Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk June 7, 2025

Bird Focus People:

I’m just back in Red Deer and getting ready for Medicine/Crimson Lake this coming weekend June 14 & 15, 2025. Hope to see some of you there for either hiking (Saturday Medicine Lake and Sunday Crimson Lake mornings) or for kayaking (Medicine Lake Saturday afternoon). Many thanks to Ron Bjorge for hosting the Riverbend Golf & Recreation Area - Upper trails walk June 7, 2025. His group ticked a remarkable 46 species! Here is Ron’s note and his eBird summary:

Nine keen birders joined us on the Riverbend Upper trails. Welcome to Bill and Diana joining us for the first time!  We recorded 46 species seen and or heard, in spite of the heavy gusts and some smoke. We were regaled by at least 7 Osprey, including at least one chick in a nest box. The wild blue clematis were finished, but the wild roses were coming on strong! All the best. Ron

Enjoy!

Chris Olsen 

Here is the eBird report:

Red Deer--River Bend Recreation Area, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Jun 7, 2025 9:56 AM - 1:13 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.385 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Windy day, but quite a bit of activity. Many yellow warblers. 9 keen birders
46 species
9 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  25
Gadwall (Mareca strepera)  6
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  9
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)  2
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)  20
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)  1
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  1
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)  6
Franklin's Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan)  24
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  1
Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)  1
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)  1
American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)  3
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)  7
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  2
Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus)  1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  1
Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus)  1
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus)  6
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  5
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  4
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  5
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  1
Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia)  25
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)  1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)  1
Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)  75
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula)  1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  6
Northern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  3
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  13
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  15
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  3
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)  1
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)  3
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  2
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)  1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  2
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  8
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  10
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  1
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)  1
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)  49
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)  2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)  1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S249597893

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip May 31, 2025

Bird Focus People:

Twelve birders were out to stroll Kuhnen Park May 31, 2025. For most of our walk, the winds were light and an overcast sky kept the heat from being oppressive. Birds were very active in the forest, along the trails, and on the water, and we managed 51 species for the outing. Yellow Warblers and Least Flycatchers vied for the most common and visible species of the day. Eastern Kingbirds and even Gray Catbirds put on a show in the shrubbery. Surprisingly we heard few Baltimore Orioles, and this time out we did not see Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Common Grackle, Ruby-throated Hummingbird or even Nuthatches. Birding - always a surprise!

Join our Guest Host Ron Bjorge June 7, 2025 on the Riverbend Golf & Recreation Area upper trails - that is always a rich and diverse offering! Or, if you’re feeling adventurous join me for the Vermilion River Naturalists annual spring count in Vermilion Provincial Park. I hope to see many of you at Medicine Lake June 14, 2025 for the birding trails or kayaking. And Crimson Lake for birding on June 15, 2025. See www.rdrn.ca for details.

Enjoy!

Chris Olsen

Here is the eBird report:

Kuhnen Park, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
May 31, 2025 9:43 AM - 1:21 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.201 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
51 species
12 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 41
Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) 5
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) 1
Gadwall (Mareca strepera) 5
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 13
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 1
Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) 3
Redhead (Aythya americana) 5
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) 6
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) 16
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 1
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 1
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Feral Pigeon)) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) 5
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) 1
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) 1
Franklin's Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan) 4
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) 6
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) 11
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 2
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 1
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) 1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 1
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) 28
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 3
Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) 9
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 6
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 1
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) 2
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 1
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 3
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 4
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) 8
Northern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) 6
Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris) 1
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 5
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 14
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 6
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 10
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) 3
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 10
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 3
Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) 7
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) 3
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 26
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) 5
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) 2
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 31
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 3
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S245224068

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk April 12, 2025

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Thirteen birders joined us April 12, 2025, to walk from McKenzie Trails to Riverbend on the Red Deer River right bank trails. Welcome to Wei, Jason and Sally joining us for the first time today

Birding was quiet through a cool, grey morning. Since few had brought their ice cleats, we were fortunate that this year the trail was mostly dry and largely ice free - unlike last spring! Everyone is reminded that bear and tick season is here, and it is always cougar season - bring your bear spray, insect repellant, and foul weather gear.

