Your new neighbours might be little birds
Morning from the Valley — here's what's growing in Winkler-Morden.
You know, sometimes the stories that hit the MiTL desk from outside our Valley really make you think about what we've got going on here. This one from Winnipeg caught my eye, and it's not about manufacturing or population growth, but about some unexpected residents. A couple up in the city is finding themselves sharing their home with chimney swifts, those little birds that are actually a threatened species. Apparently, these swifts decided their 91-year-old chimney was the perfect spot to set up house. Can you imagine getting a new set of 'musical roommates' like that?
### Why This Matters for Us
Now, Winkler and Morden might not have a lot of those century-old brick chimneys that are perfect for swifts, but it makes you think about how we live alongside nature, even as our communities expand. We're so focused on new developments – whether it's more housing going up off Highway 3 or the latest expansion at Decor Cabinets – we sometimes forget about the wildlife that's always been here.
* **Protecting Local Species:** Even though chimney swifts aren't a huge presence in the Pembina Valley, we have our own local species that need attention. * **Balancing Growth and Nature:** As we continue to see incredible growth, especially in Morden with its 14.5% population jump, it's a good reminder to consider our green spaces and how our expansion impacts the natural world around us. * **Unexpected Guests:** It’s a funny story, but also a gentle nudge to remember that sometimes nature shows up in the most unexpected places.
It's a quirky story, sure, but it's a good reminder for us here in the Valley. As we build more and welcome more people – and we do that exceptionally well, I might add – let's not forget about the quiet corners where nature still thrives, even in our own backyards. We might not have chimney swifts knocking on our doors, but we have plenty of other things to appreciate and protect.
Corinne Dueck, MiTL Sports Desk, Winkler-Morden.
The morning crew at mornings.live often gets into these off-the-wall stories – give them a listen!