Boreal Birding Tours in Northern Saskatchewan
Experience boreal birds in one of the most underrated birding destinations - Creighton/Denare Beach/Flin Flon. This area is FULL of boreal specialist species from migrating warblers to majestic owls; this area has the opportunity to see it all! The best part is that this area is quiet, many times you will be birding the area all to yourself!
It doesn’t matter if you are brand new to birding or an experienced birder - my tours are for every birder! I have a variety of options for different accessibility. Grab your birding friends for a bird-cation or get the family together for some quality time.
Birding is an amazing outdoor hobby that helps keep you active, allows you reconnect with nature, and there is always more to learn! It also doesn’t have to be intimidating - I am a beginner-friendly bird guide who finds joy and excitement in every single species, whether I’ve seen it once or 1000 times. Ethical birding practices come above all! I’ll teach what beginner birding mistakes to avoid right from the start. So you can start your birding journey with your best foot forward!
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"My mom and I had such a wonderful time birding with Shayna. As casual backyard birders, we appreciated how she tailored the experience perfectly — taking us both into the forest and through some urban birding spots while sharing stories and insights along the way. Shayna has an incredible depth of knowledge and a true passion for birds that made the experience engaging and fun. We learned so much and left with a whole new appreciation for the birds around us." - Ashlyn George
“Having watched and appreciated a good number of bird species here in the northern boreal forest over many years, I find that she has a very captivating way of sharing her birding experiences. Her total knowledge, familiarity and enthusiasm about all of our birds here is infectious.” - Les Oystryk
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Winter (October-March)
Willow Ptarmigan, Spruce Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Common Raven, American Crow, Black-billed Magpie, Snow Bunting, Redpoll, Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Boreal Chickadee, Black-backed Woodpecker, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Common Goldeneye, Blue Jay, Canada Jay, White-winged Crossbill, Red Crossbill, Northern Shrike, Bald Eagle, American Goshawk, Northern Hawk Owl, Great Gray Owl, Boreal Owl, Rock Pigeon (Feral), House Sparrow
Spring to Fall (April-September)
Coming soon
Wildlife
American Red Squirrel, Least Chipmunk, Snowshoe Hare, Short-tailed Weasel, Pine Marten, Fisher, River Otter, Beaver, Muskrat, Mink, Moose, Wolverine, Canadian Lynx, Red Fox, Coyote, Grey Wolf, Black Bear
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The perfect introduction to birding or a family outing! Guided bird walks are leisurely paced and open to everyone, with options available for each community in the area. Discover the birds that call these communities home! (Max 10)
Denare Beach Bird Walk - Adults $20 (17 & Under Free*)
Creighton (Location TBD) Bird Walk - Adults $20 (17 & Under Free*)
Flin Flon Boardwalk Bird Walk - Adults $20 (17 & Under Free*)
* Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
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Sturgeon Weir Waterfowl - Survey the flowing rapids and treelines for Eagles, Osprey, Shorebirds, Ducks, Mergansers, and more! Occasionally visited by Harlequin Ducks during migration.
Activity Level: Mild - viewpoint observations (extended standing) and short walking along gravel paths in between.
$125 +tax per person (Min 4, Max 10)
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Denare Beach Boreal Birding - Shoreline habitat, open lake, urban birding, and boreal specialist. This guided tour will cover multiple boreal habitats. Possible birds include warblers, sparrows, shorebirds, woodpeckers, boreal chickadees, and more.
Activity Level: Mild-Moderate - can be extended periods of walking and mild hills.
$125 +tax (Min 4, Max 10)
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Wild Willow Ptarmigan - (Winter Only - Join Waitlist!) This area is one of the most southerly reliable locations to see Willow Ptarmigan! These grouse (yes, the Aweeboo ones) are perfectly camouflaged for the winter snow and can be observed foraging among the willows, reaching and hopping for the tender buds. All grouse populations are cyclical; some years may have more grouse than others (Last Peak: 2025), but there are at least a few every single year.
Activity Level: Moderate - extended walking on snow-covered trails will be required. Winter temperatures and wind can be cold. (Tour does not run in windchills/temperatures colder than -20°C)
$200 +tax per person (Min 2, Max 5)
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Looking for a local guide for your birding trip? I’m your guide. Explore the area to the fullest extent with full-day and weekend guiding options. This is a completely customized tour to your species of interest while also taking into consideration your birding goals, physical limitations, accessibility, and more. Visit all the best local hotspots and you don’t have to worry about google maps taking you down an ATV trail!
Contact for availability
Full-Day Guide Rate: $500 + Tax
How To Book/Register for Walk
Step 1: Decide which tour from the options above
Step 2: Select a preset date from the calendar below, or indicate a custom date
Step 3: Inquire about availability using this form
Step 4: At confirmation of available tour spots, a Booking Fee (50% of Tour cost) is required for Half-day and Custom Tours, no deposit for guided bird walks (First Come First Serve - Cancellation Policy Here)
Step 5: Review the mandatory Waiver here, submit electronically, or be prepared to sign at tour commencement
Step 6: Booking completed! All that’s left is to show up for the tour!
Upcoming Tours
Spruce Grouse (Male)
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Professional Guide to assist with bird identification, spotting birds, photography tips, and emergency safety gear
Half-day Tours will have access to public restroom locations
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Yourself!
Appropriate clothing for weather conditions, including footwear
Recommended Gear: Binoculars, Notebook, Bug Spray/Bug Net, Sunscreen, Water bottle, Snacks (Half-day)
Optional: Camera, Bird Identification Book, walking stick(s), spotting scope, (Sturgeon Weir Waterfowl) Camping chair
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Accommodations
I recommend: T&D Amisk Camp, Bayside Resort, Overland Resort, Westwood Lodge, and Raven’s Hollow Eco Dome Resort
Food
I recommend: Alpine Convenience, Untamed Acres (Contact hello@untammedacres.ca), The Orange Toad, Creighton’s Pizza, Aurora & Pine Bistro, Chicken Chef, Kelsey Dining Room
Transportation
Highways on both sides are paved. Gas and Diesel are available in Denare Beach, Creighton, and Flin Flon. Please note that due to liability, I am not able to transport anyone during tours. If travel during a tour is required, you will be driving your own vehicle.
Looking for Accommodations, restaurants, and other activities in the area?
Click here for Recommended Local Amenities
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If you have any questions or concerns please contact me through the contact tab or by email at shaynacossettemedia@gmail.com