Summer birding's hidden gem...
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Summer birding in southern Saskatchewan showcases the incredible diversity of Canada’s prairie ecosystems, where grasslands, shallow wetlands, and alkali lakes create ideal conditions for both breeding birds and migrating shorebirds. This region lies within a major migratory corridor, and during late summer, it becomes a hotspot for shorebird activity, with species stopping to refuel alongside those that remain to nest. Shorebird highlights may include American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Marbled Godwit, Willet, Long-billed Curlew, Wilson’s Phalarope, Red-necked Phalarope, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and dowitchers. Many of these species breed locally, while others are just passing through. These wetlands also add further diversity, with breeding ducks such as Northern Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, Canvasback with a side of Eared and Western Grebes, Franklin's Gulls and American White Pelicans. The surrounding prairie landscape is home to a suite of iconic grassland specialists. We hope to observe Sprague’s Pipit, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Baird’s Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, and Lark Bunting. Western Meadowlarks should still provides a constant soundtrack, while Loggerhead Shrikes will perch conspicuously along fence lines. Upland Sandpiper and Horned Lark are also characteristic of these open habitats. Raptors are well represented, with Swainson’s Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, and Burrowing Owl among the highlights. All of which will have fledged young by late July/early August.
While it is not on many birders' radar, southern Saskatchewan in summer is a birding paradise with an impressive mix of breeding birds and migrants. |
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Tour Information
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Dates: July 30-August 3, 2027
Starting City: Regina, SK (YQR) Ending City: Regina, SK (YQR) Cost: $2395 CAD | $1750 USD Single Supplement: $350 CAD | $250 USD Group size: 4-10 Photo opportunities: Excellent The price includes all accommodation from July 30-August 3, 2027, professional guiding services, park entrance fees, breakfast, field lunches, water and snacks, and ground transportation in a 15 passenger van. Does not include travel to/from Calgary, travel insurance, items of a personal nature, and GST. Space can be reserved with an initial deposit of $500 CAD | $360 USD. |
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Gavin McKinnon
Born in Saskatchewan, Gavin now lives in Calgary, Alberta. In 2022, Gavin founded Meadowlark Birding Tours, intending to share his passion for birds with others. After high school, he studied Renewable Resource Management at Lethbridge College. Gavin is the lead guide at Meadowlark Birding Tours, handling all day-to-day operations and bookings. |
Highlights✅ Burrowing Owls with young
✅ Chestnut-collared Longspurs ✅ Baird's Sparrows ✅ Piping Plovers ✅ Long-billed Curlew ✅ Black-tailed Prairie-dog colonies |
Itinerary
July 30: Arrival in Regina
July 31: Chaplin Lake, Reed lake and other shorebird hotspots
August 1: Grasslands National Park and surrounding prairie
August 2: Grasslands National Park with prairie potholes and Old Wives Lake
June 3: Departure from Regina