Seal Bay is of interest thoughout the year, but especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer. The shoreline offers ducks and grebes in winter.
A visit calls for at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half or full day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of around 20 minutes from the nearest road (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of following the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek Trail. This circuit of the marsh will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more including birding interludes.
The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some of the these ("multi-use trails", such as the Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an observation platform on the south side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Melda's Marsh Loop).
2. Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds (another seat can be reached via a short trail to the east of the Dam, which looks more like a wooden bridge).
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side of the marsh reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as the Swamp Circle on some maps). Birds such as Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird often perch in the dead trees in the marsh.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlife, probably because of the relatively open, mixed forest adjoining the marsh. This is ideal habitat for the resident Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Red Crossbills.
Another area of interest is the beach which can be reached via Seal Loop (from Seabank Road) or Coupland Loop (from Bates Road). The shoreline here is rocky and thus not as productive for waders as muddy shores such as those around Oyster River to the north or Comox Bay to the south. Nevertheless it may yield shorebirds such as Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer in summer, and Greater Yellowlegs on migration. The beach may have Bonaparte's Gulls in late summer, and also provides views of the Inside Passage which is home to a variety of ducks, grebes and loons in winter.
Seal Bay is of interest thoughout the year, but especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer. The shoreline offers ducks and grebes in winter.
A visit calls for at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half or full day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of around 20 minutes from the nearest road (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of following the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek Trail. This circuit of the marsh will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more including birding interludes.
The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some of the these ("multi-use trails", such as the Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an observation platform on the south side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Melda's Marsh Loop).
2. Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds (another seat can be reached via a short trail to the east of the Dam, which looks more like a wooden bridge).
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side of the marsh reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as the Swamp Circle on some maps). Birds such as Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird often perch in the dead trees in the marsh.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlife, probably because of the relatively open, mixed forest adjoining the marsh. This is ideal habitat for the resident Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Red Crossbills.
Another area of interest is the beach which can be reached via Seal Loop (from Seabank Road) or Coupland Loop (from Bates Road). The shoreline here is rocky and thus not as productive for waders as muddy shores such as those around Oyster River to the north or Comox Bay to the south. Nevertheless it may yield shorebirds such as Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer in summer, and Greater Yellowlegs on migration. The beach may have Bonaparte's Gulls in late summer, and also provides views of the Inside Passage which is home to a variety of ducks and ducks, grebes and loons in winter.
Seal Bay is of interest thoughout the year, but especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer. The shoreline offers ducks and grebes in winter.
A visit calls for at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of around 20 minutes from the nearest road (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of following the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek Trail. This circuit of the marsh will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more including birding interludes.
The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some of the these ("multi-use trails", such as the Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an observation platform on the south side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Melda's Marsh Loop).
2. Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds (another seat can be reached via a short trail to the east of the Dam, which looks more like a wooden bridge).
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side of the marsh reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as the Swamp Circle on some maps). Birds such as Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird often perch in the dead trees in the marsh.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlife, probably because of the relatively open, mixed forest adjoining the marsh. This is ideal habitat for the resident Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Western Tanagers, Brown to Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Red Crossbills.
Another area of interest is the beach which can be reached via Seal Loop (from Seabank Road) or Coupland Loop (from Bates Road). The shoreline here is rocky and thus not as productive for waders as muddy shores such as those around Oyster River to the north or Comox Bay to the south. Nevertheless it may yield shorebirds such as Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer in summer, and Greater Yellowlegs on migration. The beach may have Bonaparte's Gulls in late summer, and also provides views of the Inside Passage which is home to a variety of ducks and grebes in winter.
Seal Bay is of interest thoughout the year, but especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer. The shoreline offers ducks and grebes in winter.
A visit calls for at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of around 20 minutes from the nearest road (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of following the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek Trail. This circuit of the marsh will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more including birding interludes.
The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some of the these ("multi-use trails", such as the Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an observation platform on the south side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Melda's Marsh Loop).
2. Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds (another seat can be reached via a short trail to the east of the Dam, which looks more like a wooden bridge).
