McLennan’s informal nickname as the ‘Bird Capital of Canada’ is due to the nearby lakes creating an attraction for migratory birds. Kimiwan Bird Walk is one of the best bird-watching places.

What you can find at the Kimiwan Bird Walk depends on the time of the year you decide to visit and the water level. To date, 233 species of birds have been observed within 15 km of Kimiwan Lake! Every visit is a new adventure filled with different possibilities.

Early to mid-May is a good time to observe waterfowl, as you can find a combination of migrants and residents at the lake. June and August are the months filled with the most activity, with nesting season occurring in June and a diversity of activities regarding numerous species happening in August. At the beginning of October, you can witness the peak staging of the beautiful swans, which have been recorded to reach up to 9,000 on certain days!

If you happen to visit in the winter, no worries. While waterfowl activity is absent due to the lake being frozen over, there is still abundant wildlife observed. Coyotes and wolves are often spotted near the lakeshore, while snowy owls can be spotted as you move into the countryside. If the conditions are right, you could get the chance to see the unbelievable northern lights and the stars.

At the Bird Walk, you can also find an Interpretive Centre that provides more information on all the birds you may see during your visit. Make sure to drop by and pick up a bird checklist to record how many species you observed on the walk.

Photos: Google Maps, Ims Hark, Eric Fletcher