Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk October 11, 2025

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Fourteen birders joined us for a stunning fall walk through Maskepetoon Park October 11, 2025. Welcome to Gillian and Makda newly joining our group and thanks to Christie, Peter and Mack joining us all the way from Sherwood Park!

Birds were few, but the morning and early afternoon was unexpectedly warm and literally bathed in gold, red and orange. The larches in particular are at their very best!

There were Double-crested Cormorants and Mallards on the large slough, but surprisingly no waterfowl or waders on the river or other ponds. The waters are low everywhere and you can look into dry passages to the beaver lodges - it’s going to be a grim winter for aquatic mammals.

Woodpeckers were our best group today and we tallied Downy, Hairy and Pileated, as well as Northern Flickers. Nuthatches and Chickadees were busy along the trails, and we did manage a small group of Dark-eyed Juncos. 

Ron B. sent along a great photo of our group riverside today (see below). Next week is Crimson Lake, and weather permitting we should enjoy another golden walk there. Do remember it is about 12 km and so come prepared with good footwear, water and a trail lunch.

Enjoy

Chris

Here is the eBird Report:

Red Deer--Maskepetoon Park, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Oct 11, 2025 10:04 AM - 12:40 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
2.505 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
16 species
14 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  10
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  5
Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)  2
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  4
Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus)  1
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)  1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  5
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  6
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  5
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  1
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  29
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  6
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  4
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  2
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)  6

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S278788967