Every January, gyms across the province fill up with good intentions. And every February… well, you know how that goes. But there’s a growing movement in BC that doesn’t require a membership, works for every fitness level, and actually makes people excited to get outside—even when the weather is chilly.
It’s called a Big Year, and it might be the most joyful way to kick off your year outdoors.
What’s a Big Year, anyway?
A Big Year is a beloved tradition in the birding world: you challenge yourself to spot as many bird species as you can within a single calendar year. It’s simple, flexible, and surprisingly addictive. You can do it from your backyard, on your lunch break, or while exploring new corners of the province on weekends.
And unlike most New Year’s resolutions, this one doesn’t fade by February. It becomes a reason to get outside, slow down, and notice the wild world around you.
Winter birding is better than you think
Most people assume birding is a spring or summer activity, but winter in BC is one of the most spectacular seasons for spotting rare and dramatic species.
Right now across the province:
- Snowy Owls are making rare appearances around the Lower Mainland
- Massive flocks of Dunlin are swirling over coastal estuaries
- Bald Eagles are gathering by the hundreds to feast on salmon from Vancouver Island to the Interior
Many of these birds are only here during the winter months, which makes January the ideal moment to start your Big Year list.
A free, feel‑good way to get outside
Birding is one of those rare activities that checks all the boxes:
- It’s free
- It’s accessible for all ages and fitness levels
- It supports mental health
- It gets families outside together
- It helps you connect with nature right in your neighbourhood
And perhaps best of all, it offers a refreshing alternative to the “new year, new you” pressure that dominates January. Instead of reinventing yourself, you simply step outside and start noticing what’s already around you.
Want to get started?
The BC Bird Trail has just released new winter birding guides and Big Year planning resources at bcbirdtrail.ca. You’ll find tips for beginners, regional highlights, and inspiration for making 2024 your most nature‑filled year yet.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or someone who’s never picked up binoculars, a Big Year is an invitation: slow down, look up, and rediscover the wild beauty of BC—one bird at a time.
