{"id":25,"date":"2012-05-20T15:49:22","date_gmt":"2012-05-20T15:49:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/donandtheopowers.com\/birds\/?p=25"},"modified":"2023-08-22T23:06:08","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T23:06:08","slug":"manitoba_2012","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/donandtheopowers.com\/birds\/manitoba_2012\/","title":{"rendered":"A Wonderful Day in Manitoba!"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the past five years I have traveled to the Interlake region of Manitoba to study red-sided garter snakes. \u00a0Studying snakes is a bit of an odd thing for me since I have devoted my life primarily to understanding the biology of hummingbirds. \u00a0How I got involved in red-sided garter snake work is a long story that I won’t go into here (ask me if you are interested), but if you know me at all you know that rarely go anywhere without my binoculars and Manitoba was no different.<\/p>\n

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Typical Interlake Habitat.<\/p><\/div>\n

Since my snake work this year was done outdoors I always had my binoculars at my side. \u00a0Having the binoculars so near is a bit dangerous as there is a real risk of distraction from the work, but I had them there nonetheless and was glad I did! \u00a0Before I explain why it is important to mention that the weather in the Interlake region of Manitoba during the month of May can be a real mixed bag. \u00a0In my five years I’ve encountered everything from snow storms to mid-summer conditions. \u00a0This year however was particularly warm. \u00a0Never donned my heavy coat and wore short-sleeved t-shirts on all but a couple days. \u00a0The trees, which in previous years might barely achieve bud break during my stay were significantly leaved out and insects abundant presenting a true feast for many fun species of birds.<\/p>\n

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Alternate plumage male palm warbler!<\/p><\/div>\n

I saw a lot of good birds on this trip including the American woodcock and the blue-headed vireo, both life birds for me. \u00a0That’s not, however, what I want to talk about. \u00a0I want to talk about one incredible hour of one day that became a bit of a warbler bonanza. \u00a0During this hour the trees and shrubs surrounding my study location became inundated with warblers. \u00a0I identified six different species. \u00a0Don’t get me wrong. \u00a0I know that what I saw pales in comparison to the numbers one might see during “fallout” in the south. \u00a0But these birds were not only present but decided to put on a photo session that had a couple of us shoot pictures for an entire hour! \u00a0I have not experienced anything like this before. \u00a0In turn yellow-rumped, palm, black-and-white, Nashville, Tennessee, and finally blackpoll warblers marched to the stage to strut their stuff. \u00a0I personally shot more than 500 pictures (got to love digital!). \u00a0It was one of those experiences I will never forget.<\/p>\n

If you enjoy birding I would encourage you to consider the Interlake region of Manitoba. It is a true undiscovered country that possess quite a diversity of species this time of year. \u00a0The land itself is beautiful (as long as you do not need mountains for enjoyment…but I can see beauty in any natural landscape) and the culture interesting. Further, traveling there will not break your bank.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For the past five years I have traveled to the Interlake region of Manitoba to study red-sided garter snakes. \u00a0Studying …<\/p>\n

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