Words Shelley Tice
Photos Ralph Hembruff & Shelley Tice
As the sun dips behind the tall cedars and the golden light before sunset comes alive, a different kind of life awakens at R.O. Bull Park.
This small forest park is not only a tranquil spot for a walk, but it’s also the perfect place for owl spotting.
Tucked into Deep Cove, R.O. Bull Park is a forested retreat filled with tall trees, meandering trails and birdsong, including the calls of the local barred owls as evening falls. It’s a perfect setting for an easy sunset walk with a side of wildlife wonder.
This isn’t a hike, but the terrain includes a few gentle slopes and uneven patches as you wander the forest paths. Bring binoculars if you have them, but more importantly, bring your ears: the best way to locate owls is often by sound. The signature hoot of the barred owl is a giveaway that they’re nearby.
During spring and early summer, you may hear juveniles learning to call or even catch a glimpse of an owl gliding silently between trees in search of dinner. Be patient, tread quietly, and look in the trees or along the trail edges. Last year, we were lucky enough to spot three baby owls sitting together in a tree just below the park on Wain Road. During the spring, our nightly walks start a little later as we go in search of owls. They blend in so well with the trees that I am sure we’ve walked by far more than we’ve spotted.
Things to Note:
- Access the Park easily: While the trailhead is located on Wain Road, you can also access the park through paths from Deep Cove Road or Dallain Place. Limited street parking is available at all entrances.
- Visit Before Dusk for Best Owl Viewing: Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to allow your eyes to adjust and to catch the changing light.
- Respect the Wildlife: Keep dogs leashed and stay on marked trails to protect nesting sites.
While you may not always spot an owl, the stillness of the forest at sunset, paired with the possibility of a sighting, is reward enough. Whether you come for the owls or the peace of an evening forest walk, R.O. Bull Park is a special corner of the Saanich Peninsula worth visiting.
