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15 Mar Re: Woodpeckers Galore ["Mike Mulligan" ] 16 Mar Woodpeckers Galore ["davidlilly57" ] 15 Mar No Subject ["Gus Yaki" ] 15 Mar Returning Robin [] 14 Mar Ring-necked Duck [Lloyd Bennett ] 15 Mar Eurasion Wigeon - Chain Lakes ["peter_maksymiw" ] 14 Mar Re: calgary gyrfalcon ["Bill Walker" ] 14 Mar Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 2009-2010 [Blake Maybank ] 14 Mar Spring arrivals at Langdon Reservoir ["Andrew Slater" ] 14 Mar Roughies ["Ron Kube" ] 13 Mar calgary gyrfalcon ["Mike Mulligan" ] 13 Mar Owl Nest [Ryan Heavy Head ] 13 Mar FFCPPSoc.Birding, IBS, 9:am, Sat.13Mar2010. Ptly Cloudy, N wind 15kph, 0 to 3C ["Gus Yaki" ] 12 Mar Re: new website/bird blog [savagebirder ] 12 Mar Snowy Owls ["Curtis" ] 12 Mar Wednesday Drive in Southern Alberta [Dwight Knapik ] 11 Mar Male Snowy ["Stefan Schulhof" ] 11 Mar Can't find the Gyrfalcon [Eddy Matuod ] 11 Mar RBA; Calgary, AB, Mar11, 2010 ["Patricia Mitchell" ] 12 Mar N. Harrier ["ken_moore_ab" ] 11 Mar FFCPPSoc.Birding, IBS, 9:15am,Thu.11Mar2010. Ptly Cloudy, calm, -3 to 5C. ["Gus Yaki" ] 12 Mar Meadowlark , High River ["chucker232000" ] 11 Mar Spring Arrivals in the Hat Area [Milton Spitzer ] 11 Mar Trip to Cuba ["Howard" ] 10 Mar Re: Re: Return To Sspopiikimi [Ryan Heavy Head ] 10 Mar Re: Return To Sspopiikimi ["gfox" ] 10 Mar Re: Return To Sspopiikimi ["chingfordca" ] 10 Mar Re: Greetings Edmonton Birders ["gdanen" ] 9 Mar Saw-whet @ Lindbrook ["Bob Gehlert" ] 9 Mar Return To Sspopiikimi [Ryan Heavy Head ] 10 Mar Greetings Edmonton Birders [] 9 Mar FFCPPSoc.Birding, IBS, 9:15am,Tue.09Mar2010. Cloudy, calm, -1C. ["Gus Yaki" ] 08 Mar RBA: Calgary AB, March 8, 2010 [Jean Moore ] 08 Mar RBA: Calgary AB, March 8, 2010 [Jean Moore ] 08 Mar Eurasian Collared Dove - SW Calgary ["ianmaton" ] 08 Mar Wabamun Lake ["westkmav" ] 7 Mar Tundra Swans ["Claude Benoit" ] 08 Mar Re: Canada Goose in Edmonton area ["gdanen" ] 7 Mar Re: Canada Goose in Edmonton area [Gerry Danen ] 07 Mar Nature Calgary Field Trip ["tonytimmons99" ] 07 Mar Buntings and Horned Larks - Tofield ["gfoxedm" ] 07 Mar Re: Tundra Swans [Bob Parsons ] 07 Mar Tundra Swans ["ken_moore_ab" ] 07 Mar Re: Lone Goose ["gdanen" ] 07 Mar First time poster, short time reader. ["tednanninga" ] 7 Mar more arrivals [Lloyd Bennett ] 07 Mar Lone Goose ["birds4me2show" ] 07 Mar Canada Goose in Edmonton area ["gdanen" ] 06 Mar Barred Owl on Whitemud Tral in Edmonton ["avi8fauna" ] 6 Mar GHO - up close ["Ken Scott" ] 06 Mar Pine Siskin ["Kathy" ] 06 Mar NMT Birding: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary ["William J. F. Wilson" ] 5 Mar GHO - up close ["Ken Scott" ] 5 Mar Whiemud Park+ Ravine, Edmonton ["Zoltan Domahidi" ] 05 Mar Cackling Goose ["Jim H Davis" ] 05 Mar Female Hooded Merganser at Inglewood ["davidlilly57" ] 04 Mar Thursday Morning at Brown-Lowery Provincial Park [Dwight Knapik ] 4 Mar M. Ross Lein honoured by the American Ornithologists' Union ["Gus Yaki" ] 04 Mar RBA: Calgary AB, March 4, 2010 [Jean Moore ] 4 Mar FFCPPSoc Birding, Edworthy Park, 9:15am,04Mar10. Sunny, calm, -1 to 8C. ["Gus Yaki" ] 4 Mar inglewood birding ["Mike Mulligan" ] 3 Mar Edworthy Park [Eddy Matuod ] 03 Mar Bald Eagle ["birds4me2show" ] 03 Mar Raptors on the move ["dlhuget" ] 2 Mar song sparrow in calgary ["Mike Mulligan" ] 03 Mar Last day of Winter ["westkmav" ] 2 Mar FFCPPSoc Birding, Edworthy Park, 9:15-11.15am, Tue. 02Mar 2010. Foggy, calm, -3C. ["Gus Yaki" ] 2 Mar FFCPPSoc Birding, Edworthy Park, 9:15-11.15am, Tue. 02Mar 2010. Foggy, calm, -3C. ["Gus Yaki" ] 2 Mar pine grosbeaks at edworthy park ["Mike Mulligan" ] 1 Mar pintails [Lloyd Bennett ] 02 Mar Robins and a gull ["lesbiendesbien" ] 01 Mar Bird Study Group meeting this Wednesday [Andrew Hart ] 1 Mar Elbow River Bird Survey, Calgary, 0800-1230, Mon, 01Mar10. Sunny, calm, -4 to 9C ["Gus Yaki" ] 1 Mar Re: Exshaw to Peyto Lake - no CBCH ["Liis Veelma" ] 1 Mar TRIP TO MT LORETTE, KANANASKIS COUNTRY, MONDAY 15 MARCH 2010 ["Gus Yaki" ] 01 Mar RBA: Calgary AB, March 1, 2010 [Jean Moore ] Subject: Re: Woodpeckers Galore From: "Mike Mulligan" <potoo AT shaw.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:37:05 -0600 What bird? Mike Mulligan Calgary ----- Original Message ----- From: "davidlilly57" To: Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 8:24 PM Subject: [Albertabird] Woodpeckers Galore > Hi Everyone, > > I had a great day photographing Woodpeckers. > > Copy this link to see photos. > > http://www.davidlillyphotography.ca/_/Home.html > > Gus Yaki's bird report was very disturbing. What can we do to help the > bird? > > David Lilly > Calgary > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Gus Yaki" To: ; Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 5:05 PM Subject: [Albertabird] > News Release > March 11, 2010 > > Secretary Salazar Releases New > "State of the Birds" Report Showing > Climate Change Threatens Hundreds of Species > > Austin, TX-Climate change threatens to further imperil hundreds of species > of migratory birds, already under stress from habitat loss, invasive > species and other environmental threats, a new report released today by > Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar concludes. > > The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change, follows a > comprehensive report released a year ago showing that that nearly a third > of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in > significant decline. > > "For well over a century, migratory birds have faced stresses such as > commercial hunting, loss of forests, the use of DDT and other pesticides, > a loss of wetlands and other key habitat, the introduction of invasive > species, and other impacts of human development," Salazar said. "Now