There has obviously been a lot of mountain bike traffic over the last year, and we saw a much wider cleared trail, a proliferation of new loop trails, and growing erosion. Sustainability has quickly become a real issue here.

Birds of note included our first Red-tailed Hawks of the year, a lone American Coot that Gary spotted lurking by the river’s edge, and a noisy Killdeer that flew overhead. I had a report that Ruffed Grouse are drumming at JJ Collette, but we didn’t manage any along the trails today. Maybe next weekend in Maskepetoon - join us there if you can.

We had some discussion of woodpecker drum calls again today, and that brought to mind that the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (eNews) recently did comparisons between Downy and Hairy woodpecker drum calls - they differ in speed (beats per second) and duration. Merlin can distinguish them and you can too - have a look/listen to their email article: https://dl.allaboutbirds.org/enews-whos-drumming-iding-woodpeckers-by-sound?ecid=ACsprvsSlh-KmETNokQPoFp2ZNuoqBEMziRRiOEwXeUKbRRSh1BoMGOGuYXh22Ytl9kaeJdYSXKW&utm_campaign=Lab%20eNews%202024&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=355340328&utm_content=355343230&utm_source=hs_email

 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 12, 2025 10:11 AM - 1:38 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
6.297 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group Outing.
18 species
13 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  35
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  15
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)  10
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)  4
American Coot (Fulica americana)  1
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)  1 In flight and continuously vocalizing near the Red Deer River.
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  8
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  2
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  2
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  5
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  7
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  7
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  16
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  4
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)  35
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S225051746

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk April 5, 2025

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Fifteen birders were out to the Gaetz Lake Sanctuary April 5, 2025 to share a glorious morning walk! Welcome to Jim H., Moira S., Terri R., Marg C. Faye N. and Aaron joining us and last week! Birding was only fair with 21 species, but as always there were surprises. Firstly, a shadow through the undergrowth of the oxbow turned out to be a low-flying Pileated Woodpecker. It was soon joined by two more and we were treated to calls as the three moved through the forest. The canopy on the top of the escarpment was busy with groups of ever-social Bohemian Waxwings, and we even had a couple of early gulls moving through. On the south side of the sanctuary, I spotted a distant Great Horned Owl - that was very exciting until Brian determined it was a stick. It was worth stopping there however, as Claudia spotted a lone male Redpoll foraging on the ground in the birch forest of the slope. He seemed healthy and active, but it was a late and solitary sighting for this northern species. Further upslope, we could see a Canada Goose on a nest. Not unusual at first glance, but this determined early nester has usurped an Osprey nest at the top of a broken snag - the tallest perch in the canopy! We finished the morning with a few Dark-eyed Juncos and Pine Siskins, and a lone American Tree Sparrow. A final touch was an early butterfly (Compton Tortoiseshell) our group watched just outside the Nature Centre. Perfect!

Our Sharp-tailed Grouse Watch is full now with a short waiting list. Thanks to everyone who inquired,and remember there are likely still lots of openings for Snow Goose Festival tours.

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, Red Deer CA-AB 52.28494, -113.79417, Red Deer, Alberta, CA

Apr 5, 2025 10:11 AM - 1:20 PM

Protocol: Traveling, walking

4.941 kilometres

Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.

21 species

15 Participants

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 15

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 2

California Gull (Larus californicus) 2

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 8

Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) 1

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) 3

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 3

Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) 13

American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 3

Common Raven (Corvus corax) 6

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 12

Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) 2

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 8

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 4

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 11

Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) 137

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 8

Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) 1 Lone bird, male, feeding on the ground in a paper birch stand.

Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) 5

American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) 1

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 4

View this checklist online at [https://ebird.org/checklist/S223219521](https://ebird.org/checklist/S223219521) 

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk March 29, 2025

Bird Focus Group Host Chris Olsen reports:

Seven birders joined us on Saturday March 29, 2025 along the perimeter trail at Riverbend Recreation & Golf Area. Although the forecast was for flurries and wind, we enjoyed clear skies and warming along the trail. We saw Swans overhead early, and from the footbridge there were hundreds of Canada Geese and Mallards. Sharp-eyed Lynette spotted a rare ‘white forehead’ variant among the Canada Geese (see the photos on eBird). A White-throated Sparrow was foraging exactly where we saw a late specimen on our December 7^th, 2024 outing - perhaps a rare over-winter bird? At the outflow, we added American Wigeons and Northern Pintails to our early season list. Along the trail we picked up a Black-backed Woodpecker, Redpolls and Ring-necked Ducks. Raptors were moving and we saw thermalling Bald Eagles, a Rough-legged Hawk and an unidentified Accipiter. There were Swans on the water, and of course the usual habituated beggars (Chickadees, Nuthatches, Downies) following along.

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

River Bend Golf, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Mar 29, 2025 10:05 AM - 1:17 PM
Protocol: Traveling
4.757 kilometer(s)
Checklist Comments:     Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
24 species (+1 other taxa)
7 Participants
Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)  35
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  850     One bird with a white ‘forehead’ among a  large flock (ca. 300) of typical Canada Geese on the Red Deer river.
Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus)  2
Trumpeter/Tundra Swan (Cygnus buccinator/columbianus)  10     Seen in flight and not vocalizing… . Both Tundra and Trumpeter swans can be seen on the river here during migration.
American Wigeon (Mareca americana)  6
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  600
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)  2
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)  2
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)  10
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)  2
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  3
Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus)  1
Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  6
Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus)  1
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  3
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  5
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  30
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  5
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  5
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  5
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  5
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)  75
Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)  12     Feeding on birch catkins along the river
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  1     Feeding in low shrubbery along the trail at the same location this species was seen last Dec 7th - perhaps an over-winter bird. Photos to follow.
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S221715753

📷 Photo Chris Olsen

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip March 22, 2025

We’re underway with our 2025 RDRN Bird Focus Group, spring birding schedule! Six birders made the trip to Calgary’s Carburn Park March 22, 2025. We enjoyed a beautiful spring day along the Bow River trails, and although we were treated to a lot of waterfowl and woodpeckers, we only managed 22 species. The unusual gulls (Glaucous, Icelandic, Lesser Black-backed) that were seen recently in some Calgary wetlands were not there for us, and even some of the occasionals’ like Harlequins, Wood Ducks and Barrows Goldeneye were absent. Join us next weekend March 29, 2025 in Riverbend Golf & Recreation Area in Red Deer and with the warming waters perhaps we can do better there!

A reminder that we still have 2 or 3 places left for the Wainwright Sharp-tailed Grouse Watch on April 26th, 2025 and so there is still time to join that group (pre-registration only) - you can book a tour at the Snow Goose Festival for the same weekend! Visit [www.rdrn.ca]for more info.

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Carburn Park, Calgary CA-AB 50.97382, -114.02591, Calgary, Alberta, CA

Mar 22, 2025 10:10 AM - 1:20 PM

Protocol: Traveling, walking

4.427 kilometres

Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.

22 species

6 Participants

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 46

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 77

Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) 4

Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 40

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) 14

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) 10

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia 2

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 4

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 2

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 5

Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) 1

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) 2

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 8

Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) 3

Common Raven (Corvus corax) 4

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 14

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 3

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 1

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 3

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 12

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 14

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 2

View this checklist online at [https://ebird.org/checklist/S220064966](https://ebird.org/checklist/S220064966)

Chris

Red Deer River Naturalist Bird Focus Group Walk December 7, 2024

Seven birders were out December 7, 2024 with Chris Olsen to join the walk in Riverbend Golf and Recreation Area. Chris reports that the morning started well with a mature Bald Eagle flyby over the entry gate. We could see a few ducks from the footbridge, but the real news there was a mink that popped out of the water and onto the ice to survey his domain for a moment. We also saw a juvenile Bald Eagle from the bridge.

