2 minute read
Theler Wetlands offers spectacular birding opportunities
Next Article
Kassidy Kadoun | Story and images
Looking for a refreshing easy local walk with plenty of birds and wildlife? Consider visiting the very accessible Theler Wetlands near the south entrance to Belfair. Interpretative signs, native plants, and even a reconstructed whale skeleton – makes this an inspiring walk.
Spring and fall, listen for Golden-crowned Kinglets; Bewick’s, Marsh, and Winter Wrens. Birds of prey “prowl” the air: Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Red-Tailed Hawks, Shorteared Owls. Winter brings Northern Shrikes to meadows. Features include dabblers: Northern Pintails, American Wigeons, Green-winged Teals; and divers: Ruddy Ducks, Horned Grebes, Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes.
Excerpt from The Great Washington State Birding Trail map – Olympic Loop, Site #54 View at wa.audubon.org or purchase a hardcover copy online.
Located at the head of Hood Canal the Theler Wetlands offers several accessible walking trails within a protected salt marsh and estuary wetlands. The Theler Wetlands of Belfair include a gorgeous salt water estuary.
The wetlands are accessible through many miles of level trails and boardwalks, surrounded by roses, shrubs, and blackberries in bloom in the summer months. The trails amount to 3.5 miles round-trip, with the option of three different routes. The Union River Estuary Trail is the longest trail offered. To the left of the trail is an old dike that travels through some of the tidal wetlands, and to the right is fresh water marshes filled with cattails and tall grasses.
The viewing point from this perspective is spectacular! There are 360-degree views of the Union River, Hood Canal, and the Olympic Mountains.
A recreated whale skeleton in the ducation center onsite.
Sam Theler, a real estate developer, deeded the wetlands to the North Mason School district in 1968 in honor of his wife. Families can give these trails a visit, and if they are open, displays and hands-on exhibits are available to examine. They help to teach more about the wetlands ecosystem. There are mounted animals with plaques of information on each, along with a gray whale skeleton for display. There is a picnic area and a restroom as well. Keep an eye out for the many birdhouses along each trail—they are hard to miss! Often spotted are red-winged blackbirds, kingfishers, herons, eagles, otters, and geese.
These trails are perfect for people of all ages so bring the whole family!
TO VISIT:
From Hwy 3 at milepost 25.5 in town of Belfair, turn left (west) at crosswalk stop light into Mary E.Theler Community Center at 22871 Hwy 3. Park at south end of paved lot by trailhead.
