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BIRD WATCHING & WILDLIFE |
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Bird watching at Christina Lake varies considerably over the year, with
spring and summer being the most rewarding. The
best place is in the Nature Park at the southeast end of the lake. The
many trails throughout the park allow you to quietly approach the birds
both in the woods and along the shore.
Another area that is home to
a variety of birds is on the trail along the east side of Christina Creek,
accessible from Highway #3 where it crosses the creek. During the spring
and summer, you can expect to see as many as 73 species with another 24
during the spring and fall migrations. There are also 29 additional species
of casual non-breeding birds, which may be sighted at any time.
Familiar sights along the shorelines include ducks, herons, and loons. Several species of eagles, hawks and falcons reside here. Wild turkeys roam freely, along with grouse, quail and other ground birds. It is common to see Bald Eagles soaring above the pine trees along the banks of the Kettle River. A walk along one of our many trails will reveal several species of woodpeckers, flickers, bluejays, whiskeyjacks, magpies and a host of song birds; finch, sparrows, grossbeaks, bluebirds, nuthaches and more. If you walk quietly to the shores of the Community Park you will spot mallard and wood ducks, grebes, gold eyes and butterballs. To the quieter north end of the lake you will hear the longing cry of loons.
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Christina Lake and the Boundary area are abundant with wildlife. The Grasslands in the Gilpin area have a large herds of Mountain Sheep, mule and whitetail deer. A walk along the gorge section of the Trans Canada Trail is sure to have the local marmots investigating your presence. As we are a rural community it is very common to see whitetail deer in the middle of developed areas year round.
Elk can be found at higher elevations along with the more elusive moose. You'll also find everything from squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits to
bears and cougars.
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