Birdwatchers will look for species at risk near Vita on World Migratory Day

A community bird walk is planned for this Saturday, May 13th, in the tall grass prairie to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day. 

Norm Gregoire works for the R.M. of Stuartburn as the community liaison for at risk species. 

He says spring migration is a great time to see and hear a variety of birds, including the species at risk. 

“We definitely hope to see a wide array of birds,” he says. “Last year, I did a similar walk and I believe the final number was 22 species in about an hour and a half, two hours.” 

Gregoire says there are 28 species at risk in the Southeast, and half of them are birds. He notes barn swallows are at risk as their national numbers are declining at a steep rate. Also on the list, whip-poor-wills and bobolinks.

There is no cost to participate in this family friendly, bird-watching walk which will take place on the Agassiz Interpretive Trail, 7 km west of Vita. 

Gregoire says it will be an interesting, leisurely stroll in nature. 

“There are some birds that, I think you’ve actually heard these noises in the forest all your life and you have no idea that they’re birds,” he says. “So, if you want to learn about that, come out with me.” 

He encourages bird watchers to bring binoculars, a spotting scope and cameras. The walk will be around 2 kilometers long. The first session will go run 9am-11am, and if that fills up, he will lead another walk in the evening from 6:30pm-8:30pm. 

For more information or to register, contact Norm at info@sharedlegacymb.ca or you can call/text him at 204-408-6166.

-With files from Carly Koop