Bird observation tower being built at south end of Swan Lake

A new project at the south end of Swan Lake is for the birds – literally.

A seven-metre tall observation tower is being built at the Swan Lake Nature Reserve off Old Kamloops Road.

The project is a collaboration between the North Okanagan Naturalists Club and the Regional District of North Okanagan.

The RDNO is kicking in $50,000 toward the $80,000 project, with the naturalists club paying the rest.

Harold Sellers, with the NONC, says the tower is expected to be completed and ready to use in a few weeks.

“It's primarily a bird observation tower that would give a good vantage point of 360 degrees around the marsh and the south end of Swan Lake,” said Sellers.

The number of birds in the area is stunning.

“It is a very popular place for birds and bird watchers. It's active year round, and now we are getting closer to the season for nesting, so it will be getting more active,” said Sellers.

The project has been in the works for about three years, he says, and will replace a bird blind that had outlived its usefulness.