Nature Regina

Box 291, Regina, SK S4P 3A1

Bird Alert: 949-2505

Field Trips

Please note: Field trips could be cancelled or postponed due to bad weather; please phone the Bird & Information Line (949-2505) for up-to-date information. We encourage carpooling on field trips. There is no charge other than to share gasoline costs. Estimated share of gas is assuming four people per vehicle; please confirm with your driver. (Note: RSM is the Royal Saskatchewan Museum at the corner of Albert Street and College Avenue in Regina/All Nature Regina events are scent-free events)

On Sunday, April 13, 2003, the Society's snow-delayed trip along Route 99 from Highway 6 to the Valeport Marsh (at the south end of Last Mountain Lake) was a rousing success. Follow our fearless leader, Bob Luterbach, as we scope out the spring birds. Come along for the tour.

Bob scopes out some birds

Photo of an Ancient Murrelet

The field trip on October 4, 2003, was changed on account of the birds. Departing from the originally-planned route, the participants were rewarded with a view of an Ancient Murrelet. The lucky birders appear in a group photo below...

October 4th field trip group

Upcoming Field Trips:

Saturday, March 20: Old Lakeview and Rotary Park

A walk through the residential area south of Rotary Park may turn up interesting birds in winter. Good streets are Retallack, Rae and Angus between Regina and Hill Avenues. As well, there should be bird feeders in the area. We will also check the lane behind the houses on Regina Avenue and Rotary Park.
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meet at the parking area in front of the Legislative Building

Saturday, April 10: Wascana Floodplains & Bratt`s Lake

This trip was fantastic last year with over 20 species of spring migrants seen including 100,000+ Snow Geese. With this winter`s heavy snowfall, there should once again be lots of puddles to entice migrating waterfowl. We`ll check the sloughs and sheetwater in the Kronau - Estlin area and probably Buck Lake. Please confirm the date with the Bird Line. Share of gas about $2.
Leader: Keith Barr
Time: 9:00 a.m. - noon
Meet at the RSM parking lot

Saturday, April 17: Route 99 and Valeport Marsh

This is one of our favourite trips of the year. We will drive along Route 99 in the Qu'Appelle Valley from Hwy 6 to Craven, then on to Valeport Marsh to see the spring migration. There should be waterfowl, gulls, hawks, Bald Eagles, Mountain Bluebirds, meadowlarks and more. Crocuses should be blooming. Share of gas about $3.
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Meet at the RSM parking lot

Saturday, April 24: Wascana Marsh Walk

We will explore the area around the Science Centre from Goosehill Park to Faraway Place looking for spring migrants. We should see waterfowl, gulls, shorebirds, and some songbirds.
Leader: Frank Switzer
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meet at the Science Centre parking lot

Saturday, May 1: Pelicans and more

Join us for a trip north of Disley to a low-level crossing over the Little Arm River to see pelicans catching fish that are going upstream to spawn. We hope the timing will be right for this trip. We'll stop at Condie and the Cement Plant Slough on the way home. Bring lunch, water, and insect repellent. Share of gas about $3.
Time: 8:30 a.m. - early afternoon
Meet at the RSM parking lot

Week of May 9: Snakes Alive!

A few people have gone to see the snake hibernaculum north of Pelly each of the last two years. We are repeating that trip again for those who have been unable to go and for those who want to go again. At the Fort Livingstone den overlooking the Swan River Valley one can see the red-sided garter snakes as they emerge from their winter hibernation. The males wait at the den mouth and swarm the emerging females forming "mating balls." The snakes are at their peak activity around Mother's Day. If you would like to go, call Lauren at 584-1171. This is to arrange carpooling, given the considerable distance. The date chosen depends on the weather. The share of gas would be about $15-20, assuming four people per vehicle.

If anyone has suggestions for future field trips and/or would like to lead field trips, please contact Lauren at 584-1171. Please note there is a shortage of leaders for birding field trips.