Do you put out food for birds in winter? If so, why not take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), an annual four-day count held in February each year? This year it will take place February 12 to 15 (the Louis Riel holiday weekend). The Great Backyard Bird Count has been held throughout
Time to count some birds
Annual event is this month and you could contribute some valuable information
Winter logging in Riding Mountain’s past
Timber was source for thriving industry in the ’20s and early ’30s
A drive through Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) in winter can be enjoyable. As one approaches from the east or north, the park rises island-like above the surrounding plain. You can see why early settlers termed these hills mountains, even though the elevation at the top averages only 600 to 700 metres. Approaching from the
Enjoy the autumn colours before they’re gone
Take some time this fall to get out and see the foliage
Manitoba has many spots that offer wonderful views at this time of year. An autumn trip to one of our parks, or a drive along the many rural roads, even a walk in a local pasture, can offer stunning displays of fall foliage. One of my favourite areas for a fall drive is a loop
Whitewater Lake region under threat
Excess water covering dikes and boardwalks and burying farmland and roads
On a recent visit to Whitewater Lake in southwestern Manitoba, my husband and I were dismayed to see first hand the impact that excess water is having on the area. Years ago we made our first trip there and enjoyed walking on the long dikes and boardwalks, surrounded by a variety of water birds and
Time to choose a national bird
Canada doesn't have one yet but plans are underway so get your vote in
Canada does not yet have a national bird — yet. There’s the beaver, the national animal; the maple, the national tree; and the Canadian horse, the national horse. But a national bird? Nothing has been designated. However, there are plans underway to remedy this, and you can take part in choosing what bird is selected.
Winter shelter for backyard birds
Roosting boxes help our feathered friends survive the harsh winter weather
With the arrival of colder weather, it’s time to start thinking of how to help those birds which overwinter here. Many of us put out food for them (sunflower seeds for chickadees and nuthatches, peanuts for blue jays, and niger seed for various finches), but shelter is another consideration. Freezing rain or deep snow, bitter
Remembering Canada’s veterans
MacGregor woman creates book to honour those who served
The RM of North Norfolk (the MacGregor and Austin area) will soon have a new resource for history buffs, or for those interested in details of the various wars in which our citizens have fought. Remembering Our Veterans is a limited edition book to be published this fall. The brainchild of Beverley Anderson of MacGregor,
A good time to watch for eagles
Bald eagles usually migrate south in October so be on the lookout for these majestic birds
Autumn is a good time to watch for raptors such as eagles, but sometimes it can be confusing as to which species one is seeing, especially if the bird is a juvenile one. Manitoba has both the golden eagle and the better-known bald eagle. My husband and I have seen both species this fall —
Mark June 3 on your calendar!
Seniors’ Day at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum is worth a visit
It’s nearly time for the Manitoba Agricultural Museum’s Seniors’ Day, held each year at the museum, south of Austin, on the first Tuesday of June (June 3 this year). Hosted by the museum and the Austin Chamber of Commerce, it’s a day of companionship, entertainment, demonstrations and food. It is dedicated to seniors, and most
Species at risk
Both the barn and bank swallows are on this list in Manitoba
If you live in rural Manitoba, you are probably familiar with the various types of swallows that spend their summers here: the dark-green and white tree swallow which nests in boxes or cavities; cliff swallows which nest in colonies under bridges or occasionally on barns; the smaller light- and dark-grey bank swallow which tunnels into
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
