Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve — Attraction in Big Bear Lake

Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve

I live in Big Bear so I get to see these marshlands almost everyday. There is even a gazebo if you want to have a picnic. There are also porta-potties where you can take care of your business.

The woodland walkway In Winter there isn't much going on; most, or all of the water has dried out; and it can look pretty barren. However, it should be noted that this area is a breeding ground for white pelicans, bald eagles and ospreys.

Ah! But Spring and most of the Summer, this place is terrific! Wonderful in fact. In Spring, this marsh starts to collect fresh clean and clear water. Fish swim into the marsh from Big Bear Lake And many different types of semi-exotic birds return to enjoy the moderate temperatures.

The creatures you are most likely to see include coyotes, deer, bobcats and sometimes in the Summer you might even catch sight of a small black bear, which are scavenging for trash.

The birds of Big Bear and the marshlands include bald eagles, turkeys, white pelicans, herons, several species of hawks and woodpeckers, ospreys, gulls, scrub jays, orioles, ducks, loons, geese, quail, coots, gulls, and egrets, coromants, owls, hummingbirds, flickers, and many,...

This bridge is known as the kissing bridge its absolutely beautiful and adds a romantic backdrop when the sun is setting. before last year it was completely empty for around 10 years when all of california was experiencing an Extremely severe drought. It wasn't until the heavy snow that blocked all access to this town and was the cause of many deaths with the elderly. The amount of snow that fell was record breaking and all supplies unfortunately came to a sudden halt with no access all residents were forced to go without the supplies, fuel, resources and the heating gave out for 12 long days and nights. Rescue attempts were under way but it took several days to reach the towns people. There is now on the East end, a stagnant lake that although is beautiful to walk with a special someone during sunset, it is also over run with thousands and thousands of fairly large mosquitos, but this doesn't seem to detour the locals from their daily walks on the bridge. Truly romantic aside from the mosquitos. There are 3 very clean and well kept restrooms and fishing on the west end of the lake thats located on the opposite side across the street, plenty of free parking. Truly a...

We didn't really understand the concept at first. I thought it was an improved area but it was a place to park and walk without a brochure or map. If there was one available we missed it due to poor wayfinding. THAT SAID: it was wonderful as an unhyped trail and place to wander. We parked on the BBCity side and walked the bridge over. The lake is really low right now so the shoreline was ok, but still full of fresh air and lots of birds! We saw a large flock of American White Pelicans and got a photo of one toying with a fish it had in it's pouch! Also saw coots and even a loon. Walked the shoreline on the non town side with all the fallen giant cedars. They made great benches. At some point we veered away from the lake into the forested area. Gorgeous shots of a Male Western Mountain Bluebird, a pair of Orioles I think, woodpeckers heard, not seen, nuthatches and a lot more. Highly recommended, just don't...