Dawson Trail Dispatch, written by Norm Gregoire, September 2025
Page 16 https://issuu.com/dispatch222/docs/dawson_trail_dispatch_september_2025
Most people have a favourite season: fall, winter, spring or summer. Although I tend to prefer cooler weather, I would say that I enjoy living in an area with distinct seasons, such as we get in the tall-grass prairie. The constant change keeps things fresh, and there is always something to look forward to. But my absolute favourite times are the transition periods. We are going through one right now, from summer to fall, where one day can be warm and sunny and the next can bring in a cool breeze and “sweater weather”. This is summer’s last hurrah, a very enjoyable time for us and an important time of year for all species that spend time in the tall-grass prairie.
The birds are already flying south. Many species left weeks ago. There is a game that many migrators play that involves timing their migration perfectly to avoid cold weather but also make use of the last resources that are available to them here. I find it so fascinating how southern Manitoba is a summer home for birds like the red-headed woodpecker, who may only migrate slightly south or not at all, but we also play summer host to the bobolink, a bird that will overwinter as far south as Argentina. It goes to show how important southern Manitoba is for many breeding and nesting species due to the explosion of life our summers receive.
Speaking of migrators, here is your reminder to start to think about taking down your ruby-throated hummingbird feeder. There is some debate as to when to do this. One school of thought claims that in our climate it is important to take a feeder down before cold weather hits to avoid the tiny bird from freezing and to break the dependence on this unnatural food source before their long migration. Others claim that the feeder won’t keep the hummingbird in your yard, as they migrate when daylight begins to decrease. It’s more important to make sure to keep the feeder clean, avoiding bacteria spread, and after no sightings for two weeks, it’s time to take it in. My own thoughts are to watch nature around you. Are most of the wild nectar sources for hummingbirds finished? Is there a cold snap due to hit soon? If so, it’s time to take down the feeder.
This is such an important time of year for the species that overwinter here; it’s the last time to get a solid meal in. Black bears enter a phase called hyperphagia, where they will eat non-stop, trying to put on a thick enough fat layer to get them through the winter. White-tailed deer start to change their diet from greens to a more woody diet. This is also the time when the rut can begin to heat up. Males will battle it out for breeding rights to the females. Rodents will be finishing off their food caches, storing enough seeds and nuts to allow them to survive the winter. So much action at this time of year!
We can’t forget about the plant life either. Perennials survive year to year by storing energy in the root system, waiting patiently for the warming of spring. Seeds are spread and much goes dormant. Until the next transitional period, enjoy these changes here, in the tall-grass prairie.
Adventures with Nature Norm
Join in celebrating summer’s last hurrah on September 13th in the tall-grass prairie. To register, and for more information, please contact info@sharedlegacy.ca. I hope to see you there!