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© Stephen Matthews

Porpoise Bay & Sechelt Marsh

49.48038 , -123.75669

Canada

Sechelt has long been an important site for the indigenous Salish people of the Sechelt band. The town occupies a strategic location with seawater on both sides: the Strait of Georgia to the south, and Sechelt Inlet to the north, which culminates in Porpoise Bay at Sechelt. In between these two saltwater habitats is a rare piece of freshwater wetland, Sechelt Marsh. With all these habitats and extensive facilities, Sechelt makes an ideal base for birding the Sunshine Coast.

Located at the southern end of the tidal Sechelt Inlet, Porpoise Bay has extensive mudflats used by shorebirds and gulls. Common Mergansers breed in the bay and Purple Martins breed using nestboxes on wooden piles near the marina.

Sechelt Marsh is a small but ecologically rich wetland on the outskirts of the town. Purchased by Nature Trust of BC in 1975, the area is currently leased to the District of Sechelt and sub-leased to the Sunshine Coast Natural History Society. Around the pond there are indigenous shrubs such as salal and twinberry, reedbeds harbouring rails and herons, and mature trees which attract woodpeckers such as Red-breasted Sapsucker. Over 175 bird species have been recorded here.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 49.4804/-123.7567 (2023-08-11 11:29:49 )

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 49.4804/-123.7567 (2023-08-01 00:18:13 )

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 49.4804/-123.7567 (2023-07-30 04:16:42 )

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 48.2963/-125.0024 (2023-07-30 04:11:20 )

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 48.2963/-125.0024 (2023-07-29 23:21:32 )

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 48.2963/-125.0024 (2023-07-29 22:46:37 )

