Along with the Kamloops Naturalists, the Nicola Naturalist Society is responsible for reporting on the Douglas Lake Plateau Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). Set up in 1996 this is one of the largest IBAs in B.C. It covers important migration staging areas for Sandhill Cranes and extensive breeding habitat for many waterfowl species and grassland specialists. The area is also under consideration for the new international recognition as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) which considers all wild organisms and not just birds.
For photos and information on our most recent crane surveys click here: Sandhill Crane 2023 surveys
Sandhill Cranes taking off from the Douglas Lake grasslands. Photo: © Leanne Cleaveley
Here are posts on past outings to the Douglas Lake Plateau:
Spring outing to Douglas Lake Plateau IBA – 21 April 2014
Sunday 21 April 2013 visit to IBA
Nicola Naturalists’ birding trip to the Douglas Lake Plateau grasslands – 2 June 2013
Black-bellied Plover an unexpected visitor – 2 June 2013
Here are some past reports on this IBA
For our 2014 report click here: Douglas Plateau IBA Report 2014
For our 2013 report on this IBA click here: Douglas Lake Plateau IBA Report 2013
For our 2012 report on this IBA click here: Douglas Lk Plateau IBA Annual Report 2012.
To download field data sheets for Sandhill Crane surveys for this IBA click here: Crane Survey Information.
To get more information on IBAs in British Columbia, including brochures, reports and caretaker information click here: IBA BC
Sandhill Cranes leaving the Douglas Lake grasslands – 16 April 2023. Photo: © Alan Burger
