Long-billed Curlew nesting season is a reminder that the East Kootenay Lake Country grasslands are not empty open space. They are important wildlife habitat.

For many Fernie residents, “south country” or “lake country” means Wasa, Grasmere, Koocanusa, Skookumchuck, Windermere and the open landscapes of the Rocky Mountain Trench. These areas are popular for camping, paddling, riding, fishing and warmer-weather getaways.

They are also home to one of B.C.’s most distinctive grassland birds: the Long-billed Curlew.

Although it is classified as a shorebird, the Long-billed Curlew nests on the ground in dry open grasslands, hayfields and pastures. In the East Kootenay, key habitat includes the Rocky Mountain Trench grasslands, especially around Skookumchuck Prairie north of Cranbrook. The area is recognized as an Important Bird Area largely because of breeding Long-billed Curlews.

Other historic curlew areas include Wasa, Grasmere and north toward Windermere.

Nesting season generally runs from April through mid-July. During that time, nests and chicks are vulnerable to off-road vehicles, loose dogs, mowing, haying, development, repeated disturbance and habitat loss.

The practical message is simple: stay on established roads and trails, keep dogs controlled, avoid driving across grasslands, respect private land and posted closures, and give agitated or calling birds plenty of space.

Long-billed Curlews are part of the East Kootenay landscape. When we head south or west for lakes, camping and open-country recreation, we are also entering sensitive grassland habitat. Those grasslands deserve care.