RDRN Donation to the Kerry Wood Nature Centre in Red Deer, Alberta

Red Deer River Naturalists are pleased to support the installation of new solar panels on Kerry Wood Nature Centre in Red Deer, AB by donating $10,000 to the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society.

📷(left to right) Todd Nivens - KWNC Executive Director, Rhian Engel - RDRN Director

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip October 3, 2026

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Nine birders joined us at Crimson Lake on October 3, 2026 to walk and bird a beautiful fall day on the Amerada Trail. Welcome to Julia B. and Dani L., newly joining us from RDP! We began a little tentatively as people navigated by, or diverted around an accident just across the North Saskatchewan River. An oilfield semi had skidded across the road and blocked all but a narrow ditch edge. There were debris and bystanders on the road when I went by, but people following also saw a car on fire in the ditch, and emergency responders were on scene. 

After a late start we found the trail surprisingly quiet. Brown Creepers and Golden-crowned Kinglets could be heard amongst roving flocks of Boreal and Black-capped Chickadee’s. The cattail slough offered Mallards but was otherwise deserted. We added Downy Woodpeckers and the first of two pairs or Canada Jays on the first half. Blue jays, Crows and Ravens completed the Corvid count. Overhead, the sky was busy with numerous low-flying aircraft, a noisy intrusion on an otherwise peaceful fall day.

At lunch we added more Mallards and some Ring-necked Ducks. Further along the open lake shore we saw large groups of Common Mergansers and Buffleheads, perhaps staging for migration. Dark-eyed Juncos and a lone White-breasted Nuthatch were the last species added to our very modest species count.

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Crimson Lake Provincial Park, Clearwater County CA-AB 52.45105, -115.03274, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, CA
Oct 3, 2026 9:53 AM - 2:33 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
9.647 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
15 species
9 Participants
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  9
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)  4
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)  30
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)  40
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  3
Canada Jay (Perisoreus canadensis)  4
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  3
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  2
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  6
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  16
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  6
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  8
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  1
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)  2
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)  6
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S399625918

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk September 26, 2026

 

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Many thanks to Ron Bjorge for hosting the Maskepetoon Park walk on Sep 26, 2026! Thanks also to Wayne Bos for some great Rusty Blackbird photos that were posted on the RDRN social media. Following is Ron’s summary and his eBird report:

Enjoy!

Chris Olsen

Ten birders had a successful morning of birding at Maskepetoon Park, being entertained by high numbers of Black-capped Chickadees and Blue Jays, in spite of a 6 C temperature, a cool wind and occasional drizzle. We had several outstanding views of Pileated Woodpeckers, and observations included three moose; a bull, a cow and a calf. The moose prevented our completion of the trails on the south of the main waterbody. The last half hour of birding was eventful including extensive observations of what we identified as lone Rusty Blackbird picking its way along the bare edges of a beaver run (Wayne got several photos), and a fleeting but clear view of a Belted Kingfisher. We were surprised to see a lone Barn Swallow, and a late immature or possibly female Northern Yellow Warbler. A lone Greater Yellowlegs was the only bird observed on or near the Red Deer River. Overall 22 species were identified. 

Ron Bjorge

Here is the eBird report:

Red Deer--Maskepetoon Park, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Sep 26, 2026 9:54 AM - 12:56 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
1.754 kilometres
Checklist Comments: A cool day starting at about 6 C with occasional drizzle. But there were birds and it was a successful outing.
22 species
10 Paricipants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 21
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 3
Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) 1
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 2
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) 1
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 1
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) 4
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 4
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 13
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) 11
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 36
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 14
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 29
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 2
Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) 1
Northern Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) 1 Northern yellow warblers are common here. This appeared to be a late season likely young of the year. The agreement of the group was that it was a yellow warbler and very light streaks occurred on the breast. Merlin agreed.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S399331966

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk September 19, 2026

Bird Focus People:

Sincere thanks to Danielle B. and daughter Drayten, for hosting the Heritage Ranch RDRN outing on Sep 19, 2026.

