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 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 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 May 2, 2026

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

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

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

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

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

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

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

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

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk April 18, 2026

 

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

With apologies for the delay (while my vision stabilizes), here is the summary for April 18, 2026 outing to the trails of Maskepetoon Park. Fourteen people joined us for the walk on a beautifully warm spring day! Welcome to new participants Lori S., Gail M. and Wendy C.

Birding started along the river where Buffleheads, Common Mergansers and Common Goldeneyes preened and paraded, resplendent black-and-white, on ice-free waters below. There were pairs of Mallards everywhere, and even a male Northern Shoveler among them on the natural wetland on the outside loop. Thanks to Tony for some interpretive insight the botanical distinction between this ‘natural wetland’ and the reclaimed gravel pits that dominate our river-bottom parks. Don’t forget to hold our Provincial politicians responsible for their plan to push the QE II highway through these rare wetlands!

A flock of Bohemian Waxwings moved back and forth among the old poplars in the bottom, fly-catching in the upper canopy. We added a Killdeer on the muddy shore, and the Northern Flickers and Pileated Woodpecker territorial calls competed with the inevitable traffic noise. A whole ‘kettle’ of ravens played in the thermals high above the far escarpment. On the wooded trails, we had lots of chickadees, nuthatches and American Robins, and we added our first-of-the-year pair of Dark-eyed Juncos.

As we returned to the parking lot, some of our group waited for us, peering high overhead. At the very limits of visibility, 5 Ravens soared on high and harassed a pair of small raptors that would appear and disappear as they dodged the Ravens - we would see short glimpses of very light underbodies and what looked like long tails and short, rounded wings. Tantalizingly Accipiter-like. By comparative size, likely Sharp-shinned Hawks, but simply too high and intermittently visible to hold sharp focus. A pretty study in the warm spring sky!

As many will know by now we cancelled our Sharp-tailed Grouse Watch trip. Shortly after, even the Snow Goose Festival weekend was cancelled in the near-blizzard conditions. Sheldon said he still had weekend openings May 16-17, and for those with more flexibility, there are often weekday spots. It is truly an amazing experience and I encourage any who have not experienced it to book directly by going to the Wainwright Wildlife Society Facebook page for the grouse registration info and/or to find available dates.

A last note, as I walked Bella, my dog, in the storm last night April 24, 2026, there was a flock of 50 or more Tree Swallows swooping through the canopy of the open forest just north of the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. It was 8:50 p.m. and fully dark during a short lull in the driving snow. Surprisingly, there were also gulls flying high above. I’m hopeful there was some kind of hatch in progress and that the late-flying Tree Swallows found enough food to survive the spring blizzard. There is always something to see in the natural world!

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird Report:

Red Deer-Maskepetoon Park, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Apr 18, 2026 9:22 AM - 1:14 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
2.537 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
24 species
14 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 5
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) 1
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 34
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 7
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) 16
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) 8
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) 1
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 1
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 3
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) 2
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 4
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) 4
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 18
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 22 Two separate groups (12 + 6) riding thermals above the Red Deer river escarpments.
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 22
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) 3
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 8
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) 70
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 4
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 6
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 2
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S327230779

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk April 11, 2026

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Ten hardy hikers were out in the chill April 11, 2026 to look at our McKenzie Trails to Riverbend route. Welcome to new participants Darlene D., Patricia R. and Sam R. We were short of ice cleats and they were definitely needed to get safely to the overlook bench - with that, we walked the forest with seven people, while others strolled the drier paved trails.

Birding started quickly along the river with dramatically white and black Common Mergansers, both on the water and arrowing along in fast flight. We were surprised to see four American Coots feeding on the far shore, and there were of course crabby Canada Geese on the pond ice and wary Mallards on the open water. There were Osprey at the McKenzie landing, and they gave us a show circling of the nest platforms in both parks.

The riparian forest was amazing as always, with mossy trails tracking the slump terraces through the towering trees. The monstrous old Balsam Poplars are positively coastal in size! We were serenaded by Purple Finches, with sightings of Pine Siskins, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and even a small flock of American White Pelicans, winging by at tree-top level. Like last night, we thought we had glimpses of migrating swans, but too little, too quick, to confirm.

At the lookout, we had Buffleheads, American Wigeons, Common Goldeneyes and more Mallards and Canada Geese on the water and island. One small flock of Snow Geese passed overhead, with large flocks likely in the region by now. As we worked our way down to Riverbend, a very pretty Red-tailed Hawk tracked a thermal overhead. There are 3 new nest poles near the terminus of the ‘road-to-nowhere’, and at least four Osprey were in flight to defend those nest sites. The perfectly warming morning finished with Northern Flickers and Bohemian Waxwings.

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

McKenzie Trails Park to Riverbend on the Red Deer River right bank CA-AB (52.3029,-113.7736), Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Apr 11, 2026 10:11 AM - 1:27 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
4.31 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
27 species
10 Participants
Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens)  7
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  94
American Wigeon (Mareca americana)  3
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  38
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)  2
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)  26
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)  16
American Coot (Fulica americana)  4     Foraging in the shallows of the Red Deer River.
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  2
American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)  8     Low altitude fly-over.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)  4
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  3
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  4
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  1
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  3
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  12
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  1
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  16
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  4     In the old growth spruce forest canopy.
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  4
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  7
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)  12
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)  2     Singing in the upper canopy of old growth spruce forest. Merlin ID, with the birds only seen briefly in flight.
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)  2
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S320370992

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk April 4, 2026

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Seven birders were out on a bright Saturday morning April 4, 2026 to walk the Wishart trail through the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary. Our first stretch out along the boardwalk to the viewing structure was a bit of a shock. The ‘lake’ is virtually dry and mostly a frozen mud flat. A few Canada Geese pairs were visible along the edges, but as Ron observed coyotes and other predators could simply walk out to any nest built on the beaver lodges. Grim for the geese and aquatic mammals!