Back on the start of the forest trail, we were swarmed by the usual horde of habituated Chickadees. Notably, we actually had a mixed feeding flock there, with two late-staying White-throated Sparrows foraging on the ground below. Shortly thereafter, we were treated to the sight of a Sharp-shinned Hawk winging through the canopy.

There were nearly a hundred mallards at the outflow, but the best news there was a wary woodpecker - we followed quiet tapping and chipping sounds for a while before he showed himself - a handsome male Black-backed Woodpecker. Lynette got some good photos and so watch for those on Facebook! While we watched the woodpecker, a small flock of birds flew into the crown of a dead conifer above us. They were difficult to identify from directly below, but as they moved into the open, we had a good look - remarkably, a late-staying group of Cedar Waxwings.

Back on the perimeter, we added many more Downy Woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches - the habituation is really out of control! We finished the morning with another mature Bald Eagle, many more Mallards and Common Goldeneyes, two Common Mergansers, and a lonely male Bufflehead. Not a species richness record, but quite a remarkable sample!

Join us next weekend for a walk in the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary if you can. Else, come for coffee and cake at our annual ‘wrap-up’ in the Kerry Wood Nature Centre at about 1:00 p.m.

Chris Olsen

Here is the eBird Report:

River Bend Golf, Red Deer, Alberta, CA Dec 7, 2024 9:53 AM - 1:20 PM Protocol: Traveling, walking 4.988 kilometres Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing. 19 species 7 Participants Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 4 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 185 Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 1 One male feeding on the Red Deer River with a group of Common Goldeneye. Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) 58 Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) 1 Observed by several in our group as it flew at canopy height near the woodland road we were walking. Classic Accipiter flight and shape, and too small for a Cooper’s Hawk. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 3 Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) 1 Male bird clearly observed scaling bark near us. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 9 Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 3 Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) 4 Common Raven (Corvus corax) 4 Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 75 Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) 5 Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) 2 White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 12 Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 6 Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 8 Small flock landed in a tree above us. Clearly seen and identified by several in our group - no Bohemian Waxwings among the group. White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 3 Feeding on the forest floor and along down-log material below a flock of Black- capped Chickadees. Observed by several birders in two separate groups. View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S204751824

Male Black-backed Woodpecker - Photo by Lynette Eileen

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk November 30, 2024

It was a cool and very quiet morning in McKenzie Trails Park November 30, 2024. RDRN birders must have been focussed on Black Friday sales, and so no one turned up! In lieu, Susan, Bella (our dog) and I (Chris) walked the trails.

The woods were very quiet with only Magpies, Chickadees and a lonely Downy Woodpecker sighted along the trail up the escarpment. On top, a flock of White-winged Crossbills were traversing the tree tops - much like we saw in Bower Woods last week.

On the trail down, several Magpies were fussing below, and then a small flock of Ravens circled down. Together with a Common Flicker, the collective croaking, squawking and calling made quite a racket in the forest at the bottom. When we arrived, the ravens were harassing something in the shrubbery. Turned out to be a small Great Horned Owl caught in the relative open, and having a very bad day! A coyote must have arrived to help the mob scavenge, and when he scented us he began barking and yowling nearby to add to the cacophony. Fortunately, Bella (our very large dog) was not alarmed by the drama as it moved upslope. An otherwise slow morning was very busy for about 10 minutes!

