Buttertubs Marsh
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Buttertubs Marsh is a bird sanctuary in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.
Located in the middle of the city of Nanaimo, and bordering the Millstone River, the marsh covers approximately 100 acres (40 hectares). Within this is the 46 acre (18.7 hectare) Buttertubs Marsh Conservation Area, owned by the Nature Trust of British Columbia.[1]
Being surrounded by more urbanized land, the marsh is especially important as a refuge for birds to breed, winter, or rest during migration.[2]
Visitors can explore the marsh using a trail that loops around its area, with observation decks that facilitate birdwatching.[3]
Wildlife
The marsh is man-made and is home to great blue herons, wood ducks, belted kingfishers, mergansers, common yellowthroats[2] and red-winged blackbirds.[4]
The sanctuary is Vancouver Island's only documented breeding site of American bittern.
Reptiles as well as birds live in the marsh, including western painted turtles, which are endangered, and red-eared slider, which are non-native species.[5]