Three CVN members visited Nymph Falls Nature Park on Sept. 30 , a great outing in spite of a few rain showers.
Nymph Falls Downstream
Stopping at the falls we were excited to see a couple of large Chinook Salmon fighting their way upstream, leaping through the whitewater up the rocks.
American Dipper
Also at the falls we were rewarded with excellent sightings of a pair of Belted Kingfishers flying past several times, and American Dippers foraging right in the rapids.
Osprey
The highlight was an Osprey in a nearby tree, a new bird for this site which was added to the online nature information.
Turkey Tail Fungus
Numerous mushrooms in the woods were a challenge to identify.
Coral Fungus
There is quite a variety of fungi in these second-growth woods.
Russula Mushroom
Using the map & info from the online Nature Viewing Guide as reference we explored the trails downstream for about 1.5km from the falls, toward the Inland Highway right-of-way. Returning back to the parking area we tried some unfamiliar trails which were added to the map online.
The next Nature Hike in the series is Monday October 7 to the Puntledge River east side BC Hydro Trails: meet at Harmston Ave. across from the Old Church Theatre in downtown Courtenay at 9 a.m. or at the trailhead about 20 min. after. Here is a link to a Google map with the trailheads marked.
The hike will be about 8 km with some hills & muddy sections and could take 3-4 hrs. These hikes are for CVN members & guests 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.
