Ecological Reserve - Wildlife & Bird Sanctuary
Bird Watching
Our centrepiece Bird Sanctuary at Ruby Lake Resort boasts one of the largest concentration of wood ducks on the Sunshine Coast. Additionally, we have over 120 species of birds, which over the four seasons call Ruby Lake their home, and we host one of the largest concentrations of congregated nest sites in the area. There are 3 different species of swallows nesting in the Sanctuary - Barn, Tree and Violet-Green. Their nest sites can be seen all over the cottage area, which looks over the Sanctuary as well as around the Restaurant. Come spring flocks of up to 5000 swallows can be seen over Ruby Lake. Other regular ornithological visitors to Ruby Lake include Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, Kingfishers, Hawks, Ospreys, Turkey Vultures, Hummingbirds and, of course, the main attraction, wood ducks. Over 150 species of trees and plants have been sown, all tailored to the needs of specific creatures such as butterflies and certain birds. Sightings of rare birds should be reported to Tony Greenfield 604-885-5539, Whiskeyjack Nature Tours.
Aldo Cogrossi started building bird houses almost as soon as he arrived on the BC coast. You will spot more than 40 of them on the sides of cottages, telephone poles, the tops of houses and under the eaves of the restaurant.
Have a look at our property and bird checklist on the e-bird website, Ruby Lake Resort Bird Sanctuary here for a complete list of the many diverse species that we have spotted onsite! If you are an e-birder yourself, please also enter your data when you visit our property to help us record and keep an accurate and up to date record.
Aldo Cogrossi started building bird houses almost as soon as he arrived on the BC coast. You will spot more than 40 of them on the sides of cottages, telephone poles, the tops of houses and under the eaves of the restaurant.
Have a look at our property and bird checklist on the e-bird website, Ruby Lake Resort Bird Sanctuary here for a complete list of the many diverse species that we have spotted onsite! If you are an e-birder yourself, please also enter your data when you visit our property to help us record and keep an accurate and up to date record.
Wood Ducks
The spectacular Wood Ducks have been the focal point for the resort's conservation efforts. The male wood duck is the best-dressed bird on the pond, resplendent in purple and green.
The birds normally nest in tree cavities, but they've taken readily to nesting boxes installed by Aldo. Every summer we see between 16 to 30 ducklings. After the ducklings hatch, the mother calls to them from beyond the nest, and the day-old birds climb up the inside of the box, using a claw on their tiny webbed feet, and jump from the opening, often fluttering 10 meters or more. Bald Eagles
Up to 20 Bald Eagles, live around the lake and restaurant area. The best time to view these magnificent birds is during the Winter and Spring months, though they can really be spotted at any time of year.
Other regular bird visitors:
There are also many other colorful ornithological visitors at Ruby Lake Resort. Spot Blue Herons, Kingfishers, Hawks, Ospreys, Turkey Vultures, Hummingbirds, Woodpeckers, Barn Owls and many more! |
Swallows
There are 3 different species of swallows nesting in the Sanctuary - Barn, Tree, and Violet-Green. Their nesting sites can be seen all over the Cottage area, which looks over the Sanctuary, and additionally to the cottage nesting sites we have swallows nesting around the Restaurant area. Spring flocks of up to 5000 swallows can be seen over Ruby Lake.
Non-Bird Visitors & Residents
We get many other animals too at Ruby Lake and Ruby Lake Lagoon. Spot the Fat Trout living at the bottom of the Lagoon when they pop up to feed, and bully the ducks. Walk across the wooden bridge that spans the lagoon and see sunbathing Western Painted Turtles on your way to lunch.
Look out for Beavers, River Otters, Roosevelt Elk, Deer and Bears, amongst many others. Enjoy the many different animals and plants that make up the precious coastal rainforest ecosystem at Ruby Lake Resort. |