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The Wildlife of Omand's Creek

The Study

The Flora

The Fauna

 

 

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The Wildlife of Omand's Creek - The Fauna

By Doug Collicutt

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Results: The Fauna of Omand's Creek

In this report only vertebrate species (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) recorded along Omand's Creek are included. Some information on invertebrate species was gathered, but for the sake of brevity was not included here.

Fishes

Only 2 species of fishes were recorded in Omand's Creek. Sampling for fish species was hampered by lack of appropriate equipment. The nets and traps employed in this work proved to be only moderately effective. Names of the species listed below are as in Scott and Crossman (1973).

List of Fishes

Creek Chub (Semotilus atromaculatus)

Present in large numbers. Individuals up to 8 cm in length were noted. This species is likely a year round resident.

 

Brook Stickleback (Culea inconstans)

It is present in large numbers. Individuals measured up to 6 cm in length. It is a year round resident in the creek.

Amphibians

Three species of amphibians were recorded. Several surveys for calling male frogs or toads were conducted in April and May. Amphibian names are as in Preston 1982.

List of Amphibians

Canadian Toad (Bufo americanus hemiophrys)

Five males were heard calling on May 15. No tadpoles or young were observed.

 

Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)

Adult frogs were observed near the water's edge on numerous occasions. No males were heard calling.

 

Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)

Adult frogs were occasionally seen throughout the summer. On April 28, an evening survey revealed 33 males calling. Assuming a 1:1 sex ratio in the population it may be assumed that there were at least 66 wood frogs within the study area.

Reptiles

Three species of reptiles were recorded. Reptile names are as in Preston 1982.

List of Reptiles

Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta belli)

One individual was seen basking on 3 occasions in July, in Area 2.

 

Red-sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

On September 13, one medium sized snake (50 cm in length) was captured and released, after identification, in Area 2.

 

Western Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix)

Five snakes were recorded during general surveys. On July 4, 3 individuals (2 females, 70 & 80 cm in length, and 1 male, 50 cm in length) were observed. On September 12 a young snake was caught in Area 2. Its size (15 cm) suggests it would have been born that summer.

Mammals

Four species of mammals were recorded. Names of mammals and their order of appearance are as in Banfield (1977).

List of Mammals

Richardson's Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus richardsonii)

Seen or heard on 183 occasions, 174 in Area 3, at Omand's Creek during general surveys. Numerous young were seen on a number of occasions after mid-June. Several small colonies totaling about 30-40 individuals were found in Area 3.

 

Beaver (Castor canadensis)

A small colony of beavers, at least 4 individuals, inhabited the Omand's Creek study area. The colony built a new lodge near the south end of Area 3 and a new dam at the north end of Area 2 in June and July. They had been maintaining a lodge and dams in Area 1 prior to that time. The beavers have severely reduced woody vegetation along the shore (primarily willows) and cut many larger trees (maples, elm, and others) higher up on the banks throughout the study area.

 

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

Regularly seen along the creek. No more than 2 individuals were seen on any one occasion. No burrow sites were located.

 

Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus)

Only one vole was seen during general surveys. Their sign (trails, chewed shrubs, etc.) was not common suggesting that vole numbers were not great.

Birds

Seventy-six (76) species of birds were encountered during this study. Evidence of successful breeding was obtained for 15 of these species. Common and scientific names are as in Godfrey (1979).

Fifty-three general surveys were conducted from Apr. 13 - Oct. 25, totaling approximately 80 hours of viewing time; during which 9036 sightings were recorded. (Note: Sightings were totaled as the number of individual birds observed at a time. A flock of 10 birds seen once counted for 10 sightings as would a single bird sighted 10 times during any one survey.) The total number of sightings per survey varied from 26-873 while the numbers of different species seen per survey varied from 3-31. Monthly means of numbers of sightings and species recorded are presented in Figures 6 & 7.

Fig. 6. Monthly means of Bird Sightings per Survey.

Fig. 7. Monthly means of Bird Species Recorded per Survey.

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Table 4. Checklist of the bird species recorded at Omand's Creek. The number of times each was sighted during general surveys and the proportion (% of total sightings) this represents is given. Unidentified sightings are included in this list.

