Swan Lake

Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary

 

Attached is a map of Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Swan Lake is located in Saanich, B.C. conveniently located right beside the Saanich Municipal Hall. If you live in Victoria, B.C. it is a 10 - 15 minute drive.

 

This place is home to all kinds of wonderful wildlife. Marine Birds, Raptors, Song Birds, etc. Depending on the time of year who knows what you might come across. Some of my favorite sightings have included: Common Yellowthroat, Barred Owl, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Pied-billed Grebe, Wood Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, etc.

 

The trail takes you around Swan Lake, over a board walk, through a couple fields, and also through a few wooded areas. The trail can also be used to access Christmas Tree Hill (an elevated view area) which is close by.

**Please click the picture above if you would like a quick link to Google Maps**

Witty's Lagoon

Witty's Lagoon Regional Park

 

 

Attached is a map of Witty's Lagoon Regional Park. Witty's is located in Metchosin, B.C. which is about a half hour to forty five minute drive from Victoria, B.C. This place is home to all kinds of wonderful life. A river, waterfall, and a large lagoon which connects to the ocean.

 

The route marked with the orange/red colour is the trail you would take to your left when you are just getting started on the path. It is a more wooded route which consists of nice views of the lagoon and ocean. I would say this trail is probably the more bumpy of the two with a few ups and downs. Keep your eyes peeled for all kinds of wildlife/birds. (Pileated Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Osprey, Hawks, etc.)

 

The route marked with the yellow colour is the trail you would take if you are looking to get to the ocean. This trail crosses a bridge near a waterfall at the beginning of the path. You descend down through the forest until your reach the flats and beyond that lies the ocean. Lots of marine birds can be spotted here throughout the year. Winter is especially a good time to check it out. Also, the flats give you a great view which you can almost certainly see a couple of raptors patrolling over head. (Mergansers, Western Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, etc.)

**Please click the picture above if you would like a quick link to Google Maps**

Wizard Of The Wind

American Kestrel

 

We took a trip over to Saanich to walk around the Cedar Hill Golf Course. We knew a head of time that the Kestrel had been spotted in the area and were hopeful we would cross paths. We are very happy and grateful to come across such a beautiful sight. Props to Lauren for taking this awesome photo. One of my favorites for sure.