Outpost Wetlands Natural Area
Last Review/Updated: May 10, 2002
© C. Wershler |
Below the slopes of Chief Mountain, Boundary Creek flows past aspen forests, rolling grassland, bedrock outcrops and patches of horizontal juniper, opening into a large wetland bisected by the Canada-U.S. boundary.
This is a good spot for viewing waterbirds such as the common snipe, known for its unusual courtship display. In spring, an eerie, tremulous whistling can often be heard over the wetlands. The male flies high into the air, and then begins a rapid zig-zagging descent with wings folded back. Rushing air makes its two outer tail feathers vibrate, creating the sound.
The 65-hectare site, adjacent to Police Outpost Provincial Park, contains a system of unimproved trails, good for nature observation, bird watching hiking and cross-country skiing. Outpost is an example of foothills parkland, and has an interesting mix of flora and fauna.
Unusual varieties of species here include northern pocket gopher, Richardson's and columbian ground squirrels, sandhill crane, blue grouse, cinnamon teal, northern waterthrush, American goldfinch and vesper sparrow.
