HOW WE RUN BIRDING TOURS SAFELY DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK
Despite the Covid-19 outbreak, LSWR will make every effort to continue to provide a safe place for injured & orphaned wild animals in need of care. We will continue to adapt to the situation as it changes in the coming days, weeks, months. Our hearts are with those impacted directly by this virus and wish everyone well as we work together to be safe.
We believe that our full day and half day birding tours for individuals and small family groups can continue to run during the current COVID-19 outbreak by following these basic safety measures.
- Clients must drive themselves in their own personal or rented vehicle. The leader will drive in a separate vehicle. We will use cell phones or radios to communicate between each other during the tour.
- Any tour will be rescheduled at no additional cost or refunded if either the leader or any of the clients show any signs of illness (coughing, sneezing, sore throat, etc.).
- At birding stops and trail hikes, the leader will follow safe social distancing practices by maintaining a minimum distance of 2 meters from the clients.
Please email us at birdtours@sasktel.net if you have any questions or concerns with this policy.
Stan Shadick
Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation tours
DANCING GROUSE TOUR
Early Morning or Evening Tours during April and May
Join our experienced local birding guide for a 4-hour early morning or evening drive to view the spectacle of dancing Sharp-tailed Grouse at a roadside lek outside Saskatoon.Many of the traditional indigenous dances were inspired by this display.
by Nick Saunders
COVID SAFE. We will practice special safe self-isolation steps during all 2020 spring tours. Clients will drive their own personal or rented vehicle while the leader will travel in a separate vehicle. We will communicate via cell phone while remaining in separate parked vehicles near the dancing grounds.
by Nick Saunders
Your parked car serves as a bird blind from which you may view the birds dancing in adjacent fields. Birds usually dance about 100 – 300 meters away from car.
- Morning Tour: 4:30 AM – 9:30 AM – April
3:45 AM – 8:45 AM – May - Evening Tour: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Morning tours are recommended because birds are usually more active near sunrise than sunset.
- Trip will be postponed if the weather forecast suggests rain or strong winds. Grouse do not display well during adverse weather.
by Nick Saunders
Suggested items to Bring:
- Clothes suitable for the weather
- Water bottle
- Binoculars
- Spotting Scope (optional)
- Camera (optional)
Tour Fee: CAN$325 (about US$230, £185) for groups of 1 – 4 persons. Taxes included.
Fee includes guiding services only during early morning or evening tour. Client supplies their own transportation. Meals, transportation and accommodation are NOT included.
All proceeds support the work of Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation registered charity.
RESERVATIONS: Send us your full name(s), mailing address, email address and requested tour dates.
E-mail: birdtours@sasktel.net
Phone: 306-652-5975
Text: 306-281-2215
TOUR GUIDE: Your guide has many years of experience finding and observing birds throughout Saskatchewan. For over 30 years, Stan Shadick has been a birding guide for nature tours around Saskatchewan and other parts of the country that have been organized by Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, Nature Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan Extension Division. He is a past president of Nature Saskatchewan as well as a past president and current field trip chairman for the Saskatoon Nature Society. He is a co-editor of the reference publication “Birds of the Saskatoon Area” and contributed significantly to the recently published “Birds of Saskatchewan”. He is currently a regional coordinator for the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas project and helps with their bird identification workshops. He regularly contributes sightings to e-bird and currently holds the e-bird record for the most bird species seen in Saskatchewan.
PRAIRIE LAKES BIRDING TOUR
HALF Day Tours in mid-April – October, 2020.
Join our experienced local birding guide for a 4 hour drive to visit some of the best bird-rich lakes in the Saskatoon region.
by Nick Saunders
We will practice special COVID-19 SAFE self-isolation steps during all 2020 spring tours. Clients will drive their own personal or rented vehicle while the leader will travel in a separate vehicle. We will communicate via cell phone while remaining in separate vehicles.
by Nick Saunders
Visit deep lakes for diving ducks and pelicans.
by Nick Saunders
Also visit shallow ponds for dabbling ducks, grebes and wetland sparrows, rails and other marsh birds.
by Nick Saunders
Suggested items to Bring:
- Clothes suitable for the weather (rain coat, hat, walking shoes, etc.)
- Water bottle
- Binoculars and camera or spotting scope (optional
Tour Fee: CA$325 (about US$230, £190) for groups of 1 – 4 persons Taxes included.
Fee covers expert guiding services during 4 hour tour.
