The mission of Wye Marsh Wildlife Center is “to arouse a commitment to keep wetlands, woods and fauna by creating exciting learning opportunities in a natural setting”.
Wetlands are one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and have a huge impact on water quality, vegetable life and fauna. With more than 70% of Canada’s wetlands that have disappeared due to environmental stressors such as land development, invasive species and runoff, the Wye marsh is a vital and key habitat.
Shelly, Alice and me
Alice the fawn owl
I was delighted when we entered and came across a friend of the school who worked there now with the prey birds. She proposed to present some of these large birds to us. I was immediately attracted to the smallest in the group, a 4 -year -old fawn owl named Alice. She was sweet and really had a personality who liked to be cuddled and thwarted around her neck who made her eyes beat in pleasure. I couldn’t help but look at her intriguing and darling eyes. Then we met Axel, an Eurasian Eagle owl, one of the largest species of owls. He was only 3 years old, but he is an adult and although he weighs between 3 and 4 pounds, it is clear that it is a strong bird that Shelly told me that the appetite is completely generous. I was so happy to see Shelly in her element, if at ease with still aware of the birds she held, as well as sympathetic and confident when the visitors came to see the birds and ask questions. Really a local wildlife ambassador at Wye Marsh.
After thanking Shelly, we checked the rest of the prey birds like their snowy owl in the mischievous air, the show of spectacle with wide and comic eyes and the Hawk Harris who really shot my heart strings with his majestic beauty and each time I was making a sounds of rush of rolling, he returned with one. Strange to hear a bird making a cat’s sound! He seemed to want to come and see me but was as close as he could climb on a branch about one foot. Too cute!
We then headed for the promenade, of which there are 2 km of floating walks. And the boy what a beautiful day, the sun shines, warm but without oppressive humidity and a refreshing breeze. We walked along the promenade, a break to maintain in water for frogs, turtles, tadpoles as well as dragonflies and birds.
Through the different trails such as the muskrat buckle, the hardwood path and the Bee House path, we met more birds like the Joyeux Goldfinch and the proud Robin as well as some Tamias, one of whom chatted to make sure that we did not put ourselves on him or to tell us to get out of his path.
I couldn’t believe how peaceful and relaxing he was wandering the trails, even for a few hours, but I kept thinking that I had to come back soon and spend the whole day. There is so much to see and live and a day spent in nature among wildlife is a well -spent day.
Our last judgment was at the observation tower. The view from the top gives a magnificent view of the promenade and the marshes for miles, it’s breathtaking! It was so serene to stand there, to look at the big landscape, to lounge in the hot sun and to breathe everything.
Many of us remember the Wye Mars of school trips to find out more about nature and fauna, with solid memories of the diet of black tips while they were piercing on my hand. Whether you are solo looking for beautiful landscapes, a couple looking for a picturesque place for canoeing or a family looking to dive their children in nature, Wye Marsh Wildlife Center is the place to visit.
Have you explored Wye Marsh Wildlife Center?
