Texada Island is an ideal spot for wildlife
enthusiasts. The island abounds year round with easily encountered
animal life.
Abundant black-tailed deer roam freely over the island.
Outside
of deer hunting season, the deer have no predators.
Cougars and bears are not found on the island making it a
very
safe place for wilderness hiking.
Amphibian species common on Texada include the Painted
Turtle
and the tree frog. The latter are so abundant in places that a "frogs
crossing" sign needs to be posted.
Scuba diving
Divers will find that waters around Texada, especially near Shelter
Point,
offer a superb opportunity to view marine life in it's natural
habitat. Besides the many species of fish, the waters are
inhabited by wolf eel, octopus,
otter, seals and sea lions. This area of BC's coastal waters has been
described
by Jasques Cousteau as one of the best places in the world for viewing
marine
life.
Birdwatching
* As many as 250 species of birds including
kingfisher, loons, osprey, harlequins, cormorants and
scooters
* Bald eagles are common to the area
* Great blue herons and other waterfowl frequent the island's
bays.
* Gillies Bay is a spring stopover for migrating Brant Geese on
their
long migration back to the Yukon and northern Alaska.
* Rufous Hummingbirds abound from April to August
A couple of black tailed
deer fawns visit the Retreat.
