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Unusual sightings are common this springBy Bill StilwellUnusual, unique, rare and exciting wildlife sighting are taking place throughout rural Manitoba this spring. Topping off the list is a cougar sighting near Plum Coulee, but that is far from the only interesting report.Near Deleau, Manitoba, a white-faced ibis was photographed recently. While this is unusual, these birds have been spotted at Whitewater Lake for several consecutive years. Perhaps they are expanding their range.According to information on the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature website, the ibis is listed as “accidental” in Manitoba. Sightings are “infrequent and far outside the usual range and includes species recorded once or twice or only at very great intervals.”The white-faced ibis is a wading bird with a length of about 19 inches and a wingspan of approximately 37 inches. They are bronze-brown coloured and appear black from a distance. One very noticeable feature is their long down-turned bill.Lastyear great egrets were regularly sighted throughout much of southern Manitoba. Again, this is a bird species that is well outside its normal range. These large pure-white wading birds are likely around this year as well.Several burrowing owls have been spottedthis spring. One was sighted near Neepa-wa and second was reported near Miami, Manitoba. Burrowing owlsare considered to be “veiy rare”.If you are driving around this weekend keep your eye out for red fox pups. The young of this year can currently be found frolicking outside the den. Some of the young foxes are already getting quite large.There are many interesting birds and animals worth watching. For example, you might find a den of young coyotes. Great blue herons nest in colonies and if you happen to know of any groups please send the information along. Thatwouldalsoapply to any active “birds of prey” nests if they are accessible for photography without fear of disturbing the birds.Another species of real interest is the turkey vulture. Not that many years ago this was an unusual sighting in most parts of the province. Today they are relatively common. However, few people ever see their nests.In S askatche wanrecent studies show they often nest in abandoned farm buildings. Do you know of any turkey vulture nests?Within a few weeks we will begin to find lady-slippers blossoming throughout the region. The yellow lady’s slipper is quite common but the showy lady’s slipper is far less abundant. Last year they were blossoming around mid-June.Another species of real interest is the small white lady-slipper. Ifyouhappento know of any nearby patches please send the information along. One of the few places where this endangered species is found in the Brandon Hills.If you make any interesting observations this spring please email the writer at bills@mts.net.Bill Stilwell is the authorand naturalist who lives at Neepawa. He is the author of the best-selling nature book “Manitoba Naturally“. To order copies in time for Father’s Day, email manito-banaturally @mts.netPHOTO BY BILL STILWELLThe young fox of this year can currently be found frolicking outside the den.
Newspaper Details
Neepawa Banner
Neepawa, Manitoba, CA
Fri, Jun 13, 2008
Page 11
Full Page
Clipped by
Kevin S.
CA 08 Apr 2022
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