Area: 1580.34 km2
Latitude: 49.213 N
Longitude: 101.153 W
The Southwestern Manitoba Mixed-Grass Prairie IBA sits in the farthest southwest corner of the province and the driest part of the province. Dominated by mixed grasses, farmland, and sandy soil, most of the area has been cultivated at some point. Scattered temporary and permanent wetland areas provide habitat for breeding and migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. The IBA contains the towns of Coulter, Lyleton, Melita (be sure to visit Breezy the Bluejay!), and Pierson, four Wildlife Management Areas, and a mixed-grass prairie preserve south of Broomhill.
Manitoba’s southwest is nationally significant for its congregatory species. Large concentrations of Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes (with the occasional Whooping Crane) make their way through the IBA during their migration, staying for a few weeks. Several species can be found here that are not present anywhere else in the province, making this IBA a growing destination for birders across North America. The most rare species in this IBA is the Burrowing Owl, a Species at Risk on the national endangered species list. This IBA is a hotspot for other Species at Risk including the Ferruginous Hawk and Loggerhead Shrike, and Baird’s Sparrow, Bobolink, Chestnut-collared Longspur (283 individuals counted in the IBA on a single day in 2015), Sprague’s Pipit, and Yellow Rail can also be seen. Various duck and shorebird spp. reside in this IBA, Ring-necked Pheasants can be spotted in fields or along ditches, and Sharp Tailed Grouse and Killdeer are frequently spotted crossing roads.
See below for maps on where to find birds, stories relating to Southwestern Manitoba Mixed-Grass Prairie IBA, and priorities for monitoring.
Where to bird:
- Wildlife Management Areas (see Manitoba Government’s Wildlife Management Area Map) may be surveyed on foot
- Highways around Pipestone (e.g., Road 36N) for habitat that may contain Burrowing Owls
- Watch for Loggerhead Shrikes, Bobolinks, sparrow spp., and shorebird spp. on wires and fence posts
The IBA covers a large area and it may take several days to cover if you intend to see most of it; overnight stays can be booked in Melita and Deloraine.
Much of the IBA is privately owned land, so some areas may only be surveyed by car or on foot along mile roads. When birding from the car, drive slowly with the windows down to hear smaller species hidden amongst the grasses.
When to bird:
- Begin surveys in the early hours of the morning (e.g., set out around 5:00 am) for the best results
- Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) to see migratory species as they move through southern Manitoba
- The Manitoba IBA Program holds an annual Bird Blitz event here in early June to record summer residents and Species at Risk including Baird’s Sparrow, Bobolink, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Ferruginous Hawk, Grasshopper Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, and Sprague’s Pipit
Conditions in this IBA can be very hot and dry during the summer, particularly during late June–August, so it is important to bring hot weather essentials including plenty of water, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