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side of the marsh reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as the Swamp Circle on some maps). Birds such as Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird often perch in the dead trees in the marsh.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlife, probably because of the relatively open, mixed forest adjoining the marsh. This is ideal habitat for the resident Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Western Tanagers, Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Red Crossbills.
Another area of interest is the beach which can be reached via Seal Loop (from Seabank Road) or Coupland Loop (from Bates Road). The shoreline here is rocky and thus not as productive for waders as muddy shores such as those around Oyster River to the north or Comox Bay to the south. Nevertheless it may yield shorebirds such as Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer in summer, and Greater Yellowlegs on migration. The beach may have Bonaparte's Gulls in late summer, and also provides views of the Inside Passage which is home to a variety of ducks and grebes in winter.
Seal Bay is of interest thoughout the year, but especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer. The shoreline offers ducks and grebes in winter.
A visit calls for at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of around 20 minutes from the nearest road (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of following the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek Trail. This circuit of the marsh will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more including birding interludes.
The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some of the these ("multi-use trails", such as the Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an observation platform on the south side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Melda's Marsh Loop).
2. Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds (another seat can be reached via a short trail to the east of the Dam, which looks more like a wooden bridge).
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as the Swamp Circle on some maps). Birds such as Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird often perch in the dead trees in the marsh.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlife, probably because of the relatively open, mixed forest adjoining the marsh. This is ideal habitat for the resident Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Western Tanagers, Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Red Crossbills.
Another area of interest is the beach which can be reached via Seal Loop (from Seabank Road) or Coupland Loop (from Bates Road). The shoreline here is rocky and thus not as productive for waders as muddy shores such as those around Oyster River to the north or Comox Bay to the south. Nevertheless it may yield shorebirds such as Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer in summer, and Greater Yellowlegs on migration. The beach may have Bonaparte's Gulls in late summer, and also provides views of the Inside Passage which is home to a variety of ducks and grebes in winter.
Seal Bay is of interest thoughout the year, but especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer. The shoreline offers ducks and grebes in winter.
A visit calls for at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of around 20 minutes from the nearest road (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of following the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek Trail. This will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more including birding interludes.
The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some of the these ("multi-use trails", such as the Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an observation platform on the south side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Melda's Marsh Loop).
2. Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds (another seat can be reached via a short trail to the east of the Dam, which looks more like a wooden bridge).
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as the Swamp Circle on some maps). Birds such as Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird often perch in the dead trees in the marsh.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlife, possibly probably because of the relatively open, mixed forest next to adjoining the marsh. This is ideal habitat for the resident Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Western Tanagers, Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers and Tanagers, Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Warblers and Red Crossbills.
Another area of interest is the beach which can be reached via Seal Loop (from Seabank Road) or Coupland Loop (from Bates Road). The shoreline here is rocky and thus not as productive for waders as muddy shores such as those around Oyster River to the north or Comox Bay to the south. Nevertheless it may yield shorebirds such as Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer in summer, and Greater Yellowlegs on migration. The beach may have Bonaparte's Gulls in late summer, and also provides views of the Inside Passage which is home to a variety of ducks and grebes in winter.
Seal Bay is of interest thoughout the year, but especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer. The shoreline offers ducks and grebes in winter.
A visit calls for at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of around 20 minutes from the nearest road (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of following the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek Trail. This will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more including birding interludes.
The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some of the these ("multi-use trails", such as the Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an observation platform on the south side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Melda's Marsh Loop).
2. Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds (another seat can be reached via a short trail to the east of the Dam, which looks more like a wooden bridge).
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as the Swamp Circle on some maps). Birds such as Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird often perch in the dead trees in the marsh.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlife, possibly because of the relatively open, mixed forest next to the marsh. This is ideal habitat for the resident Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Western Tanagers, Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Another area of interest is the beach which can be reached via Seal Loop (from Seabank Road) or Coupland Loop (from Bates Road). The shoreline here is rocky and thus not as productive as muddy shores such as those around Oyster River to the north or Comox Bay to the south. Nevertheless it may yield shorebirds such as Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer in summer, and Greater Yellowlegs on migration. The beach may have Bonaparte's Gulls in late summer, and also provides views of the Inside Passage which is home to a variety of ducks and grebes in winter.
