Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip June 14, 2026

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

On the Sunday of our Medicine Lake camping weekend, June 14, 2026 we drove to Crimson Lake and birded the Amerada Trail which circumnavigates the lake. It’s a great walk in terms of forest diversity, plant life and birds of the boreal mixed wood. Welcome to Rose B. newly joining our group. We had 6 birders along for the day.

The Parks and/or Forestry people have been busy ‘Fire Smarting’ along much of the trail. Perhaps it is coincidental, but certainly a lot of standing dead and over-mature trees are gone and we saw very few woodpeckers for the day. My sense is that this kind of selective removal will do little to hinder a climate-driven firestorm - it begs the question if this is in lieu of real climate commitment.

Still, this is a beautiful walk. This year we saw only one orchid (small round-leaved orchid), but at the small muskeg pond we saw a female Hooded Merganser with a train of eight young behind. On the same pond were Mallards, Ring-necked Ducks, a Canvasback, and even a Gadwall. A Sora questioned us from the cattails. 

The upland trails were busy with flycatchers and we were fortunate to see two Olive-sided Flycatchers ‘ordering their beer’ from the tops of snags. Among many Least Flycatchers we also heard from Alder Flycatchers, Western Wood Pewee’s and Eastern Kingbirds. There were vireos aplenty including two Blue-headed. We also had a selection of warblers - Tennessee Warblers were very common. Purple Finches, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and a Western Tanager gave us colour for the day!

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Crimson Lake Provincial Park, Clearwater County CA-AB 52.45105, -115.03274, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, CA
Jun 14, 2026 10:16 AM - 3:51 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
9.318 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing to the Amerada Trail that circles Crimson Lake.
39 species
6 Participants
Gadwall (Mareca strepera)  1 On a shallow pond near the Crimson Lake shore.
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  1
Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)  1
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)  6
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)  9 Female with 8 young swimming behind.
Sora (Porzana carolina)  1
Common Loon (Gavia immer)  6
Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)  1
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)  3
Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus)  1
Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)  3
Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus)  5
Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum)  2
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus)  13
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)  1
Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius)  2
Western Warbling Vireo (Vireo swainsoni)  3 Warbling Vireos common in the aspen forest - western variant confirmed by Merlin.
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  8
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  2
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  5
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula)  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  3
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  11
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)  2
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)  19
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)  1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  7
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  10
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla)  3
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina)  13 Observed dispersed in suitable habitat segments along the Amerada Trail which circles Crimson Lake (10 km).
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  1
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)  1
Northern Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva)  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)  13
Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana)  1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)  3

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S362349591 

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 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 May 2, 2026

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Sixteen birders were out to walk the trails of Heritage Ranch on a beautiful warm spring morning on May 2, 2026. Welcome to Margo S., Nina S. and Mukesh K. joining our group today!  

Birding was slow near the busy parking area and it was a relief to move down the trails and over the escarpment edge and away from the endless traffic noise. We immediately began to hear Yellow-rumped Warblers in the spruce canopy, and not long after one of our sharp-eyed observers caught a flash of yellow and red among the poplar catkins. A striking male Western Tanager crossed in front of us and then allowed us to watch him feeding in the mid-canopy. Meanwhile there were American Robins all about, singing, scolding and even pursuing their fellows through the midst of our group. Drayten says it was a near-miss! We saw two more Western Tanagers, also in pursuit flight.

Boreal and Black-capped Chickadees tracked us downslope and we added a single lonely Downy Woodpecker to our tally. In the fields below we had Franklin Gulls, two mature Bald Eagles and a Red-tailed Hawk all riding thermals and painted against the brilliant blue sky. Along the river, we saw Common Mergansers, Mallards, Common Goldeneyes and a few Canada Geese. We heard but could not spot a Killdeer. Cross-river, In the old poplar forest of lower Maskepetoon Park we picked out a Common Grackle, a Merlin, and even watched a Northern Flicker winging across the waters. 

Regrettably, we did not pick up the Peregrine Falcons and Ruby-crowned Kinglets we’ve come to expect on the inside loop. Ample whitewash on the high banks suggests someone is nesting or roosting along there and so it is a spot worth watching. Song Sparrows, Nuthatches and Dark-eyed Juncos were all audible on this section, and we even had drumming and calls from a Pileated Woodpecker. A lonely wader wandered the shore, but unless we get some photo results we did not have the calls or clarity to make an identification.

Join us next week for a combined Raven Brood Trout Station morning walk and an afternoon kayaking session on Beaver Lake. Come for either or both - see the RDRN website for maps and details.

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Red Deer--Heritage Ranch Park, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
May 2, 2026 9:37 AM - 1:21 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
3.811 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
25 species
16 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  6
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  26
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)  6
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)  16
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)  1
Franklin's Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan)  6
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  2     Two mature birds seen circling in the same thermal above the river valley.
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  1
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)  1
Merlin (Falco columbarius)  2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  1
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  8
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  1
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  20
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  4
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  4
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  8
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)  90 Large group fly-catching from spruce snags along the river. Good clear sighting by a group of 15 observers.
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)  2
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  2
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)  4
Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana)  3 All males feeding in open polar forest; one seen singly and two others in pursuit-flight.
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S331354704

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

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk December 13, 2025

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Five birders joined us December 13, 2025 for a cool, year-end walk on the Wishart Trail in the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary. The breeze was brisk and birding was slow, with only Downy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers and Black-billed Magpies for company much of the way. House Finches were moving in the canopy, and otherwise only the irrepressible Black-capped Chickadees and a pair of White-breasted Nuthatches were about. One large raptor circled low near Gaetz Creek and this provided a bit of excitement. Thanks to Deb McCluskey for her quick work and two excellent photos. The presumptive ‘hawk’ turned out to be a juvenile Bald Eagle.