they > are facing a new threat--climate change--that could dramatically alter > their habitat and food supply and push many species towards extinction." > > The report, a collaboration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and > experts from the nation's leading conservation organizations, shows that > climate changes will have an increasingly disruptive effect on bird > species in all habitats, with oceanic and Hawaiian birds in greatest > peril. > > In releasing the report, Salazar cited the unprecedented efforts by the > Obama Administration and the Department of the Interior to address climate > change. > > Last week in Anchorage, Alaska, for example, the Interior Department > opened the first of eight new regional Climate Science Centers that will > engage scientists from all of Interior's Bureaus and partners to research > climate change impacts, work with land, natural, and cultural resource > managers to design adaptation strategies, and engage the public through > education initiatives. > > Common Eider by Lilia D'Alba > > The Climate Science Centers will help support a network of new "Landscape > Conservation Cooperatives" that will engage federal agencies, tribal, > state, and local governmental and non-governmental partners, and the > public in crafting practical, landscape-level strategies for managing > climate change impacts on land, natural, and cultural resources within the > eight regions. > > "Just as they did in 1962 when Rachel Carson published Silent Spring, our > migratory birds are sending us a message about the health of our planet," > Salazar said. "That is why--for the first time ever--the Department of the > Interior has deployed a coordinated strategy to plan for and respond to > the impacts of climate change on the resources we manage." > > Key findings from the "State of the Birds" climate change report include: > > . Oceanic birds are among the most vulnerable species because they don't > raise many young each year; they face challenges from a rapidly changing > marine ecosystem; and they nest on islands that may be flooded as sea > levels rise. All 67 oceanic bird species, such as petrels and albatrosses, > are among the most vulnerable birds on Earth to climate change. > > . Hawaiian birds such as endangered species Puaiohi and 'Akiapola'au > already face multiple threats and are increasingly challenged by > mosquito-borne diseases and invasive species as climate change alters > their native habitats. > > . Birds in coastal, arctic/alpine, and grassland habitats, as well as > those on Caribbean and other Pacific islands show intermediate levels of > vulnerability; most birds in aridlands, wetlands, and forests show > relatively low vulnerability to climate change. > > . For bird species that are already of conservation concern such as the > golden-cheeked warbler, whooping crane, and spectacled eider, the added > vulnerability to climate change may hasten declines or prevent recovery. > > . The report identified common bird species such as the American > oystercatcher, common nighthawk, and northern pintail that are likely to > become species of conservation concern as a result of climate change. > > White-tailed Tropicbird by > Elena Babij > > "Birds are excellent indicators of the health of our environment, and > right now they are telling us an important story about climate change," > said Dr. Kenneth Rosenberg, director of Conservation Science at the > Cornell Lab of Ornithology. "Many species of conservation concern will > face heightened threats, giving us an increased sense of urgency to > protect and conserve vital bird habitat." > > "All of the effective bird conservation efforts already taking place to > protect rare species, conserve habitats, and remove threats need to be > continued," said David Mehlman of The Nature Conservancy. "Additionally, > they need to be greatly expanded to meet the threat climate change poses > to bird populations." > > "The dangers to these birds reflect risks to everything we value: our > health, our finances, our quality of life and the stability of our natural > world," said Audubon's Glenn Olson. "But if we can help the birds weather > a changing climate, we can help ourselves." > > "While there is much to be concerned about in this report, we can reduce > the impact of climate change by taking immediate action to reduce carbon > emissions and find creative conservation solutions to help birds adapt to > the changes that are already in process," said David Pashley, vice > president of the American Bird Conservancy. > > The report offers solutions that illustrate how, by working together, > organizations and individuals can have a demonstrable positive impact on > birds in the U.S. Specifically, the report indicates that the way lands > are managed can mitigate climate change and help birds adapt to changing > conditions. For example, conserving carbon-rich forests and wetlands, and > creating incentives to avoid deforestation can reduce emissions and > provide invaluable wildlife habitat. > > The report is the product of a collaborative effort as part of the U.S. > North American Bird Conservation Initiative, between federal and state > wildlife agencies, and scientific and conservation organizations including > partners from the American Bird Conservancy, Association of Fish and > Wildlife Agencies, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Klamath Bird Observatory, > National Audubon Society, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The > Nature Conservancy, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife > Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. > > a.. Home > b.. Foreword > c.. Summary > d.. The State of the Birds > e.. Methods > f.. Acknowledgements > g.. News Room > a.. News Release > h.. Contact Subject: Woodpeckers Galore From: "davidlilly57" <davidlilly57 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:24:04 -0000 Hi Everyone, I had a great day photographing Woodpeckers. Copy this link to see photos. http://www.davidlillyphotography.ca/_/Home.html Gus Yaki's bird report was very disturbing. What can we do to help the bird? David Lilly Calgary Subject: No Subject From: "Gus Yaki" <gyaki AT calcna.ab.