Area: 10.43 km2
Latitude: 50.859 N
Longitude: 98.706 W
The Sand Reef Islands IBA is comprised of a grouping of small islands located to the west of Duck Island IBA and Dog Creek in Lake Manitoba’s south basin. These islands are continentally significant for their concentrations of breeding Caspian Terns (more recently designated Not at Risk in Canada in 1999), hosting at least 3% (~1,000 nests) of the North American breeding population. Other congregatory species found in this IBA include Common Terns, Ring-billed Gulls, American White Pelicans, and Double-crested Cormorants.
These islands are low-lying and high wind tides can wash over them, disturbing birds and affecting breeding efforts. The Sand Reef Islands are crown (and, thus, public) land but, due to their island nature, are difficult to access. Additionally, birding on these islands could adversely impact nesting efforts by multiple species. As such, birding in this IBA is best conducted by boat, canoe, or kayak rather than on foot.
See below for maps on where to find birds, stories relating to Sand Reef Islands IBA, and priorities for monitoring.
Where to bird:
- Along roads near and through Dog Creek leading to Lake Manitoba or from Margaret Bruce Provincial Park and Silver Sand Campground: look for Wilson’s Snipe, American Coot, Canada Goose, and numerous duck species
- By boat, canoe, or kayak on Lake Manitoba
Take care not to cause undue disturbance to birds breeding in this IBA when birding by watercraft and be aware of wildlife including Black Bears, Moose, Grey Wolves, Lynx, and more when birding on land.
When to bird:
- Summer: look for nesting terns, gulls, pelicans, and cormorants foraging on Lake Manitoba
