What kinds of binoculars are best for birdwatching?

• Most birders recommend 7x35 or 8x40. For backpacking or travelling , 8x24 works well and I have used 8x21 with good results. These small binoculars are easy to carry and fit well into a pack, camera bag and even a large pocket, but the image may be a little too dark for some lighting conditions. 10x50 produces great magnification and a bright image, but may be too heavy for some people to hold steady.

 

What do these numbers mean?

• Using an example of 7x35, the first number=magnification (7x) and the second number=diameter in mm of the objective lens (35mm). The higher the magnification, the more light is needed to brighten the image. If you divide the diameter of the objective lens by the magnifying power of the binoculars, you obtain the exit diameter, e.g. in 7x35 binoculars, 35 divided by 7 =an exit diameter of 5. The higher the exit diameter, the brighter the image. There are other matters to consider such as range of vision, closeness of focus, and long eye relief for people who wear glasses. I would suggest you test binoculars thoroughly before purchasing.

 

What are the best field guides for use in southern Manitoba?

• "Peterson Guide" A Field Guide to the Birds (Eastern), Roger Tory Peterson

• "Golden Guide" Birds of North America, Robbins Bruun and Zim

• "The Sibley Guide to Birds", David Allen Sibley

• "National Geographic Guide", A Field Guide to the Birds of North America, National Geographic Society

   

Home Reference Guide

"The Birds Of Manitoba", Manitoba Naturalists Society
Every serious Manitoba birder should own a copy of this large home reference guide published by the Manitoba Naturalists Society and released in November 2003. It is available at most major book stores or you can avoid taxes by purchasing it directly from the MNS office at 401-63 Albert Street in Winnipeg. It would be considered by most people as too large to carry as a field guide.

 

Some Other Books to Consider
• A Guide to Bird Behaviour (Volumes 1 & 2), Donald and Lillian Stokes

• Birders Guide to Southeastern Manitoba, Manitoba Naturalists Society

• Manitoba Birds, Bezener and De Smet

 

Where are some good places for birding in and around Winnipeg?

• Oak Hammock Marsh

• Fort Whyte Nature Centre

• Assiniboine Park

• Assiniboine Forest

• Kildonan Park

• LaBarriere Park

• Bird's Hill Park

• plus many others!

 

Is there a birding organization or club in Winnipeg?

The Manitoba Naturalists Society offers many birding trips and you don't have to be an expert to enjoy them. Contact the Manitoba Naturalists Society at:
401-63 Albert Street
Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1G4
(204) 943-9029
www.manitobanature.ca

 

What is the best wildflower guide for the Winnipeg area?

• There is no one best answer for this. Personally, I would suggest that you buy three books to adequately cover Winnipeg and surrounding area. All three should be available from the Living Prairie Museum and Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature bookshops and most major booksellers. These are:
  • "Wildflowers Across the Prairies ", F.R. Vance, J.R. Jowsey, J.S. McLean and F.A. Switzer

  • "Plants of the Boreal Forest and Aspen Parkland", Derek Johnson, Linda Kershaw, Andy MacKinnon and Jim Pojar

  • "Manitoba Wayside Wildflowers", Linda Kershaw, a good introductory guide

• Also useful is "Water and Wetland Plants of the Prairie Provinces" by Heinjo Lahring, available at most major booksellers.

• An excellent publication, currently out of print, is "Native Manitoba Plants in Bog, Bush and Prairie", a Manitoba government publication written by Heather MacDonald. Check for used copies at stores such as "Antiques and Funk" near Main and Bannatyne and at used book stores.

• There are also several good general field guides covering wider areas of North America which are readily available. Two of the best are:
  • "A Field Guide to the Wildflowers", Roger Tory Peterson and Margaret McKenny

  • "Newcomb's Wilflower Guide", Lawrence Newcombe

 

Where are the best places to observe wildflowers in Winnipeg?

• You can observe wildflowers in any city park and along most of the river walkways. Three especially good spots are:
  • Living Prairie Museum
    Prairie wildflowers, excellent interpretive facilities, and helpful staff.

  • Assiniboine Park
    Trails along river particularily good in spring and early summer for woodland plants. Watch for bicyclists!

  • Assiniboine Forest
    Trails through a variety of habitats including aspen parklands, wetlands and native prairie.

• There are many other good localities just outside Winnipeg, including Bird's Hill Park, La Barriere Park and Oak Hammock Marsh.

 

Where can I go to learn more?

• Recommended Organizations:
  • Manitoba Naturalists Society
    401-63 Albert Street
    Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1G4
    (204)-943-9029
    www.manitobanature.ca
    Indoor meetings, workshops, field trips and newsletter covering all aspects of nature and conservation.

  • Native Orchid Conservation Inc.
    117 Morier Avenue
    Winnipeg, MB, R2M 0C8
    contact: Doris Ames at (204)-231-1160
    www.nativeorchid.com
    Newsletter, field trips, covering all aspects of wild flora with an emphasis on native wild orchids.

• Also, please join the Urban Naturalist for further workshops and field trips. For information on upcoming events, please call Morris Sorensen at (204) 338-4590, e-mail The Urban Naturalist at mosor@shaw.ca, or visit our website at www.wilds.mb.ca/urbanat