After our walk we joined about 20 of our Bird Focus Group people in the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and enjoyed coffee, donuts and sweet treats while we looked at the year past and discussed ideas for our winter/spring schedule ahead. I’ll provide a complete summary for the RDRN AGM and the January RDRN newsletter, but in my verbal report Saturday I noted our species count was 155, up 7 from this last year. We had 274 participants on 31 outings (not including Ferry point, the Snow Goose Festival, or the May Species count). Our group walked 164 km, with groups averaging 9-10 people per outing. Ferry Point netted us 86 species this year, accounting for 16 of our total. For our regular walks, Kuhnen Park led for species richness this year (51), followed by Riverbend Golf & Recreation Area Upper trail (46 - great work Ron!) and Alix Lake (45). Thanks so much to Rick, SuSan and the RDRN Board for their support through the year, and for this most excellent treat! Thanks to everyone in the group (130+) for their enthusiasm and participation, rain or shine!

I’ll be missing some dates for eye surgery in the New Year, but after some discussion we decided to go with a full schedule. Ahead of those dates, we’ll look for someone to step forward to be ‘host’ so we can keep up our eBird reports and summary records for our outings. Watch for the new Schedule in March 2026. 

Don’t forget the upcoming Christmas Bird Count December 21, 2025 (visit www.rdrn.ca for info and contact Shelley-Anne or John Goulet 403-392-1894 to sign up). Be safe in your travels and best for the holiday season!

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, Red Deer CA-AB 52.28494, -113.79417, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Dec 13, 2025 10:05 AM - 12:32 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
3.41 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
8 species
5 Participants
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  5
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  2
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  7
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  4
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  16
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  2
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  5
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S288502718

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk December 6, 2025

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Seven determined Birders joined together on December 6th, 2025 at Riverbend Golf & Recreation Area. A Northern Flicker browsed crab-apples in the playground and a brisk wind and -20 temperatures got us moving smartly. Welcome to Terry M. and Cheryl R. newly joining our Bird Focus group today!

Birding was mixed, with even the irrepressible Riverbend chickadees slow to appear in the chill. Notwithstanding the wind, mist hung over the icy water below the outflow and literally hundreds of Mallards and Canada Geese lined the ghostly shores. We saw one Killdeer on the shoals, and some small waterfowl, teal-sized, among the Mallards. Kingfishers have been heard and sighted there of late, but it was not our fortune this day.

We followed the river to the first bench, adding two adult Bald Eagles and two juveniles, sighted two-by-two. There were Common Goldeneyes and a single Common Merganser among many more Mallards and Canada Geese as we went.

Things were mostly quiet thereafter, with only Downy Woodpeckers and Chickadees for company on the trail. Near the last bit of conifer forest, a large buteo (genus comprising species commonly known as buzzards and hawks) looped over, circling us twice between the river and the fairways. We had a good look and our consensus is that it was a dark-phase Rough-legged Hawk. A great finish to a wintery outing!

Next Saturday December 13th, 2025 is our wrap-up at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. Join us for the walk on the Wishart Trail at the usual time if you can, and for sure for hot drinks and snacks afterwards (about 12:30-1:30 p.m.). We’ll have a summary of the season that was and talk about what we want to do in the season to come.

See you there!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

River Bend Golf, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Dec 6, 2025 9:32 AM - 12:55 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.322 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
13 species
7 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 775
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 450
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) 37
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) 1
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) 1 Observed on the Red Deer River ice below the water treatment plant outflow - open water here year-round.
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 4
Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 1
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 7
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 60
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) 4
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S287760028

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk November 22, 2025

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Nine birders were out November 22, 2025 to walk the trails of Bower Woods. It was cool to start, but still and beautiful in the snowy old growth along Piper Creek. Mountain ash and elderberry shrubs, dried leaves and berries, coloured the understory. Piper Creek was open and running gently. The morning brightened and warmed nicely as we walked. Sharp eyes picked out a lone Bald Eagle drifting overhead. Downy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, Black-capped Chickadees and Northern Flickers were our story initially. Near the pedestrian bridge, Tannis spotted a flock of White-winged Crossbills working the cones high in the white spruce. 

Along the main trail we began to hear and see a lot of activity from gathering Black-billed Magpies and Blue Jays. That intensified, and soon two Ravens circled in to join the Corvid show, mid-canopy in the large white spruces. We were clearly in the midst of a major mobbing! Deb caught a glimpse of something stick-like, perhaps suggesting a Long-eared Owl doing the ‘dead-limb disguise thing’ with compressed feathers. Regrettably, there was no clear sighting in the heavy cover, and we were left to speculate as the mob drifted off.

We finished the morning with numerous Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, both Boreal and Black-capped Chickadees, and one more White-winged Crossbill. Remarkably, small flocks of ring-billed Gulls winged overhead. In the open woodlands nearing 22 Street, Jared spotted a large Mule Deer stag with a harem. See below the photo as a graphic demonstration of why not to festoon your low shrubbery with Christmas lights. The stag was in good condition, and in my professional opinion likely to survive - but still a distressing sight to see him antler-trussed and dragging that mess.

 Enjoy,

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Red Deer--Bower Woods, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Nov 22, 2025 9:51 AM - 1:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
2.326 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
13 species
9 Participants
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  29
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  6
Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus)  1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  4
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  10
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  19
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  30
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  6
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  5
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  7
White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)  11

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S285668468