Serpentine Fen Bird Sanctuary, Surrey

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The Serpentine Fen Bird Sanctuary is on located on a marshy region of Surrey with views of the surrounding mountains.

Named for the river the park is located beside and the wetland in its centre, the Serpentine Fen Bird Sanctuary and Wildlife Area provides a place for migrating and resident birds to rest, nest and live and a place for people to enjoy and explore. Encompassing four kilometres of trails, three lookouts and several different habitats, the Sanctuary is a popular locale throughout the year and is especially popular during the Fall and Spring Migration where thousands of birds can be spotted on their epic journeys.

Located in south-west Surrey near Mud Bay, the Serpentine Fen Bird Sanctuary offers a refuge for thousands of migrating birds during Spring and Fall as well as a home for many year-round residents.

The Sanctuary was created in 1973 by Ducks Unlimited Canada in cooperation with the Government of British Columbia to provide a place for birds and wildlife to rest during their migration routes. The park encompasses 71.3 hectares of land which is mostly set aside for as a bird and wildlife habitat. Over four kilometres of trails wind through the Sanctuary passing marshlands, meadows, waterways and the fen - a type of wetland which is neutral or alkaline in composition - as well, visitors can visit three wooden lookouts which provide a perfect location to spot birds above the vegetation.

The best time for bird watching is from September to October when many northern bird species travel south for the winter months. Visitors can spot Great Blue Herons, many birds of prey such as Hawks, Eagles and Falcons, Ducks, Geese and small songbirds. Several animals call the park home as well such as coyotes, seals, rabbits and muskrat.

Serpentine Fen is open year round and allows walking, wildlife viewing and nature study. Although the park is a bird sanctuary, dogs are allowed on the trails - however, they must be leashed at all times to preserve and protect the birds and animals which live in the area.

The Sanctuary provides an interesting locale with over 130 different bird species spotted in the region. Be sure to bring binoculars and to respect the trails and enjoy the region and its many inhabitants.