New spotting scope at Milner Gardens

Qualicum Beach facility now has a new way to get up close and personal

Sandra Gray of the Arrowsmith Naturalists can spot a bird a mile away.

Sandra Gray of the Arrowsmith Naturalists can spot a bird a mile away.

If you like watching the birds and the bees and want to get a really good look at them, Milner Gardens and Woodland now has a fancy new high powered spotting scope for the public to use.

A favorite spot among garden enthusiasts, the 70-acre waterfront estate in Qualicum Beach is now offering something for all the birders out there.

With the introduction of the spotting scope, a checklist of birds that can be found in the area, and a posting board for recently seen and heard wildlife, visitors can now explore and experience the gardens and woodland using all their senses.

Executive Director Geoff Ball is excited about the new birding opportunities they have created for visitors, with the assistance of long-time birding expert and enthusiast Sandra Gray.

“Birding offers both young and old the opportunity to observe and discover other living creatures within the gardens — you witness the circle of life as birds pollinate plants, flowers bloom, fruits appear and then you can enjoy them in the tearoom as fresh fruit preserves, or herbs and vegetables from the food garden,” said Gray.

The $5,000 spotting scope was sponsored by TD Friends of the Environment.

Milner Gardens and Woodland is located at 2179 West Island Hwy. in Qualicum Beach and is open to the public 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily until September 3 and Thurs. — Sun. through to Thanksgiving.

For more information visit  www.milnergardens.org.

 

Parksville Qualicum Beach News