Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Camping Weekend June 13, 2026 (Afternoon)

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

On Saturday afternoon June 13, 2026 of the Medicine Lake/Crimson Lake Bird Focus Group camping weekend, we kayaked the shores, birding as we went. Seven paddlers were along to make our small fleet. The water was mirror-smooth and although the water lilies were not blooming yet, it was a beautiful paddle!

Water Lily Bay was filled with the usual feuding Red-winged Blackbirds and roving Cedar Waxwings, while Sora and Marsh wrens called from hiding. This year we did not see Osprey or Bald Eagles in the bay, but the Common Loons put on a real show, finishing in a chase sequence that ran hundreds of meters!

A highlight was sightings of two Broad-winged Hawks. One crossed the lake overhead, and a second traversed the shore, perching nicely for our photographers (Cathy and Deb).

With the high water levels we were able to paddle under the bridge and into the small lake to the east. Eastern Phoebes are nesting under the bridge while Common Loons back-packed their young in the sheltered waters. White-throated Sparrows and Western Wood-Pewees’ sang from the shore.

Altogether, a great finish to a birding day!

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Medicine Lake PRA, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, CA

Jun 13, 2026 4:04 PM - 7:20 PM

Protocol: Traveling, paddling

7 Participants

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 8

Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 1

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) 8

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) 1

Sora (Porzana carolina) 1

American Coot (Fulica americana) 1

Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata) 1

Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) 2

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 1

Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) 1

Common Loon (Gavia immer) 8

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 2

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) 2 Pair known to nest in the area. On kayak circuit, one seen in flight across a portion of the lake; a second perched on a snag in the forest ( photo below)

Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus) 1

Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) 4

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 2

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 1

Western Warbling Vireo (Vireo swainsoni) 3 Warbling Vireos common in the aspen boreal - the Western variant confirmed by song (Merlin) and location.

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 4

Common Raven (Corvus corax) 2

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2

Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) 1

Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) 2

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1

Northern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) 1

Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris) 4

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 4

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 14

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 2

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 1

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 1

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 4

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 51

Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) 1

Northern Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) 5

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 1

View this checklist online at [https://ebird.org/checklist/S362345492](https://ebird.org/checklist/S362345492)

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Camping Weekend June 13, 2026 (Morning)

 

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

On June 13 & 14, 2026 the Bird Focus Group camped at Medicine Lake PRA and walked and kayaked Medicine Lake on June 13, 2026. In the morning we walked along the esker (a long ridge of gravel and other sediment, typically having a winding course, deposited by meltwater from a retreating glacier or ice sheet) that parallels the east shore. Five hikers joined in and we looped from the A-loop campsites north to the trailhead, and then south to the overlook. We carried on from there to the mouth of the Medicine River, and then retraced our route to the campsite access in B-Loop.

Birding was good along our route, although the insects were really the story of the day. A major tent caterpillar outbreak is underway and while Birch and Balsam Poplar trees are being spared, the Aspen Poplar trees and Beaked Hazelnut shrubs along the esker trail were completely denuded. See photo below taken from my kayak that shows stripped Aspen all along the esker top. A short video shows beetle and caterpillar activity on the forest floor. The beetles and caterpillars seemed uninterested in each other but the sheer numbers of both were disconcerting! The real challenge however was the endless webbed haze of caterpillars suspended from above - even swinging a stick ahead of our path failed to fully clear the trail and we were constantly being rained upon by falling caterpillars and their exudate. Look closely at the photo to see the webs - what it doesn’t show however is the sticky depths that never ended! A final insect example illustrates puddling - a behaviour whereby moths and butterflies aggregate on feces, in mud puddles, or on wounds to ‘drink’ mineral-rich liquids. Will kindly showed us a one-eyed sphinx moth example on his scraped lower calf!

Only select birds can digest hairy caterpillars. A very few warbler species, and some orioles, thrushes and vireos are examples. For birding, the open canopy was helpful however and we could readily spot many flycatchers, vireos and warblers that are otherwise hard to pick out in the greenery. All-in-all some really good forest bird sightings and a most interesting day in nature!

