inland and coastal trails and tidal flats to explore. From the Musquash River, west of the city, to the Fundy Trail to the east, opportunities to see shore and wading birds, ducks, eagles, hawks and migratory song birds abound no matter what the season.
The Irving Nature Park alone boasts over 200 species of birds. Just before the Park, Saints’ Rest, an extensive tidal marsh in the corner of the city, is a good area to see a variety of water birds including herons, waterfowl, and shorebirds (late July-September are best for the latter which roost in the marsh at high tide). A bird checklist for the marsh is available at the Irving Nature Park.
Rockwood Park provides an interesting area to view songbirds in season (Late May through August) in the north-central portion of the city. Many walking trails lead through both open and forested areas, as well as around the park’s many small lakes.
