Bird Watching in and Around Alma

Alma and region has exceptional birding. This is due in part to its location on the Bay of Fundy and to the variety of habitats that can be visited in a short time. Habitat 1: Woodlands of Fundy National Park Besides being a spectacular hike with views of the Fundy coastline, Matthews Head hiking trail has a variety of habitats; open field, woodland edges, woodland and partial woodlands. An early morning hike is advised as usual. Another recommended hike is an early morning walk on the Kennie Brook hiking trail Habitat 2: The Alma Estuary Estuary - where salt water meets fresh water. This mix of salt marsh, mud flats, open stream is a birding paradise at certain seasons. Different sandpipers, plovers and gulls can always be seen. Then there are the great blue Herons - especially in September. Another common bird is the belted kingfisher and again numerous in September. Mergansers and bald eagles are not uncommon. FreshAir Adventure uses the Estuary at high tide when the Bay is too rough for paddling. There are times when it is a delight to be blown off the Bay and to float up the Estuary observing the bird life. Habitant 3: Fundy's Coastline There are variety of birds observed on FreshAir Adventure's tours. Throughout the summer, eider ducks can be seen feeding. The common loon leaves its lake habitat and comes to feed in the shallower waters of the Bay. Double crested cormorants are increasingly common. Along the shoreline the spotted sandpiper can be seen bobbing up and down and at times the bald eagle makes its appearance soaring overhead. Habitat # 4: Salt Marshes Drive out the 915 and you will pass extensive salt marshes. Stop at Waterside Beach for a close look. Herons, marsh hawks etc may be seen. Habitat # 5: Bay of Fundy Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve at Mary's Point Twenty minutes from Alma is Mary's Point, location of the Bay of Fundy Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve. On the way you will pass a number of salt marshes with its usual inhabitants. From mid July to mid August the annual migrating of the sandpipers and plovers to their winter habitat in South America will be in full swing. Thousands of birds can be seen on the nearby mud flats and on the wing. At times the flocks may be scattered by the marsh hawk looking for an easy meal. Habitat # 6: Ponds and Fresh Water Marshes Between Alma and Hillsborough there are a number of fresh water ponds - easily accessible by car. A wide variety of ducks geese and pipers can be seen through the different seasons. A day can certainly be spent just visiting these fresh water habitats. Calhoun Marsh - the vast fresh water marsh between Alma and Riverside Albert. In the spring - Canada Geese are common Mary's Point Road - a wildlife observation deck commemorating wildlife artist Lars Larson has been built. Drop into the Studio on the Marsh featuring the work of Lars Larson. Hillsborough - Several hours can be spent exploring the different ponds. Park at the information bureau and explore the wet lands in back by foot. Each season brings its own reason for bird watching here. Then cross the main road (Route 114) from the Hillsborough Information Centre and drive towards the golf course. You will pass a large pond on your left with an observation deck. Many ducks, greater yellow legs, belted kingfishers - especially in the fall.