Discover Birds of Serson Wetland East
With the grand opening of the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area less than one year away, we’re excited to share a sneak peak of one of the new experiences visitors can look forward to: birdwatching along a newly constructed boardwalk trail next to Serson Wetland East.
Construction is on track and together with our partners, we’re creating over three kilometres of new trails and natural spaces.
This raised boardwalk offers a one-of-a-kind vantage point, allowing visitors to look out over the surrounding vegetation and into the heart of the wetland habitat.
The new 170 metre boardwalk is 2.5 metres wide and is fully accessible. It features two lookout platforms along the path providing a perfect place to pause, enjoy unobstructed views of the wetland and soak in the sights and sounds of nature. Once the conservation area opens, visitors will have the chance to spot a variety of bird species, from graceful herons to colourful warblers.
Here’s a few reasons why the future Jim Tovey Conservation Area will offer some of the best local birdwatching opportunities:
Open Water Areas
The open water areas of the wetland are ideal for spotting waterfowl such as mallards, Canada geese and if you’re lucky, the strikingly patterned wood duck. Along the marsh edges, great blue heron, green heron or black-crowned night heron, can often be seen hunting for fish or perched on nearby logs.
Surrounding Vegetation
The vegetation along the wetland edge provides excellent shelter and nesting spots for birds like sparrows, red-winged blackbirds and warblers. As our staff work, they often hear the distinctive “witchety-witchety-witchety” call of the common yellowthroat, a small warbler with a bright yellow throat and striking black mask, sometimes described as looking like a masked bandit.
In the Air
Over the wetlands, tree swallows swoop through the air, chasing flying insects, their iridescent blue feathers catching the sunlight. Out over the lake, common and Caspian terns dive for fish. Both species feature grey-white plumage, black caps and red-orange bills, but the Caspian tern is larger, with a thicker carrot-shaped bill that sets it apart.
These are just a few of the many bird species making the recently created wetland home. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual visitor with a curiosity for nature, this new trail will offer an accessible and immersive way to connect with local wildlife.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to explore the boardwalk and trails when the conservation area opens in spring 2026. Read more about the Jim Tovey Lake Conservation Area Project.
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By Bryana McLaughlin, Conservation Lands Planner