A wonderful place: The Clifford E. Lee Bird Sanctuary

On Sunday morning, Lee, Suzanna and I spent a lovely hour and a half at the Clifford E. Lee Bird Sanctuary, just up the road from Devon, AB. Clifford E. Lee was a philanthropist who left behind a foundation that contributed to worthwhile humanitarian and environmental causes, one of which was to purchase a bit of marshland west of the city in order to conserve it for wildlife and the enjoyment of nature-lovers.

And enjoy it we did. It's free and open to the public from an hour before sunrise to sunset, a lovely, mostly unspoiled place where nature does its thing unhindered. We walked softly and carried a camera, leaving no footprints and taking only memories. Here are a few pictures of our morning...

There are lots of interpretive signs along the path...

with boardwalk above the marshy areas.

We had no trouble from mosquitoes, but it's still early in their season...

might be good to cover up and have bug spray along.

This red wing blackbird greeted us early on our walk...

and this painted lady butterfly seemed to be enjoying the day as much as we were!

Not all of the path is boardwalk, 

and I'm afraid it's not exactly wheelchair accessible,

though there were families pushing strollers...

The chickadees were happy that we brought them a few sunflower seeds. 

How I wish I could play you the yellow warblers' songs!

You can't see her in this picture, but there's a Canada Goose momma out on a nest in the reeds...

Of course, Ducks Unlimited supports the sanctuary

for its waterfowl. We saw many songbirds, mallards and Canada geese...

and one little hare.

If you're looking for a lovely Sunday outing

and some time with nature,

a bird sanctuary is a wonderful way to go!