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 48.2963/-125.0024 (2023-07-29 21:41:53 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 49.4836/-123.7563 (2021-05-12 20:06:33 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Porpoise Bay & Sechelt Marsh" (2021-05-12 20:06:33 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-11 11:29:49
Sechelt means "place of shelter from the sea" in Salish and has long been an important site for the indigenous Salish people of the Sechelt band. The town occupies a strategic location with seawater on both sides: the Strait of Georgia to the south, and Sechelt Inlet to the north, which culminates in Porpoise Bay at Sechelt. In between these two saltwater habitats, Sechelt Marsh habitats is a rare piece of freshwater wetland. wetland, Sechelt Marsh. With all these habitats and extensive facilities, Sechelt is makes an ideal base for birding the Sunshine Coast. Located at the southern end of the tidal Sechelt Inlet, Porpoise Bay has extensive mudflats used by shorebirds and gulls. Common Mergansers breed in the bay and Purple Martins breed using nestboxes on wooden piles near the marina. Sechelt Marsh is a small but ecologically rich wetland on the outskirts of the town. Purchased by Nature Trust of BC in 1975, the area is currently leased to the District of Sechelt and sub-leased to the Sunshine Coast Natural History Society. Around the pond there are indigenous shrubs such as salal and twinberry, reedbeds harbouring rails and herons, and mature trees which attract woodpeckers such as Red-breasted Sapsucker. Over 175 bird species have been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-01 00:18:13
Sechelt means "place of shelter from the sea" in Salish and has long been an important site for the indigenous people of the Sechelt band. The town occupies a strategic location with seawater on both sides: the Strait of Georgia to the south, and Sechelt Inlet to the north, which culminates in Porpoise Bay at Sechelt. In between these two saltwater habitats, Sechelt Marsh is a rare piece of freshwater wetland. With all these habitats and extensive facilities, Sechelt is an ideal base for birding the Sunshine Coast. Located at the southern end of the tidal Sechelt Inlet, Porpoise Bay has extensive mudflats used by shorebirds. shorebirds and gulls. Common Mergansers breed in the bay and Purple Martins breed using nestboxes on wooden piles. Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, on piles near the east bank of Sechelt Inlet, has flycatchers and rails. marina. Sechelt Marsh is a small but ecologically rich wetland on the outskirts of the town. Purchased by Nature Trust of BC in 1975, the area is currently leased to the District of Sechelt and sub-leased to the Sunshine Coast Natural History Society. Around the pond there are indigenous shrubs such as salal and twinberry, reedbeds harbouring rails and herons, and mature trees which attract woodpeckers such as Red-breasted Sapsucker. Over 175 bird species have been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-30 04:11:20
Sechelt means "place of shelter from the sea" in Salish and has long been an important site for the indigenous people of the Sechelt band. The town occupies a strategic location with seawater on both sides: the Strait of Georgia to the south, and Sechelt Inlet to the north, which culminates in Porpoise Bay at Sechelt. In between these two saltwater habitats, Sechelt Marsh is a rare piece of freshwater wetland. With all these habitats and extensive facilities, Sechelt is an ideal base for birding the Sunshine Coast. Located at the southern end of the tidal Sechelt Inlet, Porpoise Bay has extensive mudflats used by shorebirds. Purple Martins breed using nestboxes on wooden piles. Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, on the east bank of Sechelt Inlet, has flycatchers and rails. Sechelt Marsh is a small but ecologically rich wetland on the outskirts of the town. Purchased by Nature Trust of BC in 1975, the area is currently leased to the District of Sechelt and sub-leased to the Sunshine Coast Natural History Society. Around the pond there are indigenous shrubs such as salal and twinberry, reeds reedbeds harbouring rails and herons, and mature trees which attract woodpeckers such as Red-breasted Sapsucker. Over 175 bird species have been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 23:21:32
Sechelt means "place of shelter from the sea" in Salish and has long been an important site for the indigenous people of the Sechelt band. The town occupies a strategic location with seawater on both sides: the Strait of Georgia to the south, and the tidal Sechelt Inlet to the north, which culminates in Porpoise Bay at Sechelt. In between these two saltwater habitats, Sechelt Marsh is a rare piece of freshwater wetland. With all these habitats and extensive facilities, Sechelt is an ideal base for birding the Sunshine Coast. Located at the southern end of the tidal Sechelt Inlet, Porpoise Bay has extensive mudflats used by shorebirds. Purple Martins breed using nestboxes on wooden piles. Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, on the east bank of Sechelt Inlet, has flycatchers and rails. Sechelt Marsh is a small but ecologically rich wetland.wetland on the outskirts of the town. Around the pond there are indigenous shrubs such as salal and twinberry, reeds harbouring rails and herons, and mature trees which attract woodpeckers such as Red-breasted Sapsucker. Over 175 bird species have been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:46:37
Sechelt means "place of shelter from the sea" in Salish and has long been an important site for the indigenous people of the Sechelt band. The town occupies a strategic location with seawater on both sides: the Strait of Georgia to the south, and the tidal Sechelt Inlet to the north, which culminates in Porpoise Bay at Sechelt. In between these two saltwater habitats, Sechelt Marsh is a rare piece of freshwater wetland. With all these habitats and extensive facilities, Sechelt is an ideal base for birding the Sunshine Coast. Porpoise Bay has mudflats used by shorebirds. Purple Martins breed using nestboxes on wooden piles. Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, on the east bank of Sechelt Inlet, has flycatchers and rails. Sechelt Marsh is a small but ecologically rich wetland. Around the pond there is are indigenous vegetation shrubs such as salal, salal and twinberry, reeds harbouring rails and herons, and mature trees which attract woodpeckers.woodpeckers such as Red-breasted Sapsucker. Over 175 bird species have been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 21:41:53
Sechelt means "place of shelter from the sea" in Salish and has long been an important site for the indigenous people of the Sechelt band. The town occupies a strategic location with seawater on both sides: the Strait of Georgia to the south, and the tidal Sechelt Inlet to the north, which culminates in Porpoise Bay at Sechelt. In between these two saltwater habitats, Sechelt Marsh is a rare piece of freshwater wetland. With all these habitats and extensive facilities, Sechelt is an ideal base for birding the Sunshine Coast. Porpoise Bay has mudflats used by shorebirds. Purple Martins breed using nestboxes on wooden piles. Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, on the east bank of Sechelt Inlet, has flycatchers and rails. Sechelt Marsh is a small but ecologically rich wetland. Around the pond there is indigenous vegetation such as salal, reeds harbouring rails and herons, and mature trees which attract woodpeckers. Over 175 bird species have been recorded here.

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)
Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)
Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola)
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia)
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber)
Purple Martin (Progne subis)
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-08-01 00:20:58)

Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-31 03:16:44)

Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-29 22:28:27)

Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-29 22:05:03)

Purple Martin (Progne subis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-29 22:04:49)

Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-29 22:04:31)

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-29 22:03:33)

Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-29 22:02:49)

Green Heron (Butorides virescens) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-29 22:02:33)

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-07-29 22:02:20)

The Marsh and Bay are productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident in the marsh and Common Merganser in Porpoise Bay.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. The marsh is one of the best spots in BC for the scarce Green Heron. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks occur throughout the year.

Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail.

