Area: 4.43 km2
Latitude: 52.821 N
Longitude: 100.753 W
Balabas Island is located in the western basin of Lake Winnipegosis, a shallow freshwater lake. The lake is lined by coniferous and deciduous forests and marsh habitat and this small island IBA is heavily forested; however, large quantities of Double-crested Cormorants’ acidic guano are killing some of these trees (as seen elsewhere in Canada). Indeed, the Balabas Island IBA is globally significant for its congregatory species and, in particular, the abundance of Double-crested Cormorants nesting here. Most recently, over 13,000 nests were estimated on Balabas Island in 2012. Many other species have been recorded breeding on this island, including the Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Herring Gull, Mallard, Gadwall, Blue-winged Teal, and Red-Breasted Merganser.
This area of the province is rich with wildlife. You are likely to see Beaver, Muskrat, Fisher, River Otter, Coyote, Red Fox, White-Tailed Deer, Moose, Black Bear, and/or Gray Wolf while traveling near the Balabas Island IBA.
See below for maps on where to find birds, stories relating to Balabas Island IBA, and priorities for monitoring.
Where to bird:
- Walk or drive along the surrounding shore of Lake Winnipegosis following the Pelican Rapids access road and Shoal River
- Along HWY 10 north of Whitmore
By nature of being situated around an island, the Balabas Island IBA is difficult to access directly.
