Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary facts for kids

The Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary is a special place in Saskatchewan, Canada. It's known as a National Historic Site because of its importance. This sanctuary is located in the rural area of Last Mountain Valley No. 250.

What makes this place so unique? It was the very first bird sanctuary ever created in North America! It covers about 47.36 square kilometers (18.29 square miles). This area is part of a larger wildlife zone called the Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area.

Many different kinds of birds use this sanctuary. They stop here during their long migrations or build their nests here. You might see amazing birds like the sandhill crane and the very rare whooping crane. The lake itself is also a great home for fish. Many fish species, including the bigmouth buffalo, use the lake's rich waters to lay their eggs.

In 1987, the sanctuary celebrated its 100th birthday. It was officially recognized as a National Historic Site that year. This was because of its untouched natural areas, like its wetlands, shorelines, forests, and grasslands. It was also honored for being Canada's first bird sanctuary.

History of the Sanctuary

Protecting Birds from the Start

The idea for this special bird sanctuary began a long time ago. In 1887, a leader named Edgar Dewdney suggested protecting wild birds in the area. He was the Lieutenant-Governor of the North-West Territories at the time.

On June 8, 1887, the government officially created the Dominion bird reserve at Last Mountain Lake. This made it the first bird sanctuary in all of North America! About 2,500 acres (10 square kilometers) of land were set aside. This land included the northern 27 kilometers (17 miles) of the lake's shoreline. It was meant to be a safe place for birds to breed.

Official Recognition and Protection

Later, in 1917, the reserve was officially named the Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary. The Fish and Game League helped manage and run the sanctuary. Then, in 1921, it received even more protection. It was put under a federal law called the Migratory Birds Convention Act. This law helps protect birds that travel between Canada and the United States.

Exploring the Sanctuary's Environment

Unique Landscapes and Waterways

The Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary is located in an area called the Northern mixed grasslands. This means it has a mix of grassy plains and wetlands. At the north end of the lake, you'll find mud flats and marshes. Shorebirds love the mud flats, and waterfowl (like ducks and geese) use the marshes.

The water level in these areas is carefully managed. Organizations like Ducks Unlimited Canada have built structures to control the water. There's also a dam at the south end of the lake. This dam helps control the overall depth of the water.

Shorelines and Surrounding Lands

The lake's shoreline is mostly sandy. But you can also find rocky or gravelly spots. There are many peninsulas that create calm bays along the shore. The shallow marshes also have small, round ponds called potholes. You'll also see salty wetlands with reeds growing along the shore. Several natural islands are scattered throughout the lake.

The land around the lake is mostly native prairie and low-lying grassland. Some of this grassland is alkaline, meaning it has a higher salt content in the soil.

Visiting the Sanctuary

You are allowed to visit the Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary. There are seven roads that connect to the site. However, there are rules to follow to protect the birds. These rules come from the federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations. For example, you cannot hunt migratory birds. You also can't destroy, disturb, or remove their nests or eggs.

But you can enjoy many activities here! You can go hiking, fishing (following provincial rules), and boating. It's a great place to observe nature and see many different birds.

Wildlife of Last Mountain Lake

Amazing Bird Migrations

The sanctuary is a very important stop for birds during their autumn migration. Imagine this: as many as 400,000 ducks, geese, and swans (called anatidae) might stop here! Plus, about 75,000 sandhill cranes also visit.

The islands in the lake are home to many prairie birds and waterfowl. These birds build their nests in large groups, forming colonies. The whooping crane, which is an endangered species, also uses the lake. They stop here to rest and feed during their long journeys.

Fish and Mammals

The lake is full of fish and is considered one of the best places in Saskatchewan for fish to lay eggs and for young fish to grow. One important fish species found here is the bigmouth buffalo. This fish is considered vulnerable, meaning its population needs protection. It's a filter-feeding fish, which means it helps keep the water clean by eating tiny particles.

The land around the lake is also home to many prairie mammals. Deer often use this area as a safe place to spend the winter.