Moncton, New Brunswick, and its surrounding areas offer several excellent birding locations that attract a wide variety of bird species throughout the year. Here are some of the top birding spots in and around Moncton:

1. Petitcodiac River Causeway

• Description: The Petitcodiac River, with its unique tidal bore, is a prime location for birdwatching. The mudflats exposed during low tide attract shorebirds, especially during migration periods.
• Birds to See: Shorebirds like sandpipers, plovers, and yellowlegs; waterfowl; and raptors such as Bald Eagles and Ospreys.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall migrations, but birds can be observed year-round.

2. Irishtown Nature Park

• Description: Irishtown Nature Park is one of the largest urban parks in Canada, offering diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and a large reservoir. The trails around the park provide ample opportunities for birdwatching.
• Birds to See: Warblers, woodpeckers, thrushes, chickadees, and various waterfowl.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for songbirds and breeding species; fall for migratory birds.

3. Mapleton Park

• Description: Located within the city of Moncton, Mapleton Park is a popular spot for birdwatchers. The park features a mix of woodlands, wetlands, and open spaces, making it an ideal habitat for a variety of birds.
• Birds to See: Sparrows, finches, woodpeckers, and ducks. During migration, you may also spot warblers and other songbirds.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning in spring and summer, though birding is good throughout the year.

4. Tidal Bore Park

• Description: This park offers a great view of the Petitcodiac River and its famous tidal bore. It’s a good location to observe waterfowl, shorebirds, and birds of prey.
• Birds to See: Ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors like eagles and hawks.
• Best Time to Visit: Fall and winter for waterfowl; spring for migrating shorebirds.

5. Sackville Waterfowl Park

• Description: Located about 30 minutes from Moncton, in Sackville, this park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, particularly for waterfowl. The boardwalks through wetlands provide close-up views of a wide variety of birds.
• Birds to See: Ducks, geese, herons, bitterns, and a variety of songbirds. The park is particularly known for its large numbers of waterfowl.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall migrations; summer for breeding waterfowl and other birds.

6. Hopewell Rocks

• Description: Although primarily known for its impressive rock formations, Hopewell Rocks also offers great birdwatching opportunities, especially at low tide when mudflats are exposed.
• Birds to See: Shorebirds, including Semipalmated Sandpipers and plovers; also, you might spot Peregrine Falcons hunting along the cliffs.
• Best Time to Visit: Late summer and early fall during shorebird migration.

7. Fundy National Park

• Description: About an hour’s drive from Moncton, Fundy National Park offers rugged coastal landscapes, dense forests, and river valleys that are home to a diverse bird population.
• Birds to See: Warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, hawks, and seabirds along the coast.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for breeding birds; fall for migratory species.

8. Moncton High Marsh Road

• Description: This rural area near Moncton features open fields and marshes, attracting a variety of birds, particularly during migration.
• Birds to See: Raptors like Northern Harriers and hawks; sparrows, swallows, and other grassland species.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for migrating species; summer for breeding birds.

9. Tantramar Marshes

• Description: Located near Sackville, the Tantramar Marshes are a significant birding area, particularly for waterfowl and raptors. The open landscape provides excellent visibility for spotting birds.
• Birds to See: Snow Geese, Canada Geese, ducks, Northern Harriers, and Short-eared Owls.
• Best Time to Visit: Fall and spring for waterfowl and raptor migration.

10. Memramcook Valley

• Description: The Memramcook Valley, located just southeast of Moncton, offers a mix of forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands, making it a diverse birding area.
• Birds to See: Warblers, sparrows, woodpeckers, and raptors. The wetlands are also good for waterfowl and wading birds.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for a wide variety of bird species.

Moncton and its surrounding areas provide a rich variety of habitats that attract many bird species throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in shorebirds, waterfowl, or forest songbirds