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:05:03 -0700 News Release March 11, 2010 Secretary Salazar Releases New "State of the Birds" Report Showing Climate Change Threatens Hundreds of Species Austin, TX-Climate change threatens to further imperil hundreds of species of migratory birds, already under stress from habitat loss, invasive species and other environmental threats, a new report released today by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar concludes. The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change, follows a comprehensive report released a year ago showing that that nearly a third of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in significant decline. "For well over a century, migratory birds have faced stresses such as commercial hunting, loss of forests, the use of DDT and other pesticides, a loss of wetlands and other key habitat, the introduction of invasive species, and other impacts of human development," Salazar said. "Now they are facing a new threat--climate change--that could dramatically alter their habitat and food supply and push many species towards extinction." The report, a collaboration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and experts from the nation's leading conservation organizations, shows that climate changes will have an increasingly disruptive effect on bird species in all habitats, with oceanic and Hawaiian birds in greatest peril. In releasing the report, Salazar cited the unprecedented efforts by the Obama Administration and the Department of the Interior to address climate change. Last week in Anchorage, Alaska, for example, the Interior Department opened the first of eight new regional Climate Science Centers that will engage scientists from all of Interior's Bureaus and partners to research climate change impacts, work with land, natural, and cultural resource managers to design adaptation strategies, and engage the public through education initiatives. Common Eider by Lilia D'Alba The Climate Science Centers will help support a network of new "Landscape Conservation Cooperatives" that will engage federal agencies, tribal, state, and local governmental and non-governmental partners, and the public in crafting practical, landscape-level strategies for managing climate change impacts on land, natural, and cultural resources within the eight regions. "Just as they did in 1962 when Rachel Carson published Silent Spring, our migratory birds are sending us a message about the health of our planet," Salazar said. "That is why--for the first time ever--the Department of the Interior has deployed a coordinated strategy to plan for and respond to the impacts of climate change on the resources we manage." Key findings from the "State of the Birds" climate change report include: . Oceanic birds are among the most vulnerable species because they don't raise many young each year; they face challenges from a rapidly changing marine ecosystem; and they nest on islands that may be flooded as sea levels rise. All 67 oceanic bird species, such as petrels and albatrosses, are among the most vulnerable birds on Earth to climate change. . Hawaiian birds such as endangered species Puaiohi and 'Akiapola'au already face multiple threats and are increasingly challenged by mosquito-borne diseases and invasive species as climate change alters their native habitats. . Birds in coastal, arctic/alpine, and grassland habitats, as well as those on Caribbean and other Pacific islands show intermediate levels of vulnerability; most birds in aridlands, wetlands, and forests show relatively low vulnerability to climate change. . For bird species that are already of conservation concern such as the golden-cheeked warbler, whooping crane, and spectacled eider, the added vulnerability to climate change may hasten declines or prevent recovery. . The report identified common bird species such as the American oystercatcher, common nighthawk, and northern pintail that are likely to become species of conservation concern as a result of climate change. White-tailed Tropicbird by Elena Babij "Birds are excellent indicators of the health of our environment, and right now they are telling us an important story about climate change," said Dr. Kenneth Rosenberg, director of Conservation Science at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. "Many species of conservation concern will face heightened threats, giving us an increased sense of urgency to protect and conserve vital bird habitat." "All of the effective bird conservation efforts already taking place to protect rare species, conserve habitats, and remove threats need to be continued," said David Mehlman of The Nature Conservancy. "Additionally, they need to be greatly expanded to meet the threat climate change poses to bird populations." "The dangers to these birds reflect risks to everything we value: our health, our finances, our quality of life and the stability of our natural world," said Audubon's Glenn Olson. "But if we can help the birds weather a changing climate, we can help ourselves." "While there is much to be concerned about in this report, we can reduce the impact of climate change by taking immediate action to reduce carbon emissions and find creative conservation solutions to help