A heated bird bath will provide a source of water all winter.

Winter weather doesn’t stop birders

This is one of the best times to watch for birds and the lack of foliage makes it easier to spot them

Winter’s arrival doesn’t put a stop to birding in Manitoba, as this can actually be one of the best times for birdwatching. The variety of birds is, of course, much less, but that makes it easier to identify them. Birds may also be easier to see against the snow than hidden in grass or foliage,

Great grey owl.

Get ready for the Christmas Bird Count

This annual event has become a holiday tradition for birders

It’s almost that time of year again — for religious observances, holiday celebrations and family get-togethers. But for birders, it’s also time for the annual Christmas bird counts, a tradition that has been carried out since the first one was held on Christmas Day in 1900. Prior to that, it had been a custom to


Changing bird habits

As an avid birdwatcher, I am always interested to learn about the birds that other people see. In winter, besides checking my own birdfeeders, and keeping a lookout whenever I drive or walk somewhere, I frequently check a local website called “birding on the Net” that gives details of birds seen by others — and

Counting The Birds‚ ‘Til Christmas (And Afterwards Too)

Atatimeofyearmost arehuddledindoors, orflockingtoshopping malls,afewhardysouls setouteagerlytovisitthe fieldsandwoods. They split up into small teams early in the day, travelling by car to scan the back roads for their quarry. Gathering at day’s end, they talk excitedly about what they saw, lament over what they didn’t, and tally their findings. There’s food and laughter and fellowship too. They


109 years of Christmas Bird Count

With binoculars in hand, and a trusted bird book nearby, volunteers begin their count. An interesting activity at this time of year is the annual Christmas Bird Count organized in various communities around the province. Usually about 20 Manitoba centres have a bird count during a three-week time slot over the Christmas/ New Year’s period.