Bird Season In New Brunswick: Start Dates

New Brunswick is home to a diverse range of bird species, with over 1,000 species recorded in the province. The Atlantic Flyway, which passes through the Bay of Fundy, contributes to the variety of bird species that breed in or migrate through the area. The province's different ecosystems, including its location within the Appalachian Mountain range and its large marine environment, also play a role in attracting birds.

Some of the most common backyard birds in New Brunswick include the American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, European Starling, and Red-breasted Nuthatch. These birds can be spotted all year round and are frequent visitors to bird feeders.

In addition to the year-round bird species, there are also seasonal visitors to New Brunswick. During the summer months, keep an eye out for the American Robin, Common Grackle, Dark-eyed Junco, and Red-winged Blackbird, among others. And during migration, the American Tree Sparrow is a common sight.

Migratory bird hunting permits

Migratory bird hunting is governed by federal regulations in Canada, which apply in all provinces and territories, including New Brunswick. To hunt migratory game birds, individuals must possess a valid Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit, featuring a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp. These permits can be purchased and printed online, and they are also available from independent vendors. Hunters are no longer required to sign the permit and can instead carry it in digital format on a mobile device, such as a PDF.

In addition to the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit, hunters in New Brunswick may need to meet additional licence requirements, depending on the province or territory in which they plan to hunt. Municipalities may also enforce further restrictions on discharging firearms. All required permits and licences must be kept on the hunter's person while hunting.

For hunters under the age of 18, a Youth Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) Permit is available free of charge through the online purchasing system. This permit allows young hunters to practice their skills under the supervision of an adult mentor during the full open season and the special conservation season. Mentors must hold a valid MGBH permit themselves and may accompany no more than two youth hunters.

Birdwatching in summer

New Brunswick is a great place for birdwatching, with over 400 species found in the province. The best time to visit is from late May to mid-July for breeding species, and the last week of July to mid-September for shorebird migration.

• Head to the coast to spot marine species, including pelagic birds off Grand Manan and inshore seabirds and shorebirds along the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of St. Lawrence coastlines. The Bay of Fundy is particularly good for birdwatching, with its rugged and rocky shores exposing an extensive tidal zone.
• Visit the islands, such as Grand Manan, Machias Seal Island, and Campobello Island, to spot seabirds like common eiders, black guillemots, double-crested cormorants, gulls, Arctic terns, Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and common murres. Boat tours are available for better viewing opportunities.
• Check out the bird colonies in the western Bay of Fundy, with a few also found in Miramichi Bay and Baie des Chaleurs.
• Explore the salt marshes, especially near river mouths, to spot Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow and other nesting birds.
• Discover the diverse forests of New Brunswick, which offer a good variety of warblers and other birds. The northern upland forests are dominated by coniferous trees, while the Fundy coast and other areas feature deciduous woods. Species of boreal distribution in the highland areas are of particular interest to birders from warmer climates.
• Visit New Brunswick's national and provincial parks, such as Fundy National Park, Kouchibouguac National Park, and Mount Carleton Provincial Park, which offer excellent trail systems for observing forest-dwelling birds. Mount Carleton is especially notable for its boreal species, including the Bicknell's Thrush.
• Keep an eye out for New Brunswick's provincial bird, the Black-capped Chickadee, which is commonly spotted in open deciduous forests, thickets, and backyards.
• Look for other common backyard birds, such as the American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, European Starling, and Hairy Woodpecker.
• Join local birding communities, such as Birding NB / Oiseau NB, to stay up-to-date on recent sightings and connect with fellow bird enthusiasts.

Birdwatching in winter

New Brunswick is a great place for birdwatching, with over 1,000 species recorded in the province. The northern bird is the official bird of New Brunswick: the Black-capped Chickadee.

To attract birds to your backyard in winter, try setting up a variety of bird feeders with different types of birdseed. Tube feeders with black oil sunflower seeds will attract goldfinches, chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, and pine siskins. Platform feeders with millet or corn will appeal to smaller and medium-sized birds such as sparrows, blackbirds, towhees, juncos, doves, grackles, and starlings. Peanut feeders will bring in woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, jays, juncos, finches, and sparrows. Suet feeders are great for winter, attracting woodpeckers, cardinals, nuthatches, kinglets, wrens, and chickadees. And, of course, hummingbird feeders will bring in those tiny, fascinating hummingbirds.

In addition to feeders, you can also provide a water feature such as a birdbath fountain or stream, and plant native plants that will provide food and shelter for the birds. Let your grass grow long to provide cover and seeds, and leave a brush pile for food, protection, and nesting opportunities.

With these tips, you'll be well on your way to a rewarding birdwatching experience in New Brunswick during winter.

Birdwatching all year

New Brunswick is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 1,000 species recorded in the province. The variety of landscapes and habitats in this Canadian province make it a great place for birdwatching all year round.

Spring and Summer

New Brunswick's position on the eastern Atlantic coast of Canada means it is a great spot for birdwatching in the spring and summer months. The province is home to a variety of birds, including the black-capped chickadee, the provincial bird, as well as the black-legged kittiwake and yellow-bellied flycatcher.

The warmer months bring an influx of migratory birds to the province, with some travelling huge distances to breed and feed. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, for example, migrates from Central America to New Brunswick for the summer, and can be seen from May to early October. Other summer visitors include the American Robin, Common Grackle, and Yellow Warbler.

Autumn and Winter

Birdwatching in the colder months can be just as rewarding, with some species remaining in the province all year round. The Black-capped Chickadee, for example, does not migrate and can be spotted in 40% of summer checklists and 57% of winter checklists. The American Crow, Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, and European Starling are also year-round residents.

The winter months also bring some species to the province, with the American Tree Sparrow migrating from Canada to spend the winter in New Brunswick. The Downy Woodpecker and Hairy Woodpecker can also be spotted more frequently in the winter, as they are more likely to visit feeders during this time.

All Year Round

Some species can be spotted in New Brunswick throughout the year, although their numbers may fluctuate with the seasons. The American Goldfinch, for example, is spotted all year, but its numbers increase during the breeding season from May to September. The Northern Cardinal is another species that can be seen in the province in every season.

With such a variety of birds and habitats to explore, New Brunswick is a great place for birdwatching enthusiasts to visit all year round.

Hunting regulations

Hunting season in New Brunswick, Canada, begins on Labour Day Weekend and continues through Thanksgiving. Hunting is prohibited from July 16th until January 1st of the new year. The Big Game Hunting Season typically takes place from the first week of January to the last week of February, depending on weather conditions.

To hunt migratory game birds in New Brunswick, you must possess a valid Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp on the permit. These documents are issued by the Canadian federal government and are valid throughout the country. Hunters who are minors can obtain a free Youth Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) permit through the online purchasing system.

There are two designated hunting zones in New Brunswick. Zone 1 covers part of Saint John County and Charlotte County, including the islands of Grand Manan and Campobello, except for a closed-off area in the Bay of Fundy known as The Wolves. Zone 2 encompasses the rest of the province, excluding certain areas that are closed to hunting, such as the Tabusintac River Estuary in Northumberland County and most of Bathurst Harbour.

Hunters should be aware of additional licence requirements and restrictions, which may vary by province and municipality. For example, there may be Sunday closures and minimum distance requirements from residences and businesses. The use of bait before and during the hunting season is also restricted.

It is important to follow the regulations and restrictions for a safe and legal hunting experience in New Brunswick.

Frequently asked questions