LOCATION:
RPBO is located at Rocky Point at the junction of Pedder Bay and Race Passage, on the premises of the Department of National Defence, approximately 20 km Southwest of Victoria. This location is ideal for the banding station because it offers relatively extensive and undisturbed habitat for resident and migrating birds, it is located within the main corridor of migration during the peak spring and fall periods, and it is easily accessible by volunteers. RPBO covers about 9 km2 with 13 mist nets set up and a census route.

If you are interested in joining us or volunteering at RPBO, see our membership and volunteer pages.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE WISHING TO VISIT ROCKY POINT:

RPBO provides individuals with access to the banding site at Rocky Point under the provisions of DND Research and Collection Permit #P003 ­ 05. Among other conditions, that Permit limits access to project personnel only, and requires that RPBO notify Base Operations Range Control of the names of all project personnel and the limits within which they may access the site.

Membership in RPBO is not by itself a sufficient condition for access. Members must be scheduled by Rocky Point Bird Observatory and Members must be on the access list at the gatehouse.

This policy is adopted in order to ensure that the conditions which DND places on RPBO are fully met, and that RPBO's positive working relationship with DND is thereby maintained.

Approved by RPBO Board, January 6th, 2007.

Directions to RPBO:
From Victoria take Hwy. 1 west of town to Hwy 1A and 14. Follow Hwy 14 (Sooke Road) to Happy Valley Road then turn left. Follow Happy Valley Road to Rocky Point Road, turn right. Keep on Rocky Point Road to just past the Pedder Bay Marina where you will see the sign indicating a left turn into the "Ammo Depot". At the main gates, stop at the guardhouse to sign in, then continue through the gate on the gravel road to the east (be sure to leave the gate closed if it was closed upon entry). About 200 feet from the gate bear left at the "Y". Follow the road as it winds around to the south, continuing straight at the stop sign and at the next intersection in the midst of the old growth firs. You will find the camp not far past this point. If you arrive during banding hours continue on to a small building and dock on the left, near the end of this road. Park off the road beside the building, but do not block access to the dock. The trail to the banding shack is directly across the road.

An aerial view taken from the south with Pedder Bay in the background.

How to find us when volunteering