Tag / Marsh

These are truly beautiful birds found at marshes in Manitoba.  They will eat fish, frogs and insects which they catch with their long spear-like beak.  In flight, they tuck their head back towards the body and fly with their feet extended – easy to identify on a fly by. These photos were taken in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

Enjoy!

Sharon

Hecla Grindstone Provincial Park is about 2 hours north of Winnipeg on Hwy 8.   Hecla features a beautiful campground, a golf course and a newly renovated Gull Harbour resort. It’s a very picturesque spot in Manitoba surrounded by Lake Winnipeg and is home to many varieties of birds and animals including moose and wolves.  There are some easy walking trails through the marsh area and a wildlife viewing tower just a short walk off the highway.  A few years ago we saw a wolverine in that area. The stones along the shorelines are rounded and polished from the constant action of the waves.  Marsh Marigolds were in full bloom in the ditches giving them a splash of colour.

There is also the very historic Hecla Village which is still home to descendants of Icelandic settlers.  It seems a big friendly dog was acting as a village greeter this weekend as he/she loped down the highway right to the car.  I am not sure of this breed but it looked like the dog was wearing a winter hat with ear flaps.

You can easily visit on a day trip. Places to purchase provisions are limited so be sure to take whatever you will need with you for a picnic lunch.  Today’s blog features some of the scenery from the park.

Winnipeg Beach, a summer resort town, is located approximately 50 km north of Winnipeg on the shore of Lake Winnipeg. It features a Boardwalk, an outdoor stage at the main beach, a variety of small shops and the Fishfly Gallery stocked with a fine selection of costume jewellery, pottery, paintings and other unique gift items produced by local artisans.  The gallery is a must stop if visiting the Beach.

Lake Winnipeg continues to support a fishing industry and the fishers can be seen leaving the inner harbour early in the mornings.

Years ago “Moonlight Special” trains brought visitors to the beach and amusement park. Today only memories and photographs remain of this era.

Lake Winnipeg is the world’s 10th largest freshwater lake and a valuable resource in Manitoba. The lake has been facing water quality issues in recent years. For more information on research, water quality and related programs visit the Manitoba Water Stewardship website: gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/water quality

~Sharon