Western Tanager
The Intro
I am always interested in visiting new places and birds are always high on the list of things to see. Meadow Lake Guest Ranch completely exceeded my expectations when It came to birds and biomes with my total count coming to 97 species in 2.5 days. Not only were the birds awesome but so were the log houses and the hospitality. It is very rare that I am able to explore a vast range of habitats and see so many birds in such a small area but this little gem hidden away in the interior of BC was all that and more.
The Disappearing Lake
Mountain Bluebird Meadow Lake, like so many of the lakes around the area, is a closed system. This means that water typically flows into the lake but not out, with almost all the water leaving by way of the sky. These lakes are usually salty and are sometimes called soda lakes named for the white edges in the summer months. What does this mean for birders? It means a there are birds found here that are rarely found anywhere else in the province of BC. American White Pelicans and American Avocets which are two very rare species found here in the spring and summer months. The lake is not so salty that fish and invertebrates are found here as well. This of course attracts all the regular freshwater birds. There are also micro-climates and different natural features which lend itself to providing homes for a host of other species as well. Examples are the cattail marsh at the east end of the lake and the south facing rolling grass slopes, the pine and spruce forests on the north and mixed in for good measure are the ranch lands and poplar stands. This all translates to GREAT BIRDING.