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Medicine Lake PRA, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, CA
Jun 13, 2026 10:08 AM - 3:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
4.257 kilometer(s)
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing. Follow the walking trail from the Campground to the mouth of the Medicine River and return.
37 species
5 Participants
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 3
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) 2
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 2
Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata) 3
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) 2
Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) 2
Common Loon (Gavia immer) 4
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1
Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) 4
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) 4
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 1
Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) 1
Western Warbling Vireo (Vireo swainsoni) 2 Western variant confirmed by song and (Merlin) and location.
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 10
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 1
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 3
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula) 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 2
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 4
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 10
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) 1
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 3
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) 1
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 10
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) 1
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) 4
Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) 1
Northern Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 7
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 3
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S358918830

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk June 6, 2026

Guest Host Ron Bjorge Report

Thank you to Ron for guest hosting this Bird Focus Group walk.

Bird Focus People:

Ten birders joined the exciting June 6, 2026 walk, which featured a clear warm morning, lively birds and enthusiastic birders and photographers at River Bend Recreation Area – upper trail. We identified 50 species including the photogenic American White Pelicans and the Western Tanager (photo below). A great morning and early afternoon of birding.

Here is the eBird report:

Red Deer--River Bend Recreation Area
Jun 6, 2026
8:04 AM
Traveling, walking
3.11 km
190 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: All good observations we believe
Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 3.6.1 Build 3.6.5
10 Participants
25 Canada Goose
1 Northern Shoveler
2 Gadwall
26 Mallard
1 Common Goldeneye
1 Mourning Dove
7 Spotted Sandpiper
1 California Gull
2 Red-necked Grebe
2 Common Loon
21 American White Pelican
2 Osprey
1 Bald Eagle
1 Red-tailed Hawk
3 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)
2 Western Wood-Peewee
1 Alder Flycatcher
13 Least Flycatcher
1 Eastern Phoebe
5 Red-eyed Vireo
1 Blue Jay
5 American Crow
4 Common Raven -- 3
6 Black-capped Chickadee
1 Boreal Chickadee
27 Bank Swallow
1 Tree Swallow
2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow
108 Cliff Swallow
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
2 Red-breasted Nuthatch
7 Northern House Wren
1 Gray Catbird
24 American Robin
33 Cedar Waxwing
2 Purple Finch
6 American Goldfinch
10 Chipping Sparrow
5 Clay-colored Sparrow
17 White-throated Sparrow
7 Song Sparrow
5 Red-winged Blackbird
9 Brown-headed Cowbird
2 Common Grackle
1 American Redstart
56 Northern Yellow Warbler -- This species is very abundant here and the count is probably conservative
10 Yellow-rumped Warbler -- Quite common on this outing. More so than elsewhere, but little doubt about the species.
2 Western Tanager
Photo by Wayne – Western Tanager

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip May 30, 2026

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Seventeen birders were out to Kuhnen Park May 30, 2026 to enjoy a relatively cooler day and a very pleasant walk. Welcome to Lily D., Matt O. and Wayne B. newly joining our group! The birds were very active with several first-of-year sightings in really exceptional lighting conditions. There was a pair of Ring-necked ducks on the first slough and we could clearly see the neck ring on the male. Similarly, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird perched on a snag and gave us a really good look at his iridescent finery. 

Raptors were well represented with two high-flying Swainson’s Hawks and a Bald Eagle over the first slough. Over Lacombe Lake we added another Swainson’s and a Northern Harrier. Today was a good day for Baltimore Orioles, with 14 sighted and lots of great photo opportunities. On the trail to Lacombe Lake, we added a pretty pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and among many Least Flycatchers, we added our F-O-Y Alder Flycatcher, Western Wood Peewee and Eastern Kingbirds.

The woods were musical with Warbling Vireos, Red-eyed Vireos, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Baltimore Orioles. On the water, Red-necked Grebes brayed nest-to-nest, and the Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds feuded in the cattails. Altogether, a great day in the woods and waters!

As a reminder, next Saturday June 6, 2026 is the River Bend Golf & Recreation Area upper trails walk hosted by Ron Bjorge - expect a very diverse offering there! For those with an urge for some serious travel I’ll by leading the annual Vermilion Provincial Park count that day - the morning walk (5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) along the riparian shore there is really exceptional - call me 780-581-4430 if you’re interested!

