A thunderbird is a mythical creature capable of transforming from an eagle to a human. It eats serpents and is the guardian of humanity against the great horned serpent of the underworld. Thunderbird nests are constructed by Indigenous people to attract a thunderbird as a guardian spirit. This site in the Rural Municipality of Alonsa is believed to the only thunderbird nest in western Manitoba, although several occur in eastern Manitoba. A trail at the site is dedicated to the memory of Huldi Gudbrandur “Barney” Brandson (1926-1991), a long-time municipal councillor and director of the Alonsa Conservation District since its inception in 1978. He leased this land and farmed nearby.
Thunderbird nest sign (September 2016)
Source: Alan Mason
Along the Thunderbird nest trail (October 2023)
Source: Rose KuzinaSite Coordinates (lat/long): N51.05553, W98.88193
denoted by symbol on the map above
Obituary [Huldi Gudbrandur Brandon], Winnipeg Free Press, 12 February 1991, page 36.
We thank Rose Kuzina for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Alan Mason and Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 13 January 2024
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