What birds live in Sunshine Meadows?

Sunshine Meadows supports a variety of alpine and subalpine birds, with the species you encounter changing depending on whether you're walking through open meadows, larch and spruce forest, rocky slopes, or around the alpine lakes.

Clark's nutcrackers are among the most noticeable mountain birds. These grey-and-black birds are closely associated with high-elevation conifer forests and can often be heard calling as they move between trees.

Canada jays can also occur around the forested portions of the Sunshine area. They're curious, adaptable mountain birds, but visitors should never feed them even if they approach closely.

In the open meadows, watch for smaller songbirds such as American pipits, white-crowned sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, and mountain bluebirds. Some are seasonal visitors that take advantage of the short but productive alpine summer.

Around Rock Isle Lake, Grizzly Lake, Laryx Lake, and wetter meadow areas, you may encounter water-associated or shoreline birds, although the small alpine lakes generally don't support the concentrations of waterfowl found on larger valley-bottom lakes.

Look overhead as well. Golden eagles and other raptors can occasionally be seen soaring above ridges and open slopes, using rising mountain air currents to cover large areas with very little effort.

Common ravens are another familiar sight throughout the Rockies and can occur even at high elevations around Sunshine.

Bird activity is often particularly enjoyable during the quieter morning hours. Bringing lightweight binoculars can make a big difference because many birds will be across the meadows, high in trees, or soaring above distant ridgelines rather than immediately beside the trail. Book the Banff Sunshine Village Sightseeing Gondola & Standish ChairliftBooking the Banff Sunshine Village Sightseeing Gondola & Standish Chairlift Admission includes All taxes, fees and handling charges. Banff Gondola Home