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Conserving nature through science and outreach

Visit Iona Island Bird Observatory

Iona Island Bird Observatory (IIBO) is uniquely situated within Iona Beach Regional Park, a publicly accessible park in Richmond, BC. This beautiful setting allows visitors to stop by and observe IIBO’s operations during migration monitoring season at any time during parking opening hours.

Arranging a tour

Part of WildResearch’s mission is to educate the public about the importance of community science, monitoring, and conservation research. As part of that mission, we welcome pre-arranged group tours at the station. During an interpretive visit, guests will learn about the ecological significance of Iona Beach Regional Park, why and how we monitoring migratory birds, and the broader mission of WildResearch. And, of course, you’ll have the opportunity to see bird banding in action and observe wild birds up close!

To help us provide a safe and meaningful experience for both visitors and birds, we ask that all group visits be arranged in advance. Group tours are best suited for 10-15 participants. Tours are offered at no set cost, though we suggest a minimum donation of $5 per person to help support the station and our work.

Our migration monitoring seasons run the spring (April 15 – May 31) and fall (August 24 – October 4). To arrange a tour or for general inquiries, please contact Vinci Au at vau@wildresearch.ca.

A note to park visitors

If you prefer not to arrange a tour, our staff and volunteers are happy to welcome small respectful groups of 1-5 visitors who would like to observe from a distance. If you stop by during migration monitoring, please be mindful of our operations: keep your distance from equipment and birds, and keep voices low as birds are sensitive to noise. While near our active monitoring sites, please follow the guidance of our Banders-in-Charge and Banding Assistants who oversee the station.

Our staff and volunteers monitor mist nets at 30-minute intervals as part of our regular monitoring routine. If you do not see anyone at the nets or at the banding station, they are likely making their rounds and will return shortly.

Migration monitoring can be a busy time, and our team’s top priorities are bird safety and volunteer training. While they may not always be able to answer questions during your visit, they will do their best when possible. Thank you for helping us keep the birds safe and for your interest in the work happening at Iona Island Bird Observatory.

Before you visit

To help make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Group visits: We ask that group visits be arranged in advance. Group tours are best suited for 10–15 participants.
  • Drop-in visits: Individuals or small groups of 1–5 people are welcome to stop by and observe from a respectful distance.
  • Best time to visit: Mornings are typically the most active time at the station, when bird banding and monitoring are in full swing. Activity may slow later in the day depending on weather and bird movement.
  • Donations: Tours are offered at no set cost, though we suggest a minimum donation of $5 per person to help support the station and our work.
  • Washrooms: Washroom facilities are available in the park, approximately a 10-minute walk from the station.
  • Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in the park except in designated areas.

Support our work

If you’d like to support the work of the Iona Island Bird Observatory and WildResearch, we gratefully welcome donations. Your contribution helps sustain migration monitoring, volunteer training, and conservation research.

You can donate online at CanadaHelps (Charity No. 845638006RR0001). Charitable donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt.