Birding Near Calgary's Weaselhead:
Bird Watching Hotspots in Calgary

The Weaselhead is not the only great place to go birding in Calgary. While you are here you may want to check out some of these other locations as well.

INGLEWOOD BIRD SANCTUARY
by Dave Elphinstone

The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a City of Calgary Special Protection Natural Environment Park and a federal migratory bird sanctuary. It consists of approximately 34 hectares of riverine woodland in a central urban location. This area however, usually produces the city's finest concentrations of warblers during fall migration, plus it is the best location in Calgary for finding uncommon species of gull in spring and late fall.

To reach the Sanctuary drive east on 9 Ave SE and turn into the Interpretive Center to the parking lot. (From the Deerfoot Trail, take the Blackfoot Trail westbound exit to 19 St SE, then turn left from this onto 9 Ave.) The Bow River Pathway skirts the boundary of the Sanctuary, providing pedestrian and bicycle access to the area as well. To the west is the Inglewood Wildlands a major naturalization project of the Petro Canada refinery lands. The Sanctuary is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year. The Colonel Walker house, located near the entrance, is a provincially designated historic site which was built in 1910. 

The Sanctuary has approximately 2.5 km of crushed gravel and paved trails. A paved trail, accessible to wheelchairs, runs along the western shore of the lagoon between the south bridge and the river. To help protect this special place, please stay on the pathways. Observation decks can be found along the lagoon.

A walk through the Sanctuary will reveal three flood terraces, or levels. The upper terrace is covered mainly by restored grassland, cultivated trees and shrubs; the interpretive center and the Walker house are situated upon it. Balsam Poplar trees dominate the middle terrace, while the lowest terrace is an area that is often flooded in spring and is dominated by willow. The most prominent feature of the landscape at Inglewood is the lagoon in the center of the area. This natural off-channel of the Bow River was dredged, dammed and expanded in the past to produce its present shape. Natural springs within the Sanctuary have been warm enough to keep water channels partially open in some winters, assisted by the movement of thousands of Mallards. However, due to changes in these springs in recent years, little of the lagoon now remains open in winter.

The chance to see birds at the Sanctuary changes dramatically from season to season. In May, small numbers of eastern and western warblers can be observed, together with summer residents such as American Kestrel, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird and Baltimore Oriole. Of the warblers, only the Yellow nests regularly.

By far the most opportune time to watch for migrant songbirds is from the beginning of August until the end of September. On exceptionally good days up to twenty species of warblers may be found by the observant birder. Warblers to watch for include: Tennessee, Orange-crowned, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Cape May, Yellow-rumped, Townsend's, Black-throated Green, Palm, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Black-and-white, American Redstart, MacGillivray's, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's and Canada. Warblers that have been recorded on only a few occasions at Inglewood include Nashville, Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Gray and Yellow-breasted Chat. Other species to watch for at this time include flycatchers, nuthatches, kinglets, and Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos. Accipiters, especially Sharp-shinneds, are attracted by these flocks of migrating passerines. A first for the province was a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher that showed up in the fall of 1988 and again in 1989.

In winter, the tame Black-capped Chickadees are the most visible residents. White-breasted Nuthatches have become regular winter residents as well. Watch for Bald Eagles-these prey on sick waterfowl. A Great Horned Owl may be encountered on its daytime perch.

In early spring and late fall many local birders watch the Bow River at Inglewood for regular migrants and unexpected rarities. The most productive area is the series of gravel bars towards the northern end. Uncommon gulls recorded here include Mew, Thayer's, Iceland, Glaucous-winged and Glaucous. Lesser Black-backed Gull, a first for the province, was observed here both in the spring and fall of 1989 and has been seen somewhat regularly since. Interesting ducks to watch for include Harlequin, Common and Barrow's Goldeneyes, and all three Mergansers.

Descendents of a small introduced population of Wood Ducks nest in the old Balsam Poplars-the only place in southern Alberta where this species can be reliably found. In winter they move out onto the Bow River.

The Sanctuary has washrooms and facilities for the disabled. For more information phone the Sanctuary office at 269-6688.

FISH CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK
by Reid Barclay

Fish Creek Provincial Park is the largest park in Calgary, stretching almost 16 kilometres from east to west in the southern portion of Calgary. Fish Creek originates in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and flows through forests and farmland before reaching the park. It is a small stream that doesn't have much water in it through the late summer, but the valley it flows through is not heavily disturbed and still retains a lot of its original habitat. Some of the species of birds that nest in the park can only be found to the west in the foothills. 

Habitats in the park include mature White Spruce forest, Aspen forest, Balsam Poplar riverine forest, mixed wood forest, Tall shrub and willow, grassland (some native, most introduced). As the valley runs east-west, the south side (north-facing) is the more heavily forested, with Spruce predominantly in the west half, the north side has more Aspen, the Balsam Poplar is found along the creek itself. 

Access to the park is primarily from the north side. Road access is from 37th St. SW (Shannon Terrace), 24th St. SW (Bebo Grove parking lot), Elbow Drive SW. (Votier's Flats), McLeod Tr. SW., Bow Bottom Tr. SE (Visitor Centre, Hull's Wood's, and more), all of these roads can be accessed off Anderson Road, and are all major roads with lighted intersections. 

Some of the common birds in the park include Mallard, Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Red-tail and Swainson's Hawk's, American Kestrel, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Franklin's, Ring-billed and California Gull's, Downy & Hairy Woodpecker's, Northern Flicker (both Red-and Yellow-shafted, and hybrids), Western Wood-Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Tree & Bank Swallow's, Black-billed Magpie, Black-capped & Boreal Chickadee's, Red & White breasted Nuthatch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Veery, Cedar Waxwing, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Chipping, Clay-colored, Song, & White-throated Sparrow. 

Some of the more unusual birds that have been seen in the park include: American White Pelican, Tundra & Trumpeter Swan, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Northern Goshawk, Peregrine & Prairie Falcon (both have nested), Thayer's & Glaucous Gull, Barred & Saw-whet Owl, Rufous Hummingbird, Black-backed Woodpecker (winter), "Western" Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Gray Jay, Winter Wren, American Dipper, Magnolia, Cape May, Townsend's, Black-throated Green, Palm, Bay-breasted, Connecticut, and Canada Warbler's, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, LeConte's Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird, Purple Finch, Evening Grosbeak.

ELSEWHERE IN CALGARY

CALGARY, ALBERTA, THE BIRDING CITY
By Gustave J. Yaki

Because of Calgary's proximity to the prairie grassland, aspen parkland, foothills, mountains, and boreal forests, all the species that breed or migrate to or through those habitats are potential visitors. This makes a visit to Calgary a worthwhile birding destination. As an example, in the year 2000, local birders concentrated on finding all the bird species that occur within the city limits. Collectively, 257 species were positively identified. Some participants were rewarded by seeing 225 of those species. Over the years, 340 species have been recorded for the local area. Some of the sites within the city are briefly described below;


THE BOW RIVER

The habitat along the Bow River offers some of the best opportunities to observe birds within Calgary. Throughout its course, one finds islands, gravel bars, mudflats, slow-moving shallow waters, riffles, deep water, and cattails and other protective shoreline vegetation - something for a wide variety of water-associated species. The rivers relatively clean waters offer some of the finest sports fishing on the continent - and the same can be said for the birding. A considerable portion is protected as parkland. A paved footpath parallels most of its length within the city.

While most visitors probably won't visit during the winter months, that is when the greatest biomass of birds is present. On 01 Dec 2001, at least 25 waterfowl species were on one short stretch of the river, namely Carburn and Beaverdam Flats Parks, located on either side of Glenmore Trail in SE Calgary. This section of the river is downstream from a sewage treatment plant which provides warm water and some nutrients for the aquatic organisms which ultimately becomes food for the birds. While thousands of the Giant race of Canada Geese and Mallards dominate, local birders annually see Barrow's Goldeneye (in Carburn Park) and, irregularly Harlequin Duck (usually near the Glenmore Bridge). In some years both Trumpeter and Tundra Swans attempt to overwinter. At least a half dozen Bald Eagles regularly occur here then, feeding on sick or injured ducks.

The stretch of river south of the Burnsmead parking area (accessed from Bow Bottom Trail) in Fish Creek Provincial Park (wholly within the city), again downstream of a sewage treatment facility, is also most rewarding. Beside swimming species, one often finds Killdeer and Common Snipe far into the winter. During spring migration, especially in years of drought or a late spring when the lakes are still frozen, many waterbirds are sometimes forced to the river for food and shelter, often in large numbers. This includes Common Loon, Red-necked, Horned and Western Grebes. Most species of ducks, including Cinnamon Teal, Eurasian Wigeon and even Ruddy Ducks can be found. Also at that time, usually in April, a wide assortment of gulls (up to twelve species some years) also appear, particularly on the gravel bars and islands at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (accessed from 9th Ave. SE).

In May, as the leaves unfurl on the trees lining most stretches of the river, most songbird migrants arrive. The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is usually a rewarding place to find these birds, perhaps because it has one of the largest remaining natural woodlands in the city. Here one will also see many of the flycatchers, vireos, warblers, Western Tanagers, and sparrows found on the prairies and foothills or bound for the boreal forests further north. Most years, spring migrants continue to pass through until at least 10 June.

Species that can be seen along the Bow River during the breeding season, include: American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Osprey, Swainson's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Ring-necked Pheasant, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Franklin's Gull, Black Tern, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Eastern Kingbird, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bank Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Black-billed Magpie, American Crow, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Tennessee Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Chipping Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole and American Goldfinch. In addition, non-breeding individuals, or unsuccessful breeders may also appear.

By early July, Arctic breeding shorebirds are on their way south. Some of these may occur on the mudflats of the river such as at Mallard Point in Fish Creek Provincial Park (accessed off Canyon Meadows Dr. SE). By late July, the first of the non-resident warblers (24 species) start to appear, especially at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Beaverdam Flats Park, Carburn Park, Mallard Point, or Hull's Woods (also in Fish Creek Provincial Park, accessed off Bow Bottom Trail). Their numbers increase throughout August and tend to peak by early September. Some, however, continue to be seen until November. A few attempt to overwinter such as the Black-throated Blue Warbler, far off course, in early Jan. 2000. By September, many of the waterfowl start to reappear, several of the hawks such as Broad-winged pass through, both of the Yellowlegs and Solitary Sandpiper occur along the shoreline at Mallard Point, Olive-sided Flycatcher hunt for insects from prominent perches, Ruby-crowned Kinglets flit through the willows, and various thrushes and sparrows forage on the ground for invertebrates and newly-matured seeds.

As autumn turns to winter, Bohemian Waxwings arrive, often in huge flocks, sometimes exceeding one-thousand individuals, feeding on European Mountain-ash berries. Those irruptive species, the Pine Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls, Hoary Redpolls, Red Crossbills, and White-winged Crossbills, may occur if they have had a successful breeding season and/or their normal food supply is scarce, particularly if the local cone crop is abundant. Northern Goshawk, Prairie Falcon and Gyrfalcon tend to show up then too, often spending the entire winter in the area.


UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Peregrine Falcons have bred on Craigie Hall at the University of Calgary since 1996. Their nest site is in the alcove above the sixth floor glassed area in the centre of the north side of the building. During office hours, it is possible to view the nest from the SW corner of the public area of the eighth floor of the adjacent McKimmie Library Tower. The birds usually arrive in April. The young are most visible in late June, fledging in July. This area of the University is accessed from the south via University Dr NW; from the north off 32nd Av, take Campus Dr. around to the south side. A metered parking lot is available. The C Train (public transport) provides frequent service for foot passengers.