Meals, transportation and accommodation are NOT included.
Tour may be combined with Prairie Grasslands Birding Tour, Dancing Grouse Tour, Saskatoon Summer Birding Tour and Chickadee Feeding Tour.
Ask about multiple tour discounts.
All proceeds support the work of Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity. https://livingskywildliferehabilitation.org/
RESERVATIONS: Send us your full name(s), mailing address, email address and requested tour dates.
E-mail: birdtours@sasktel.net
Phone: 306-652-5975
Text: 306-281-2215
TOUR GUIDE: Your guide has many years of experience finding and observing birds throughout Saskatchewan. For over 30 years, Stan Shadick has been a birding guide for nature tours around Saskatchewan and other parts of the country that have been organized by Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, Nature Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan Extension Division. He is past president of Nature Saskatchewan as well as past president and current field trip chairman for the Saskatoon Nature Society. He is a co-editor of the reference publication “Birds of the Saskatoon Area” and contributed significantly to the recently published “Birds of Saskatchewan”. He is currently a regional coordinator for the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas project and helps with their bird identification workshops. He regularly contributes sightings to e-bird and currently holds the e-bird record for the most bird species seen in Saskatchewan.
PRAIRIE GRASSLANDS BIRDING TOUR
Full Day Tour in late April – July, 2020.
Join our experienced local birding guide for a 8 hour Drive visiting best prairie grassland birding habitats in Saskatoon region.
We will practice special COVID SAFE self-isolation steps during all 2020 spring tours. Clients will drive their own personal or rented vehicle while the leader will travel in a separate vehicle.
We will communicate via cell phone while remaining in separate vehicles.
by Nick Saunders
Visit best hangout for seeing or hearing hard-to-find grassland birds in Saskatoon region!
by Nick Saunders
Some grassland birds that might be seen or heard include: Sharp-tailed Grouse, Swainson’s Hawk, Long-billed Curlew, Upland Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, Sprague’s Pipit, Loggerhead Shrike, Western Kingbird, Baird’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Western Meadowlark.
by Nick Saunders
Early morning departure recommended.
Suggested items to Bring:
- Clothes suitable for the weather (rain jacket, sun hat, etc.)
- Water bottle
- Binoculars, Spotting Scope and camera (optional)
Tour Fee: CA$640 (about US$450, £365) for groups of 1 – 4 persons Taxes included.
Fee includes guiding services during 8 hour trip.
Meals, transportation and accommodation are NOT included.
Tour may be combined with Dancing Grouse tour, Saskatoon Summer Birding Tour, Chickadee Feeding Tour and Prairie Lakes Birding Tour. Ask about multiple tour discounts.
All proceeds support the work of Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity. https://livingskywildliferehabilitation.org/
RESERVATIONS: Send us your full name(s), mailing address, email address and requested tour dates.
E-mail: birdtours@sasktel.net
Phone: 306-652-5975
Text: 306-281-2215
TOUR GUIDE: Your guide has many years of experience finding and observing birds throughout Saskatchewan. For over 30 years, Stan Shadick has been a birding guide for nature tours around Saskatchewan and other parts of the country that have been organized by Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, Nature Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan Extension Division. He is past president of Nature Saskatchewan as well as past president and current field trip chairman for the Saskatoon Nature Society. He is a co-editor of the reference publication “Birds of the Saskatoon Area” and contributed significantly to the recently published “Birds of Saskatchewan”. He is currently a regional coordinator for the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas project and helps with their bird identification workshops. He regularly contributes sightings to e-bird and currently holds the e-bird record for the most bird species seen in Saskatchewan.
CHICKADEE FEEDING TOUR
HALF Day Tours in April
- Let our experienced birding guide show you the best bird-rich locations at Pike Lake Provincial Park.
Black-capped Chickadee
by Nick Saunders - Chickadees will feed out of your hand!
Sometimes nuthatches and downy woodpeckers will as well. Bag of sunflower seeds provided.
White-breasted Nuthatch - Possible birds to be seen during hikes on park trails include Ruffed Grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Pileated Woodpecker, Great Horned Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Northern Shrike, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, Black-billed Magpie, Common Raven.
Ruffed Grouse
by Nick Saunders - Good opportunities for bird photography
Half Day Tour Fee: CA$290 (about US$220, £170) for groups of 1 – 3 persons.
Fee includes guiding services, entrance fees.
Meals, transportation and accommodation are NOT included.
Trip begins at your Saskatoon hotel.