A circular walk around the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay. Due to the different ecology, birds seen here are reported on a separate hotspot on eBird: Porpoise Bay (south end). Purple Martin can be seen here all through the summer. Shorebirds such as sandpipers and dowitchers use the mudflats on migration, while Bonaparte's Gulls are regular in late summer. In winter, waterfowl include Horned Grebe and Common Loon as well as Surf and White-winged Scoters, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-11 11:31
The Marsh and Bay are productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident in the marsh and Common Merganser (resident in Porpoise Bay) often occurs.Bay.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. The marsh is one of the best spots in BC for the scarce Green Heron. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks occur throughout the year. Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail. A circular walk around the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay. Due to the different ecology, birds seen here are reported on a separate hotspot on eBird: Porpoise Bay (south end). Purple Martin can be seen here all through the summer. Shorebirds such as sandpipers and dowitchers use the mudflats on migration, while Bonaparte's Gulls are regular in late summer. In winter, waterfowl include Horned Grebe and Common Loon as well as Surf and White-winged Scoters, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-01 17:15
The Marsh and Bay are productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident and Common Merganser (resident in Porpoise Bay) often occurs.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. The marsh is one of the best spots in BC for the scarce Green Heron. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks occur throughout the year. Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail. A circular walk around the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay. Due to the different ecology, birds seen here are reported on a separate hotspot on eBird: Porpoise Bay (south end). Purple Martin can be seen here all through the summer. A range of shorebirds Shorebirds such as sandpipers and dowitchers use the mudflats on fall migration, while Bonaparte's Gulls are regular in late summer. In winter, waterfowl include Horned Grebe and Common Loon as well as Surf and White-winged Scoters, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-01 00:20
Sechelt The Marsh is and Bay are productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident and Common Merganser (resident in Porpoise Bay) often occurs.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. The marsh is one of the best spots in BC for the scarce Green Heron. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks occur throughout the year. Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail. A circular walk around the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay. Due to the different ecology, birds seen here are reported on a separate hotspot on eBird: Porpoise Bay (south end). Purple Martin can be seen here all through the summer. A range of shorebirds use the mudflats on fall migration, while Bonaparte's Gulls are regular in late summer. In winter, waterfowl include Horned Grebe and Common Loon as well as Surf and White-winged Scoters, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-31 03:11
Sechelt Marsh is productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident and Common Merganser (resident in Porpoise Bay) often occurs.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. The marsh is one of the best spots in BC for the scarce Green Heron. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks occur throughout the year. Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail. A circular walk around the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay. Due to the different ecology, birds seen here are reported on a separate hotspot on eBird: Porpoise Bay (south end). Purple Martin can be seen here all through the summer. A range of shorebirds use the mudflats on fall migration.migration, while Bonaparte's Gulls are regular in late summer. In winter, waterfowl include Horned Grebe and Common Loon as well as Surf and White-winged Scoters, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-30 04:04
Sechelt Marsh is productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident and Common Merganser (resident in Porpoise Bay) often occurs.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. The marsh is one of the best spots in BC for the scarce Green Heron. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks occur throughout the year. Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail and Sora. Rail. A circular walk around the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay. Due to the different ecology, birds seen here are reported on a separate hotspot on eBird: Porpoise Bay (south end). Purple Martin can be seen here all through the summer. A range of shorebirds use the mudflats on fall migration. In winter, waterfowl include Horned Grebe and Common Loon as well as Surf and White-winged Scoters, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:34
Sechelt Marsh is productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident and Common Merganser (resident in Porpoise Bay) often occurs.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. The marsh is one of the best spots in BC for the scarce Green Heron. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks occur throughout the year. Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail and Sora. A circular walk around the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay. Due to the different ecology, birds seen here are reported on a separate hotspot on eBird: Porpoise Bay (south end). Purple Martin can be seen here all through the summer. A range of shorebirds use the mudflats on fall migration. In winter, waterfowl include Horned Grebe and Common Loon as well as Surf and White-winged Scoters, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:32
Sechelt Marsh is productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident and Common Merganser (resident in Porpoise Bay) often occurs.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. The marsh is one of the best spots in BC for the scarce Green Heron. Heron. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks occur throughout the year. Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail and Sora. A circular walk arund around the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay. Due to the different ecology, birds seen here are reported on a separate hotspot on eBird: Porpoise Bay (south end). Purple Martin can be seen here all through the summer. In winter, waterfowl include Horned Grebe as well as Surf and White-winged Scoters, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Common and Red-bresated Red-breasted Mergansers.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:29
Sechelt Marsh is productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident and Common Merganser (resident in Porpoise Bay) often occurs.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. The marsh is one of the best spots in BC for the scarce Green Heron. Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail and Sora. A circular walk arund the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay. Due to the different ecology, birds seen here are reported on a separate hotspot on eBird: Porpoise Bay (south end). Purple Martin can be seen here all through the summer. In winter, waterfowl include Horned Grebe as well as Surf and White-winged Scoters, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, Common and Red-bresated Mergansers.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:21
Sechelt Marsh is productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident and Common Merganser (resident in Porpoise Bay) often occurs.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. The marsh is one of the best spots in BC for the scarce Green Heron. Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail and Sora. A circular walk arund the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay. Due to the different ecology, birds seen here are reported on a separate hotspot on eBird: Porpoise Bay (south end).  Purple Martin can be seen here all through the summer.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:15
Sechelt Marsh is productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident and Common Merganser (resident in Porpoise Bay) often occurs.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. The marsh is one of the best spots in BC for the scarce Green Heron. Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail and Sora. A circular walk arund the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay. Due to the different ecology, birds seen here are reported on a separate hotspot on eBird: Porpoise Bay (south end). 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:12
Sechelt Marsh is productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident and Common Merganser (resident in Porpoise Bay) often occurs.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. visitors. The marsh is one of the best spots in BC for the scarce Green Heron. Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail and Sora. A circular walk arund the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:00
Sechelt Marsh is productive at all seasons, although the range of waterfowl is limited in summer. Hooded Merganser is resident and Common Merganser (resident in Porpoise Bay) often occurs.  Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye are regular winter visitors. Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal are regular on passage, Canvasback and Redhead occasional visitors. Although the birds are used to visitors, a weekday morning will be quieter. Dawn and dusk offer the possibility of Common Nighthawk (in summer) as well as Virginia Rail and Sora. A circular walk arund the marsh, beginning on Wharf Avenue or Ebbtide Street, takes 15-20 minutes. Either way, one should include an excursion across Wharf Avenue to view Porpoise Bay.

