Manitoba IBA Upcoming Events

The Manitoba Important Bird Areas Program organizes a number of events each year, including bird blitzes, workshops and presentations. Our events are made possible by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Fund.

If you are interested in being added to our volunteer mailing list to hear about upcoming events in advance, please email iba@naturemanitoba.ca.

UPCOMING EVENTS

PAST EVENTS

Lockport Shoreline Clean-up – Wednesday September 10 2025

We’re looking for volunteers to help us remove fishing debris and other litter from the Red River shoreline in Lockport on Wednesday, September 10 from 1- 3 pm. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Please email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca for more info or to sign up.

Oak Hammock Marsh Bird Blitz – Thursday August 28 2025

The Manitoba IBA program is looking for volunteers to help us count birds around Oak Hammock Marsh on Thursday August 28, 2025. All skill levels welcome.

There isn’t a specific focus species for this blitz. We are asking volunteers to keep track of all the birds they encounter. There should be a nice mix at this time of year – shorebirds, raptors, swallows, waterfowl, etc. This blitz will take place mainly on foot (Oak Hammock Marsh has lots of walking trails).

Depending on how many people sign up, we may stay as one group and cover the same area, or split up into several groups each with a different assigned area. Each group will spend the morning in their respective areas, birding and keeping track of the birds seen with eBird checklists.

We recommend that groups aim to begin birding by 7:30am. We will meet up for a group lunch at The Cafe in the Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre at 11:30am (paid for by the IBA program).

Registration is required! The deadline to register is Monday August 25. Please register by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/QvetEZXikrkWKoRm8

Please email iba@naturemanitoba.ca with any questions. 🙂

Riverton Sandy Bar Weed Pull – Wednesday August 20 2025

Join us Wednesday August 20 for our annual weed pull at the Riverton Sandy Bar IBA! This event will run from 8:30-11:30am.

We will spend the morning removing invasive plants from the area, with the goal of restoring and maintaining important habitat for shorebirds such as the Piping Plover (a Species at Risk). It’s a beautiful spot and a great birding location, so this is also a great opportunity to spend some time there and keep an eye out for exciting birds!

We will meet in the parking lot and walk out as a group from there. It is about a 1 km walk on uneven ground to get to the weed pull location. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

To sign up or for more information, please email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca.

Delta Marsh Bird Blitz – Wednesday August 6 2025

The Manitoba IBA program is looking for volunteers to help count birds in the Delta Marsh IBA area on Wednesday August 6, 2025. All skill levels welcome.

Registration is required! The deadline to register is Sunday August 3 (so that groups and group maps can be finalized and sent out to participants before the event). Please register by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/jRo8ZBivc657a1rr6

Prior to the blitz (once registration has closed), we will split volunteers up into groups and each group will be assigned an area to cover. Each group can then decide on a meeting spot for Wednesday morning. Each group will spend the morning in their respective areas, birding and keeping track of the birds seen with eBird checklists. We recommend that groups aim to begin birding by 8:00am. We will all meet up for a group picnic lunch in Delta Beach (provided by the IBA program) around 12:30pm. The lunch location and other info (including group details) will be sent out closer to the event via email to registered participants.

Oak Lake Red-headed Woodpecker Blitz – Saturday July 5 2025

The Manitoba IBA program is looking for volunteers to help count Red-headed Woodpeckers in the Oak Lake/Plum Lakes area on Saturday July 5, 2025. All skill levels welcome.

Registration is required! The deadline to register is Wednesday July 2 (so that groups and group maps can be finalized before the event). Please register by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/KW5WReH25GC8hLcf8

Prior to the blitz (once registration has closed), we will split volunteers up into groups and each group will be assigned an area to cover. Each group can then decide on a meeting spot for Saturday morning. Each group will spend the morning in their respective areas looking for Red-headed Woodpeckers. We recommend that groups aim to begin birding by 8:30am. We will all meet up for a group lunch in Oak Lake (provided by the IBA program) around 12:30pm. The lunch location and other info (including group details) will be sent out closer to the event via email to registered participants.

Shoal Lakes Red-headed Woodpecker Blitz – Saturday July 19 2025

The Manitoba IBA program is looking for volunteers to help count Red-headed Woodpeckers in the North, East and West Shoal Lakes area on Saturday July 19. All skill levels welcome.

