Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/161247
Flyways & Byways Beneath major migratory flyways, Manitoba is home to almost 400 species of birds, almost three-quarters of all of Canada's species. Pack your binoculars and follow the flocks during the fall migration season. 4-DayBirdingExperience M u lt i - D ay D e s t i n at i o n P l a n n e r 56 DAY 1 Start the day at Assiniboine Park and Forest in Winnipeg to spot a multitude of migratory songbirds and waterfowl. The English Garden, a favoured feathered hangout, makes for delightful birding amid massive flower beds, and Cooper's hawks and screech owls nest in the Forest's woods. Then head to FortWhyte Alive, a wilderness oasis located in south Winnipeg. Follow the self-guided trails through replicas of seven Manitoba wetland habitats and cross over the floating boardwalks for easy viewing on the marshes. While there, say hello to the resident bison herd and pay a visit to the Prairie Dog town. DAY 2 After spending the night at a Winnipeg hotel, head north of Winnipeg to Oak Hammock Marsh. More than 400,000 waterfowl gather here during migration and some 296 songbird, waterfowl and shorebird species can be seen at the Marsh and from the rooftop observation deck. Stay for lunch and enjoy the scenic views from the café. Head southwest to Whitewater Lake between Deloraine and Boissevain. This important bird area is a key staging spot for waterfowl and shorebirds. At the south end of the lake are interpretive signs, a viewing mound, trail and boardwalk. From here you can see the thousands of tundra swans that stop by in the late fall as well as the hundreds of thousands of snow geese, Canada geese and other ducks. Go to Brandon for dinner and an evening stroll looking for birds at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. Oak Hammock Marsh Assiniboine Park FortWhyteAlive PHOTO: StanSwanson