A Place to Contemplate
A Place to Contemplate
A bench at this location? Why?
The spit extending into the estuary at the mouth of the Western Forest Mill pond has become a magic spot for visitors to rest and meditate, inspired by the beauty of the estuary. Be it a spectacular sunrise, a quiet sunset, or the forever changing seascape, this site mesmerises anybody willing to enjoy nature with open eyes. Watching otters playing on the log booms anchored in the mill pond, or feasting on an early morning snack, jealously watched by a heron, or group of trumpeter swans majestically gliding out of an early morning mist, a flock of chatty geese sharing their experience on a gravel bar or taking their young ones out on stroll, or a family of mergansers resting on a log, all this will brighten your day while quietly sitting at the edge of the spit feasting your eyes on the life in the estuary. But of all the bird life in front of you, the magnificent Blue herons and Bald eagles remain the estuary's flagship species.
The exquisite photos below capturing some of such magical moments are taken by Barry Hetschko, one of our most talented local wildlife photographers, who graciously agreed to share them with us. If you want to enjoy more of his splendid bird photos we invite you to visit his gallery on CERCA's website which soon will be up and running again.
When Barry sent me these photos he asked me how many different species I would discover on the following photo. I managed to identify six including two raptors. How many can you find? Absolutely amazing to see so many bird species in one location sharing the same habitat! Thanks, Barry, for letting us display some of your work!
This has been a rather lengthy introduction to the actual reason for this article: the placement of a beautiful yellow cedar bench at this location, donated by Steve Kirley, a long standing member of CERCA. Steve has built the bench in honor of his parents, who lived at the edge of the estuary which they had fallen in love with. In cooperation with Western Forest Products, Steve and his friend Jerome Webster, another CERCA member and stout supporter from day one, poured a concrete pad and set the bench strategically underneath the famous Arbutus tree at the end of the spit, providing an unhampered view of salt-marshes and the inter-tidal mudflats. I am convinced that the bench will provide great pleasure to many visitors and nature lovers for a long time to come.
Thanks, Steve and Jerome, on behalf of all people who will enjoy this magical spot on your bench.
Dr. Goetz Schuerholz
Chair CERCA