birds adapt to the changes that are already in process," said David Pashley, vice president of the American Bird Conservancy. The report offers solutions that illustrate how, by working together, organizations and individuals can have a demonstrable positive impact on birds in the U.S. Specifically, the report indicates that the way lands are managed can mitigate climate change and help birds adapt to changing conditions. For example, conserving carbon-rich forests and wetlands, and creating incentives to avoid deforestation can reduce emissions and provide invaluable wildlife habitat. The report is the product of a collaborative effort as part of the U.S. North American Bird Conservation Initiative, between federal and state wildlife agencies, and scientific and conservation organizations including partners from the American Bird Conservancy, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Klamath Bird Observatory, National Audubon Society, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. a.. Home b.. Foreword c.. Summary d.. The State of the Birds e.. Methods f.. Acknowledgements g.. News Room a.. News Release h.. Contact Contact [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Returning Robin From: hansenk AT shaw.ca Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:59:42 -0000 Greetings all, Sunday March 14th I spotted an early return Robin along RR210 on the east side of Elk Island National Park. Also the Townsend's Solitaire is still frequenting the Picnic Site #1 of Hawrelak Park. Ken Hansen Edmonton Subject: Ring-necked Duck From: Lloyd Bennett <lloydaben AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:13:31 -0600 A large puddle in a field by the next road east of me has been a good spot to find new birds this spring. Last Wednesday there was my first Eurasian Wigeon of the year. Yesterday among the many other ducks there was a single male Ring-necked Duck, which is the first one that I can remember seeing in a field, and not in a lake. Farther east I found my first meadowlark of the spring. Lloyd Bennett Taber _________________________________________________________________ IM on the go with Messenger on your phone http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712960 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Eurasion Wigeon - Chain Lakes From: "peter_maksymiw" <peter_maksymiw AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:21:54 -0000 There were 3 male American Wigeon and 1 male Eurasion Wigeon below the dam the Chain Lakes Willow Creek day use area this afternoon. Also a very vocal American Dipper. Near Indian Graves a possible Loggerhead Shrike, more blue-grey colouring overall than Northern shrike and noticably smaller bill. Bird was calling continuously, I've never heard a shrike before. Peter. Subject: Re: calgary gyrfalcon From: "Bill Walker" <whwalker AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:40:37 -0600 At 11:30 am I flushed a large gray-backed falcon from a power pole beside 114 Av. just west of R284. It flew south over a barn and flushed a large flock of pigeons, which may be why it was there. Probably same bird as seen by Mike and Jerry yesterday. Bill W.H.Walker whwalker AT shaw.ca Calgary, Alb., Canada 403-278-7271 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 2009-2010 From: Blake Maybank <maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:45:46 -0300 Winter Birding in Canada - 2009-10 - Final Summary 14 March 2010 The birding this past winter season in Canada was less exciting than normal. With two exceptions (see Manitoba and Quebec, below) every province recorded winter season species totals that were lower than average. Here are some possible reasons for this: - The active El Nino circulation in the Pacific caused Canada to experience its warmest and driest winter since 1948. Precipitation was down by nearly 25%, and the average temperatures were 4 degrees Celsius above normal. The Arctic had its warmest winter ever. - Wild food was easier for birds to access, and most feeder-watchers reported less activity at their feeding stations. - There were few irruptions of northern owls and finches. - Though twitchers did have good birds to chase, there were not as many rarities as a typical winter. - The first day of the winter birding season, Dec. 1, fell on a Monday, which meant that, in most areas, the concerted search for winter birds did not begin until the first Saturday of December, six days into the winter season, by which time an early cold snap had pushed waterfowl further south, and likely removed many “half-hard autumn lingerers”. - The first day of the Christmas Bird Count period also fell on a Monday, which meant that most counts were held later in December than is usual, reducing the number of species recorded. Here are the links to the Winter Birding web pages for all ten Canadian provinces, as well as the French islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon, and the country of Iceland. PROVINCES FROM EAST TO WEST: Newfoundland and Labrador: http://tinyurl.com/2jqo5p 129 species. Highlights: Northern Lapwing (3 separate birds); Yellow-legged Gull (2); Slaty-backed Gull; +++ Ivory Gulls; White-winged Dove (1st winter record); Redwing. There were sufficient gaps between winter storms to allow Newfoundland birders to locate a good variety of rare and regular species, though slightly fewer than in recent years. The province continues to offer superb gull watching in the St. John’s area, but that may change soon, and there are plans to stop pumping sewage in the harbour. And rumours are floating about that authorities might consider changing landfill practices at the famous St. John’s garbage dump. Both actions make sense environmentally, but would cause much