Bird Sanctuary

One of the most truly amazing spots in the city of Henderson is without question the Bird Viewing Preserve and Water Reclamation Facility. Happily located at 2400 B Moser Drive (at Sunset Drive), and found within the water treatment facility itself, the sanctuary sits on 140 acres of beautiful natural land. The site is teaming with lively forest areas and lush gardens, so the scene is nothing like what you might see in the city or near Toronto Cityplace condos. The doors are open from 6am to 3pm each day, allowing residents and tourists alike in to see the wonders of this magnificent place.

When you visit the sanctuary, you can expect to do a lot of walking, as there are dozens of hiking trails. Allow yourself more than adequate time to visit and stroll about the grounds, similar to a day of touring a museum or the Liberty Towers; you will not want to be rushed. It is also recommended that you and your family wear appropriate clothing as well as comfortable, sturdy shoes. Bring water to drink, a sunhat, and wear sunscreen and bug repellant if you wish. These preparations will make for a much more enjoyable visit. If you have binoculars, don't forget to pack them. If you do not own any or you forget to bring them along, no need to worry; the Preserve has many binoculars available for loan.

There are certain codes of conduct that you are advised to respect, such as the strict rule about feeding. Guests are asked to refrain from feeding the birds at all times. The Bird Preserve is part of a larger natural ecosystem, and by feeding the birds you may create an imbalance. Feeding the birds and other forms of wildlife may cause them to learn to associate food with people and as a result will become more aggressive towards visitors. Just remember that there are people looking over the Preserve who are more knowledgeable than the average LA teacher or Oakville real estate agents who come as visitors.

The sights and sounds within the sanctuary change with the seasons, and so do the bird species that call this place home. Depending what time of year you visit, what you will get to experience will be different, making it a different place each time you visit.

Summer is usually very hot, but there are still lots of birds to see, including nesting American avocets, and black-necked stilts. There are also plenty of native waterfowl like different types of mallards and ruddy ducks. Of course, resident desert birds such as verdin, crissal thrasher and unique roadrunners make the facility their home year round.

Fall migration of many bird species and waterfowl is an exciting time. Fall brings with it the possibility of seeing warblers, sparrows, finches, thrushes, flycatchers, and many other beautiful species as they leave their Northern Oakville homes and upstate New York to fly south for the winter months.

The winter months are the best time to see many different types of duck and geese, as well as majestic swans that nest here for the winter. No matter what season you choose to visit, there are sure to be a wealth of interesting birds and other wild life to see, that make their home in and around the many ponds of the sanctuary. These fowl have no need for Etobicoke real estate in the form of a lake or river, yet in Henderson, birds find an undisturbed natural land teaming with ponds and streams in the middle of the desert! Clearly this is why over 200 species of birds call this place home.