Registration is required! The deadline to register is Wednesday July 16 (so that groups and group maps can be finalized before the event). Please register by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/pKbJ9STAdGKGAakZA

Prior to the blitz (once registration has closed), we will split volunteers up into groups and each group will be assigned an area to cover. Each group can then decide on a meeting spot for Saturday morning. Each group will spend the morning in their respective areas looking for Red-headed Woodpeckers. We recommend that groups aim to begin birding by 8:30am. We will all meet up for a group lunch in Inwood (provided by the IBA program) around 12:30pm. The lunch location and other info (including group details) will be sent out closer to the event via email to registered participants.

Assiniboine Park Bird Walk – Friday June 20 2025

Join us for a morning bird walk at Assiniboine Park on Friday, June 20. We will meet at the English Gardens entrance at 8:30am and will go until about 10am (weather dependent). Please bring water and dress for the weather. There are washrooms by the Duck Pond which is near the meeting spot.

All skill levels welcome! Please RSVP by emailing iba@naturemanitoba.ca

Southwest MB Grassland Bird Blitz – Saturday June 7 2025

We’re looking for volunteers to help us count grassland birds in the Southwestern Manitoba Mixed-Grass Prairie IBA on Saturday, June 7. We hope to find bird species at risk such as the Chestnut-collared Longspur, Sprague’s Pipit, Ferruginous Hawk, Loggerhead Shrike and more!

Registration required! The deadline to register is Wednesday June 4 (so that groups and group maps can be finalized before the event). Please register by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/a6YPxLn9SD6L9vss8

Before the event (once registration has closed), we will split volunteers up into groups and each group will be assigned an area to cover. Each group can then decide on a meeting spot for Saturday morning. Each group will spend the morning in their respective areas looking for grassland bird species at risk. We recommend that groups aim to begin birding by 5:30am. We will all meet up in Melita around noon to finish off with a group lunch (paid for by the IBA program). More details will be sent out to registered participants.

Whitewater Lake IBA Outing – Saturday May 24 2025

Join the Manitoba IBA program & the Westman Naturalists for a morning of birding at Whitewater Lake IBA. We hope to see many shorebird species, as well as waterfowl, raptors, and more! There will be a few scopes for the group to use. We will finish off for a group lunch provided by the IBA program, likely at Sexton’s Point.

The plan is to stay as one big group. We would like to minimize the number of vehicles, so carpooling is strongly encouraged. There will be a meet-up location in Brandon to facilitate carpooling (around 7 am – exact location TBD). There will also be the option to meet the group nearer to Whitewater Lake, if you aren’t passing through Brandon. We will aim to start birding around 8 am.

Registration required! Please register by Thursday May 22 by filling out this form : https://forms.gle/MZWbqnyFYe4yyWcNA

Living Prairie Museum Speaker Series – Tuesday March 11 2025

Join us for a presentation at the Living Prairie Museum (2795 Ness Ave in Winnipeg) on Tuesday, March 11 @ 7-8:30pm. You can attend online or in-person! To register, click here: https://ticketstripe.com/AtRiskBirds

The prairies are home to a wonderful array of bird species, many of which are in decline. Join this talk to learn more about the bird species at risk found in Manitoba, why they’re declining and how you can support their recovery.

Shoreline Clean-up (Lockport) – Wednesday, October 16 @ 1 – 3 pm

We’re looking for volunteers to help us remove fishing debris and other litter from the Red River shoreline in Lockport on Wednesday, October 16 from 1- 3 pm. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca for more info or to sign up.

Shoreline Clean-up (Delta Marsh IBA) – Sunday, September 22 @ 1 – 3 pm

We’re looking for volunteers to help us remove fishing debris and other litter from Delta Beach, on Sunday, September 22 from 1- 3 pm. Delta Beach provides important stop-over habitat for migrating shorebirds, as well as other bird and wildlife species! Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca for more info and to sign up.

Weed Pull (Riverton Sandy Bar) – Sunday, August 18

We are looking for volunteers to help us restore Piping Plover habitat and remove invasive plants from the Riverton Sandy Bar, on August 18 from 8 am to 12 pm. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca for more info and to sign up.

