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 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 November 16, 2024

A frosty morning warmed nicely along Waskasoo Creek November 16, 2024. Fifteen birders joined Chris Olsen under sparkling blue skies, walking from Rotary Park, through Barrett, Coronation, Galbraith and Stephenson Parks, to a finish in lower Gaetz. Crews have been busy in Barrett Park, and a number of old white spruce have been felled along the trail - the trunks appear sound and the loss of woodpecker habitat is a real concern. Perhaps due to the recent disturbance, we did not see any Black-backed or Pileated Woodpeckers through this section.

Of note, Yvaine S. caught a glimpse of a Mustelid on the creek, and over the next hundred meters or so others glimpsed the animal travelling on the ice and in the water - almost certainly an American Mink.

Along the trails, we had House Finches overhead, and the usual assortment of small woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. Black-billed Magpies and Blue Jays were sighted all along; there were large numbers of Canada Geese and Mallards on the river. We finished the morning with a mature Bald eagle circling high overhead. 

Chris Olsen

Here is the eBird report:

Waskasoo Creek, Red Deer CA-AB (52.2693,-113.8017), Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Nov 16, 2024 9:45 AM - 12:48 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.45 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
18 species
15 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  255
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  23
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Feral Pigeon))  3
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  9
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  4
Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus)  3
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  6
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  19
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  1
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  26
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  4
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  4
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  3
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  5
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  28
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202703628

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 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

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk October 12, 2024

 A small but sharp-eyed group of three joined Chris Olsen October 12, 2024 to stroll the Maskepetoon Park trails. The day started cool but warmed nicely into early afternoon. Leaf fall is well underway in the wet forest and the fall colour's were breathtaking. The trails were literally a leafy carpet through the forest. We recorded 18 species, but American Robins were the story of the day. There were Robins everywhere, scolding migrators that were feasting on mountain ash and high bush cranberry. Thirty-five was where we left the count, but since the forest was so busy with them there may have been many times that number!

The waters of the old pits were relatively quiet but a curious American Mink entertained us from near his hide in an old beaver lodge, and a lone Double-crested Cormorant swam and dove steadily pursuing something underwater.

As a last note, there were new ATV trails leading into the park from beneath the highway and rail bridges. People are bringing in garbage, starting fires and building shelters. Please let Parks and city staff know that signage, fencing and clean-up will be necessary to preserve the habitat here!

Join us next weekend at Crimson Lake October 19, 2024.

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Red Deer--Maskepetoon Park, Red Deer, Alberta, CA 

Oct 12, 2024 9:35 AM - 1:05 PM 

Protocol: Traveling, walking 

6.589 kilometres 

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

18 species 

3 Participants 

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 23 

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 3 

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Feral Pigeon)) 8 

Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) 1 

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 5 

Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) 1 

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 2 

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 4 

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) 2 

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 2 

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 4 

Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) 6 

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 19 

Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) 1 

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2 

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 35 

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 2 

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 8 

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S198817658

📷Chris Olsen

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip September 28, 2024

Our Bird Focus group had a chilly start September 28, 2024 but it turned into a fine, warm outing for 5 birders at Springbrook Community Park. Springbrook is developing land to the east and south, and so the endless parade of monster trucks was a real distraction, as was a busy flight schedule from the airport. I’m sad to say that with trucks hauling on all sides, the Park is becoming an Island in the midst of a development boom, and likely will not be a birding destination in future.

Whether due to drought, changes in drainage, or both, the central wetland is holding only a puddle of water this fall. We were fortunate to see some Green-winged Teal, Long-billed Dowitchers, Mallards and a lonely juvenile Red-winged Blackbird there. One Red-tailed Hawk flew through but did not tarry. We managed 14 species for the outing.

Chris Olsen

Here is the eBird report:

Springbrook Community Park, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Sep 28, 2024 9:49 AM - 12:06 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
3.057 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing
14 species
5 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 32
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 10
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 6
Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) 7 Feeding in shallows of a remnant wetland
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 2
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) 5
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 3
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 14
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 2
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 4
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 1 Juvenile male alone in the wetland
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S196811057

Long-billed Dowitcher - Chris Olsen

 

Red-winged Blackbird - Chris Olsen

Red Deer River Naturalist Bird Focus Group Field Trip September 14, 2024

The weather held and drying continued on the Dry Island Buffalo Jump Park Bird Focus Group Field Trip on September 14, 2024 so Chris hosted the walk. Four birders managed the trip, but were able to navigate around a few slippery patches and made the entire loop through the fossil beds, and around and over the ‘dry island’. Walking was great, but bird numbers were somewhat unusual. At one point we saw 12 Turkey Vultures rising from near the river and circling south - something dead and tasty over there! Later, 4 more vultures drifted north over us. We saw few song birds, but there was a murmuration of European Starlings circling a large flock of crows above the northern escarpment. Last but not least, an American Goshawk gave us a great flight display along the edge of the riparian forest.

