Manitoba – Favourite places – links

From Manitoba prairie, to the rolling Carberry Hills and our own unique Manitoba desert, Riding Mountain National Park and Duck Mountains in the west, Winnipeg Beach and Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park to the North and east/north east to the sand dunes of Grand Beach and the Canadian Shield and boreal forests of Whiteshell and Nopiming Provincial Parks. These are all within easy driving distance from Winnipeg, offer many options for outdoor land and water adventures and possible day trips. The hiking trails and bike trails offered in many parks miraculously turn into cross country ski trails or snow machine routes in the winter months.

Closer yet are Fort Whyte Nature Centre, Assiniboine Forest, Oak Hammock Marsh, Birds Hill Provincial Park, Beaudry Park, Delta Marsh and of course the Winnipeg Zoo.  All of these destinations offer opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing.

We have our flocks of urban geese and waterfowl on  retention ponds bwithin the city limits who appear oblivious to their human neighbours.  Snowy owls visit us each winter, perching on poles along the highways and hanging out around the airport. Flocks of pelicans can be found at places such as Lockport, Winnipeg Beach and the junction of Fairford River and Lake Manitoba and Whitehsell Provincial Park to name a few.   Did you know that Bald Eagles seem to have taken up residence  on (or are frequenting)  River Road in the vicinity of the Old St. Andrew’s Church?  I saw them this summer for the first time and don’t ever recall seeing Bald Eagles so close to Winnipeg.   As well, a pair of Great Horned Owls nested by the Duck Pond at Assiniboine Park  and at Fort Whyte Nature Centre this past  summer.  It was exciting to watch the chicks fledge and begin to fly under the watchful eyes of their parents.

So pack a lunch and take off in any direction and see what you can find.  You will soon have your own list of favourite places to visit.

Other links:

Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop - Tired of cleaning up seeds that the birds toss out of the feeders? This shop carries specialty seed and feeders for all type of birds.  Their blends don’t contain “fillers” therefore waste is minimized.  A unique store for bird lovers.