We had yet another successful IBA event on June 24th – our birding walk at Assiniboine Park! Here, we’ll recap the highlights and share some photographs captured by those who joined.
A birding hotspot in Winnipeg, Assiniboine Park is home to a vast array of songbirds and waterfowl species – it’s also common to see corvids, shorebirds, raptors, and more. We knew we’d be in for a treat but were just hoping that Mother Nature would cooperate! Luckily, and after days of rain, the dreary weather held out (for the most part) and we were able to enjoy a lovely morning at the park. We had a fantastic turnout of 16 participants and three IBA staff, and saw a total of 22 avian species!
We first began by following a forest path that ran perpendicular to the English Gardens. Lush with trees and shrubbery, our group laid eyes on songbird species like the American Redstart, Northern Yellow Warbler, and Eastern Phoebe. A pair of Hairy Woodpeckers were also seen!
After exploring the forest path, we made our way to the Assiniboine Park Footbridge, which has provided gorgeous views of the Assiniboine River to parkgoers for nearly 100 years. The birds certainly did not disappoint here! We saw a large group of Cliff Swallows performing their characteristic aerial acrobatics. As well, we came across a busy Wood Duck mother, who had nearly 20 ducklings trailing behind her. Wood Ducks can lay upwards of 15 eggs per clutch – so all these little ones may be her biological offspring, but she more than likely is also acting as a foster parent to ducklings she’s collected along the way. Either way, she’s doing a wonderful job of caring for these babies!
We also were treated to an exciting encounter with a juvenile Bald Eagle who soared right above us, offering an unobstructed view of their mottled pattern (which makes them easily confused with Golden Eagles!). What a surprise to see how different they look as subadults, compared to when they’re full-grown! They won’t develop that signature white head until around five years of age. Lastly, a single Spotted Sandpiper was also seen hanging out on the banks of the river.
Our penultimate leg of the walk brought us through the fields of the Assiniboine Park, past the Lyric Theatre and Pavilion to the duck pond. Along the way, we saw Purple Martins (our largest swallow species in Manitoba!), Chipping Sparrows, and a lot of Canada Geese. Goslings were different ages, which provided a neat comparison of their stages of development as they continue to grow.
At the duck pond, we saw that many taxa were enjoying the water. A Song Sparrow stopped by for a drink, and a Western Painted Turtle found a comfortable rock to sun themselves on. We also finally laid eyes on the Great Crested Flycatcher we’d been hearing all morning!
Our final portion of the walk took us to the Chimney Swift Tower, constructed by the Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative. Just before we arrived at the tower, a Red-eyed Vireo was practically posing for our cameras. These birds are notoriously difficult to spot, since they spend most of their time in the tree canopy. We didn’t see any swifts entering or exiting once we arrived at the tower – but cameras inside the tower confirm that it’s being used. A nest was built, and incubation of the eggs laid is currently underway! Participants then departed from this spot – the morning truly sped by!
… And with that, another IBA event is in the books! We have more exciting events planned over the summer and would love it if you’d join us. Birding is for everybody, and we encourage all birders – regardless of skill level – to attend! Head to the “Upcoming Events” tab on our website or follow us on social media for all the details ☺
Instagram: @manitobaiba | Facebook: Manitoba Important Bird Areas Program
Catch you on the next recap!
– Brooke (Program Assistant)
Manitoba Important Bird Areas Program 