Seal Bay is of interest thoughout the year, but especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer. The shoreline offers ducks and grebes in winter.
A visit calls for at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of around 20 minutes from the nearest road (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of following the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek Trail. This will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more including birding interludes.
The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some ("multi-use trails", such as the Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an observation platform on the south side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Melda's Marsh Loop).
2. Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds (another seat can be reached via a short trail to the east of the Dam, which looks more like a wooden bridge).
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as the Swamp Circle on some maps). Birds such as Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird often perch in the dead trees in the marsh.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlife, possibly because of the relatively open, mixed forest next to the marsh. This is ideal habitat for the resident Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Western Tanagers, Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Another area of interest is the beach which can be reached via Seal Loop (from Seabank Road) or Coupland Loop (from Bates Road). The shoreline here is rocky and thus not as productive as muddy shores such as those around Oyster River to the north or Comox Bay to the south. Nevertheless it may yield shorebirds such as Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer in summer, and Greater Yellowlegs on migration. The beach may have Bonaparte's Gulls in late summer, and also provides views of the Inside Passage which is home to a variety of ducks and grebes in winter.
Seal Bay is of interest thoughout the year, but especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer. The shoreline offers ducks and grebes in winter.
A visit calls for at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of around 20 minutes from the nearest road (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of following the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek Trail. This will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more including birding interludes.
The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some ("multi-use trails", such as the Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an observation platform on the south side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Melda's Marsh Loop).
2. Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds (another seat can be reached via a short trail to the east of the Dam, which looks more like a wooden bridge).
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as the Swamp Circle on the map above).some maps). Birds such as Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird often perch in the dead trees in the marsh.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlife, possibly because of the relatively open, mixed forest next to the marsh. This is ideal habitat for the resident Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Western Tanagers, Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Another area of interest is the beach which can be reached via Seal Loop (from Seabank Road) or Coupland Loop (from Bates Road). The shoreline here is rocky and thus not as productive as muddy shores such as those around Oyster River to the north or Comox Bay to the south. Nevertheless it may yield shorebirds such as Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer in summer, and Greater Yellowlegs on migration. The beach also provides views of the Inside Passage which is home to a variety of ducks and grebes in winter.
Seal Bay is of interest thoughout the year, but especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer. The shoreline offers ducks and grebes in winter.
A visit calls for at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of around 20 minute's walk minutes from the nearest roads road (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of following the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek trail.Trail. This will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more including birding interludes.
The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some ("multi-use trails", such as the Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an observation platform on the south side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Melda's Marsh Loop).
2. Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds (another seat can be reached via a short trail to the east of the Dam, which looks more like a wooden bridge).
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as Swamp Circle on the map above). Birds such as Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird often perch in the dead trees in the marsh.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlife, possibly because of the relatively open, mixed forest next to the marsh. This is ideal habitat for the resident Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Western Tanagers, Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Another area of interest is the beach which can be reached via Seal Loop (from Seabank Road) or Coupland Loop (from Bates Road). The shoreline here is rocky and thus not as productive as muddy shores such as those around Oyster River to the north or Comox Bay to the south. Nevertheless it may yield shorebirds such as Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer in summer, and Greater Yellowlegs on migration. The beach also provides views of the Inside Passage which is home to a variety of ducks and grebes in winter.
Seal Bay is of interest thoughout the year, but especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer. The shoreline offers dusks ducks and grebes in winter.
A visit will take calls for at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of around 20 minute's walk from the nearest roads (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of following the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek trail. This will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more including birding interludes.
The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some ("multi-use trails", such as the Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an observation platform on the south side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Melda's Marsh Loop).
2. Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds (another seat can be reached via a short trail to the east of the Dam, which looks more like a wooden bridge).
