Location: Fort Whyte Alive, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

It was a wonderful day for Indigenous birdwatchers to be out in nature, observing our avian relatives! We spent the morning at Fort Whyte Alive (@fortwhytealive) and were able to spot 36 different bird species. See below for the complete list. The highlight of the day was getting a great view of a Bald Eagle, also known as a migizi, flying low. It was an exciting moment, especially because one of our participants saw a migizi for the first time ever! We also noticed two cowbirds (male and female) perched on top of a beautifully painted tipi, created by the talented artist Jordan Stranger (@totemdoodem). About the birds: aginjibagwesiwag - American Goldfinches (photo 2) are small, vibrant songbirds that frequent feeders. They molt twice a year, with males displaying bright yellow plumage in the spring. aginjibagwesiwag primarily eat seeds and regurgitate them to feed their young. They breed later than other birds to sync their breeding with seed availability. Sources: Ojibway People’s Dictionary, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. zhaashaawanibiisiwag (swallows) - Tree Swallows (photo 3) are small migratory birds known for their stunning blue-green plumage and graceful aerial acrobatics. They nest in cavities and inhabit a variety of North American habitats. These agile birds migrate in flocks, feed on insects in mid-air, and exhibit cooperative nesting behavior. Tree swallows are effective pest controllers. Sources: Ojibway People’s Dictionary, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Photo 1: Justin Rasmussen Photos 2 and 3: Bailey Hendry


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