1. Spooner Island Rotary Nature Park
Route 121, Hampton
This marsh is one of the most fertile and productive wetlands on the river, and the park sits amid 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) of wetlands. The daily rising and falling of tides in the river allow
fresh water to ebb and flow over this area. The high fertility of the wetland attracts duck species such as Northern Shoveler and the rare Gadwall, as well as Pied-billed Grebe and a good assortment of woodpeckers that make their home in this floodplain maple forest. Cavity nesters are abundant here, including Wood Ducks, Goldeneye and Saw Whet Owl. The large silver maples that abound in the park make ideal nesting sites for Great Horned Owls. Keep your eyes on the trees’ horizontal limbs — a favourite roosting spot for their owlets.