anguish to gull-watchers. Nova Scotia: http://tinyurl.com/nswinter 181 species. (average = 195). Highlights: Red Phalarope (3rd winter record); Empidomax flycatcher sp.; Prairie Warbler (2nd winter record); Spotted Towhee (1st winter record, 2nd provincial record). Big Misses: Northern Fulmar, Spruce Grouse (resident), Red Knot, White-crowned Sparrow. We’ve been keeping track of Nova Scotia’s winter birds since 1996, and the total this past winter tied the lowest previous total, set in 1998/99. Almost every observer was complaining about the scarcity of birds. The mood was glum. Prince Edward Island: http://tinyurl.com/peiwinter 107 species (average = 113). Highlights: Cattle Egret (2nd winter record); Broad-winged Hawk (2nd winter record); Black-legged Kittiwake (1st winter record). Big Misses: Sharp-tailed Grouse (resident, introduced). A soft winter made it hard to find winter specialties, and kept the province’s total below the long-term average. New Brunswick: http://tinyurl.com/nbwinter (updated 12 Feb) 151 species (average = 162). Highlights: Virginia Rail (1st winter record); Marsh Wren (2nd winter record); Ovenbird (2nd winter record); Lark Sparrow (2nd winter record). Big Misses: Wilson’s Snipe; Carolina Wren; American Pipit. A dearth of rarities kept the province’s total well below the long-term average. Quebec: http://tinyurl.com/qcwinter 178 species (10 year average = 166, not including exotics). Highlights: Pacific Loon (1st winter record); Great Egret (2nd winter record); Black Vulture (1st winter record); Barnacle Goose (1st winter record); Rock Ptarmigan (1st winter record); Arctic Tern (1st winter record); White-winged Dove (1st winter record); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1st winter record). Quebec birders took advantage of the mild winter to really explore their large province, and ended up with one of their highest totals to date. They added seven species to their 10-year cumulative winter list. Ontario: http://tinyurl.com/onwinter 191 species. Highlights: Barnacle Goose (2nd winter record); Yellow-billed Loon (2nd winter record); Black-tailed Gull (2nd winter record); Ivory Gull; Phainopepla (2nd provincial and Canadian record, 1st Canadian winter record); Northern Waterthrush (2nd winter record). Big Misses: Eurasian Wigeon; Yellow-headed Blackbird. The province had fewer species than the previous two winters, but managed to surpass the Nova Scotia total for the first time. The Phainopepla took pride of place, of course, and attracted many admirers. Manitoba: http://tinyurl.com/mbwinter 109 species (average = 99). Highlights: Wood Duck (2nd winter record); Greater Scaup (1st winter record); Common Loon (2nd winter record); Western Grebe (1st winter record); Sora (1st winter record); Thayer’s Gull (1st winter record); Lincoln’s Sparrow (2nd winter record); Swamp Sparrow (2nd winter record); Yellow-headed Blackbird (2nd winter record); Brambling (1st winter record; 2nd provincial record). Manitoba birders pulled out all the stops in the first few days of December, and their diligence was rewarded when they achieved the highest total since they started keeping records nine years ago. And equally as important – for the first time they bettered the total of their provincial rival, Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan: http://tinyurl.com/skwinter 100 species (average = 111) - Highlights: Wood Duck (1st winter record); Sandhill Crane (2nd winter record); Rustic Bunting (1st provincial record, 2nd Canadian record); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2nd winter record); Baltimore Oriole (1st winter record). Big Miss: American Three-toed Woodpecker Perhaps if Saskatchewan birders knew how determined their Manitoba neighbours were they might have pushed harder in the first days of December. But, alas, they didn’t, and struggled to reach 100 species, the lowest total since they started winter listing 8 years ago. But there was a great consolation prize in one of the rarest birds across the country this winter. Alberta: http://tinyurl.com/abwinter 136 species (average = 142). Highlights: Cape May Warbler (3rd winter record); Green-tailed Towhee (1st Canadian winter record); Lincoln’s Sparrow (1st winter record). Big Miss: Red-breasted Merganser. Alberta turned in a slightly lower than normal performance, no doubt due to a paucity of rarities, though the Green-tailed Towhee was outstanding. British Columbia: http://tinyurl.com/bcwinter 237 species (average = 250). Highlights: Pectoral Sandpiper (2nd winter record); Oriental Turtle-Dove (1st Canadian record, if accepted); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1st winter record); Western Scrub-Jay; Nashville Warbler; Western Tanager (2nd winter record); Clay-colored Sparrow (3rd winter record); Brambling (3rd winter record). Big Misses: Least Sandpiper; Cassin’s Auklet. B.C. had a lower-than-average winter total, but the weather was mild, and there was the distraction of the Winter Olympics, at which winter birding was not a competition, more’s the pity. And there were no pelagic birding trips, so tubenoses were absent from the list. Several key Christmas Counts have not yet reported in, and there are rumours of a documented Jack Snipe on one of them, so the total could inch up later on. Other Reporting Regions: French Islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon: http://tinyurl.com/spmwinter2 83 species (average = 84, 14 years of data). Highlights: Hairy Woodpecker (1st winter record); Brown Creeper (3rd winter record); Meadowlark sp. (1st winter record). Big Misses: Purple Finch; Common Redpoll; Pine Siskin. SPM birders enjoyed a winter of above average temperatures, but only an average number of species, among which were only a few