Chris Olsen

Here is the eBird report:

Red Deer--Heritage Ranch Park, Red Deer, Alberta, CA

Sep 19, 2026 10:03 AM - 1:02 PM

Protocol: Traveling, walking

3.252 kilometres

Checklist Comments: It was a very quiet morning for birding. We spotted a Warbler we could not identify (Drayten checked in her bird book and it looked like a Palm or Orange-crowned). We also possibly saw a Bald

Eagle but he was too far away to positively identify. We watched two adorable muskrats in the river (a highlight of our walk!) Merlin also caught the following, but we did not have any sightings to confirm: Trumpeter Swan, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pine Siskin, Boreal Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker.

20 species

Canada Goose 3

Mallard 5

Redhead 2

Common Merganser 14

Ring-billed Gull 23

Great Blue Heron 1

Osprey 2

Hairy Woodpecker 1

Northern Flicker 3

Blue Jay 2 Parking lot

American Crow 4

Common Raven 1

Black-capped Chickadee 46

Red-breasted Nuthatch 2

American Robin 11 High overhead

Cedar Waxwing 20

Dark-eyed Junco 1

White-crowned Sparrow 1

White-throated Sparrow 1

Yellow-rumped Warbler 20

View this checklist online at [https://ebird.org/checklist/S394335286](https://ebird.org/checklist/S394335286) 

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip September 12, 2026

Bird Focus People:

Well, a chilly morning September 12, 2026 turned into a very pleasant walk along the Lakes of Lacombe. Warming, but not warm with more than a hint of frost in the air! Fifteen birders joined us along the wooded trails. Special welcome to young James newly joining our group today. Many thanks to Cathy Steele for guiding us around Elizabeth and Barnett lakes again!

The brushy shores were alive with small songbirds that moved along with us - their rapid movements presented a real challenge, but well along the trail the flock paused on some snags near an opening giving us a clear view - White-throated sparrows all. On the water small divers challenged us too. We could see Ruddy Ducks and numerous small Grebes. The grebes were diving steadily and at some distance. Small, with short bills and red eyes - good photos from Tannis and Deb subsequently confirmed they were Horned Grebes.

We had flocks of Greater White-fronted Geese and Sandhill Cranes overhead, while some frantic ‘dee’ calls suggested the Black-capped Chickadees were seeing a predator that we could not. On Barnett lake we added a flock of Ring-billed Gulls. Pine Siskins twittered in the White Spruce canopy. Mallards and American Wigeons dabbled in a lakeside pond. Merlin ‘detected’ Purple Finches and Red Crossbills but we were not able to confirm them. For sure the brushy slopes above were busy with American Robins feeding on the bounty of American Elder berries.

Beyond birds, the recent rains have spawned a bounty of fungi on the forest floor. Altogether a most pleasant walk.

Thanks to Drayten and Danielle for stepping forward to host next week’s September 19, 2026 outing to Heritage Ranch. As previously noted, Ron Bjorge will be hosting at Maskepetoon the following week September 26, 2026. 

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Barnett Lake, Lacombe, Alberta, CA
Sep 12, 2026 9:39 AM - 12:57 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.068 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
24 species
15 Participants
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)  55 Flock overhead.
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  9
Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors)  4
American Wigeon (Mareca americana)  15
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  9
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)  1
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  5
American Coot (Fulica americana)  6
Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis)  16
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  27
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)  10
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  4
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  3
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  1
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  6
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  4
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  9
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  14
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)  12
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  2
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  14

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S392352463 

Red Deer River Naturalists attended The Possibility Exchange on September 3, 2026 hosted by the Community Foundation of Central Alberta

On September 3, 2026, Rick Tallas and Myrna Pearman attended, on behalf of RDRN, a networking event hosted by the Community Foundation of Central Alberta (CFCAB). Called The Possibility Exchange, the "Friendraiser" brought together charitable organizations, volunteers, donors, community leaders and residents to build relationships, share ideas, and discover opportunities for collaboration. RDRN was proud to be a part of this event. 

