[MDOsprey] Re: Winnipeg birds
Gyrfal@aol.com
Fri, 28 May 1999 11:49:52 EDT
Paul Bystak - Probably the best places to bird in the immediate Winnipeg area
is Oak Hummock Marsh (3300 ha), a large Ducks Unlimited facility with a
terrific visitors center and varied habitat. It is about 25 miles north of
the city and easy access from the airport. If it is raining, however, the
roads are horrible sticky clay. I was there two weeks ago and gave up
because it was cold, rainy and blowing and the roads almost glue.
In the city is Assiniboine Park along the river. It has a variety of
habitat, including some young second growth deciduous, as well as large
conifers, in 160 ha. It is reportedly very good for migrating passerines,
although a little late now.
For the prairie birds, you almost certainly have to go out to the Brandon
area, about 120 miles west of Winnipeg. Nearly everything in between has
long since been converted to farm land. The Yellow Rails are allegedly found
in Douglas Marsh, near the tiny village of Shiloh east of Brandon. I have
never been successful even hearing them here, despite several diligent
searches.
I found Bairds Sparrows, CCLS, many prairie sparrows, and other attractive
stuff along route 340, a north-south road that goes from Douglas to Waggle
Springs. There are several Sharp-tailed Grouse leks along the east side of
this road near the Springs end.
One of Manitoba's premier birders is Rudolf Koes, a teacher on sabbatical. I
think he is the Manitoba compiler. He can be reached at 204 661 0763. He is
a good source for birding information.
There are two birding guides to lower Manitoba, one for the Southeast and one
for the Southwest. I guess it is a little late to get them. Probably the
best place in all of lower Manitoba is Riding Mountain National Park in the
west, 60 miles north of Brandon. It has Spruce Grouse, BBWP, breeding
warblers and other good stuff.
Bob Mumford
Darnestown