Morning Tours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon; Afternoon Tours 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Tour may be combined with our Dancing Grouse Tour, Snowy Owl Tour and Forest Winter Birding Tour.
All proceeds support the work of Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity.
RESERVATIONS: Send us your full name(s), mailing address, email address and requested tour dates.
E-mail: birdtours@sasktel.net
Phone: 306-652-5975
Text: 306-281-2215
TOUR GUIDE: Your guide has many years of experience finding and observing birds throughout Saskatchewan. For over 30 years, Stan Shadick has been a birding guide for nature tours around Saskatchewan and other parts of the country that have been organized by Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, Nature Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan Extension Division. He is past president of Nature Saskatchewan as well as past president and current field trip chairman for the Saskatoon Nature Society. He is a co-editor of the reference publication “Birds of the Saskatoon Area” and contributed significantly to the recently published “Birds of Saskatchewan”. He is currently a regional coordinator for the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas project and helps with their bird identification workshops. He regularly contributes sightings to e-bird and currently holds the e-bird record for the most bird species seen in Saskatchewan.
SASKATOON WINTER BIRDWATCHING TOUR
with optional visits to Wanuskewin Park, Zoo,
Museum of Natural Sciences and
Diefenbaker Canada Centre.
Half Day and Full Day Tours
in November, December, February through April
that are custom designed to match your interests.
by Nick Saunders
- Hike through the best bird-rich city parks with our experienced local guide looking for winter songbirds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, jays, crossbills, finches and Bohemian Waxwings.
Common Goldeneye
by Nick Saunders - Visit best hangouts for wintering ducks and geese.
Stegasaurus
at Museum of Natural Sciences - Optionally warm up with a visit to the Museum of Natural Sciences with exhibits featuring live fish, birds and plants plus displays about dinosaurs, fossils and minerals. https://artsandscience.usask.ca/museumofnaturalsciences/index.php
- Optionally visit Saskatoon’s Zoo featuring prairie wild birds and mammals.
saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/events-attractions/saskatoon-forestry-farm-park-zoo - Optionally visit the historical exhibits at the Diefenbaker Canada Centre museum featuring Canada’s 13th Prime Minister. https://diefenbaker.usask.ca/
Wanuskewin Heritage Park 
Wanuskewin Heritage Park - Full day tour includes an option to look for birds along creek trail at Wanuskewin Heritage Park (wanuskewin.com) and then warm up visiting displays about indigenous culture.
- Local Birding expert Stan Shadick will be your guide for this walking and driving tour of Saskatoon’s parks and museums. He will identify birds seen or heard along the trip and carry a scope to permit magnified views of the ducks and geese or perched birds. We will walk at a relatively slow pace.
Half Day Tour Fee: CA$ 290 (about US$215; 170 UK pounds ) for groups of 1 – 3 persons.
Fee includes guiding services and transportation, entrance fees to any 1 of the optional museums (excluding Wanuskewin) and parking fees. Meals and accommodation are NOT included.
Morning option 8 AM – 12 Noon. Afternoon Option: 1 PM – 5 PM.
Full Day Tour Fee: CA$ 560 (about US$420; 325 UK pounds ) for groups of 1 – 3 persons.
Fee includes guiding services and transportation, entrance fees to any of the optional museums (including Wanuskewin) and parking fees. Meals and accommodation are NOT included.
Trip begins at your hotel about 8 am and ends about 4 pm.
RESERVATIONS: Send us your full name(s), mailing address, email address and requested tour dates.
E-mail: birdtours@sasktel.net
Phone: 306-652-5975
Text: 306-281-2215
Tour may be combined with our Snowy Owl Tour, Chickadee Feeding Tour and Forest Winter Birding Tour.
Ask about multiple tour discounts and package tour prices including accommodation.
All proceeds support the work of Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity.
TOUR GUIDE: Your guide has many years of experience finding and observing birds throughout Saskatchewan. For over 30 years, Stan Shadick has been a birding guide for nature tours around Saskatchewan and other parts of the country that have been organized by Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, Nature Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan Extension Division. He is past president of Nature Saskatchewan as well as past president and current field trip chairman for the Saskatoon Nature Society. He is a co-editor of the reference publication “Birds of the Saskatoon Area” and contributed significantly to the recently published “Birds of Saskatchewan”. He is currently a regional coordinator for the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas project and helps with their bird identification workshops. He regularly contributes sightings to e-bird and currently holds the e-bird record for the most bird species seen in Saskatchewan.