 

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip September 5, 2026

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Nine birders joined us on the Alix Lake Nature Trails for our first outing of the fall on September 5th, 2026. It rained and misted steadily as I drove in from Vermilion, but despite gray and threatening skies it stayed dry for the entirety of our walk around Alix Lake. Perhaps because of the threatening skies, we saw few songbirds with just a single Robin, Northern House Wren and White-breasted Nuthatch, and a few Black-capped Chickadees and Cedar Waxwings seen on the first third of our walk. Things were much busier on the water with juvenile Bonaparte Gulls, Forster’s Terns, and Red-necked and Pied-billed Grebes feeding over and under the water. We saw large aggregations of American Coots as well as a range of dabbling and diving ducks. We had flocks of Canada Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese and Sandhill Cranes overhead. We walked out to ‘William’s Pond’ (on the west of the lake) and it was teeming with waterfowl and migratory shorebirds. There were many Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs and large groups of Pectoral Sandpipers feeding in the shallows. Wilson’s Phalaropes, Long-billed Dowitchers and dabbling ducks fed along the far shore. Strangely, a lone Rock Pigeon circled above.

The woods on the south and east of the lake were unusually quiet, with few of the regular songbirds about. American Goldfinch fed on the thistle patches along the shore and a few Black-capped Chickadees and Cedar Waxwings fed in the berry patches - there is a huge crop of chokecherries, high bush cranberries and hawthorns along the shores. Surprisingly, as we walked back through the village, we finished with a very large group of Common Grackles, a flock of European Starlings and a lawn of House Sparrows.

As we walked, we discussed some of the rarities seen across the province lately and in consideration, 5 of our group drove the short extra distance over to Erskine. The gravel road along the west part of the lake was busy with birders. They kindly welcomed us and pointed the way to a stubble field paralleling the west arm of Erskine Lake. Two mature Whooping Cranes moved placidly along the edge less than 100 m from the roadside. We watched them in silence for about 15 minutes until they spread huge wings and flew over to the main waterbody to wade the shallows there. A great finish to a first fall outing!

A nearly last note - Ron Bjorge has generously offered to host the Sep 26, 2026 outing (Maskepetoon Park) while I’m on the Bowron Canoe Circuit. We’re still hopeful someone can step in for the Heritage Ranch outing on Sep 19, 2026.

Finally, next weekend (Sep 12, 2026) is set for Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park - always breathtakingly beautiful in the fall colours. However, it is dangerous and the roads are impassible when it is wet. Right now, the forecast looks sketchy - watch your email and the RDRN social media and website as we get close - we’ll choose another destination if necessary.

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Alix Lake Nature Trails, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Sep 5, 2026 10:03 AM - 2:51 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
6.121 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
41 species
9 Participants
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)  70
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  25
Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors)  15
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  20
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)  5
Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)  6
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)  3
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  8
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Feral Pigeon))  1
American Coot (Fulica americana)  44
Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis)  60
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)  2
Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus)  1
Wilson's Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor)  10
Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)  60
Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca)  21
Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)  75
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia)  12
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  1
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri)  12
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)  3
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)  2
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)  9
Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)  1
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  7
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  1
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  8
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  1
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  28
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  2
Northern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  25
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  1
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  12
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  10
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  9
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)  1
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  70

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S390580482 

Recent Donation to the Red Deer River Naturalists July 14, 2026

Red Deer River Naturalists would like to thank Irene Jacobson of Red Deer for the recent donation of bird and nature books to RDRN.

Thank you Irene! 

📷seated - Irene Jacobson, standing RDRN President Myrna Pearman

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 Camping Weekend June 13, 2026 (Morning)

 

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

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

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

Guest Host Ron Bjorge Report

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

Bird Focus People:

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

Here is the eBird report:

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

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

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

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