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 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 

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 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 Field Trip November 8th, 2025

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Ten birders joined us November 8th, 2025 to walk the trails of the J.J. Collett Natural Area near Morningside. There had been about 10 cm of snow overnight and the scenery was breathtaking - dark conifers and golden grasses, all newly snow-covered in the bright sunshine. Welcome to new participants Colleen S., Margaret F. and Kelly D. Special thanks to Dale Olsen for setting our route and sharing his local knowledge!

Notwithstanding the scenery, birding was slow. We saw several flocks of Canada Geese overhead, arrowing their way southward. At a feeder station, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Blue Jays and a flock of Black-capped Chickadees were busy competing for the bounty. Along the trails, we tracked Ruffed Grouse, and added White-breasted Nuthatches, Common Ravens and some Boreal Chickadees. A lone Northern Flicker decorated the top of a spruce snag - all fluffed up but identifiable in the distance by bill and bib. We had numerous groups of Pine Grosbeaks in nearby canopies and moving overhead, readily identifiable by their calls, but sadly not perching nearby to show us their red and russet finery.

As noted to the group this morning, East Lincoln is back to propose yet another apartment development on the former school property along 45 Avenue/59 Street. This will of course profoundly impact the Waskasoo Park system by effectively cutting the linkage between the southern portions and the Kerry Wood/Gaetz Lakes/ Mackenzie/Riverbend portions to the north - to say nothing of the added traffic, parking and congestion we all see enroute to the Kerry Wood Nature Centre.

If, like me you believe the best of Red Deer is the park system, please consider making your views known to the Municipal Planning Commission (deadline is 4:30 pm, Friday Nov 14th), and/or attending their hearing in City Council chambers on Nov 19th. Please add your input, and make it clear that our Public Service lands and parks are not a place for high-density development.

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

J.J. Collett Natural Area, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Nov 8, 2025 9:53 AM - 12:57 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.472 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
13 species
10 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 260
Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) 2
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 3
Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) 3
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 6
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) 1
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 4
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 14
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) 2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 2
Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) 6
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S283580421

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk October 25, 2025

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Seven birders were out to the Riverbend Upper Trails October 25, 2025. The day started cool and a little blustery, but quickly warmed into another breathtaking fall day!  

There was a running race in the park and maybe that explains why there were few birds on the river and ponds. We saw lots of Canada Geese overhead, but little else was flying. We did see a young Double-crested Cormorant on the pond near the ‘Road-to-Nowhere’, but only Mallards otherwise in that area.

Best of the morning was a mixed feeding flock in and under the spruces near the parking area. Among them were late American Goldfinch, numerous American Tree Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, and of course a selection of the resident chickadees and nuthatches.

We added a selection of Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers on the upper trails. Merlin ‘heard’ a Yellow-rumped Warbler and a Townsend’s Solitaire, but in the absence of a visual sighting we did not record either.

Our group split up near the picnic area and Bella (the dog), Susan and I finished the perimeter trail to add a late Belted Kingfisher, and of course more of the habituated chickadees, woodpeckers and nuthatches.

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

River Bend Golf, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Oct 25, 2025 9:52 AM - 2:52 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
7.09 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
20 species
Seven participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  159
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  92
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)  20
Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)  1
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  6
Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus)  1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  3
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  4
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  1
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  4
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  45
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  7
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  6
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  4
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)  1
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  5
American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea)  14
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)  4
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S281334477

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip October 18, 2025

Chris Olsen Report 

Bird Focus People:

Two birders made it to Crimson Lake October 18, 2025 to walk the Amerada Trail on a spectacular fall day. The leaves were off the poplars, but the Larches were in full gold and the fall colors were stunning against the bright blue sky!

Woodpeckers and creepers were the story of the day. A walk to the shoreline first thing gave us repeated drum calls from an American Three-toed Woodpecker and drumming and calling from both Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers. On the lake itself, a log of sleepy Ring-billed Gulls basked in their own reflections, and a single Common Loon called in the distance. Later in the day we added Mallards and a Common Merganser, but otherwise the waters were still and empty.

A kilometre or so down the trail, we flushed a Ruffed Grouse and then followed more drumming to another American Three-toed Woodpecker. In the same stand, we heard and saw our first Brown Creeper of the day, and a mixed feeding flock of Black-capped Chickadees, Boreal Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Golden-crowned Kinglets fed by us.

Surprisingly, there were no birds on the wetland pond, but a kilometre or so past, we encountered Canada Jays on the trail, and gentle tapping nearby led us to another American Three-toed Woodpecker. At lunch near the island, we were joined by a second Brown Creeper. Remarkably, we encountered a third Brown Creeper and a third American Three-toed Woodpecker before the boardwalk fen trail!

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 18, 2025 9:49 AM - 2:10 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
9.913 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
17 species
2 Participants
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  2
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)  1
Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)  2
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  7
Common Loon (Gavia immer)  1
American Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis)  3
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  1
Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus)  1
Canada Jay (Perisoreus canadensis)  4
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  3
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  2
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  4
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  12
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  12
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  6
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  2
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)  3
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S280218978

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Field Trip October 4, 2025

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Eight hardy birders were out under threatening skies October 4, 2025 for a damp and chilly stroll of the Nova Nature trails. Birding started slow with the creek mostly dry and little moving in the grasslands and forest. Flocks of Canada Geese and a few Greater White-fronted Geese were our only activity to start. Towards the north, beaver dams were holding some water and we began to see dabbling ducks, coots and waders. 