Assiniboine Park Bird Walk – Wednesday, July 31

Join us for a morning bird walk at Assiniboine Park on Wednesday, July 31. We will meet at the English Gardens entrance at 8:30am and will go until about 10am (weather dependent). Please bring water and dress for the weather. There are washrooms by the Duck Pond which is near the meeting spot.

All skill levels welcome! Please RSVP by emailing iba@naturemanitoba.ca

Swallow Blitz (Delta Marsh) – Saturday, July 20

We are looking for volunteers to help us count swallows in the Delta Marsh IBA on Saturday July 20. The blitz will begin at 8:30 am, and we will end with a group lunch at 12:30pm. All skill levels welcome. Please register by Wednesday, July 17.

General blitz details: Participants will be divided into groups before the blitz, and each group will be assigned an area to cover. Most of the blitz will be done from roads, but there will be opportunities to get out and walk if you wish. During the morning, each group will cover their assigned area and count the birds they see, focusing on swallows. All groups will meet up for lunch at 12:30pm, location TBD (covered by the IBA program).

For more information or if you have questions, please email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca.

To sign up, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/kXezkC2GVQ42jVWR8

Red-headed Woodpecker Blitz (Oak Lake) – Saturday, July 6

We are looking for volunteers to help us count the Red-headed Woodpecker in Oak Lake/Plum Lakes IBA, on Saturday July 6. The blitz will begin at 8:30 am. Carpooling can be arranged, when possible. All skill levels welcome. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca to sign up.

Eastern Whip-poor-Will Survey (North, East and West Shoal Lakes) – Tuesday, July 2

Date: Tuesday, July 2 @ 8 pm – midnight (In case of poor weather, the alternate date will be July 3)

Join Manitoba IBA program staff for an evening Eastern Whip-poor-will survey workshop on July 2 in the North, East, and West Shoal Lakes IBA (in the Interlake region). This workshop is a great opportunity to learn how to conduct Eastern Whip-poor-will surveys and to hear this mysterious bird’s distinctive song. We will be carpooling as a group from Winnipeg. Space is limited.

Schedule:

8pm: Meet in Winnipeg (exact meeting point will be decided based on where participants are located) and carpool to survey start (near Inwood, MB)
9:15pm-11pm: Survey route
Arrival back in Winnipeg by midnight

General survey details: This survey will follow a similar protocol as the Canadian Nightjar Survey. There are 12 stops, approximately 1 mile apart on gravel roads. At each stop we will get out of the vehicle and listen for 6 minutes, recording any EWPW observations.

To sign up, please fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPNH9m08llCVDFKiTkX5JDG8ErpoUEDhN8NU71lHGS0iXqOA/viewform?usp=sf_link

If you have any questions, please email iba@naturemanitoba.ca

Bird Walk (Oak Hammock Marsh) – Saturday, June 22

Join us for a bird walk at Oak Hammock Marsh IBA, where we will take a walk on the trails and learn how to identify the different birds we come across! We will be departing the Interpretive Centre parking lot at 10:00 am. Participants of all ages and birding skill levels welcome. Some binoculars will be available to use. For more information or to register, please email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca

Grassland Blitz (Southwest MB Mixed-Grass Prairie) – Sunday, June 9

Join us on Sunday, June 9 as we visit the Southwestern Manitoba Mixed-Grass Prairie IBA and search of grassland birds. We hope to find bird species at risk such as the Chestnut-collared Longspur, Sprague’s Pipit, Ferruginous Hawk, Loggerhead Shrike and more! We will begin the blitz at 5:30 am. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca for more information or to sign up.

Shorebird Identification Workshop (Southwest MB) – Saturday, May 25

Join us Saturday, May 25 @ 9 am for a shorebird identification workshop, in southwestern MB. As shorebirds migrate through, it can be hard to predict when and where they will be found in good numbers. We will determine the exact location closer to the date, but we hope to hold this event within 30 minutes of Brandon. To register, email iba@naturemanitoba.ca.

