Big Year in Newfoundland & Labrador - The Conclusion

Since my last update on May 27, here’s how the rest of the year unfolded. In June, I had the honour of co-guiding visiting birders on a 12-day tour of Newfoundland, highlighted by seeing the magnificent Steller’s Sea-Eagle, which now seems to have made the island its permanent home. How lucky we are to host such a majestic raptor long-term. From there, I travelled to Happy Valley–Goose Bay to finally add Common Nighthawk to my provincial list—a species that breeds in Labrador, but one I’d never had the chance to chase until now.

Sunset on the Trans Labrador Highway

 Most of July was spent exploring Labrador. I was invited to Battle Harbour to give two talks about birds—an incredible honour in such a beautifully restored fishing settlement. Sharing my love of birds there over two nights was an experience I’ll never forget. 
 Soon after, I joined my good friend and mentor Alvan for an expedition to the Wunderstrand—a spectacular 54 km stretch of untouched sand about 90 minutes from Cartwright by boat. We were dropped off in chest-deep water, armed only with bear spray and a horn, and left to camp overnight. Despite the brutal eight hours of walking on sand, we saw nearly all the local breeding birds, even a wolf! It was an unforgettable glimpse into one of Labrador’s most remote and pristine places.
The Wunderstrand

Later that month, I teamed up with John and Ivy for a climb up the Barred Harbour Hills, hoping to see Rock Ptarmigan. We found several once we reached the summit—and as a bonus, about 500 Woodland Caribou resting on the plateau.
Rock Ptarmigan 

August and September were spent mostly close to home, but with great rewards: a Golden Eagle at Main Gulch (Aug 12), a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Dry Pond (Aug 28), and a Broad-winged Hawk at L’Anse au Loup (Sept 13)—a 2nd provincial record shared with Lucas Berrigan. I wrapped up September on the Avalon, adding four more year birds, including a Lark Sparrow at Chance Cove. October turned out to be one of the most exciting months of all. It began right at home with a Yellow-headed Blackbird in my own yard—a provincial first for me! Just days later came a Clay-colored Sparrow at Grassy Point Road, followed by a Black-throated Blue Warbler on October 13, a first for Labrador. Then, two days later, came likely my find of the year—a Prothonotary Warbler in Forteau. It was only the second record for Labrador, 38 years after the first.
At the end of October, I joined Bruce Mactavish on the west coast for four unforgettable days of nonstop birding. After catching up with the continuing Bar-tailed Godwit (2nd provincial record), we focused on vagrants—adding Scarlet Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, and my milestone 300th provincial species, a White-eyed Vireo. That was a goal I’d set at the start of the year, and it felt amazing to finally reach it. Before heading home, I managed to relocate a Western Cattle Egret at New Ferolle with John and Ivy.
The year closed with one final adventure. While in St. John’s for personal business, I hoped to find the California Gull, a provincial first—but the weather didn’t cooperate. With one remaining target in mind, I drove across the island in the middle of a winter storm to try for the continuing Cooper’s Hawk in Codroy Valley. After nearly 90 minutes of waiting in vicious winds and snow, it finally appeared—and I managed a single photo frame to prove it!
And that’s how my year wrapped up: 228 species total, a personal best, though shy of what I’d hoped for. In Labrador alone, I set a new high of 190 species, which I’m especially proud of.
More than the numbers, though, 2025 reminded me why I love this pursuit so deeply. There were plenty of long drives and missed targets, but the joy of birding never faded. Finding my own birds, sharing discoveries with friends, and exploring wild, remote corners of this province—those are the moments that stay with me. To everyone who followed along, sent messages, or joined me in the field—thank you. And to my birding friends Alvan, Catherine, Sara, John, and Ivy, thank you for your hospitality and friendship throughout the year. Here’s to the next adventure—to more birds, more learning, and the same wonder that keeps us looking skyward.

Vernon

Comments

  1. Rick WhitmanJanuary 18, 2026 at 4:31 AM

    Thanks, Vernon! That was an excellent year!
    It would be wunderful if you and/or Alvan could write up your trip on the Wunderstrand. I don't have much idea exactly how "birdy" it may have been, but it must have been an amazing birding trip.

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