The site is easily reached from Sechelt. From the Sunshine Coast Highway, follow Wharf Avenue north to Porpoise Bay or take Trail Avenue north and turn right on Ebbtide Street. If walking, the Marsh is around 1km north of the highway which is served by bus no 1 from Langdale and Gibsons. Bus no 3 offers an occasional service from the Trail Mall to Wharf Avenue at Osprey Street, where the northern entrance to the marsh is located.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-01 00:19
The site is easily reached from Sechelt. From the Sunshine Coast Highway, follow Wharf Avenue north to Porpoise Bay or take Trail Avenue north and turn right on Ebbtide Street. If walking, the Marsh is around 1km north of the highway which is served by bus no 1 from Langdale and Gibsons. Bus no 3 offers an occasional service from the Trail Mall to Wharf Avenue at Osprey Street, where the northern entrance to the marsh is located.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-31 03:15
The site is easily reached from Sechelt. From the Sunshine Coast Highway, follow Wharf Avenue north to Porpoise Bay or take Trail Avenue north and turn right on Ebbtide Street. If walking, the Marsh is around 1km north of the highway which is served by bus no 1 from Langdale and Gibsons. Bus no 3 offers an occasional service from the Trail Mall to Wharf Avenue at Osprey Street, where the northern entrance to the marsh is located.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-31 03:14
The site is easily reached from Sechelt. From the Sunshine Coast Highway, follow Wharf Avenue north to Porpoise Bay or take Trail Avenue north and turn right on Ebbtide Street. If walking, the Marsh is around 1km north of the highway which is served by buses.bus no 1 from Langdale and Gibsons. Bus no 3 offers an occasional service from the Trail Mall to Wharf at Osprey where the northern entrance to the marsh is located.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 23:23
The site is easily reached from Sechelt. From the Sunshine Coast Highway, take follow Wharf Avenue north to Porpoise Bay or take Trail Avenue north and turn right on Ebbtide Street. If walking, the Marsh is around 1km north of the highway which is served by buses. Bus no 3 offers an occasional service from the Trail Mall to Wharf at Osprey where the northern entrance to the marsh is located.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:50
The site is easily reached from Sechelt. From the Sunshine Coast Highway, take Wharf Avenue north to Porpoise Bay or take Trail Avenue north and turn right on Ebbtide Street. If walking, the Marsh is around 1km north of the highway which is served by buses. Bus no 3 offers an occasional service from the Trail Mall to Wharf at Osprey where the northern entrance to the marsh is located.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:19
The site is easily reached from Sechelt. From the Sunshine Coast Highway, take Wharf Avenue north to Porpoise Bay or take Trail Avenue north and turn right on Ebbtide Street. If walking, the Marsh is around 1km north of the higway highway which is served by buses.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:19
The site is easily reached from Sechelt. From the Sunshine Coast Highway, take Wharf Avenue north to Porpoise Bay or take Trail Avenue north and turn right on Ebbtide Street. If walking, the Marsh is around 1km north of the higway which is served by buses.

