Assiniboine Park
The English Garden
Our first birding in Manitoba was an early morning trip to Assiniboine Park. We expected much here but weren't too successful. Heading towards the English Garden (apparently good for Ruby-throated Hummingbird) we did get a Red-tailed Hawk, on a tree in a wood, Red-eyed Vireo, Great Crested Flycatcher, Hairy Woodpecker and Least Flycatcher. In the Garden the highlights were Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler and Indigo Bunting.
Near the English Garden is a footbridge across the Assiniboine River. Here we saw a female Wood Duck, about 500 Cliff Swallows, and our first Spotted Sandpiper of the trip. Flying overhead were numerous Franklin's Gulls.
Walking through wooded and open areas of the park, heading towards Assiniboine Forest, we added a singing Yellow-throated Vireo and American Robin.