Our centrepiece Bird Sanctuary at Ruby Lake Resort boasts one of the largest concentration of wood ducks on the Sunshine Coast.
Additionally, the Sunshine Coast Natural History Society has documented 88 species of birds which over the four seasons call Ruby Lake their home. The Resort also has 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, and Spring flocks of up to 5000 swallows can be seen over Ruby Lake.
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 nest 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.
To learn more about the wood duck and other wildlife, come join us in our Annual Wood Duck Wilderness Festival.
Aldo started building bird houses almost as soon as he arrived on the B.C. coast. You’ll spot more than 40 of them on the sides of cottages, telephone poles, the tops of houses and under the eaves of the restaurant.
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
There are many other colorful ornithological visitors to Ruby Lake Resort. Spot blue herons, kingfishers, hawks, ospreys, turkey vultures, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, barn owls and many, many more!
Up to 20 bald eagles, carefully nurtured by Aldo, live around the lake and restaurant area. The best time to view these magnificent birds is during the Winter and Spring months.
Bird watching is one of the most popular year round past times.
We get many other animals too at Ruby Lake and Lagoon. Spot the fat trout living at the bottom of the Lagoon when they pop up to feed, and bully the ducks.
Look out for beavers, river otters, Roosevelt elk, deer and bears, amongst many others.
Walk across the wooden bridge that spans the lagoon and see sunbathing Painted Turtles on your way to lunch.
Enjoy the many different animals and plants that make up the precious coastal rainforest ecosystem at Ruby Lake Resort.
