With the arrival of warmer weather, it’s time for the annual spring ‘Hawk Watch’ in the Pembina Valley southwest of Morden. This region, also known as ‘Raptor Highway,’ is where birdwatchers gather each spring to watch hawks, eagles and vultures as they soar above the valley on their migration north. Avid birders count and record
Spend a day at a hawk watch in the Pembina Valley
There are few places better than Holo Crossing to see raptors in migration
Forget Super Bowl Day let’s talk Superb Owl Day
Manitoba has an abundance of owl species, especially in the winter months
Recently someone suggested a single letter change in a news headline. For those more interested in outside activities than watching American football, move a single letter and it becomes ‘Superb Owl Day.’ Manitoba has a variety of owls that both birders and non-birders might enjoy viewing. (And if February 13 is already past, don’t worry;
Quilters find the ‘Silver Linings’ in pandemic-era project
MacGregor-area group adapted to COVID times with unique pass-along project
A group of seven MacGregor-area quilters haven’t let the coronavirus stop them from doing what they love — creating quilts. It has stopped some of the social aspects of the pastime, but they have managed to adapt, with some unique changes. So far, the group consisting of Heather Stone, Jennifer Wiebe, Heather Martens Rempel, Sharon
Try some new outdoor activities in ‘COVID times’
From skating to skiing and even winter camping, opportunities abound
With indoor activities still limited, it’s time to try out some new outdoor activities. For certain there will be days when frigid or blustery conditions may limit what you do, but if you take care to dress warmly, particularly your head, hands and feet you will discover that staying warm is possible if you keep
Feeding birds an opportunity to watch and photograph birds
Chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers are among the most common winter bird visitors
Whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime participant in the joys of watching and feeding birds, the hobby can offer months of enjoyment and education. These COVID times seem to have prompted more people to take up both birdwatching and bird photography. Winter’s arrival brings changes to these pastimes but those who feed birds have
Dauphin Railway Museum celebrates 125 years of rail travel in community
The Gladstone to Dauphin line was completed in 1896 and later became part of the Canadian Northern Railway, then the CNR
It’s 125 years since the railway arrived in Dauphin, an important historical event for the city. The Dauphin Rail Museum board has decided it is worthy of a celebration and a number of commemorative programs have been planned for this fall, with some already carried out. Historically, this section of railway had a different beginning
Rural Manitoba grottos can make an interesting day trip
Take to the rural roads to visit these interesting places of faith
Looking for a new type of day trip this fall? Take a drive to visit one or more of the grottos found at some of our rural churches and enjoy the coloured leaves while you do so. A short walk around the grounds can be just what you need for an interesting day. The largest
Rural Manitoba ghost towns make an interesting day trip
You can imagine the days when the streets bustled with activity
For an interesting day trip in southern Manitoba, visit a couple of ‘ghost towns.’ Both were once thriving spots but now are virtually abandoned, except for one or two possibly inhabited buildings. Ste. Elizabeth, located about eight miles east of Morris on Highway 23 and a mile south on road 12 E, was established as
Plan a day trip to visit a historic church
Manitoba’s small towns have many culturally significant houses of worship
Feeling housebound? With present-day limitations, consider alternatives. A rural drive can be a pleasant diversion — to view the scenery or visit some of our historic churches. The buildings may be closed, but usually we can walk around them and explore nearby cemeteries. Depending on where you live, there are one or more historic churches
Continue with bird activities in spring
With the new season come new avian arrivals and observation opportunities
Are you one of those who has recently taken up watching birds, or feeding or photographing them? With most Manitobans staying close to home, these have become new hobbies for many. With the arrival of spring, there are different birds to watch for, new requirements in bird feeding and maybe some changes in how you
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
