Manning Park in the Winter

[Bill]

Hi,

I will be going up to Manning Park late in January and was wondering if there are any great places to find birds in the winter. I will have a good part of the day as I am planning to drive a group up for skiing. Thanks in advance!

[kastern]

We usually make at least one trip up to Manning in winter to see birds. Unless you are on skis or snowshoes there aren't a lot of places you can get to, but the road to the ski hill usually has birds like Crossbills and Pine Grosbeaks on it, literally, they come down onto the road for the gravel and or salt. Another fun place for birds is the parking lot at the day use area at Lightning Lakes. There are always Gray Jays, Clark's Nutcracker etc. there, very tame and looking for food offerings. We always take a supply of peanuts with us.

Kathy

[tmanson]

Bill: As per Kathy's advice the area where you park for the Strawberry Flats trail usually is pretty productive in the winter. It is about three quarters of the way to the alpine ski area, on the left, and is noticeable by the parking area which is right on the road. Last year we had Pine Grosbeak here, Red, and White-winged Crossbill, and Boreal Chickadee. Doing a Pygmy Owl call here will often bring them in. The parking lot of the dowhhill ski area can also be very productive. Good luck. Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.