Chris Olsen

Red Deer--McKenzie Trails Park, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Nov 30, 2024 10:56 AM - 1:10 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.617 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
10 species
2 Participants
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)  1     Small bird, probably young-of-the-year, being mobbed by Common Ravens and Black-billed Magpies.
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  2
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  8
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  7
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  13
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  1
White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)  20
View this checklist online at [https://ebird.org/checklist/S204104331](https://ebird.org/checklist/S204104331)
📷Photo of Raven and Great Horned Owl by Chris Olsen

Great Horned Owl

Common Raven

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk November 23, 2024

It was a quiet morning in a beautiful, snowy woodland as our group of three strolled Bower Woods November 23, 2024. Welcome to James C., joining our group today.

In light snow, there were few birds moving about. We saw and heard the hardiest boreal species including Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Ravens and of course Black-billed Magpies. The challenge of the day was a high twittering from above the canopy. Finally, we found a flock foraging on cones in a distant conifer. You could see the chaff falling, and identify both red and orange-yellow individuals among the flock, but details were difficult at the distance. However, the flock moved widely as we walked, and flight calls overhead allowed us to conclude we were seeing White-winged Crossbills.

We finished the morning with some House Finches singing from the Selkirk neighbourhood. Regrettably, Keith’s crows were not to be found today!

Chris Olsen

Here is the eBird report:

Bower Woods, Red Deer CA-AB 52.25039, -113.80132, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Nov 23, 2024 10:10 AM - 12:11 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.374 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing
6 species
3 Participants
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  5
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  4
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  9
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  2
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  4
White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)  25

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203384990 

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip November 9, 2024

The lakes of central Lacombe - Barnett, Elizabeth and Cranna proved to be a popular destination and 16 birders joined together on November 9, 2024 for the Bird Focus Group Walk. Thanks to Jane for the suggestion, and especially to Cathy for guiding our walk around Barnett and Elizabeth lakes. The trails are well-maintained and traverse diverse rich habitats - you seldom see slopes of mature birch and white spruce and there are some beautiful examples here. Throughout, the understory was super rich with mountain ash, red elderberry, snowberry, and beaked hazelnut. Less welcome were occasional patches of invasive common buckthorn. Nonetheless, this will be a great place for winter birds this year, and also a destination for spring birding!

Waters on the lakes were partially frozen, but we did see some waterfowl, beaver and numerous Muskrats. Two Bald Eagles, several Common Ravens and small flocks of Canada Geese were observed overhead. We saw two groups of Common Flickers and a large flock of House Finches. Notable observations otherwise were a Golden-crowned Kinglet and at the last a small flock of Pine Grosbeaks feeding on a lone green ash tree.

Chris Olsen

Here is the eBird report:

Barnett Lake, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Nov 9, 2024 9:57 AM - 12:58 PM
Protocol: Traveling
6.259 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
17 species
16 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  55
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  4
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)  2
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)  4
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  2
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  5
Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus)  1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  5
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  1
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  6
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  48
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  2
Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator)  5
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  25
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S201933161

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip - November 2, 2024

Eight hardy birders joined together November 2, 2024 at the Dickson Point Trout Pond and campground. The morning started foggy, cool and damp, and the soft grey light persisted to make the identification of waterfowl a real challenge. Nonetheless, we were treated to some really good birds. We saw a number of Hooded Mergansers and a single Common Merganser on the Trout Pond.

As we walked along the dike, two Double-crested Cormorants were visible on shore, then foraging, and finally wing-drying in the classic heraldic pose. We walked to the end of the dike and at the edge of the forested slope found a large flock of American Goldfinch foraging on birch catkins in the upper canopy. At the same time a raptor was seen on a snag down shore. The long-banded tail and head shape suggested Sharp-shinned Hawk, and the bird flew directly over us in pursuit of the goldfinches. The flight characteristics confirmed our ID. Up-slope, we found a female Pileated Woodpecker patiently excavating a poplar snag.

