Hummingbird Hill

Along the Pacific Flyway, where millions of birds travel north and south each year, a 21-hectare property in Metchosin has now been permanently protected by BC Parks Foundation. The acquisition was made possible by support from the Wilson 5 Foundation, the Metchosin Foundation, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, and many dedicated community supporters.

Known as Hummingbird Hill, its meadows, ponds and veteran trees provide habitat for a wide range of species—from turkey vultures to hummingbirds to the tiny northern saw-whet owl—in a region widely known as the Birding Capital of Canada. With a rapidly urbanizing landscape, places like this serve as stopover and nesting habitat for migratory birds moving between continents.

In partnership with Rocky Point Bird Observatory, the site will serve as their headquarters and as a bird sanctuary, enabling the organization to more effectively deliver its bird conservation programs, including research, education and community outreach activities.

The newly protected site is a key puzzle piece. It borders on the Galloping Goose Trail, lies close to Matheson Lake and Metchosin Wilderness parks, and adjoins a proposed Tribal Park at Mary Hill. That’s why, when the property came up for sale, the Metchosin Foundation called up the BC Parks Foundation to help conserve it.

“We love supporting local volunteers like the great people at the Metchosin Foundation and Rocky Point Bird Observatory,” said Andy Day, Chief Executive Officer of the BC Parks Foundation. “Protecting stopover spots like this helps birds complete their epic journeys across continents. Small creatures face big odds these days, and a single piece of land can make a difference.”

“As a small, volunteer-led group, we act as connector, catalyst and accelerator in bringing people together to protect the places we love,” said Valerie Jaeger, President, Metchosin Foundation. “We operate at the speed of trust, and the deep trust we share with BC Parks Foundation enables a shared vision for regional biodiversity protection.”

The project builds on the partners’ 2024 creation of the Bilston Headwaters Nature Reserve, expanding a growing conservation corridor in the region. The District of Metchosin has appreciated the charitable boost to its green spaces and climate plan and has done its part by providing property tax relief.

For Rocky Point Bird Observatory, the protection comes at a crucial time. Since 1994, the Observatory has tracked bird migration across southern Vancouver Island, contributing data to international studies. Four monitoring programs collect data on song birds, owls, hummingbirds, and Sea Watch monitoring birds of the Salish Sea rely on licensed banding staff plus have over 125 volunteers who collect — including ticks for Lyme disease studies and pollen for song birds as pollinator studies — from thousands of birds each year, often in challenging conditions.

“Our 31 years of data provides insight on how birds are doing,” said Rosa Munzer, President, Rocky Point Bird Observatory. “Our researchers are pleased to find that this site has healthy, abundant numbers of rufous hummingbirds whose population has dropped by half since 1970. It’s encouraging to witness their resilience here.”

Beyond bird research, the site also supports broader wildlife monitoring. BC Parks Foundation staff have already observed regular activity from large mammals like cougar, bear, deer, and elk, evidence of its ecological importance in a rapidly urbanizing region.

Given the ecological sensitivity of the area, and the availability of walking on the adjacent Galloping Goose Trail, public access will be available through guided walks, talks, and volunteer programs organized through the Rocky Point Bird Observatory.

“Preserving Hummingbird Hill is something positive and real that benefits birds, wildlife and people now and in the future," said Andy Day. “It is another great example of proud British Columbians working together to keep BC beautiful. Thanks and praise to everyone involved.”