Whether you’re an avid bird watcher, photographer or nature lover, guided Okanagan birding and photography trips with Mountain Bluebird Tours are fully customizable to fit your goals.

See the Wild Heart of the Okanagan Valley

Mountain Bluebird Tours is based in Penticton, British Columbia, in the south part of Canada's Okanagan Valley.

The South Okanagan is an outstanding birding region and is home to over 250 different species in a variety of habitats. Some of these species are found nowhere else in Canada.

The region is ideally located to take advantage of a mix of northern boreal and mountain species, while being the only part of Canada with a southern Great Basin fauna in its dry valleys. We are within easy access to ecologically rich hotspots such as Vaseux Lake, White Lake, Osoyoos Oxbows and Kilpoola Important Bird Areas.

Explore with Us

We specialize in guiding individuals and small groups, providing custom birding and wildlife tours to help you discover the wild side of the Okanagan. Whether you enjoy walking/hiking while birding or driving and seeing as many species as possible we can arrange a great day in the field just for you.

Whether you have a target list or you just want to catch a glimpse of the famous Sage Thrasher, Yellow-breasted Chat or Flammulated Owl, we can cater to your needs. We guide beginners, photographers and experts alike.

We are conveniently located between Kelowna and Osoyoos, and 395 Km (245 Miles) by road from the city of Vancouver. Scheduled flights arrive in Penticton via Calgary and Vancouver.

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Your Guide

Eric Newton

Eric grew up in southern Ontario where he inherited a love for birds from his grandfather. As a kid, Eric was always found in a nearby natural area looking for birds. Eric moved to western Canada in 2001 and has worked as a field biologist with birds, mammals and amphibians.

Eric is based in Penticton, BC, and he is your local guide to th

Eric is based in Penticton, BC, and he is your local guide to the birds of the South Okanagan. Eric loves to share his passion for birds and the ecology of the Okanagan with his clients (in English or in French).

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"I spent a whirlwind 24 hours in the Okanagon birding with my wife Kimberly and Joe Trezza, a birder/writer from New York. Guided by Eric Newton, with an assist from his friend, Dick Cannings, we had a fantastic time. We got 8/9 target species, including two grouse and a superb Great Gray Owl. The scenery of the valley is impressive, as are the characteristic birds of this unique place. Eric knew just where to go and his field skills got us great looks at everything we wanted. I would unreservedly recommend him as an excellent local bird guide for your visit to the Okanagan Valley. The only thing I would change is that I would stay longer next time!"

Peter Kaestner

World #1, eBird

Maryland, USA

"We cannot say enough about Eric. He is a consummate professional – he knows birds, their location and is simply delightful to bird with. Eric has a wonderful knowledge of nature and the history of the area as well, which we found useful as we have a broad interest in nature. We have been on several organized birding tours, but never one with daily itineraries. A first we were a little apprehensive, however these were so well planned and organized it felt like the guide was with us. We highly recommend Eric."

Ron Vandebeek & Sheryl-Elaine Brazeau

Ottawa, Canada

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