Chris Olsen

Here is the eBird report:

Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park, Kneehill County CA-AB 51.94581, -112.96564, Drumheller, Alberta, CA 14-Sep-2024 1

0:31 AM - 3:27 PM 

Protocol: Traveling, walking 

7.719 kilometres 

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

13 species 

4 Participants 

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 1 

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) 12 Rising from near the Red Deer river and circling to the south. Additional 4 birds seen overhead shortly after, but given the proximity assumed to be part of the original group of 12.

American Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus) 1 

Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) 3 

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 1 

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 1 

Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) 3 

American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 70 

Common Raven (Corvus corax) 5 

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8 

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 3 

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 250 

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 1 

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S195147755

Photo by Chris Olsen

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip September 7, 2024

The first outing of the Bird Focus group was September 7, 2024 at Alix Lake Nature Trail. Chris had 9 birders along, reporting 30 species, on a very warm first day back after the summer break. Notables included a pair of White-faced Ibis, a wondering Turkey Vulture, and some migrant sparrows and warblers. All together, a good start to the fall schedule! 

Chris Olsen

Here is the eBird Report:

Alix Lake Nature Trails, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
7-Sep-2024 9:32 AM - 1:10 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
7.523 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
30 species
9 Participants
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)  225
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  60
Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors)  7
Gadwall (Mareca strepera)  3
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)  1
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)  3
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)  1
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)  3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Feral Pigeon))  3
American Coot (Fulica americana)  5
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)  2
Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca)  9
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  3
Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)  1
White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)  2
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  5
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  3
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  14
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  5
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  22
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  1
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  1
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  3
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  4
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  2
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)  1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S195012685

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip June 15, 2024

Despite a cool and wet start,15 people joined Chris Olsen to walk the trails of Radar Hill June 15, 2024. The weather threatened initially, but then cleared and warmed nicely! Welcome to Yvaine S., Mitch D., and Dana R., joining us for the first time.

Things started quietly as we moved along the grazed cattle corridor with only the irrepressible Red-eyed Vireos and distant Ovenbirds for company. Once we started down the lowland trail however, things picked up quickly and we added American Redstarts, Black and White Warblers and Yellow Warblers to our list. A very pretty Rose-breasted Grosbeak gave us a song and a show from his high perch. We pished (A pish is an imitated bird call (usually a scold or alarm call) used by birders and ornithologists to attract birds (generally passerines). The action of making the sound is known as pishing or spishing. This technique is used by scientists to increase the effectiveness of bird diversity surveys, and by birders to attract species that they might not otherwise see.) out a female Redstart for people to see. Like last year, we soon heard the distinct calls of Great Crested Flycatchers, and notably this time we spotted a pair in the tall snags around the first meadow. That pair seemed to follow along with us and we had numerous observations and even some photo opportunities.

Despite Brian’s best efforts we didn’t find a deer fawn this time, but the wetlands and meadows were rich with the sight of marsh calla and the songs of White-throated Sparrows, Common Yellowthroats and Sora. We managed 35 bird species and a most enjoyable woodland walk!

Remember that we’re finishing our spring schedule with the Ferry Point weekend and Ron logged 70+ species there last year! See the RDRN website for details and join us camping or day-tripping if you can. The following weekend will be Medicine Lake, with woodland hiking in the morning and kayaking/canoeing in the afternoon.

See you out there!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Radar Hill, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Jun 15, 2024 9:36 AM - 1:16 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.229 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing
35 species
15 Participants
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  3
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)  2
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)  4
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)  3
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  2
Sora (Porzana carolina)  2
Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata)  1
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)  1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)  2
Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus)  1
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus)  5
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)  2     At least two birds calling along the trail. Seen and heard repeatedly by many in our group. Calls/ songs confirmed by Merlin.
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)  1
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  7
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  3
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  3
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)  4
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  1
Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)  2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  1
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  3
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)  2
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  5
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  1
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  12
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  2
Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus)  2
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla)  5
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)  2     At least two birds heard clearly along the trail. Not seen but recognized by experienced birders. Confirmed by Merlin.
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  5
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)  4     Several birds singing along the wooded trail. Pished out both a male and female and they were seen by numerous observers. Vocalizations also confirmed by Merlin.
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)  6
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)  3
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S181700954