Area: 4.52 km2
Latitude: 51.386 N
Longitude: 96.552 W
North of Deer Island and Hecla Island in Lake Winnipeg’s south basin, a group of small islands, the Pipestone Rocks, emerge from the water. These bird guano-covered granite formations are largely devoid of vegetation and fluctuating annual lake levels alter the extent to which the rocks are habitable; indeed, during years of high water levels and depending on prevailing winds, the islands can be completely submerged.
The very small Pipestone Rocks IBA is significant for the congregation of American White Pelicans nesting on the rocks. In 1997, over 500 pairs of American White Pelicans were recorded and, more recently, in 2012, 742 nests were recorded during an aerial survey. Other species that nest on these islands include Herring Gulls (467 pairs in 2012), Ring-billed Gulls (856 nests in 2012), and Double-crested Cormorants (878 pairs in 2012).
The Pipestone Rocks IBA is difficult to access owing to its island nature, a positive for the birds which rely on the rocks during their breeding season. Additionally, their inclusion within Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park and designation as Backcountry Land protects the rocks from mining and hydroelectric development.
See below for maps on where to find birds, stories relating to Pipestone Rocks IBA, and priorities for monitoring.
Where to bird:
- Travel along Rice River Road east of Lake Winnipeg to view American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, and multiple gull species
- Drive along Grindstone Point Rd to the west of Lake Winnipeg or up HWY 8 to Gull Harbour for views of the lake and waterbirds
- Look out for Red-winged Blackbirds and meadowlarks around the lake
The island nature of this IBA means it is difficult to access for birders. Birding can be done from surrounding roads and highways or by boat, canoe, or kayak on the lake!
Be aware of Black Bears, Moose, Grey Wolves, Coyotes, and other wildlife while birding on the land surrounding Lake Winnipeg.
When to bird:
- Summer: American White Pelicans, gulls, and cormorants breed in the thousands