Best sighting of the day was on a muddy bar where a lone Killdeer and three Wilson’s Snipes were foraging in the mud and shallows. The snipes seemed quite unconcerned by us and put on a nice display of probing the mud and shallows for insects.

We saw flocks of American Robins, American Pipits, European Starlings and Common Grackles overhead. The rising wind and cooling temperature seemed to be unsettling these birds and they moved through without pause. Even the crows, ravens and magpies seemed to be drifting. We saw flock after flock of Canada Geese, mostly overhead, but no Snow, Ross’s, or Cackling Geese joined them this morning.

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

NOVA Chemicals Community Nature Trail, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Oct 4, 2025 9:38 AM - 12:45 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.093 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
22 species
8 Participants
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)  9
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  556
Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors)  2
Gadwall (Mareca strepera)  6
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  16
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)  12
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)  6
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  1
American Coot (Fulica americana)  4
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)  1
Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata)  3
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  1
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  4
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  9
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  9
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  20
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  15
American Pipit (Anthus rubescens)  20
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  2
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  6
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S277262686

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip September 27, 2025

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Eleven birders were out September 27, 2025 to enjoy the fall colors around the ‘Lakes of Lacombe’. We followed Cathy’s route from last year, and walked portions of Barnett and Elizabeth Lakes. 

Birding was brisk, and we had only reached the shore of Barnett Lake when a Crow chased a Sharp-shinned Hawk through the tall spruces. On the lake we saw Canada Geese, Mallards, a late American Coot, and both Red-necked and Horned Grebes. Greater Yellowlegs called along the shore, the shrubbery along the shore was busy with noisy flocks of American Robins and Common Grackles. We had Pine Siskens, Black-capped Chickadees and a White-breasted Nuthatch overhead. Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers worked the deadwood, and a small slough along the trail was filled with American Wigeons and Mallards - the dabbling ducks were moulting, and we saw a range of plumage from late eclipse to full breeding.

Along Elizabeth Lake, White-throated Sparrows and Yellow-rumped Warblers worked the shrubbery, while Cedar Waxwings, Robins and Woodpeckers moved overhead. Divers were the story on the water, with Common Goldeneye, Buffleheads and even a lonely Ruddy visible. Our last ‘sighting’ of the day was a miniature Red-sided Garter Snake hastening across the trail to the water.

Thanks to Danielle B. for sharing this fall photo below of ‘Birders along Barnett’. 

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Barnett Lake, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Sep 27, 2025 9:43 AM - 1:13 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
3.704 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
28 species (+1 other taxa)
11 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  16
American Wigeon (Mareca americana)  58
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  21
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)  12
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)  5
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  1
American Coot (Fulica americana)  3
Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca)  2
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  2
gull sp. (Larinae sp.)  6
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)  6
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)  1     Pursued by a crow along the lake shore - seen twice
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  3
Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus)  1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  3
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  8
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  11
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  4
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  28
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  27
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  6
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)  6
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  4
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  30
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)  14

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S275926221 

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 Field Trip May 10, 2025

Bird Focus People:

Fourteen birders were out to Raven Brood Trout Station May 10, 2025 to enjoy the trails on a beautiful spring day. Welcome to Blaine and Tracy D. joining our group today!

Birding started with songs and calls from the picnic area, as we ‘scoped’ to try and identify a drab-colored sparrow preening at the top of a tall spruce. While engaged there, we could hear songs and calls from several Sparrows, a Brown-headed Cowbird, and Red-breasted Nuthatches. The wood along the spring stream was busy with drum calls from Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and we were treated to a Sharp-shinned Hawk overhead.

Climbing the upper trail added Yellow-rumped Warblers, Pine Siskins, Dark-eyed Juncos and a Hairy Woodpecker. As our fishers ogled the trout in the pools, a gentle clicking alerted us to a woodpecker scaling bark nearby, and soon we had our first American Three-toed Woodpecker of the year. Calls and sightings added Downy Woodpeckers, Pileated Woodpeckers and Northern Flickers.

The interpretive trails were busy with Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Boreal and Black-capped Chickadees, White-throated Sparrows, and lots more Yellow-rumped Warblers. The kinglets stayed hidden in the canopy this year, but we did manage some good looks at Yellow-rumped Warblers. A gentle cooing alerted us to a lonely Mourning Dove, and we sighted him on a snag in the wetland. Evening Grosbeaks called in the canopy but stayed mostly hidden, as did the local Sandhill Cranes. A Kingfisher rattled at us from along the creek. Thirty diverse species and a great stroll in the spring!

Enjoy!

Chris Olsen

Here is the eBird report:

Raven Creek Brood Trout Station trails, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, CA
10-May-2025 9:24 AM - 1:25 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.395 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
30 species
14 Participants
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 1
Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) 1
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 3
American Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 1
Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) 1
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) 1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 2
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 1
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 3
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula) 11
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 5
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 8
Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) 5
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) 3
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 4
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 3
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 5
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 10
Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) 1
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) 1
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 1
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 5
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S236731144

Photo - American Three-toed Woodpecker