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List of Birds

Each species is designated by the nature of its occurrence as a resident (R), a visitor (V), or a migrant (M). Residents were those known to inhabit the area throughout much of the study period. Visitors were species only seen occasionally during the summer and were clearly not residing in the area. Migrants were those observed only during spring and autumn as they made their way north or south, respectively. Species were further designated by whether they were present because of the specific habitat available along the waterway (W) or because they use the surrounding area in general (G). For example: the mallard was a resident species and was present because of the specific habitat (wetland) available along the waterway. In the list of species it is designated RW. The white-throated sparrow is a migrant which passes through the city at large and is designated MG. Asterisks (*) denote species known to have bred in the area. Included after each species' designation are the overall number of times each was sighted in each area within the study site.

Black Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) - VW (1, 0, 0)

One seen flying along the creek in May.

 

Double Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) - MW (1, 0, 2)

One observed on 3 occasions in mid-Sept. to early Oct. Was seen to catch small fish on 2 occasions.

 

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) - OC: RW* (311, 338, 558)

Among the most frequently seen birds throughout the study period. As many as 8 broods were reared in Omand's Creek.

 

Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) - OC: RW* (6, 36, 129)

Two pairs, and subsequently, 2 females with broods were commonly seen (primarily Area 3) from June to September.

 

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) - OC: RW* (103, 45, 272)

Two females reared broods in the creek. They likely nested south of the study area along the Assiniboine River.

 

Kestrel (Falco sparverius) - OC: VW*? (3, 10, 4)

A pair was seen regularly in May and early June. They were observed mating on several occasions, but had left the study area by mid-June.

 

Merlin (Falco columbarius) - OC: VG (1, 1, 2)

Individuals were seen flying over the creek in mid-summer.

 

Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) - OC: VW (1, 2, 3)

Seen occasionally from April to June in fields adjacent to the creek.

 

Sora (Porzana carolina) - OC: VW (0, 0, 9)

One individual seen or heard a number of times from June to September in heavy cattails in Area 3.

 

American Coot (Fulica americana) - OC: VW (5, 0, 0)

One individual seen on several occasions in May in the beaver pond section of Area 1.

 

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) - OC: RG (5, 4, 9)

Seen occasionally throughout the study period.

 

Snipe (Capella gallinago) - OC: VW (5, 2, 1)

Occasionally flushed from the edge of the creek.

 

Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia) - OC: VW (1, 0, 3)

Seen occasionally along the edge of the creek.

 

Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) - OC: VW (1, 0, 8)

Individuals seen occasionally along the creek during May.

 

Lesser Yellowlegs (Totanus flavipes) - OC: MW (1, 1, 1)

Seen along the water's edge in May and September.

 

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) - OC: MG (7, 0, 0)

One flock of 7 seen flying over the creek on May 12.

 

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) - OC: RG (63, 40, 76)

Commonly seen flying from May to October. Regularly feeding on garbage in the parking lots of Polo Park shopping centre and the Winnipeg Stadium/Arena complex.

 

Franklin's Gull (Larus pipixcan) - OC: RG (17, 4, 15)

Commonly seen flying over the creek.

 

Pigeon (Columba livia) - OC: RG (31, 26, 280)

Commonly seen flying over Omand's Creek. Large numbers of these birds roosted on Winnipeg Stadium.

 

Mourning Dove (Zenaidura macroura) - OC: RG* (80, 21, 15)

Two pairs were regularly seen in Area 1 and were thought to be nesting there.

 

Black-billed Cuckcoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) - OC: VG (2, 0, 1)

Individuals were observed in shrub patches along the creek.

 

Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) - OC: RG (1, 3, 2)

Incidental record. Seen flying on a number of evening surveys.

 

Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) - OC: VG (1, 0, 0)

One bird was observed perched on a Hydro line in Area 1 on August 18; clearly an escaped pet.

 

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) - OC: VW (11, 2, 2)

Occasionally seen perched on branches overhanging the creek.

 

Common Flicker (Colaptes auratus) - OC: RG (7, 7, 11)

Seen regularly.

 

Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) - OC: VG (3, 0, 1)

Occasionally seen.

 

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) - OC: VG (1, 0, 3)

Seen occasionally.

 

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) - OC: VG (2, 3, 9)

Occasionally seen.

