Birds

Prairie and Grassland Birds: Sharp-tailed grouse, horned lark, western meadowlark, vesper sparrow, clay-colored sparrow, lark sparrow and yellow-headed blackbird are characteristic breeders of the open uplands in June. Sandhill cranes are often heard before they are seen, their rolling calls carrying over native grassland and cultivated fields.

Waterbirds and Wetland Specialists: Canada goose, blue-winged teal, northern shoveler and gadwall are common on the river and nearby wetlands. American white pelican, double-crested cormorant and great blue heron are conspicuous in June, while eared grebe, American coot, black tern and Franklin’s gull reflect active nesting colonies and productive wetlands.

Riparian and Woodland Songbirds: Yellow warbler, common yellowthroat and northern waterthrush are strongly tied to river-edge vegetation in early summer. Red-eyed vireo, least flycatcher, gray catbird, American robin, cedar waxwing and Baltimore oriole fill the cottonwoods and shrub layers with song and movement during peak breeding season.

Raptors: Northern harrier, Swainson’s hawk and red-tailed hawk are frequently observed hunting over grasslands and fields. Bald eagle and osprey are closely associated with the river itself, while American kestrel, merlin and great horned owl round out the local raptor community during June.

Flora

Uplands (Prairie): Rough fescue and other fescues, western wheatgrass, needle-and-thread grass (often called spear grass) and other native prairie grasses, though much of the surrounding landscape is cultivated.

River Valley (Riparian): Eastern cottonwood as the dominant canopy tree, willows including peach-leaved willow, Saskatoon, chokecherry, Manitoba maple and a mix of riparian shrubs. June is a key period for leaf-out and flowering, particularly for Saskatoon and chokecherry.

Wetlands and Moister Areas: Aspen poplar, balsam poplar and a variety of sedges and rushes associated with low-lying or seasonally wet areas along the river.

Wildflowers: Prairie crocus typically finished blooming by June but often visible in seed; gaillardia or blanket flower, beginning to bloom in late June; yarrow, including common and many-flowered yarrow, which starts flowering in June and continues through summer. Species more typical of mid- to late summer include western red lily, prairie coneflower, black-eyed Susan, Canada goldenrod, wild blue flax and wild bergamot, which are better interpreted as later-season highlights rather than June guarantees.

Duration: 3 days

Setting: Camp Wolf Willow, near Outlook, Saskatchewan

Number of Bird Species Noted: +100

Habitat: Mixed-grass prairie, river valley riparian woodland, seasonal wetlands and marshes, an open water along the South Saskatchewan River and associated oxbows.

Terrain: Mostly gentle terrain with short walks on grass, packed earth, sandy river edges and light woodland paths with occasional uneven footing near the riverbank.

What to Bring: 

• Binoculars,

• Camera

• Sturdy shoes

• Sunscreen & bug spray

• Hat

• Overnight bag with clothing layers

• Sleeping bag (if staying at Camp Wolf Willow)

• Swimsuit & towel

• Slippers or sandals

• Water bottle

Accommodations: Can be booked through Camp Wolf Willow (not included in the Retreat price)

Transportation: Participants meet at Camp Wolf Willow and use their own vehicles for short drives during the retreat.

Cost: $1,195/person plus tax

Includes:

• Professional guide services

• All scheduled activities unless otherwise noted

• All meals and non-alcoholic beverages

• Morning birding

• Inner Birdsong Workshop

• Morning Qigong & Meditation

• Painting and Nature Art

• Sauna in Nature

• Time to relax and unwind

• Small group experience

Please note: Accommodations are extra and can be booked through Camp Wolf Willow

• Two nights of accommodation at Camp Wolf Willow

• Transportation to and from the Retreat

• Travel Insurance

• Optional Wellness Services

• Personal Items

• Gratuities