The month of May is when I welcome many old friends back to the tall-grass prairie. It’s bird migration season, and with every passing day more and more species are rediscovered. Earlier today I saw my first returning ruby-crowned kinglet and yellow-bellied sapsucker, and I’m excited to see what tomorrow will bring!  On May 10th we celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, a day where bird migration should be at its peak. I encourage everyone to discover this amazing event that is happening all around us.

It is estimated that there are over three hundred different species of birds that can be found in Manitoba at some point during the spring migration. Whether they are nesting or flying farther north, they all rely on healthy natural areas that we are so lucky to have throughout the province. In southeast Manitoba we are particularly lucky, as we sit on two major migration flyways: the Central and the Mississippi. Millions of individuals will be using these flyways.

There are many obstacles migrating birds must face that can all be intensified by the sheer distance migrated. A local prairie favourite, the bobolink, can travel as far as ten thousand kilometres (one way) from South America before they return to our local tall-grass prairie to nest. On the way they may get caught in a storm, must deal with predators, and try to avoid collisions with man-made structures. Another increasing danger to migrating birds would be the habitat fragmentation that seems to be growing over time. It is important to have healthy corridors for various species to use even if they are just passing through.

We now know that we are living in a prime birding area, and this is the best time of year to see them. If you’re not sure where to start your birding adventure, I would recommend visiting the tall-grass prairie. In the tall-grass prairie there are approximately one hundred different species of birds that nest here, with dozens of other species that can be observed as they pass through on their migration.

If you are new to birdwatching, you may have some questions on how to go about it. Simply put, there is no wrong way to enjoy this hobby if you are respectful to the environment around you. Some helpful hints would include moving slowly and quietly and taking moments to be still. It is amazing how many inquisitive birds will come to you if you are patient. A pair of binoculars does help to get a better view of a bird once you find it, and learning to recognize bird habitats can also be helpful. The best advice I would give is to just get outdoors!

Adventures with Nature Norm

All bird watchers, avid or beginner, are welcome to join me on the next Adventures with Nature Norm on May 10^th as we celebrate World Migratory Bird Day in the tall-grass prairie. We will be departing from the Agassiz Interpretive Trail, west of Vita, at 10am and taking our time to see how many species we can find before returning for 12pm. For more details, please reach out to info@sharedlegacymb.ca. Join to be a part of the largest birdwatching event in the world!

This program has been sponsored by Southern Health-Sante Sud Public Health, Healthy Living and Healthy Together Now funding.