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Kuhnen Park, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
May 30, 2026 9:26 AM - 1:46 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
2.497 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
55 species
17 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  37
Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors)  5
Gadwall (Mareca strepera)  4
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  24
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)  2
Redhead (Aythya americana)  6
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)  4
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)  18
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)  2
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  2
Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Feral Pigeon))  2
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)  1
American Coot (Fulica americana)  20
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)  2
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)  1
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)  2
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)  20
Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)  1
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  1
Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)  3
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  2
Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus)  2
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  5
Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus)  4
Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum)  1
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus)  25
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)  2
Eastern Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)  5     Based on Merlin all of the Warbling Vireos encountered today (5) were Eastern.
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  9
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  1
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  4
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  9
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  1
Northern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  10
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  10
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  5
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)  1
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  5
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)  9
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)  1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  15
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  1
Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)  12
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)  14
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  27
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  2
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  2
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  2
Northern Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva)  25
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata)  1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)  2
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S349857923

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Field Trip May 9, 2026 - Beaver Lake

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Three paddlers continued on May 9, 2026 from Raven Brood Trout Station to spend the afternoon on Beaver Lake. Although the sky was a little threatening to start, we enjoyed a beautiful sunny afternoon on the water. I scouted Beaver Lake earlier in the week, but have never paddled it before. It is not large, but is very complex with several islands, large floating reed beds and several small sheltered bays. A great kayaking find, and so many thanks to our group for recommending it!

Birding began on-shore with three Common Loons visible from the launch area and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets singing and drumming in the forest edges. As we moved into the first shallow bay we could see Blue-winged Teal, Buffleheads, Lesser Scaup, Mallards, Common Mergansers and an American Wigeon on the water. Following the shore, we picked up a Spotted Sandpiper and the first of two Belted Kingfishers. Overhead, two high-flying Ospreys circled the lake. 

Each new island and bay brought new sights and we drifted close to a trusting pair of Lesser Scaup and added a less trusting pair of Hooded Mergansers. The pine woods were full of Yellow-rumped Warblers, with Song Sparrows and Wilson’s Snipes in and over the marshy areas. Red-necked Grebes patrolled the open edges and a Great Blue Heron winged by. The cattails were relatively quiet this early on in the season but I expect the warming will bring wrens, rails, gulls and more as the season progresses. Altogether, a perfect paddling afternoon!

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Beaver Lake, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, CA
May 9, 2026 12:57 PM - 4:02 PM
Protocol: Traveling, paddling
3.723 kilometer(s)
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing (kayaking).
25 species
3 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  16
Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors)  2
American Wigeon (Mareca americana)  1
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  14
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)  13
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)  8
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)  16
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)  2
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)  4
Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata)  4
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)  1
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)  3
Common Loon (Gavia immer)  8
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)  1
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)  2
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)  2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)  7
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)  1
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula)  8
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  4
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  5
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  8
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)  10
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S336684219

📷A Chris Olsen Photo - Lesser Scaup male/female

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip May 9, 2026 - Raven Brood Trout Station

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Thirteen birders joined us for a gentle stroll along the trails of the Raven Brood Trout Station on May 9, 2026 in the morning. Welcome to Adrian J. and Aya F. joining us!

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers seem to thrive at Raven and their calls and drumming were our constant companions as we moved upslope towards the power line. This years leaf-out seems slower and we did not hear or see Blue-headed Vireos on the slopes. A pair of slim sparrows entertained us with pursuit flight through the shrubbery, but moved too quickly for identification. We did pick up a Bald Eagle over the parking area, but no other raptors were visible over the open fields.

Returning downslope, we had a good look at a Western Tanager and as always calls and glimpses of Evening Grosbeaks. The forestry crews have removed a lot of the old conifers near the springs and this may explain why we saw few other woodpeckers. There were Ruffed Grouse drumming along the creek-side trails and near the rail fence we were treated to the beautiful, long song of a Winter Wren. Remarkably, this normally shy bird hopped up on top of a brush pile and put on a show for everyone. With thanks to Mukesh, we even have a photo - a real treat!

There were Sandhill Cranes calling overhead and echoing from the wetlands to the north of the trail. We heard fewer Ruby-crowned Kinglets than in previous years, but we did see pairs of Golden-crowned Kinglets, Purple Finches and Northern Rough-winged Swallows. There was a good sampling of woodland sparrows, but the construction of a new holding pond has resulted in brush clearing and this year we did not see or hear a Northern Waterthrush in that area. However, this year we did add Belted Kingfishers and Mourning Doves to our Raven Creek catalogue.

Most of our group lunched at the picnic area, while the paddlers moved on to Beaver Lake (separate eBird report).