 

Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) - OC: VG (0, 2, 1)

Sightings of individuals during July.

 

Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) - OC: VG (1, 1, 0)

Seen on 2 occasions in April and September.

 

Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) - OC: RW (18, 5, 8)

Occasionally seen in treed areas or in shrubs.

 

Tree Swallow (Iridoprocne bicolor) - OC: VG (2, 6, 3)

Seen flying over the creek on several occasion in June.

 

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) - OC: RW * (28, 62, 267)

Among the most frequently seen birds, particularly in Area 3. Two pairs were known to have reared young there.

 

Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) - OC: VW (602, 4, 4)

Most of these sightings of this bird came on just two occasions in June when large flocks were observed near the Portage Avenue bridge. Perhaps 50 pairs nested under the Portage Ave.

 

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) - OC: VW (12, 0, 1)

Seen occasionally in wooded areas of Area 1.

 

Common Crow (Corvus brachyrynchos) - OC: RG (1, 30, 48)

Commonly observed.

 

Raven (Corvus corax) - OC: VG (0, 0, 3)

One individual flew over the creek on 3 occasions in July and September. The bird was observed perched on Winnipeg Stadium on other occasions.

 

Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) - OC: RW (55, 2, 9)

Commonly seen or heard near thickets in Area 1.

 

Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) - OC: RW* (2, 0, 17)

A pair nested in shrubs in Area 3. Fledglings were seen during July.

 

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) - OC: RG (74, 17, 30)

Commonly seen.

 

Swainsons Thrush (Hylocichla ustulata) - OC: MG (5, 0, 0)

A few individuals were seen in May and September in Area 1.

 

Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) - OC: MG (8, 0, 0)

A few individuals were seen in May in Area 1.

 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) - OC: MG (7, 0, 0)

Occasionally seen in May in Area 1.

 

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) - OC: RG* (34, 44, 330)

Common. Flocks were often seen flying over Area 3, fledglings were common in July and August, but few were thought to have nested in Area 3.

 

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) - OC: VG (1, 0, 0)

One seen in Area 1.

 

Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) - OC: RW* (119, 4, 8)

A very common species. Males were commonly seen or heard in trees or shrubs along the creek.

 

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica dominica) - OC: MG (5, 1, 1)

Seen occasionally during May and September.

 

Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum) - OC: MG (1, 9, 1)

Seen occasionally during May and September.

 

Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus) - OC: MG (0, 0, 1)

A migrant seen in June.

 

Northern Waterthrush (Seirus noveboracensis) - OC: MW (3, 0, 0)

Seen along the creek edge where shrubs were thick in Area 1.

 

Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) - OC: MW (3, 3, 11)

Seen on migration in May and September.

 

American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) - OC: MG (2, 0, 1)

Seen on migration.

 

Tennessee Warbler (Vermivora peregrina) - OC: MG (1, 2, 2)

Seen occasionally during migration.

 

Wilson's Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) - OC: MG (3, 0, 3)

Seen during May.

 

Cape May Warbler (Dendroica tigrina) - OC: MG (1, 0, 0)

One was observed in June.

 

Connecticut Warbler (Oporonis agilis) - OC: MG (1, 0, 3)

A migrant seen in trees or shrubs.

 

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) - OC: RG* (161, 52, 355)

One of the most abundant birds in Winnipeg, this introduced species was seen in all kinds of habitat.

 

Western Meadowlark (Spurnella neglecta) - OC: RG* (1, 21, 4)

Fairly common in untended (i.e.: unmown areas) grassy areas.

 

Red-winged Blackbird (female) (Agelaius phoeniceus) - OC: RW* (122, 605, 1638)

One of the most abundant species, especially in Area 3 where extensive cattail growth provided good nesting habitat. Area 3 held at least 26 breeding males and 28 females.

 

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) - OC: VG (0, 0, 1)

One bird seen in October.

 

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) - OC: VW (1, 0, 0)

One bird seen in September.

 

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) - OC: RG* (59, 29, 222)

A commonly observed species throughout the summer. Many fledglings were observed during July and August.

 

Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) - OC: RW (108, 6, 10)

Common throughout the summer in treed areas.

 

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) - OC: RW (108, 18, 4)

A common resident, seen mainly in treed areas.

