Birdwatching at The Grove B&B
- Marc S. Tremblay
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
Birdwatching at The Grove B&B on Mayne Island is one of the quiet pleasures that makes a trip to The Grove B&B so memorable.
You do not need to be an experienced birder to enjoy it. Many guests simply sit with a cup of tea or coffee on the deck or explore the forest paths near the property and discover that the island offers more bird activity than they expected. With sheltered woodland, coastal shorelines, and gardens that attract plenty of wildlife, The Grove provides an ideal base for relaxed, no-pressure birdwatching.
Whether you are curious about the island’s hummingbirds, fascinated by woodpeckers, or hoping to see a bald eagle soaring overhead, The Grove offers a comfortable and welcoming place to begin your exploration.
Hummingbirds Up Close at The Grove
Hummingbirds are among the most popular sightings for guests. They visit feeders, flowering shrubs, and forest edges throughout the day. You can often watch them from the deck while enjoying breakfast or your afternoon refreshment.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbirds are permanent residents on Mayne Island. They have shimmering green bodies and a brilliant pink or red patch on the head. These birds are quick, confident, and often curious about people. Even in winter they can brighten a cloudy day by darting through the gardens around the property.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous hummingbird has a fiery orangy-red body and a fearless personality. They arrive in the spring and are famous for their remarkable long-distance migration. Visitors during spring and summer often enjoy watching the Rufous hummingbirds chase and chatter at rivals around the feeders. They bring a lively energy to the spaces at The Grove.
Click here for a video of a hummingbird playing around the sprinkler when we watered the new grass on the dispersion field.
The Woodpecker Forest Near The Grove
The Grove B&B is surrounded by mature forest that is rich with woodpecker activity. Woodpeckers play an essential role in Mayne Island’s ecosystem because they carve out cavities that later become nesting homes for many other birds. Guests who enjoy peaceful forest walks will likely hear the tapping or drumming of woodpeckers before they see them. Ask us about the old Cedar on our property that has dozens of hollowed woodpecker holes.
Pileated Woodpecker
The pileated woodpecker is one of the most striking birds in the forest. About the size of a crow, with a bright red crest and a powerful call, it often leaves large, rectangular holes in old trees. Some guests have reported hearing a pileated woodpecker for the first time was a highlight of their stay. Click here for a video of three Pileated Woodpeckers at the Grove B&B.
Northern Flicker
Flickers are beautifully patterned with spotted bellies and flashes of yellow or orange under their wings. Unlike many other woodpeckers, they often feed on the ground. Their loud, rhythmic calls carry far across the forest.
Downy Woodpecker
The smallest woodpecker on the island, the downy woodpecker, often visits the trees around the property and is a charming sight for anyone who enjoys birds that are small and energetic.
Shorebirds and Coastal Visitors
A short walk from The Grove brings you to the island’s coastline, where guests can discover a completely different set of birds. These coastal species offer wonderful opportunities for photography and quiet observation:
Black Oystercatcher with its bright orange bill and piercing calls along the rocks
Great Blue Heron standing patiently by the water
Belted Kingfisher diving with dramatic precision to catch fish
Morning and early evening by the water are especially rewarding times for birdwatching.
The Raptors of Mayne Island
Birds of prey are often seen from The Grove or during short excursions around the island:
Ospreys hovering the bays waiting for the perfect opportunity to dive and cath their prey
Bald Eagles perched on tall firs or soaring high above the island
Turkey Vultures soaring high over the canopy
Barred and Great Horned Owls camouflaged in trees or silently swooping-in for their next meal
Guests who enjoy photography often find these birds to be among the most unforgettable sights of their visit.
Backyard Birds near The Grove
Many guests prefer to stay close to the property and simply enjoy the variety of small songbirds that frequent the gardens and forest edges. We see and hear:
Bewick’s Wren
Brown CreeperChestnut-backed Chickadee
Pacific Wren
Purple Finch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Crows and Around The Grove
Crows and ravens are also familiar neighbours on Mayne Island, and guests at The Grove often notice how intelligent and expressive they are. Ravens, in particular, make an impressive variety of sounds, ranging from deep, resonant calls to softer clicks and even playful croaks.
Watching them interact with each other can be as entertaining as watching the smaller songbirds. They are often seen flying over the property or calling from nearby treetops, and their presence adds character and personality to the landscape. These birds bring gentle sound and movement to the forest and reward the patient bird-watchers.
A Word About Bats
Although bats are not birds, they are a familiar part of warm evenings on Mayne Island. Guests sitting outside at dusk often enjoy watching them flit through the air as they help keep insect populations down. Click here for a video of bats buzzing our security camera.
Birdwatching with the Merlin App on the Deck
One of my favourite ways to slow down at The Grove is to sit on the deck with the Merlin app running while it listens and identifies the birds around me.
Not surprisingly, Merlin has much better hearing than I do, so it often catches songs and calls that I completely miss. It turns a quiet moment into a gentle learning experience. It is peaceful and absorbing, and it feels a world away from city sounds like sirens, traffic jams, and car horns. Guests often enjoy trying it too, and it adds a fun and calming dimension to birdwatching around the property. Here is what Merlin identified in just 3 minutes, the afternoon of March 28.
The Grove B&B is a peaceful retreat for anyone who wishes to slow down, enjoy nature, and discover the remarkable bird life of Mayne Island. Your visit may even spark a new appreciation for birds that stays with you long after you return home.
A Final Tip for Your Stay
Birdwatching at The Grove is meant to be easy and enjoyable. Whether you are settled into a comfy chair on our deck, walking to the water, or exploring the forest, there is always something to see.
Oh, and don't forget to bring your binoculars or spotting scope!
Love Ravens! Could listen to then all day with their varied croaks, tocks and rumbles!