Scoter City

Scoter City with Melissa Hafting When: Saturday, November 14th, 2026, from 10:00 am–1:00 pm PDT Where: Meet at the Stanley Park Nature House (by Lost Lagoon footbridge) Target Species: Scoter, Goldeneye + other winter waterfowl wonders Event Description This event is hosted on the Stolen, Traditional and Ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Join Special Bird Service (SBS) and Melissa Hafting (@ bcbirdergirl and the coordinator of BC Rare Bird Alert ) for a weird and wonderful winter duck wander at Scoter City , this month’s Birding Beyond Barriers adventure in Stanley Park . We’ll explore Lost Lagoon and the Stanley Park Seawall to celebrate the various ducks that spend the winter in the Salish Sea region. We can expect to see species such as Bufflehead, American Wigeon, Surf Scoter, and some duck lookalikes such as American Coot, Horned Grebe, and perhaps even a Loon. This is a perfect event for getting cozy with your field guide, some friends, and learning to love the strange. What to expect: • A gentle walking loop on a gravel trail and concrete pathways • Duck ID tips and gear chats for winter waterbirds • Binoculars and scopes to borrow • Plenty of chances to pause and chat • Welcoming space for weirdos, wanderers, and all wing-curious folks This event is created by and for BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ communities , and welcomes all who walk with care, reciprocity, and curiosity. Who We Are Melissa Hafting founded the BC Young Birders Program in 2014. The successful program was founded on the principle that anyone was welcome, no matter their gender, sexual orientation or race. Melissa believes in making birding accessible for everyone and has worked hard to make birding more diverse and equitable in her community. She has fought for many environmental concerns in her community and province and has made a successful Tree Swallow and Purple Martin nest box program in the city of Richmond. She is an ecologist who was featured on the CBC documentary “Rare Bird Alert”, and last year, she finished her first book, “Dare To Bird“, which is available now. Special Bird Service (SBS) creates inclusive and restorative pathways into nature, with a focus on birding, experiential education, and community care. Birding and outdoor education have historically been dominated by white, colonial norms that have excluded and marginalized Global Majority communities. We hold space intentionally to challenge those histories and to support belonging, healing, and relationship-building in nature. Our work is grounded in: Ecological stewardship Mental health advocacy Anti-racism and equity Generational knowledge sharing Community-led care and accountability * This event is part of Special Bird Service’s monthly Birding Beyond Barriers series; a collaboration with Nocs Provisions designed to make community-driven birding more accessible with a focus on deep observation, curiosity and connection. Each walk will highlight different target species and ecosystems throughout the year. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from us, courtesy of our friends at Nocs Provisions, and let’s spot our feathered friends together! *