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as Swamp Circle on the map above). Birds such as Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird often perch in the dead trees in the marsh.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlife, possibly because of the relatively open, mixed forest next to the marsh. This is ideal habitat for the resident Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Western Tanagers, Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Another area of interest is the beach which can be reached via Seal Loop (from Seabank Road) or Coupland Loop (from Bates Road). The shoreline here is rocky and thus not as productive as muddy shores such as those around Oyster River to the north or Comox Bay to the south. Nevertheless it may yield shorebirds such as Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer in summer, and Greater Yellowlegs on migration. The beach also provides views of the Inside Passage which is home to a variety of ducks and grebes in winter.
Seal Bay is of interest thoughout the year, but especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer.
The shoreline offers dusks and grebes in winter.
A visit will take at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of around 20 minute's walk from the nearest roads (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of following the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek trail. This will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more with including birding interludes.
The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some ("multi-use trails" trails, trails", such as the Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an obsevrtain platofrm observation platform on the osuth south side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Meld'as MArsh Loop;
Melda's Marsh Loop).
2. Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds;
ponds (another seat can be reached via a short trail to the east of the Dam, which looks more like a wooden bridge).
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as Swamp Circle on the map above). Birds often perch in the dead trees in the marsh, including such as Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird.
Blackbird often perch in the dead trees in the marsh.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlie, posisble birdlife, possibly because of the realtvely relatively open, mixed forest next to the marsh. This is ideal haobitat habitat for the resedient resident Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Western Tanagers, Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers and Yellow-rumped Warblers.Warblers.
Another area of interest is the beach which can be reached via Seal Loop (from Seabank Road) or Coupland Loop (from Bates Road). The shoreline here is rocky and thus not as productive as muddy shores such as those around Oyster River to the north or Comox Bay to the south. Nevertheless it may yield shorebirds such as Spotted Sandpiper and Killdeer in summer, and Greater Yellowlegs on migration. The beach also provides views of the Inside Passage which is home to a variety of ducks and grebes in winter.
Seal Bay is of interest thourghout thoughout the year year, but espeically especially rewarding in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding.breeding. Three species of flycatcher and three species of vireo are recorded regularly. Both morning and evening are productive in summer.
A vist visit will take at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of aroudn around 20 inute's minute's walk from the nearest roads (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnagicaae circumnavigate the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek trail. This will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more with birding.birding interludes.
Trails The trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances). entrances) to avoid getting lost. Some ("multi-use trails" trails, such as the Fist Forest Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Meld'as (Melda's Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.not.
The marsh can be viewed from at least three spots:
1. an obsevrtain platofrm on the osuth side (reached by a short, unmarked trail leading north from Meld'as MArsh Loop;
2.Melda's Dam, with seats and views over ponds;
3. Melda's Lookout, a raised area on the west side reached by a short, marked trail leading east from Melda's Marsh Loop (shown as Swamp Circle on the map above). Birds often perch in the dead trees in the marsh, including Cedar Waxwing, Olive-Sided Flycatcher and Red-winged Blackbird.
The forest between Melda's Dam and Melda's Lookout is especially rich in summer birdlie, posisble because of the realtvely open, mixed forest next to the marsh. This is ideal haobitat for the resedient Red-breasted Sapsucker (usually located by its intermittent drumming), but is also home to Western Tanagers, Brown Creepers, Western Tanagers and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Seal Bay is of interest thourghout the year but espeically in spring and summer when additional woodland birds are breeding. Both morning and evening are productive in summer.
A vist will take at least two hours, and could easily extend to a half day. The most productive area around Melda's Marsh requires a walk of aroudn 20 inute's walk from the nearest roads (Larch Road or Bates Road). Instead of the whole Melda's Marsh Loop, one can circumnagicaae the marsh by taking a short cut along the Creek trail. This will take about 30 minutes, or an hour or more with birding.
Trails are well marked, though it is best to carry a trail map (available online or at some of the park entrances). Some ("multi-use trails" trails, such as the Fist Loop) allow cycling and horse-riding, but those of greatest interest for birding (Meld'as Marsh Loop, Seal Loop) do not.
