BIRDQUEST2004

On June 9th, I flew with Air Canada to Winnipeg, Manitoba and knew right off this was going to be a unlucky trip. Arriving at the airport only to find there was no cars available. I waited at the airport for 5 hours and was finally offered a 2011 Mustang. LOLOLOL…I told the clerk, I really didn’t think they wanted me to take this car where I was going. Finally a Mitsubishi RVR 4 x 4, after 7 hours, losing my first day of birding.

First I decided to explore the Delata Marsh Area, north of Portage la Prairie, north west of Winnipeg in search of Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows but was again met with bad luck. The area was being evacuated due to flooding. I did manage a lovely image of a Sedge Wren and Yellow-headed Blackbird on the way in, lots of ducks, a bittern and 1 lone Bobolink.

Then it was on to Riding Mountain National Park, a gem, located about 45 minutes north of Brandon. Thanks to Ken Kingdon’s info I was lucky enough to find my grail bird, the Connecticut Warbler. It took a while to find even though I knew the area where to look. Luckily it was singing and I walked right in to its perch. After 7 years, 6 months, 10 days of trying I finally got a good look at this warbler. Down went the binoculars, up went the camera and he was gone….no words can convey my disappointment. Not a sound, nothing just gone.

I waited in that spot for 2 hours, set up my blind, the bird never made a peep, then I saw movement back at the same spot where I’d last seen him last. this time, I was ready. Not the best angle, bird was far but I did finally get my photo.

I am starting to post previous blog entries from my other blog site. It has been sketchy at best and is often down for maintenance. Once I get it transferred here I will shut previous site down.

After my success with the Connecticut Warbler, I spent a lovely night at the Elkhorn Resort (www.elkhornresort.mb.ca), right near the entrance. Next day I went exploring, seeing what else the park had to offer, the Bison paddock near Lake Audy.

While driving to see the bison paddock, I was lucky enough to spot one of the other local residents..

Many different birds were spotted that day, Goldeneye, RN Grebe, Common Loon, 18 species of warbler in all. I left my camera in the bag and opted for my binoculars but when I came across a Mourning Warbler singing away, it was one photo I just had to get..

I recommend this Park to anyone who is a Birder, Golfer, Hiker and Photographer….there’s always something to do.

Special Thanks to Bruce Dilabio (www.dilabiobirding.ca) for suggesting it…and Ken Kingdon for all his help