finches. Iceland: http://tinyurl.com/iceland-winter 98 species. (average = 91, 10 years of data) Highlights: Bean Goose (1st winter record); Northern Shoveler (1st winter record); Stellar’s Eider (1st winter record); Northern Lapwing (1st winter record); Bonaparte’s Gull (1st winter record); Ross’s Gull (1st winter record); Black Redstart (1st winter record); Brambling (2nd winter record) 30 species of waterfowl, 13 of shorebirds, 13 of gulls, and seven new winter species (in the past 10 years of data) helped Icelandic birders surpass their long-term average. Other Resources: Environment Canada’s Winter Seasonal Forecast: http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/saisons/index_e.html Reference: What is Winter Birding? In Canada, perhaps because of (or in spite of) experiencing a bit of weather during the winter, winter birding has become a very popular activity. The origins of this slightly insane behaviour apparently date from southern Ontario in the 50's and 60's, but the sport's appeal really took off with the promotion afforded it by Gerry Bennett in the 1980's, through his "Birdfinding in Canada" newsletter. Winter Birding remains popular today. The winter birding period comprises the three months of December through February, matching the reporting period of "North American Birds" journal. "For those who may be unfamiliar with the concept, it basically involves a frenzied search during the first couple of weeks to squeeze in as many late migrants as possible before the onslaught of usually more severe weather conditions. Christmas Bird Counts often jack up our total, as do normal winter activities. Plus, it gives us birders something to do for the three slowest birding months of the year other than sitting idle on our hands until March. To me, at least, a winter list is great for maintaining birding enthusiasm, and gets a person active and out of the house to ward off the winter doldrums that tend to creep up mid season." - Ryan Dudragne, Saskatchewan Good (winter) birding, ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blake Maybank maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm “A true Canadian loves the Winter, revels in it, especially in the North. . . .Winter is on, the air becomes like rich wine that strengthens and invigorates; pure, crisp and health-giving. Those who have not travelled in the vast, snowbound lake country of the North, or tramped on snowshoes in the Winter forest, where the brilliant sun, shining out of a sky that is pure, clear blue; those who have never witnessed the wild, majestic spectacle of a swiftly marching snowstorm—To them I will say that no matter what they may have seen and done, life still holds something for them that they should not miss. Not every country has these things and I, for one, say we are fortunate. ” - Grey Owl [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Spring arrivals at Langdon Reservoir From: "Andrew Slater" <andrewslater AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:30:49 -0600 This morning there were 5 Northern Pintails and 4 American Wigeons on the ice at the south end of Langdon Reservoir. On and around the nesting island were 150 California Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls and 1 Killdeer. Andrew Slater, Calgary [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Roughies From: "Ron Kube" <ronakube AT telusplanet.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:45:35 -0000 Headed south of Calgary today. Spotted a Rough-legged Hawk in the Millarville area and then another south of Longview along Hwy 22. Saw lots of Bald eagles in the Nanton area. Ron Kube Calgary Subject: calgary gyrfalcon From: "Mike Mulligan" <potoo AT shaw.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:40:21 -0700 This afternoon (Saturday) Jerry Pilny and I watched a perched Gyrfalcon in SE Calgary. The location was just south of the intersection of 114 Avenue and Range Road 284. The handsome bird was perched on a fence about 100 metres to the west of Range Road 284. A nearby landowner gave us permission to enter and view the bird more closely through my scope. After about 15 minutes it lifted off and flew to the west. Mike Mulligan Calgary [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Owl Nest From: Ryan Heavy Head <akayokaki AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:10:46 -0800 (PST) IIII ) llllllllllllllllllllllllll ) Owl Nest 13Mar10 0932 Nitohkattsisamayaaksipookaki... felt pretty cold and windy when I went out on the porch, but the Heavy Head weather station is reading a temperature of 3 C and rising, with wind topping at 12 kph 1352 Omahksistsiiksiinaikaawahko - Despite cold wind, I decide to hike down into the coulee in search of owl nests, insects, and the flowering kippiaapi 1411 We are at the brink of the shift between seasons. There's a glow on our horizon, but the Sun has yet to rise in its annual cycle. All but the heaviest snow drifts have melted, leaving behind swaths of greyish-yellow, flattened grass 1417 It's too early yet for the tiny white blooms of moss flox, and I suspect the same then for kippiaapi. Far too early as well for the emergence of my slithering friends from the shelter of their hibernaculum, though I stop to check their doorways on my way down the slope anyhow. It it not too early, however, for the grigs and wolf spiders who live above and around the rattlesnakes. Their eggs have hatched, and the young can be glimpsed hopping and scurrying amongst the blades of fallen grass 1448 Following the trail of omahkaaatsisttaa along one of the ridges leading down to the floodplain, I turn over rocks to find active colonies of tiny black ants hauling nearly microscopic pink and white particles into the entrances to their