Canada Geese, Onanole, Manitoba
Having a national park in your backyard is a great thing. First of all, it’s good quality water that flows out to neighboring areas. The seasonal changes take on a character and rhythm that flows with the wild birds and mammals that migrate or move in and out of the park. People who live here, love the fact that land is affordable and that they have access to a wide range of recreational pursuits that are climate friendly (walking, hiking, biking, birding, kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, skiing) all year long.
Today, as I was traveling up to Dauphin along the Riding Mountain parkway, I saw a peregrine falcon, photographed a young moose having several deep drinks at a roadside lick, observed various waterfowl (red-necked grebe, mallard, golden-eye), and had a great chance to see some Canada Geese waddling around in a marsh.
My two favorite seasons are spring – the beautiful returning birds, and fall – the deep resonant sounds of fall courtship of elk and moose. Right now, we are all looking forward to a warm spring and a hot summer. I, for one, am really happy to see wildlife in our sanctuary, Riding Mountain National Park.
Young moose watchful at a mineral lick
