Elk Island a Perfect Spot to Spot an Eagle
Photo by Marilyn Dobbs
by Steve Boyd
You may not know this but Beaches of 59 and specifically, the RM of Victoria Beach, has a remarkably healthy Bald Eagle Population. The Bald Eagle is one of the largest of the raptors, catching a glimpse of one in action is an impressive sight.
Fast, smart, swift, and a lot bigger than you may think! The Bald Eagle has a wing span upwards of 6 feet. This is an impressive bird. Getting up close (safely), and capturing this event on camera, well you have a pretty good chance of that here in Victoria Beach.
Elk Island offers your best opportunity to see these birds in their natural habitat.
Along the North shore all the way to the limestone cliffs on a warm, calm, sunny morning you can see these birds siting in the tree tops watching, and waiting, for an unsuspecting meal to swim by, or something to wash up on shore. Many times you can see two or three of them in one tree, sitting together.
Along the East shoreline is much of the same. At times it seems unbelievable there can be so many eagles on one Island. If you are lucky enough, and some may say, “it is simply not true”, but if you are lucky, you may be fortunate enough to witness a Golden Eagle. Sighted over the years close to the top East end of the Island. This is a sight to behold - if you think a bald eagle is a big bird, just wait. This bird can block out the sun.
If you are a novice photographer, professional, or just a curious sightseer you have a real opportunity to get up close and personal with a Bald Eagle here at Victoria Beach.
You can get to Elk Island a few ways:
Across the water in a boat at the end of 504
Through the path at the hidden lagoon and along the beach (Sandy Bay) and then head North to Elk Island.
Many years the water level of the lake is low enough you can walk to Elk Island and only have the water ever reach your hips. Some years not. Each season poses new terrain to navigate. I have walked there during the fall with a sand bar the entire way, never to get my boots wet.
If you are unsure about your best way to get there, ask one of the many local people you will see in and about the community. Say hi and ask how to get where you are going. Who knows maybe you will get directions to a hidden gem only they know about!
As always be respectful of your surroundings, park only where indicated on Highway 504, there is no other parking allowed on the residential streets in this area, take out what you bring with you, and keep Elk Island pristine, and a safe place for our eagles to continue to use for years to come.
For information about Elk Island use this link: Manitoba Provincial Parks
You can also view the smaller but renowned fisher bird, the Osprey in action with numerous opportunities to sight these birds within the municipality. Small but fierce looking this bird has an impressive appearance. There are several man made platforms on top of Manitoba Hydro poles that the Osprey make their nests. There are several of these platforms throughout Victoria Beach where you can observe the Osprey and their young.
Photo by David Budnick