Even on a flat trail, there are many disadvantages to walking in a salt marsh in the dark: you don’t always see the puddles or the uneven wood planks on the bridge; you can’t enjoy fall’s beautiful colours; and, you never know what’s lurking in the woods, or ahead of you on the trail. However, the hour before dawn is ideal for seeing shooting stars and listening to herons, ducks and seagulls as they awaken. During migration season, it’s also wonderful to listen to the flocks of hundreds, if not thousands of geese that rest overnight in the salt marsh.
Although they could be heard talking to one another in the darkness yesterday morning, by the time I arrived near their resting area today, the geese were just taking flight. The sound was amazingly loud as they flew above the trees. I wondered what had startled them so early.
A flashing light soon became apparent on the trail ahead. Hunters! In a conservation area! They had walked into the park using the trail and were dressed in waders. Carrying guns, they explained that they were waiting for a boat to pick them up and take them to a spot that was beyond the park limits. Hmmmm…
A light from a very quiet boat could be seen approaching the shore. It had set out across the water from a launch area situated next to nearby Rainbow Haven Provincial Park.
The first time I walked along the salt marsh trail in the Peter McNab Kuhn Conservation Area, hunters shot down a duck that was retrieved by their dog right next to the trail. It was Thanksgiving Monday and not quite what I was expecting from a walk in the park. From the trail, I could see hunters in camouflage gear lying low behind their blinds on a nearby island. The area had probably been used for years by hunters who entered the area by boat and weren’t aware of the area’s new park status.
These days however, all hunters should be aware of park limits. Regardless of how delectable a goose might be for Christmas dinner, somehow it just doesn’t seem right to be using a park trail to bring hunting gear into an area in order to stalk geese before first light. Knowing the goose was hunted in that manner would certainly leave a bad taste in my mouth.
It seems there’s always an uneasy relationship between hunting and hiking, conservation and preservation, birdwatching and bird shooting. It’s a big issue in Michigan, with a lot of hard-headedness on all sides. I don’t go anywhere in the woods this time of year without blaze orange.
Gerry, the uneasy relationship also exists in Canada and between members of my family (all passionate nature lovers)who share these very different points of view.
What I find odd here in Cow Bay is that there is already a Ducks Unlimited area within a minute’s drive of the park designated for hunting.
It sounds like the most amazing place to be. Wouldn’t it be great if you could record the goose pre-dawn chatter to post on the blog. We used to have hundreds of thousands of migrating seabirds near here in Poole Harbour, feeding on the mud but fewer and fewer use the area now. I think there must be less to feed on – pollution maybe.
Jessica, IT IS. Last year I was able to see thousands of geese flying south while I was standing in the middle of the marsh. It was such an awesome event to witness, as ribbons and ribbons of Canada geese flew one after another above my head. The sound of the geese calling to one another as they’re flying is a big part of the experience. You’re right, it would be wonderful to record it.
What a shame that you are seeing fewer migrating seabirds in your area.
You have reminded me that hunting season will be starting very soon here too… I dislike walking when hunters could be anywhere – and when I walk I am always in the woods. How exciting to be out before light and catch the wildlife.
Millhill, it’s a shame that hunting season takes place when the weather’s still great and there are no mosquitoes in the woods. I hope you’re dressed brightly.
There’s a lot of wildlife traffic just before dawn so it is a good time to go out.
I REALLY love this blog. The best of both worlds, art and nature. Thanks so much, Gloris
Gloriadelia, art and nature seem so connected to me. You’re so welcome 🙂
Don’t think I should have to wear an orange blaze when walking in a provincial park. There must be lots of other places these hunters could go. Be careful out there Amy.
BTW this is one of the first places I’m going to check out when I move to Eastern Passage in mid November.
Take care, Sybil
My thoughts exactly Sybil. There’s an area designated for hunting wild fowl by Ducks Unlimited that is just a few minutes drive from the salt marsh trail.
Hopefully we’ll have a chance to see one another once you move out this way.