hives. Under other rocks, there are seven-spot ladybugs, still frozen and awaiting their thaw 1501 At the bottom of the ridge, I find the cast-off, scaley skin of one of my friends, all but returned to the earth. This is my prototype for understanding ikkitstakssin, the practice of making offerings, returning that which we will no longer use. Beside the skin, growing on a rosy-hued boulder sparkling with quartz, is a brilliant lime-green lichen, erupting with flesh-colored cushions. And beside this, an active colony of wood-ants, their nest mound set concealed in some skunkbrush scrub 1513 Now I have reached the sagebrush flats, the highest echelon of the floodplain. From here I can walk along the cutbank and tree-line that defines the next level, and begin my search for owl nests. I know there were at least two kakanottsstookii couples courting in these woods through the longest nights of winter. I'm juts hoping that one of these pairs will have decided to raise their brood here 1517 I don't have to go far along the cutbank before I come across kai'skaahp, sitting quietly on her haunches in the fork of a western cottonwood tree. She's sleeping, but semi-conscious, glancing down at me briefly before shutting her eyes again 1533 Fifty meters further along the cutbank, I walk among some of the oldest trees in this coulee. One of them, a balsam poplar, I know as Grampa. His limbs are easily as large as half the other trees in the forest, branches so heavy that their ends have come to touch the ground. Grampa's girth is such that it would take four men my size to link hands around him. I lift one of the massive slivers of a fallen branch to reveal six hibernating caterpillars, the same black fuzzy critters with faint yellow lateral stripes that I'd seen crossing my path so often at the close of summer 1547 Beneath Grampa, at the base of the cutbank, The Twins - two young narrow-leaf cottonwoods that may very well share one root - look like mere sprouts. I can't wait to see them leaf-out in the coming season 1559 Just as at Sspopiikimi, the starlings have returned to this coulee. Walking along the tree-line, they greet me with their robotic-sounding whirls and tweets from perches high in the no longer so skeletal canopy. Despite the leaflessness of these trees, their buds and growing limbs seem to vibrate. They pulse and wriggle with rising sap, it is not just the wind. And their color, though almost imperceptibly, has changed. These trees are, to me, as full of life as the small family of awatoyi who just awoke and leapt, tails wagging, from the chokecherry brush on the slope of the cutbank below me, or the kai'skaahp, a second one, who I see lounging in a cottonwood across the way 1625 At the end of the tree-line, I find two flickers and a downy woodpecker, all searching the bark of a single cottonwood. The flickers take wing at my approach, but the downy male continues his hunt, confident that I'm no threat. I can hear geese down on the river, and as I look in their direction, I catch a glimpse of coyote, bolting between the willow thickets and a draw up the coulee slope 1633 Now I cut down into the woods, onto the middle echelon of the floodplain, to begin my return journey. Still no sign of owl nests, but I am enjoying this walk immensely. Something in the forest today reminds me that despite my relative awkwardness, I am not apart from this place. I belong here. And my studies of the seasonal activities of the plants, and birds, and mammals, and insects, and even my slithering friends, has just as much to do with learning about myself and the nature of life in general as it does to learning about them 1700 I walk halfway back through the forest, finding along the way one of the arrows I'd lost beneath heavy snow-cover in the dead of winter, and encountering a third kai'skaahp. Like the others, it was sleeping in the fork of a tree 1702 Then I entered a wide, mid-forest meadow. This is where I keep a lean-to-style survival shelter, or at least that part of it which I've built to date. Throughout most of the winter moons, the mule deer inhabit this meadow in large numbers. And in one of the taller trees that borders its perimeter, there has for several years been a large nest. Mid-summer, it's often used by hawks. But at present, this is where I find my owl. Grinning, I had suspected this is would be their nesting site all along. What better place to raise a couple wide-eyed fluff-balls than in this isolated look-out, where they could have their pick of the deer mice and voles? The kakanottsstookii mother sits quiet and patient on her nest this evening, no chicks yet that I can see. The starlings mime the songs of redtail hawks, wigeons, and killdeer from the trees around her __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FFCPPSoc.Birding, IBS, 9:am, Sat.13Mar2010. Ptly Cloudy, N wind 15kph, 0 to 3C From: "Gus Yaki" <gyaki AT calcna.ab.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:09:14 -0700 FFCPPSoc.Birding, IBS, 9:am, Sat.13Mar2010. Ptly Cloudy, N wind 15kph, 0 to 3C. 1.. Canada Goose-200 2.. Wood Duck-1 m. 3.. Mallard-300 4.. Common Goldeneye-128 5.. Hooded Merganser-1 f 6.. Bald Eagle-2 ad in flight, 1 at nest. 7.. Ring-billed Gull-2 8.. California Gull-25 9.. Herring Gull-2 10.. Rock Pigeon-1 + 60 noted by Kristin 11.. Northern Flicker-5+ 12.. Black-billed Magpie-20 13.. American Crow-2 14.. Common Raven-3 15.. Black-capped Chickadee-12 16.. White-breasted Nuthatch-2 17.. European Starling-8 18.. House Sparrow-1 heard. a.. Coyote-3 at Inglewood Wildlands (IW) b.. Richardson's Ground Squirrel-4 (1 at IW Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: new website/bird blog From: savagebirder <savagebirder AT shaw.