The Manitoba IBA (Important Bird Area) program will be visiting the Pipestone Community Hall to connect with landowners and raise awareness about Red-headed Woodpeckers, Eastern Whip-poor-wills and the Conservation Champions program.
Here’s a brief overview: Much of the habitat for bird Species at Risk occurs on working landscapes (farm lands) stewarded by landowners. The Conservation Champions program is a voluntary stewardship program to reward landowners who protect habitat for Species at Risk.
The program includes roadside surveys to track populations of Species at Risk through citizen science monitoring, as well as providing outreach to landowners, community groups and schools in areas where the Spotlight Species occur. The focus is on known Important Bird Areas in Manitoba.
The afternoon presentation in Pipestone will be followed by an open house from 3:45 – 5 p.m. during which folks can drop in and meet the staff, learn about the conservation program, and enjoy some refreshments.
Two days of actual bird watching tours are also planned for June 10 & 11 in southwest Manitoba. This nature walk comes with a bonus of spending time with experienced birders and is organized by Westman Naturalists.
Early on Saturday morning head out on a bird watching tour. Grab your camera, lawn chair and water jug. The early event is a Community Bird Walk at Gerald W. Malaher WMA (near Melita) –June 10 at 9:00 a.m.
Join the Westman Naturalists as they look for and learn about the grassland and forest birds that call this piece of the Southwestern Manitoba Mixed Grass Prairie IBA their home.
Participants of all ages and birding skill levels are welcome. Some binoculars will be available to use. No registration is necessary.
Another very early morning is the Grassland Bird Blitz in the Southwestern Manitoba Mixed-Grass Prairie IBA is on Sunday, June 11 at 5:30 a.m. People are invited to Join Westman Naturalists as they search the mixed grass prairie habitat for bird species at risk such as the Chestnut-collared Longspur, Sprague’s Pipit, Ferruginous Hawk, Loggerhead Shrike and more!
Limited accommodations may be able to be provided. Email Marissa at [email protected] for more information or to sign up.
These are Manitoba IBA events
Include one or all of the three events scheduled for southwestern Manitoba. Detailed information and posters are available on the Manitoba IBA site.
