Birdwatching

Near and around Lake of the Prairies observant birders can see American goldfinches, kingbirds, common nighthawks, ruffed grouse, warblers and vireos. The lake itself is a good spot to view American white pelicans, many species of ducks, great blue herons and western grebes. Sandhill cranes make an appearance in September. » more

During your visit, you may spot hawks, warblers, woodpeckers, grouse, woodcocks, and many more species. » more

IBA 81- Sagemace & Coleman Bay Islands which includes all the islands of the bays, is one of the 36 Manitoba sites originally designated as important Bird Areas (IBAs) by BirdLife International and now by Nature Manitoba. Some of the 50 species seen here include Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Ruddy Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Pintails, Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Redhead, Lesser Scaup and Buffleheads, American Avocet, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Willet, Lesser Yellowlegs, Marbled Godwit, Least Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher and Long-billed Dowitcher. Sagemace Bay is also a traditional molting and staging area for diving ducks, especially Redheads and to a lesser degree, Canvasbacks. » more

Riding Mountain National Park is an excellent location to experience birding. The Park’s Birder’s Checklist is available at the Visitor Centre to help you keep track of approximately 260 bird species found in the area, all waiting to be seen among the natural beauty of this unspoiled habitat. » more

The Swan River Valley is at the crossroads for northern and southern species of birds, as well as eastern and western birds. A great variety of habitat and species makes the valley a prime location for birding. Areas of most activity for birding are trails in the mountains, as well as local bird feeders, wetlands and a 100-box nesting trail. Expect to view peeps, waders, daublers, divers, golden-winged warblers, and perhaps even an albino red-tailed hawk. » more