FOREST WINTER BIRDING TOUR
Extended Full Day Birding Tour to Prince Albert National Park and area
in November, December, February, March, April.
- Join our experienced local birding guide for an Extended Full Day Drive to Boreal Forest habitat in Prince Albert National Park and adjacent areas.
- Visit best areas for finding and observing wintering Great Gray Owls and Northern Hawk Owls!
Great Gray Owl
by Nick Saunders
Northern Hawk Owl
by Nick Saunders - Tour departs 8 am and returns about 10 pm.
- Visit best areas for finding American 3-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Canada Jay, Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse, Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll.
Hoary Redpoll
by Nick Saunders - Good opportunities for bird photography!
Extended Full Day Tour Fee: CA$940 (about US$710, £550) for groups of 1 – 3 persons.
Fee includes guiding services and transportation, entrance fees to any of the optional museums and parking fees. Meals and accommodation are NOT included.
Trip begins at your Saskatoon hotel about 8 am and ends about 10 pm.
Tour may be combined with Saskatoon Winter Birdwatching Tour, Chickadee Feeding Tour and Snowy Owl Tours.
All proceeds support the work of Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity.
RESERVATIONS: Send us your full name(s), mailing address, email address and requested tour dates.
E-mail: birdtours@sasktel.net
Phone: 306-652-5975
Text: 306-281-2215
TOUR GUIDE: Your guide has many years of experience finding and observing birds throughout Saskatchewan. For over 30 years, Stan Shadick has been a birding guide for nature tours around Saskatchewan and other parts of the country that have been organized by Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, Nature Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan Extension Division. He is past president of Nature Saskatchewan as well as past president and current field trip chairman for the Saskatoon Nature Society. He is a co-editor of the reference publication “Birds of the Saskatoon Area” and contributed significantly to the recently published “Birds of Saskatchewan”. He is currently a regional coordinator for the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas project and helps with their bird identification workshops. He regularly contributes sightings to e-bird and currently holds the e-bird record for the most bird species seen in Saskatchewan.
SNOWY OWL TOUR
Full Day Tours in November, December, February and March.
- Join our experienced local birding guide for a full Day drive through a rural farming district reputed by owl experts to have the highest concentration of wintering Snowy Owls in the world!
Snowy Owl
by Nick Saunders - Tour departs 8 am and returns about 4 pm.
Bald Eagle
by Nick Saunders - Visit best hangout for wintering ducks and geese and Bald Eagles in the province.
Golden Eagle
by Nick Saunders - Other possible birds to be seen during trip include Golden Eagle, Gyrfalcon, Prairie Falcon, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Gray Partridge, Snow Buntings, Common Redpolls, Common Raven, Bohemian Waxwing, Black-billed Magpie.
Full Day Tour Fee: CA$690 (about US$520, £400) for groups of 1 – 3 persons. Taxes included.
Fee includes guiding services and transportation, entrance fees to any of the optional museums and parking fees. Meals and accommodation are NOT included.
Trip begins at your hotel about 8 am and ends about 4 pm.
Tour may be combined with our Saskatoon Winter Birdwatching Tour, Chickadee Feeding Tour and Forest Birding Tour.
All proceeds support the work of Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation charity.
RESERVATIONS: Send us your full name(s), mailing address, email address and requested tour dates.
E-mail: birdtours@sasktel.net
Phone: 306-652-5975
Text: 306-281-2215
TOUR GUIDE: Your guide has many years of experience finding and observing birds throughout Saskatchewan. For over 30 years, Stan Shadick has been a birding guide for nature tours around Saskatchewan and other parts of the country that have been organized by Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, Nature Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan Extension Division.. He is past president of Nature Saskatchewan as well as past president and current field trip chairman for the Saskatoon Nature Society. He is a co-editor of the reference publication “Birds of the Saskatoon Area” and contributed significantly to the recently published “Birds of Saskatchewan”. He is currently a regional coordinator for the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas project and helps with their bird identification workshops. He regularly contributes sightings to e-bird and currently holds the e-bird record for the most bird species seen in Saskatchewan.
Whooping and Sandhill Crane Viewing Tours
Whoopers and Sandhills
Whooping Cranes in grain field
Large flock of Whoopers
Snow Geese flock
Blackstrap Guided Birding Driving Tour
Eared Grebes
Marbled Godwit
Western Kingbird
Ruddy Duck
American Avocet
Wilson’s Phalarope