Earlier this week I received a note from Alyssa Metro about the Alberta Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (AARC). AARC will be coordinating amphibian call surveys in the Buffalo Lake area this long weekend. This is a great opportunity to participate in citizen science with some very knowledgeable naturalists. Susan has kindly posted their announcement on RDRN’s social media, and I encourage any and all to get involved.

Enjoy!

Chris 

Here is the eBird report:

Raven Brood Trout Station, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, CA
May 9, 2026 8:46 AM - 10:50 AM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
1.451 kilometer(s)
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group Outing. Note that there was a map failure near the mid-point of the Beaver Creek trail. Based on previous visits the total walking distance should be about 4.1 km.
33 species
13 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  4
Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)  2
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  1
Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis)  3
Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata)  2
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  1
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)  10
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  2
Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus)  2
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  2
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  6
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  4
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula)  8
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  5
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis)  3     Bird observed by the entire group singing on a brush pile across a rail fence. Two others heard further along the Beaver Creek trail. Photo of this bird provided by Mukesh Khugsal.
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  10
Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina)  15
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)  2
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)  1
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)  1
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)  4
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  2
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  3
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  2
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)  5
Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana)  1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S336759724

Photo of this bird provided by Mukesh Khugsal.

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk April 18, 2026

 

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

With apologies for the delay (while my vision stabilizes), here is the summary for April 18, 2026 outing to the trails of Maskepetoon Park. Fourteen people joined us for the walk on a beautifully warm spring day! Welcome to new participants Lori S., Gail M. and Wendy C.

Birding started along the river where Buffleheads, Common Mergansers and Common Goldeneyes preened and paraded, resplendent black-and-white, on ice-free waters below. There were pairs of Mallards everywhere, and even a male Northern Shoveler among them on the natural wetland on the outside loop. Thanks to Tony for some interpretive insight the botanical distinction between this ‘natural wetland’ and the reclaimed gravel pits that dominate our river-bottom parks. Don’t forget to hold our Provincial politicians responsible for their plan to push the QE II highway through these rare wetlands!

A flock of Bohemian Waxwings moved back and forth among the old poplars in the bottom, fly-catching in the upper canopy. We added a Killdeer on the muddy shore, and the Northern Flickers and Pileated Woodpecker territorial calls competed with the inevitable traffic noise. A whole ‘kettle’ of ravens played in the thermals high above the far escarpment. On the wooded trails, we had lots of chickadees, nuthatches and American Robins, and we added our first-of-the-year pair of Dark-eyed Juncos.

As we returned to the parking lot, some of our group waited for us, peering high overhead. At the very limits of visibility, 5 Ravens soared on high and harassed a pair of small raptors that would appear and disappear as they dodged the Ravens - we would see short glimpses of very light underbodies and what looked like long tails and short, rounded wings. Tantalizingly Accipiter-like. By comparative size, likely Sharp-shinned Hawks, but simply too high and intermittently visible to hold sharp focus. A pretty study in the warm spring sky!

As many will know by now we cancelled our Sharp-tailed Grouse Watch trip. Shortly after, even the Snow Goose Festival weekend was cancelled in the near-blizzard conditions. Sheldon said he still had weekend openings May 16-17, and for those with more flexibility, there are often weekday spots. It is truly an amazing experience and I encourage any who have not experienced it to book directly by going to the Wainwright Wildlife Society Facebook page for the grouse registration info and/or to find available dates.

A last note, as I walked Bella, my dog, in the storm last night April 24, 2026, there was a flock of 50 or more Tree Swallows swooping through the canopy of the open forest just north of the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. It was 8:50 p.m. and fully dark during a short lull in the driving snow. Surprisingly, there were also gulls flying high above. I’m hopeful there was some kind of hatch in progress and that the late-flying Tree Swallows found enough food to survive the spring blizzard. There is always something to see in the natural world!

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird Report:

Red Deer-Maskepetoon Park, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Apr 18, 2026 9:22 AM - 1:14 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
2.537 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
24 species
14 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 5
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) 1
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 34
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 7
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) 16
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) 8
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) 1
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 1
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 3
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) 2
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 4
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) 4
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 18
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 22 Two separate groups (12 + 6) riding thermals above the Red Deer river escarpments.
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 22
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) 3
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 8
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) 70
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 4
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 6
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 2
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S327230779

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk April 11, 2026

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Ten hardy hikers were out in the chill April 11, 2026 to look at our McKenzie Trails to Riverbend route. Welcome to new participants Darlene D., Patricia R. and Sam R. We were short of ice cleats and they were definitely needed to get safely to the overlook bench - with that, we walked the forest with seven people, while others strolled the drier paved trails.

