Amherst Point Migratory Bird Sanctuary

glenmckenzie(justabitfurther)

Apr 1

Yesterday(Friday), we had a change of plans, so to speak. Our original idea for an adventure was to head to Prince Edward Island and specifically Charlottetown to check out a home and outdoor show at the Eastlink Centre.

However, after looking closely at the exhibitor list for the show, we thought for a full excursion(five hours driving - round trip) to only have a few exhibitors that we might be interested in didn't make much sense. So, with somewhat sunny skies and moderate temperatures, Lynn and I headed out to the Amherst Point Migratory Bird Sanctuary, located just outside the Town of Amherst.

The bird sanctuary was originally established back in 1947 in cooperation with the landowners at that time.

In 1973-1974, the lands of the sanctuary were officially acquired by the Canadian Wildlife Service and designated as a component of the Chignecto National Wildlife Area in order to ensure that they would remain protected permanently.

The landscape within the sanctuary generally consists of ponds, marshes, forests, and old farm fields. Sinkholes, which are cone-shaped depressions created during past geological events, occur in the gypsum deposits underlying the area and mineral-rich ponds have been established within them.

We arrived around 1:30pm or so, with only a couple of cars in the parking lot.

At the beginning of the trailhead, we were surrounded almost immediately by chickadees and red squirrels. It is quite evident that these guys are certainly used to being fed by folks heading out on the trail system.

If you were to hold your hand stretched out with some seeds, it might only take a minute or so before chickadees start landing on your hand for a tasty seed snack.

We decided for no specific reason to hike the 2.5km Layton's Lake Loop.

The trail we found to be generally flat, with only a few minor hills scattered over the 2.5 km distance.

About two-thirds of the way along, we took a side trail back to the trailhead called Glen Trail or Glen Lake Trail(or something like that). On one section, there was a steep hill covered for the most part in snow and ice. Good thing I had put my ice cleats on earlier. No slipping for me.

A few pictures from the day.

Overall, the trail reminded me of trails that we would have hiked back in Ontario. Those mostly pine forests, with a scattering of hardwood trees here and there.

There were definitely the sights and smells that spring is in the air. The smell of pine and cedar and yes, a few wildflowers we saw poking up in sunny areas along the trail. Although not a long hike(maybe 3.5 km in total), it was nice to get out and enjoy some much-needed outdoor time.

--as always with love--

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