 

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) - OC: MW (3, 1, 0)

Occasional sightings were made in April, May and September.

 

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) - OC: MG (117, 44, 15)

A commonly seen migrant in April, September and October.

 

Tree Sparrow (Spizella arboreal) - OC: MG (15, 4, 3)

A migrant seen occasionally during spring and fall.

 

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) - OC: RG (12, 0, 0)

Seen occasionally.

 

Clay-coloured Sparrow (Spizella pallida) - OC: RW* (118, 60, 14)

A common resident. Males were often heard singing from shrubs or low trees near grassy meadows.

 

Harris' Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula) - OC: MG (3, 0, 0)

Observed on migration.

 

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) - OC: MG (21, 0, 0)

Observed on migration.

 

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) - OC: MG (1, 0, 1)

Seen occasionally during spring and fall migration.

 

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) - OC: MG (58, 1, 39)

Seen occasionally during spring and fall migration.

 

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) - OC: RW* (62, 14, 7)

A common resident. Males were often heard singing from shrubs along the water's edge.

 

Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) - OC: MW (3, 1, 1)

Occasionally seen during spring and fall migrations.

 

Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) - OC: MW (30, 6, 9)

Occasionally seen during spring and fall migrations.

 

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) - OC: MG (1, 0, 0)

One bird seen in May.

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Concluding Remarks

The intent of this project was to provide an objective account of the wildlife resources of a section of Omand's Creek and to exemplify and promote the value of urban wildlife in Winnipeg. To this end a traditional discussion of the results obtained is not included. The reader is encouraged to examine and interpret the presented data for him/herself. In most cases, the numbers and facts speak for themselves. Perhaps, more importantly, they can speak for the plants and animals that inhabit this small oasis in our concrete jungle.

An urban jewel. Something of which we can all be proud.

Urban wildlife deserves recognition for its aesthetic, recreational and educational value. Winnipeg is fortunate in that it still harbours many rich and diverse wildlife communities like those documented in this report. However, these are beginning to disappear at an alarming rate. Our city is growing in on itself and as habitat for humans and commerce is expanded, habitat for wildlife is lost. Without careful planning and consideration we risk losing a resource that we have only just begun to appreciate. Once lost, our natural heritage may never be reclaimed.

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Acknowledgments

The following literature was used in the preparation of this report.

Banfield, A.W.F. 1977. The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press. Toronto and Buffalo. 439 pp.

Bull, J. and J. Farrand, Jr. 1977. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds (Eastern Region). Alfred A. Knopf. New York. 784 pp.

Eddy, S. and A.C. Hodson. 1961. Taxonomic Keys to the Common Animals of the North Central States. Burgess Pub. Co. Minneapolis. 162 pp.

Godfrey, W.E. 1979. The Birds of Canada. Pub. by the National Museums of Canada. Toronto. 428 pp.

Looman, J. 1982. Prairie Grasses: Identified and Described by Vegetative Characters. Agriculture Canada. Ottawa. 244 pp.

Looman, J. and K.F.Best. 1979. Budd's Flora of the Canadian Prairie Provinces. Research Branch, Agriculture Canada Publication 1662. Hull. 863 pp.

Niering, W.A. and N.C. Olmstead. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers, (Eastern Region). Alfred A. Knopf. New York. 887 pp

Peterson, R.J. and M. McKenny. 1968. A Field Guide to Wildflowers of Northeastern and North-Central North America Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston. 420 pp.

Petrides, G.A. 1972. A Field Guide to Trees and Shrubs. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston. 428 pp.

Preston, W.B. 1982. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Manitoba. Pub. by the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature. Winnipeg. 129 pp.

Robbins, C.S., B. Bruun and H.S. Zim. 1966. A Guide to Field Identification: Birds of North America. Golden Press. New York. 340 pp.

Scott, W.B. and E.J. Crossman. 1973. Freshwater Fishes of Canada. Fisheries Research Board of Canada. Ottawa. 966 pp.

Vance, F.R., J.R. Jowsey and J.S. McLean. 1984. Wildflowers Across the Prairies. Western Producer Prairie Books. Saskatoon. 335 pp.

 

Thanks for learning about the Wildlife of Omand's Creek! Bye for now!

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