Exploring the Shield

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife abounds in the park and a variety of animals can be seen among its forests and waters. Year-round residents include black bear, white-tailed deer, moose, wolf, red fox, mink, and squirrel. Along many of the streams and lakes appears evidence of the ubiquitous beaver. Fallen trees, abandoned dams, and new shelters attest to the activity of this woodchopper. Birds include spruce and ruffed grouse, pine grosbeaks, chickadees, ravens, gray jays, and a variety of woodpeckers. The park also receives many feathered visitors during spring and fall migrations from colorful warblers to white snow buntings.

When I talked with some people who make the Whiteshell their home, I was treated to some colorful accounts of animal sightings. There were black bears crossing streets like pedestrians, great gray owls in backyards, ruffed grouse sitting on front porches, and moose showing up at the sauna. I was witness to one event that sent feathers flying. One late afternoon, I came across a group of crows gathered en masse. With binoculars, I peered into the group and discovered they were fussing over the remains of a fallen deer. Soon, more crows and a magpie joined the scene. There were perhaps two dozen birds all vying for part of the feast when a large figure appeared overhead and descended into the scene, scattering the crowd. A lone bald eagle had arrived uninvited and was the recipient of many angry croaks and cries as it tore into its prize. Occasionally, a crow would exhibit great bravado and gingerly approach the great bird only to be sent back to its pack. Time and again this majestic bird held its ground against any daring to challenge it.

Birding

A popular stop for birds and bird lovers is the Alf Hole Goose Sanctuary at the park's west end. The sanctuary is a busy place, particularly in early and late summer when more than 1,000 Canada geese can descend on the grounds. A visitor center chronicles the history of the sanctuary and the biology of Canada geese. A sign at the entrance tracks the number of birds currently in residence. There is a self-guiding trail that follows a path around the Sanctuary's pond as well as a viewing deck.