DOUGLAS FIR TRAIL/LOWERY GARDENS

These sites are located in Edworthy Park, which extends east-west along the south side of the Bow River, in the western half of the city. Access may be obtained from several points. Pedestrians may cross from the north side of the river on the Boothman Bridge south of Shaganappi Trail. Drivers may enter the park from the west end of Spruce St. SW, or the west end of 10th Av. SW. A paved footpath parallels much of the river, allowing free observation of most of the waterway.

The Douglas-Fir Trail is on the north-facing slope on the south side of the valley. It is cloaked in a dense stand of White Spruce and Douglas-Fir, the eastern most occurrence of the latter in Alberta. In those years that cones are abundant on these trees, wintering Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill and Pine Siskin may be found. Common Redpoll, and Pine Grosbeak, also nomadic, may appear. Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet and Brown Creeper are usually present most winters. The Northern Saw-whet Owl appears to be a resident. A Barred Owl was found on 26 Mar 2000. Clark's Nutcracker, Steller's Jay, Boreal (and rarely Mountain) Chickadee, Winter Wren, Townsend's Solitaire, Varied Thrush, Bohemian Waxwing, and formerly, Evening Grosbeak are other possible winter visitors. In summer, Common Goldeneye, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Northern Flicker, Black-billed Magpie, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Veery, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler and Western Tanager, breed. During spring and fall, almost any of Alberta's woodland birds may occur.

Lowery Gardens, constituting the lower flood-plain section at the eastern end of the park, is dominated by the broad-leaved Balsam Poplar trees. This is the summer haunt of Common Goldeneye, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Tree Swallow, White-breasted Nuthatch, Veery, Swainson's Thrush, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, and American Goldfinch. Gray Partridges can sometimes be flushed from the grassy areas.

Canada Geese, presumably Mallards, and possibly Spotted Sandpipers, nest on islands in the river. Cliff Swallows nest under the Boothman Bridge and a few Bank and Northern Rough-winged Swallows find nest sites along steep sections of the river bank. American Pipits are sometimes encountered along the shore in spring and autumn.


BOWNESS PARK

This park, located on the south side of the Bow River in the city's western outskirts, is a popular picnic site in the summer months. The heavily wooded north-facing slope offers nesting habitat for Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Least Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing, Tennessee and Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler, and Chipping and Clay-colored Sparrows. A variety of waterfowl and swallows can be found along the river in summer. Much of this section of the river is ice-covered during the winter months.


NOSE HILL PARK

This large park in the city's northwest, bounded on the east by 14th St NE and Shaganappi Trail on the west, north of John Laurie Blvd, rises to over 4,000 feet elevation. It consists mostly of grassland, with a few wooded valleys. A large gravel extraction operation has created some temporary wet areas. Over the years, 100 bird species have been observed, most in low numbers. During the winter months, few birds are found -- occasionally a Rough-legged Hawk, Snow Bunting or Gray Partridge. With the advent of spring, a greater number occur as passage migrants. Over the years, this has included Eurasian Wigeon, Sandhill Crane, Says Phoebe, Mountain Bluebird, and in autumn, Northern Wheatear. Formerly, Sharp-tailed Grouse had a lek here, but apparently this is no longer active. Long-eared Owl, Sprague's Pipit and Baird's Sparrow formerly occurred: they may still be present but in very low numbers. Nesting birds has included Northern Harrier, Swainson's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gray Partridge, Killdeer, Great Horned Owl, Northern Flicker, Horned Lark, Bank Swallow, Black-billed Magpie, American Crow, House Wren, American Robin, Yellow Warbler, Western Meadowlark, Baltimore Oriole, Savannah, Vesper, Chipping, and Clay-colored Sparrows. House Finches, which now nest in the residential area along the parks southeastern edge, east of 14th Av., are sometimes found in the Park.