Shorebird Identification Talk – Friday, May 17 @ 7 pm

Gillian and Gwyn Richards will be giving a presentation on how to identify shorebird species commonly seen in southwestern MB. This event is being organized by Westman Naturalists and will be a hybrid format. The in-person presentation will be at Brandon University (Brodie Building Room 3-47). The virtual option will be on Zoom. To register and for more information, visit the Westman Naturalists website: https://westman-naturalists.github.io/events.html

Oak Lake Presentation – Tuesday, November 14th @ 7 pm

Join us at Oak Hammock Marsh’s Migration Fest for a Guided Swallow Walk at 10 am, and a presentation at 1 pm. No registration required, but RSVPs are appreciated. To learn more about Migration Fest, check out the following webpage: https://www.oakhammockmarsh.ca/events/migration-fest/

Aki Centre Open House – Saturday, September 23

We will be set up at the Aki Centre’s Open House from 11 am to 3 pm, handing out educational resources, and leading bird walks! This event is open to the public, and no registration is required. The Aki Centre is located at 1985 Grassmere Road. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca for more information.

Red-headed Woodpecker Blitz at Shoal Lakes IBA – Saturday, September 9

We are looking for volunteers to help us count the Endangered Red-headed Woodpecker in North, East and West Shoal Lakes IBA, starting at 8 am on Saturday, September 9th. Carpooling can be arranged, when possible. All skill levels welcome! Lunch will be provided for volunteers. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca to sign up.

Bird Blitz – Whitewater Lake IBA – Sunday, August 27th

Join us for a Bird Blitz at Whitewater Lake IBA, starting at 8:30 am. Carpooling from Brandon or Winnipeg may be available. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca to sign up.

Weed Pull – Riverton Sandy Bar IBA – Saturday, August 12th

We are looking for volunteers to help us protect Piping Plover habitat and remove invasive plants from the Riverton Sandy Bar, from 8 am to 12 pm. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Carpooling may be arranged, when possible. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca to sign up.

Purple Loosestrife Pull – Oak Hammock Marsh IBA – Saturday, August 5th

We are looking for volunteers to help us protect valuable bird habitat, and remove invasive purple loosestrife from Oak Hammock Marsh IBA, from 10 am to 2 pm. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Carpooling may be arranged, when possible. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca to sign up.

Red-headed Woodpecker Blitz at Oak Lake/ Plum Lakes IBA – Saturday, July 15th

We are looking for volunteers to help us count the Endangered Red-headed Woodpecker in Oak Lake/Plum Lakes IBA in southwestern Manitoba. The blitz will begin at 8 am. Carpooling can be arranged, when possible. All skill levels welcome. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca to sign up.

CANCELLED: Red-headed Woodpecker Blitz at Shoal Lakes IBA – Sunday, July 2

We are looking for volunteers to help us count the Endangered Red-headed Woodpecker in North, East and West Shoal Lakes IBA, starting at 8 am on Sunday, July 2. Carpooling can be arranged, when possible. All skill levels welcome! Lunch will be provided for volunteers. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca to sign up.

Nightjar Monitoring – June 26 to 30 at dusk

Manitoba IBA is looking for volunteers interested in conducting monitoring for the Eastern Whip-poor-will and Common Nighthawk in the North, East and West Shoal Lakes IBA and Delta Marsh IBA. Monitoring will take place the week of June 26th, starting at dusk. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca for more information or to sign up.

Oak Hammock Marsh Bird Walk – Saturday, June 17th at 10:00 am

Grassland Bird Blitz in the Southwestern Manitoba Mixed-Grass Prairie IBA – Sunday, June 11 at 5:30 am

Join us as we search the mixed grass prairie habitat for bird species at risk such as the Chestnut-collared Longspur, Sprague’s Pipit, Ferruginous Hawk, Loggerhead Shrike and more! Limited accommodations may be able to be provided. Email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca for more information or to sign up.

Conservation Champions Presentation in Pipestone – Saturday, June 10 at 3:00 pm

The Manitoba IBA program will be visiting the Pipestone Community Hall to connect with landowners and raise awareness about Red-headed Woodpeckers, Eastern Whip-poor-wills and our Conservation Champions program. There will be a presentation at 3 pm, followed by an open house from 3:45 pm – 5 pm during which folks can drop in and meet our staff, learn about our program, and enjoy some refreshments.

Community Bird Walk at Gerald W. Malaher WMA – Saturday, June 10 at 9:00 am

Join as we look for and learn about the grassland and forest birds that call this piece of the Southwestern Manitoba Mixed Grass Prairie IBA home. Participants of all ages and birding skill levels welcome. Some binoculars will be available to use. No registration necessary. For more information email Marissa at iba@naturemanitoba.ca

Conservation Champions Open House & Presentations

The Manitoba IBA program will be visiting different communities in the Interlake and Southwest Manitoba to connect with landowners in these areas and raise awareness about Red-headed Woodpeckers, Eastern Whip-poor-wills and our Conservation Champions program. The open house drop-in style portion of the event will go from 6-7 pm, followed by a presentation at 7:00pm. There will be coffee, tea and cookies!

