Western Manitoba

I’ve been blown away in the last few days, literally and figuratively, with some truly wonderful sightings and a long list of birds. Filming with the Fou des oiseaux crew (http://unis.ca/fou-des-oiseaux) was a total blast but I guess I probably should wait until their episode on Manitoba comes out before giving too much away on that. So in the meantime, here is one of those moments when a great bird blows in front of two people who have never seen the species before… a Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya) from the wondrous Whitewater Lake Important Bird Area, with special thanks to Colin and Gillian, the fantastic IBA caretakers there!

Golden-winged Warbler in Winnipeg

The Golden-winged Warbler is a Threatened species and I am privileged to be part of the monitoring and recovery efforts in Canada. Although, I have surveyed and studied this species on its breeding grounds here in Manitoba, and seen them in their wintering grounds, I rarely see this species in migration. Yesterday morning, however, I first heard and then saw this beautiful male in my very own neighbourhood. He even stuck around long enough for a photo. He was foraging in the buds and young curled up leaves as shown here (this species specialises in feeding on caterpillars and other invertebrates in curled up dead leaves). It was a rare treat on a beautiful Sunday morning of May migration magic.

The recovery strategy for Golden-winged Warbler in Canada is viewable at: http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/document/default_e.cfm?documentID=2669

Celebrating International Migratory Bird Day (#IMBD), Sat 13th May, at Oak Hammock Marsh

This year, to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday May 13^th in style, there is a series of great activities planned at the Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre.  There is something for everyone, including young naturalists, and all are welcome to join. If you can’t make it yourself, please also help us spread the word.  Please note that all indoor activities require regular admission to the centre. The full programme is below:

* 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.      BIRDING MARSHWALK:  led by Christian Artuso and Tim Poole from Manitoba's Important Bird Area Program. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $6 per person.

* 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.      CRAFT:  Help to make a colourful flock of birds by painting bird silhouettes that will be displayed in our lobby.

* 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.    WARBLERS OF MANITOBA:  PowerPoint presentation in the Interpretive Centre theatre by Christian Artuso. Learn some interesting facts about Manitoba's Warblers and their identification.

* 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.      BIRD BANDING with Paula Grieef: View songbird banding with Oak Hammock Marsh’s resident  naturalist and see these little birds up close.

*12 p.m. – 1 p.m.       SHOREBIRD IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP:  Christian Artuso will walk you through identifying shorebirds. This is a follow-up to the Nature Manitoba indoor workshop Christian gave in April (but open to all). We will concentrate on the exposed mud areas near the interpretive centre, where some shorebirds have begun to gather.  If you have a spotting scope, please bring it and also bring the shorebird ID cards we gave out at the indoor workshop. This workshop is free of charge but please pre-register with the centre so we have a handle on numbers.

* 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.        BIRD SURVEY:  Join an interpreter and record the bird species spotted in the marsh.

Hope to see you there. Meanwhile, enjoy the wonders of spring migration!