Birding started quickly along the river with dramatically white and black Common Mergansers, both on the water and arrowing along in fast flight. We were surprised to see four American Coots feeding on the far shore, and there were of course crabby Canada Geese on the pond ice and wary Mallards on the open water. There were Osprey at the McKenzie landing, and they gave us a show circling of the nest platforms in both parks.

The riparian forest was amazing as always, with mossy trails tracking the slump terraces through the towering trees. The monstrous old Balsam Poplars are positively coastal in size! We were serenaded by Purple Finches, with sightings of Pine Siskins, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and even a small flock of American White Pelicans, winging by at tree-top level. Like last night, we thought we had glimpses of migrating swans, but too little, too quick, to confirm.

At the lookout, we had Buffleheads, American Wigeons, Common Goldeneyes and more Mallards and Canada Geese on the water and island. One small flock of Snow Geese passed overhead, with large flocks likely in the region by now. As we worked our way down to Riverbend, a very pretty Red-tailed Hawk tracked a thermal overhead. There are 3 new nest poles near the terminus of the ‘road-to-nowhere’, and at least four Osprey were in flight to defend those nest sites. The perfectly warming morning finished with Northern Flickers and Bohemian Waxwings.

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

McKenzie Trails Park to Riverbend on the Red Deer River right bank CA-AB (52.3029,-113.7736), Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Apr 11, 2026 10:11 AM - 1:27 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.31 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
27 species
10 Participants
Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens)  7
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  94
American Wigeon (Mareca americana)  3
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  38
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)  2
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)  26
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)  16
American Coot (Fulica americana)  4     Foraging in the shallows of the Red Deer River.
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  2
American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)  8     Low altitude fly-over.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)  4
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  3
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  4
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  1
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  3
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  12
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  1
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  16
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  4     In the old growth spruce forest canopy.
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  4
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  7
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)  12
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)  2     Singing in the upper canopy of old growth spruce forest. Merlin ID, with the birds only seen briefly in flight.
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)  2
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S320370992

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk April 4, 2026

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Seven birders were out on a bright Saturday morning April 4, 2026 to walk the Wishart trail through the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary. Our first stretch out along the boardwalk to the viewing structure was a bit of a shock. The ‘lake’ is virtually dry and mostly a frozen mud flat. A few Canada Geese pairs were visible along the edges, but as Ron observed coyotes and other predators could simply walk out to any nest built on the beaver lodges. Grim for the geese and aquatic mammals!

Notwithstanding the forecast, our weather was warmer than expected and we never saw the threatened rain or wind. We did see large numbers of Bohemian Waxwings and the ever-present chickadees and nuthatches were joined in song by small flocks of American Robins, Pine Siskins, Dark-eyed Juncos and House Finches. At the east lake overlook a Cooper’s Hawk treated us with a classic accipiter fly-by!

There’s lots of porcupine activity along the upper trails, with bark-stripped elderberry and scattered broken withes  (a tough, flexible branch of an osier or other willow, used for tying, binding, or basketry) all along. Drayten soon started a collection of quills from along the trail - travel evidence more persistent than snow tracks!

We finished back near the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and as we reviewed the bird list, pairs of Pileated, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, arrived to forage on the aging box elders and feeders - a nice finish to the morning!

A last reminder with respect to the Sharp-tailed Grouse Watch booked for April 25^th, 2026. For the first time that booking is not full. Many of our group have attended more than once in the past and so we’ll likely give that outing a rest for a couple of years.

P.S.: ice cleats were still very helpful on the Wishart Trail, and are highly recommended for the steep and shaded portions of the McKenzie-to-River Bend walk next weekend April 11, 2026.

Here is an unusual species pairing photo (this past week) from my feeders.

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, Red Deer CA-AB 52.28497, -113.79440, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Apr 4, 2026 10:04 AM - 12:58 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
3.643 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
20 species
7 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  14
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  2
Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  2
Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus)  2
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)  3
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  3
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  6
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  8
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  11
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  3
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  19
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  7
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  17
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)  80
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  4
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)  5
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)  5
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S316970906