Four CVN members explored the Courtenay River on Sept. 16, up to the confluence of the Puntledge & Tsolum Rivers in downtown Courtenay.
Three Sisters Cottonwood
Using the information on our online Nature Viewing Guide as reference, we started at Simms Park, observing the established eagle nest, and several large trees including black cottonwood, red alder & redcedar.
Giant Red Alder
We then crossed to Lewis Park to view the former confluence of the rivers. To reach the present confluence, we explored Condensory Park – the trail accessed from Anderton Ave across from First St.
Wading at the Confluence
A Common Merganser female and Pink Salmon in the river were the highlights here.
Female Common Merganser
Based on the knowledge of the members attending, several notes were able to be added to the flora & fauna information in the nature guide for this site: the location of several large trees; addition of mammals including River Otter, Beaver, Mink and occasional Sea Lions; and addition of American Pipit to the bird list.
The next Nature Hike in the series is Monday Sept. 23 to the Puntledge Greenway, Masters Greenway, lower hatchery trails : meet at Harmston Ave. across from the Old Church Theatre in downtown Courtenay at 9 a.m. or at the trailhead shortly after. Here is a link to a Google map with the trailheads marked.
The hike will be about 9 km with some steep & rough trails and could take up to 4 hrs. These hikes are for CVN members only.
Please print out the online information for reference during the outing. Dress for the weather, wear proper footwear, bring lunch or snacks, plenty of water, bug spray and sun protection.
