Local nature destinations are the perfect solution for parents and families looking for a chance to enjoy the outdoors this summer, without driving miles or spending a lot of money.

Delta has miles of biking and walking trails along the dykes, a world-class bird reserve at Reifel Refuge, sandy beaches with warm shallow water, and river sloughs perfect for kayaking.

Although fewer bird species are around in early summer than at other times of year, those that are here are quite conspicuous.

The Great Blue Heron colony on Tsawwassen Bluff is an amazing spectacle, with perhaps 200 nesting pairs of herons. Their stick nests are perched high in the maple trees and conifers, and ungainly young can be seen squawking and stretching on the nests when their parents return from fishing on Roberts Bank.

The trees turn grey with splattered guano as the nesting season progresses and by July the young have flown.

A couple of years ago, the herons kept hitting power lines running in front of the colony, resulting in power outages and dead herons. BC Hydro sensibly relocated these lines and now the herons are able to fly across to the mud flats without a problem.

While you are down at Roberts Bank admiring the herons, you may hear the raucous screeches of Caspian Terns. These are red-billed, black-capped, gull-like birds common further south but visit the Boundary Bay-Roberts Bank area only in the summer.

For another loud, unmistakable bird, visit a wetland marsh where Red-winged Blackbirds call and display all summer. The black males flash their brilliant red epaulettes to warn off other males, while the brown, streaky females are busy at their nests.

Don’t limit your nature excursion to the middle of the day.

Much of the action takes place early in the morning or later in the evening. Take the children to Boundary Bay park early in the morning and they will be able to watch Eastern Cottontails hopping among the blackberries. There are always plenty of baby ones.

Several species of bat live in Delta, and these little flying mammals can be seen in any natural area at dusk, especially where there is water.

Diefenbaker Park is a good place to see them, and Deas Island has a large colony of Yuma bats that emerges at dusk from one of the old houses; the Regional Parks staff sometimes do guided walks to see them.

n For more ideas of summer destinations get a copy of Anne Murray’s books: A Nature Guide to Boundary Bay and Tracing Our Past ~ A Heritage Guide to Boundary Bay, with photographs by David Blevins. Both are available from local book stores or online at www.natureguidesbc.com. The website also has checklists of birds, animals and plants found around Boundary Bay.