Entry points are on Ebbtide Street and Wharf Avenue, both marked by information panels. Parking is generally possible on Ebbtide Street and/or Wharf Avenue. The marsh is normally open at all times.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-01 00:19
Entry points are on Ebbtide Street and Wharf Avenue, both marked by information panels. Parking is generally possible on Ebbtide Street.Street and/or Wharf Avenue. The marsh is normally open at all times.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-31 03:17
Entry points are on Ebbtide Street and Wharf Avenue, both marked by information panels. Parking is generally possible on the street.Ebbtide Street. The marsh is normally open at all times.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-30 04:13
Entry points are on Ebbtide Street and Wharf Avenue, both marked by information panels. Parking is normally generally possible on the street.street. The marsh is normally open at all times.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:01
Entry points are on Ebbtide Street and Wharf Avenue, both marked by information panels. Parking is normally possible on the street.

Douglas' Squirrel and Common Raccoon are resident. Harbour Seals (common) and possibly Harbour Porpoises (shy) might be seen in Porpoise Bay.

The walk is a short, gentle and pleasant one which may be enjoyed by non-birding companions. Alternatively, shopping and dining opportunities are very close by, notably on Cowrie Street in Sechelt which also has a public library.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:31
Douglas' Squirrel and Common Raccon Raccoon are resident. Harbour Seals (common) and possibly Harbour porpoises Porpoises (shy) might be seen in Porpoise Bay. The walk is a short, gentle and pleasant one which may be enjoyed by non-birding companions. Alternatively, shopping and dining opportunities are very close by, notably on Cowrie Street in Sechelt which also has a public library.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:10
Douglas' Squirrel and Common Raccon are resident. Harbour Seals (common) and possibly Harbour porpoises (shy) might be seen in Porpoise Bay. The walk is a short, gentle and pleasant one which may be enjoyed by non-birding companions. Alternatively, shopping and dining opportunities are very close by, notably on Cowrie Street in Sechelt which also has a public library.

There are several excellent information panels about the birds and ecology of the marsh. The park has benches at suitable points for viewing the pond.

As the commercial centre of the Sunshine Coast, Sechelt offers a wide range of options for dining and accommodation. The closest restaurant is the Lighthouse Pub at the Harbour Air seaplane terminal, which has a patio overlooking Porpoise Bay, allowing birding to continue through lunch/drinks/dinner.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-01 00:23
There are several excellent information panels about the birds and ecology of the marsh. The park has benches at suitable points for viewing the pond. Sechelt is As the commercial centre of the Sunshine Coast and Coast, Sechelt offers a wide range of options for dining and accommodation. The closest restaurant is the Lighthouse Pub at the Harbour Air seaplane terminal, which has a patio overlooking Porpoise Bay, allowing birding to continue through lunch/drinks/dinner.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-31 03:10
There are several excellent information panels about the birds and ecology of the marsh. The park has benches at suitable points for viewing the pond. Sechelt is the commercial centre of the Sunshine Coast and offers a wide range of options for dining and accommodation. The closest restaurant is the Lighthouse Pub at the Harbour Air seaplane terminal, which has a patio overlooking Porpoise Bay, allowing birding to continue through lunch/drinks/dinner.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 23:25
There are several excellent information panels about the birds and ecology of the marsh. The park has benches at suitable points for viewing the pond.pond. Sechelt is the commercial centre of the Sunshine Coast and offers a wide range of options for dining and accommodation.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:27
There are several excellent information panels about the birds and ecology of the marsh. The park has benches at suitable points for viewing the pond.

Due to its proximity to Sechelt the site is popular with casual visitors. It is unfortunate that feeding of ducks and pigeons continues, as their behaviour makes clear.

There is some noise pollution from seaplanes which land and take off in Porpoise Bay.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-29 22:24
Due to its proximity to Sechelt the site is popular with casual visitors. It is unfortunate that feeding of ducks and pigeons continues, as their behaviour makes clear. There is some noise pollution from seaplanes which land and take off in Porpoise Bay.
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Porpoise Bay & Sechelt Marsh - Orniverse