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The
Salmon River Estuary is located just 60km north-west of
Campbell River and flanked by the town of Sayward. The Estuary
consists of approximately 260ha of intertidal habitat made
up of brackish marshes and mudflats. Spruce and hemlock
forests dominate the estuary's upland areas.
Coho,
Chinook, Pink and Chum Salmon use the Salmon River Estuary
as well as Steelhead, Cutthroat and Dolly Varden Trout.
Year round access to sheltered, open waters, teeming with
invertebrates and vegetation has made this estuary an immensely
important staging and over wintering destination for thousands
of waterfowl and shore birds. During the winter staging,
waterfowl can be seen in the thousands, including large
numbers of trumpeter swans, Green-Winged Teal, Pintails,
Golden Eye, Widgeon and Mallard.
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Salmon River Estuary
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This
area also supports high populations of Great Blue
Heron, Bald Eagle, Red Tailed Hawk and numerous shore
bird species.
Wolves,
cougars and black bears are occasionally seen on the
South side of the estuary. The plentiful estuary grass
support a healthy population of deer and occasional
elk. Just off shore from the estuary Orca, Minkie
and, Grey whales pass on a regular basis.
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North
Island Wildlife Viewing Network
