Connecting People, Birds, and Conservation on the Salish Sea
Birding and conservation meet the open water with Eagle Wing Toursโ Specialty Bird Tours, created in partnership with the Rocky Point Bird Observatory (RPBO). These unique outings give guests the chance to discover the remarkable bird life of the Salish Sea while supporting local research, monitoring, and education.
RPBO has been studying and protecting birds on southern Vancouver Island for decades. Eagle Wing Tours has built its reputation on eco-certified whale and wildlife tours. Together, weโre creating an experience that blends science, community, and the thrill of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat.
A Partnership Rooted in Community
This collaboration isnโt just about birdwatching โ itโs about connecting people with the ecosystems of the Salish Sea in meaningful ways. By stepping aboard, guests help support RPBOโs long-term monitoring and education programs while experiencing Eagle Wingโs carbon-neutral vessels and expert naturalists.
RPBO volunteer board member Liam Seward-Ragan, who set the record for most bird species seen on Vancouver Island in a single year (286), explains:
โNothing makes me happier than sharing the secrets of birds with my community. People protect what they care about and they care about what they know; by getting out on the boat and meeting birds in their home waters, we ensure people are aware of the immeasurable significance of the Salish Sea.โ

For fellow volunteer Sonja Futehally, who first discovered RPBO in 2019 after moving from rural India, the tours also highlight the power of mentorship and collaboration:
โA visit to Rocky Point Bird Observatory deepened my interest in birds. Iโm thankful for the training and guidance Iโve received, and Iโm enthusiastic to contribute to projects that bring conservation to life.โ

These personal perspectives showcase what makes the partnership so special: passionate people who want to share knowledge and inspire others to protect what they love.
Upcoming Specialty Bird Tours

Our September 7 departure has officially sold out โ thank you to everyone who booked!
But thereโs still one more chance to join us this fall:
Seats are limited and filling quickly. Whether youโre an experienced birder or a curious traveller, this is your opportunity to experience the seabirds of the Salish Sea alongside Eagle Wing Tours and RPBO.
Curious about what you might see? Check out the eBird trip reports from past tours for a snapshot of the species spotted on the Salish Sea.