Lockport Shoreline Clean-up – Sunday, October 23rd at 12:30 PM

Join us in Lockport to clean the shores of the Red River. In addition to being a popular fishing spot, Lockport is also a popular area for birds. The Red River flows north into Lake Winnipeg, an important waterbody that is part of several IBAs such as Netley-Libau Marsh IBA. Carpooling from Winnipeg may be available. A complimentary lunch will be provided.

Delta Beach Shoreline Clean-up – Delta Marsh IBA – Saturday, October 22nd at 1:00 PM

Join us to help protect valuable freshwater bird habitat by removing fishing debris and other litter from Delta Beach. This beach is a great birdwatching spot, so we will enjoy some exciting birding while we clean the beach! Carpooling from Winnipeg may be available. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Shorebird Blitz – Whitewater Lake IBA – Sunday, September 25th at 8:30 AM

Join us for a Bird Blitz at Whitewater Lake, Sunday September 25th at 8:30am. The focus will be on counting shorebirds, but we expect there will be lots of other birds such as waterfowl and raptors as well. Carpooling from Brandon or Winnipeg may be available. This blitz will be led by Gillian Richards.

Purple Loosestrife Pull – Oak Hammock Marsh IBA – Monday, September 5th at 10:00 AM

We are looking for volunteers to help us protect valuable bird habitat, and remove invasive purple loosestrife from Oak Hammock Marsh IBA. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at the end of the morning, and carpooling can be arranged, when possible.

Red-headed Woodpecker Blitz at Kinosota-Leifur IBA – Saturday, September 10th at 8:00 AM

We are looking for volunteers to help us count the Endangered Red-headed Woodpecker in Kinosota-Leifur IBA, located on the west side of Lake Manitoba. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at the end of the morning, and carpooling can be arranged, when possible.

Red-headed Woodpecker Blitz at Oak Lake/ Plum Lakes IBA – Saturday, July 23rd at 8:00 AM

The Red-headed Woodpecker is an Endangered species in Canada, and Manitoba holds a significant portion of Canada’s population of this charismatic species. We are looking for volunteers to help us blitz Oak Lake IBA in southwestern Manitoba to count this species in its breeding habitat. Snacks and refreshments will be provided at the end of the morning, and carpooling can be arrange, when possible.

Red-headed Woodpecker Blitz at the North, East and West Shoal Lakes IBA – Saturday, July 9th 2022 at 7:00 AM

Last year our smaller surveys (due to COVID-19) were able to pick up 19 Red-headed Woodpeckers in this IBA – showing that it includes key habitat for this species! Join us this year for a more comprehensive surveys as we find out how many of this Endangered species call this IBA home!

Lunch will be provided at the end of the morning. Carpooling can be arranged when possible.

Grassland Bird Blitz in the Southwestern Manitoba Mixed-Grass Prairie IBA – Sunday, June 19 at 5:30 am

Join us as we search the mixed grass prairie habitat for bird species at risk such as the Chestnut-collared Longspur, Sprague’s Pipit, Ferruginous Hawk, Loggerhead Shrike and more! Limited accommodations may be able to be provided. Lunch will be provided at the end of the morning. Email iba@naturemanitoba.ca for more information or to sign up.

Community Bird Walk at Gerald W. Malaher WMA – Saturday, June 18 at 9:00 am

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

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. This event is suitable for all skill levels.

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.

Nightjar Monitoring – June 11 – 19 and July 6-17, 2022 starting at dusk

Manitoba IBA is looking for volunteers interested in conducting monitoring for the Eastern Whip-poor-will and Common Nighthawk at several IBAs in Manitoba including the North, East and West Shoal Lakes IBA, Delta Marsh IBA and Langruth IBA. Monitoring takes place around the weeks of the full moon in June and July (June 11-19th and July 6th – 17th) starting at dusk.

Our spring 2022 webinar series starts in April. To register please email iba@naturemanitoba.ca. We look forward to seeing you there!