Birding through the campground was unremarkable until a large sparrow caught our eye. It moved to cover too quickly to confirm the sighting, but Lynette stayed behind and captured an image that confirmed a juvenile Harris’s Sparrow. Altogether, a great finish to a very dim and chill morning!

On the way out a few kilometres from the trout pond Celia captured a magnificent photo of a Ring-necked Pheasant, male in full breeding plumage. This is probably a release bird, but possibly there is a local population established in the Dickson area by some earlier year of release. Regardless, a good sighting and photo for Celia!

Enjoy!

Chris Olsen

Here is the eBird report:

Dickson Trout Pond, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Nov 2, 2024 10:11 AM - 1:04 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
5.276 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group
outing.
17 species
8 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 820
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 5
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) 40
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 34
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) 4
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 8
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) 1
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 1
Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) 2 Two birds clearly observed on the island in the trout pond, resting and drying wings in heraldic pose, and then foraging on open water.
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) 1 First seen perched neat the water’s edge, rear and profile view, and then in flight overhead following a flock of American Goldfinch. Characteristic head shape, long banded tail, and accipiter flight.
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 1
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) 1
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) 2
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 11
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 25 Flock (20-30 very active birds) observed for about 5 minutes, while they foraged on birch catkins in a birch canopy at the riparian forest edge.
Harris's Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula) 1 Bird seen by several as it moved through the riparian shrubbery. It appeared to be alone. One of our group stayed behind and obtained a photo that confirmed ID as a juvenile Harris’s Sparrow.
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S201200016

Photo by Celia

Red-necked Pheasant

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk October 26, 2024

A rainy and cold morning cleared and warmed to be another glorious fall afternoon on October 26, 2024 at River Bend Golf & Recreation Area - all blue skies, red berries and golden leaves! Four birders walked the trails starting with a stroll to the underpass (the road to nowhere), and then following the upper trail perimeter back to the river. The day was so pleasant we just kept going and walked the northern perimeter trail as well.

Geese, Gulls, Mallards and Goldeneye’s were the story on the river. Pairs of Pileated, Downy and Northern Flicker Woodpeckers were the story in the woodland, with the usual habituated Chickadees and Nuthatches swarming us at every stop. There is a great crop of Mountain Ash and Elderberry’s this year, and the Robins were loving that. 

Chris Olsen

Here is the eBird report:

River Bend Golf, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Oct 26, 2024 10:03 AM - 1:24 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
7.59 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
16 species
4 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  290
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  32
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)  22
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  10
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  2
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)  2
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  3
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  3
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  4
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  7
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  45
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  10
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  6
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S200366577

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip October 19, 2024

Wow, what an incredible day on the Amerada Trail at Crimson Lake, Alberta October 19, 2024! The winds held off and the weather was warm enough for shirt sleeves. Our group of five walked the Amerada trail clockwise around the lake and there was only a remnant of water on the formerly flooded area. The leaves and needles were a golden carpet among diverse stands of white spruce and poplar uplands and black spruce and tamarack lowlands. The gently rolling trail was perfect for what is likely to be a last walk before the snow.

Birding was slow in the forest and we managed only ten species. There was a very large raft of waterfowl on the lake, but without a scope we could only determine that there were large gulls and diving ducks. A young Common Loon drifted by closer to shore. In the forest, the story of the day was a male Spruce Grouse that we found on the trail. True to his kind he was trusting and entertained us by feeding along with us for a while. We heard Golden-crowned Kinglets on several occasions, and finally in response to a call both Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets came down to the lower canopy and gave everyone a show. They are so tiny, quick and brilliant!

Chris Olsen

Here is the e-Bird report:

Crimson Lake Provincial Park, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, CA
Oct 19, 2024 10:10 AM - 3:02 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
11.7 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
10 species
5 Participants
Spruce Grouse (Canachites canadensis)  1
Common Loon (Gavia immer)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  2
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  8
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  20
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula)  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  10
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  1
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)  1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S199545348