Hi Everyone! I am pleased to announce that I am back for a second summer with the Manitoba IBA program, filling in the roll of Summer Assistant once again.

Since my departure at the end of August 2021, I have gone on to finish my bachelors degree in Environmental Studies and am excited to kick off my working life doing what I love: looking at Manitoba’s beautiful birds! This year I will continue focusing on species at risk, including Red Headed Woodpeckers and Eastern Whip-poor-wills, as well as working with our Chimney Swift initiative. Some of you may have met me last year during one of our events but if not, I look forward to meeting you this summer!

Despite a cool and rainy spring, the Manitoba IBA program is looking ahead to our first events of the season! To sign up for events email iba@naturemanitoba.ca unless otherwise noted.

---

Oak Hammock Marsh Shorebird Walk – Saturday, May 28th at 8:00 am or 10:00 am

We will be at Oak Hammock Marsh for their World Migratory Bird Day celebration on Saturday, May 28th for shorebird walks departing the Interpretive Centre parking lot at 8:00 am and 10:00 am. Spotting scopes will be available to use and this event is suitable for all skill levels. There is a $10/person fee for the walk. This event is run by the Harry J. Enns Wetland Interpretive Centre. To sign up contact the Interpretive Centre or sign up online at: https://oakhammockmarsh.myshopify.com/products/guided-shorebird-survey-walk.

---

Southwestern Manitoba Shorebird Identification Workshop – Sunday, May 29th at 8:30 am

Join us on a visit in southwestern Manitoba for a practical look at how to identify shorebirds in their breeding plumage. Our location in southwestern Manitoba is to be announced depending on where shorebirds are gathering and accessible. Possible locations include Elton Road Wetland, Griswold Marsh or Oak Lake/ Plum Lake IBA. Spotting scopes will be available to use. Carpooling from Winnipeg or Brandon is available.  This is a free event suitable for all skill levels.

---

Whitewater Lake Bird Blitz – Saturday, June 4th at 8:30 am

Support bird conservation in Manitoba by participating in our citizen science monitoring of Whitewater Lake. Whitewater Lake is a premier destination in Manitoba for shorebirds, and a wide variety of other birds. Carpooling from Winnipeg or Brandon is available. This is a free event suitable for all skill levels.