Notwithstanding the forecast, our weather was warmer than expected and we never saw the threatened rain or wind. We did see large numbers of Bohemian Waxwings and the ever-present chickadees and nuthatches were joined in song by small flocks of American Robins, Pine Siskins, Dark-eyed Juncos and House Finches. At the east lake overlook a Cooper’s Hawk treated us with a classic accipiter fly-by!

There’s lots of porcupine activity along the upper trails, with bark-stripped elderberry and scattered broken withes  (a tough, flexible branch of an osier or other willow, used for tying, binding, or basketry) all along. Drayten soon started a collection of quills from along the trail - travel evidence more persistent than snow tracks!

We finished back near the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and as we reviewed the bird list, pairs of Pileated, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, arrived to forage on the aging box elders and feeders - a nice finish to the morning!

A last reminder with respect to the Sharp-tailed Grouse Watch booked for April 25^th, 2026. For the first time that booking is not full. Many of our group have attended more than once in the past and so we’ll likely give that outing a rest for a couple of years.

P.S.: ice cleats were still very helpful on the Wishart Trail, and are highly recommended for the steep and shaded portions of the McKenzie-to-River Bend walk next weekend April 11, 2026.

Here is an unusual species pairing photo (this past week) from my feeders.

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, Red Deer CA-AB 52.28497, -113.79440, Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Apr 4, 2026 10:04 AM - 12:58 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
3.643 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing.
20 species
7 Participants
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  14
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  2
Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  2
Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus)  2
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)  3
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  3
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  6
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  8
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  11
Common Raven (Corvus corax)  3
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  19
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  7
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  17
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)  80
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  4
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)  5
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)  5
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S316970906

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

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

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

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

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

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

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

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

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

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

See you there!

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

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

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

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

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

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

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

 Enjoy,

Chris

Here is the eBird report:

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

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

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk November 15, 2025

Chris Olsen Report

Bird Focus People:

Eight birders joined together November 15, 2025 for a frosty morning walk through the parks along Waskasoo Creek. We started by taking the trail up to the top of the escarpment along Spruce Drive, picking up a young female Pileated Woodpecker along the way. The long stair down to Waskasoo Creek was mostly quiet, but as we moved through Barrett Park on the right bank, we saw several groups of Black-billed Magpies. Every such ‘mischief’ suggested perhaps a mobbing, but alas we saw no owls or diurnal raptors for the day. Our count was at least 34 magpies - they and the red squirrels seemed to be everywhere as the sun brightened and warmed the trails. We were lucky to get close to a second Pileated Woodpecker in Barrett, among small bands of Black-capped Chickadees, Blue Jays, and Red-breasted Nuthatches. 

The Coronation and Stephenson Park trails were relatively quiet, but very pretty as the morning warmed. Birding picked up in Galbraith, and we added White-winged Crossbills and a Boreal Chickadee to our tally, while House Finches entertained us with song. As we approached Gaetz Park we saw several flocks of Canada Geese overhead. There were flocks of Canada Geese, Ring-billed Gulls and scattered Mallards on the river. Among the Canada’s, two Cackling Geese stood out by virtue of sound and diminutive size.

We finished the morning with a look at the right bank of the river along 45th Avenue, and a brief discussion of the East Lincoln proposal to build one or more apartment buildings on the former school fields. As illustrated by our walk this morning, Red Deer has an amazing park system - riparian, treed land and meadow connect the Piper Creek headwaters to the SE, right along the downtown core, and northward to Gaetz lakes, McKenzie Trails, Riverbend and out to the Blindman River watershed. The only ‘broken link’ in this system is the 250 m or so along 45th Avenue - it numbs the mind to think we would risk this amazing linkage to allow apartments; built far from transit and amenities, but crowding the last bit of open space adjacent to the road and trail to the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. How ironic.

On a more positive note, the Waskasoo Community Association reports that more than 60 letters were sent to MPC by the Friday deadline. Thanks to the birders that were on that list! Development apparently needs more time to get everything on the agenda and so the MPC meeting has been moved back a week to 9:00 a.m. Wednesday November 26^th, 2025. That meeting is in City Council Chambers and open to the public. We’re hoping to get as many supporters out as possible - wear blue to show your support!! For more info and complete background check out the Waskasoo Community website (Planning and Development tab) at www.waskasoo.com.

Enjoy!

Chris 

Here is the eBird report:

Waskasoo Creek, Red Deer CA-AB (52.2693,-113.8017), Red Deer, Alberta, CA
Nov 15, 2025 10:01 AM - 12:19 PM
Protocol: Traveling, walking
3.456 kilometres
Checklist Comments: Red Deer River Naturalists, Bird Focus Group outing. Walk Waskasoo Creek from Rotary Park through Barrett Park, Coronation Park, Stephenson Park, Galbraith Park to Gaetz Park on the Red Deer River.
16 species
8 Participants
Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)  2
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  144
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  11
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  20
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)  2
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)  2
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  10
Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)  34
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  24
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)  1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  3
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  6
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  4
White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)  2

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S284639432 

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