Over 360 species of birds have been spotted across the Bay of Fundy region, including such endangered species as the peregrine falcon and the piping plover. The Bay of Fundy is a popular destination for many birdwatchers, particularly during migration season, due to its prime location along the Atlantic Flyway. It is estimated that between two and three million birds travel along the Atlantic Flyway each year; three-quarters of which stop in the Fundy region, making it the most significant stopping point along the Eastern seaboard.
Mary's Point Bird Sanctuary - situated along the Fundy shores in Albert County, New Brunswick between Fundy National Park and the famous Hopewell Rocks - is one of the prime places along the Bay for viewing shorebirds, particularly the semipalmated sandpiper.
Many thousands of semipalmated sandpipers land in Fundy each and every summer as part of their migration from their Arctic breeding zones to their winter home of South America. Why do they stop here specifically? Well, they come here to become fat. The birds follow the tide line as it advances and recedes. During high tide the sandpipers roost but when the Fundy tide start to recede, these tiny birds race from one hole to the next. Using sight and their relatively long bills, each sandpiper will eat between 9600-23000 mud shrimp every tide cycle. During their stay in the Bay of Fundy region, the sandpipers will double their weight of roughly 20 grams in order to build up their fat reserves to finish the remaining 4000km of their migration, non-stop!
In addition to Mary's Point, these sandpipers have shown a stong liking for Grande-Anse, Starrs Point and Evangeline Beach. The first semipalmated sandpipers often will not arrive in Fundy until mid-July.
Another favorite bird sighting in Fundy area is the Atlantic Puffin. Spotted nearer the mouth of the Bay, Machias Seal Island is the seasonal home to not only nesting puffins but also nesting arctic and common terns and razorbills. Access to this small island is limited and landing is done at one's own risk as the terrain can be quite slippery and uneven. The refuge is guarded by the Canadian Wildlife Service.
Now you know why the Bay of Fundy is a good location for bird watchers. And while you are there, you may as well check out the world famous Bay of Fundy tides!
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