Directions From the ferry dock turn left (northeast) on E. Channel Road./M-134. After about 4 miles turn right (south) onto South Pike Bay Road. In 0.1 miles you will reach an overlook area where the open wetlands can be viewed. An additional .6 miles down the road will take you past bog and sedge meadow habitats and eventually go through the overpass known as the “Tunnel”.
Birding Opportunities Pigeon Cove flooding is an excellent location to view a beautiful inland marsh. The emergent vegetation here is home to numerous bird species; most notably a large colony of State threatened Black Terns. This black and silvery species can be seen as they gracefully dart around the marsh feeding and protecting their nesting grounds. This area is a relatively under birded area so it is more than likely that a number of other gems such as Rails, sparrows, Wrens, and Warblers, wait to be discovered by the next birder.
Pigeon Cove Wildlife Flooding Photo: K. Beyer
Sundew is a carnivorous plant found in the Pigeon Cove area.
Other Exciting Features The 160 acre state owned parcel at Pigeon Cove is primarily dominated by Norther White Cedar swamps. These thick forests may be hard to navigate, but often reveal rare fern, orchid and moss species. Around the Cedar Swamps are a number of small bog areas that are home to carnivorous plants such as Sundew as well as other unique species such as Labrador tea, a plant that can be steeped in warm water to make a pleasant brew. If one continues to drive further past the flooding viewing area they will come to one of the unique features of the island known as the “tunnel” which runs underneath a train track run by the local dolomite quarry.