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:50:59 -0700 That's great Dick - but I hope you post occassionally still to albertabird. Sandra Savage Calgary Dick Cannings wrote: > > Hi birders: > > After much cajoling from various quarters, I've "launched" my own bird > & book website/blog at http://dickcannings.shawwebspace.ca/ > . If you have any comments or > ideas for blog topics, please let me know! > > cheers > Dick Cannings > Penticton, BC > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > ------------------------------------ _____________________________________________________________ * List owner: Albertabird-owner AT yahoogroups.com * Guidelines: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Albertabird/files/Guidelines.txtYahoo! 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Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Subject: Snowy Owls From: "Curtis" <whitelinereaper AT yahoo.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:32:58 -0000 I travelled from Edmonton to Medicine Hat on Monday afternoon and saw 6 Snowy Owls. 1 about 2km west of Strome 1 about 1 km east of Strome 2 on the east side of Highway 36 between Killam and Hanna 2 just before Cactus Corner on Highway 36 (just past Hanna) I only saw one on the way back from the Hat on Thursday afternoon (lost the light too quickly) but it was one of the ones at Cactus Corner. A few Horned Larks crossing Highway 36 south of Hanna. Curtis Manly Spruce Grove Subject: Wednesday Drive in Southern Alberta From: Dwight Knapik <dwightthebirdaholic AT shaw.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:43:57 -0700 Hello: On Wednesday, March 10, 2010, I took a day drive in the far south, starting from Calgary, and driving through Bragg Creek, Millarville, Turner Valley, Longview, Pincher Creek, Cardston, to Milk River and Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, before returning to Calgary through Lethbridge. Most sitings were made Along Secondary Highway 501 between Cardston and Milk River. The weather was mainly clear, with temperatures just above freezing, and a west wind blowing. There was a fresh layer of snow on the ground from the day before. I saw no major movement of Golden Eagles, but saw a total of 7 individuals, along with 10 Bald Eagles, and 8 Rough-legged Hawks. I also saw a Gyrfalcon in the same area along Highway 22, just south of Longview, that I saw one on February 2. I also saw 1 Prairie Falcon towards Milk River, as well as a few Sharp-tailed Grouse. There were hundreds of Horned Larks along the roads. Canada Goose Bald Eagle (6 adults, 4 immatures) Golden Eagle (7) Rough-legged Hawk (8) Gyrfalcon (1) Prairie Falcon (1) Sharp-tailed Grouse (2) Rock Pigeon Gray Jay Black-billed Magpie Common Raven Horned Lark European Starling House Sparrow Richardson's Ground Squirrel Coyote Pronghorn Mule Deer White-tailed Deer Good Birding Everyone! Dwight P. Knapik Calgary, Alberta [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Male Snowy From: "Stefan Schulhof" <stefan AT schulhof.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:02:41 -0700 I am hoping to get a chance, before the season is gone(hopefully this Sunday), to take some photos of a snowy owl. Has anyone see Snowies around the Calgary-Airdire-Strathmore area? Is there a particular time of day best to spot them? Please reply with locations if you have Cheers, Stefan Schulhof Email: stefan AT schulhof.ca Phone: 403.208.0770 Cell: 403.608.2885 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Can't find the Gyrfalcon From: Eddy Matuod <gnude2000 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:44:26 -0800 (PST) Hi, Been looking the Gyrfalcon (posted by Ron Kube) for two days south of Hwy 22X but no luck. Yesterday it was too elusive I only got a shot of its prey. Today's harvest: 2 male snowy owls NW of Strathmore http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4425876127_0f03600339_b.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2724/4426626646_9c28ae2c7f_b.jpg 1 adult bald eagle NW of Strathmore http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4425851049_7c93cb285a_o.jpg 8 eurasian collared doves near Indus http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4425876421_45f8d61bb3_b.jpg Cheers, Eduardo http://www.flickr.com/photos/mama_lumen/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RBA; Calgary, AB, Mar11, 2010 From: "Patricia Mitchell" <deemit AT telus.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:07:09 -0700 RBA * Alberta (Canada) * Calgary, AB * Mar 11, 2010 * ABCA1003.11 -Birds mentioned Hooded Merganser Ring-billed Gull California Gull Bald Eagle Gryfalcon Northern Flicker Blue Jay American Crow Brown Creeper American Robin Hotline: City of Calgary and Calgary Field Naturalists' Society (Nature Calgary) Bird Alert Number: 403 221-4519 To Report: 403 221-4519 Coverage: Southern Alberta Compiler: Terry Korolyk (CFNS & IBS) Transcriber: Pat Mitchell (deemit AT telus.net) Welcome to the City of Calgary and CFNS Bird Alert. This Bird Alert was recorded on Thursday Mar 11, at 10:10 am. To report a bird sighting, leave a message after the recording, or to bypass the recorded message, press the pound key on your touch tone phone. To speak to a naturalist, please phone 311 if calling locally during office hours and ask for Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, or dial 403-268-2489 if calling from outside the city. If you wish to report an injured bird or animal, please call Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation at 403-239-2488 or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403-946-2361. Bird Sightings: Mar 8: A GYRFALCON , 15 km south of Longview on Hwy 22, and 13 BALD EAGLES in the area; Richard Clarke. Mar 9: A flock of at least 9 AMERICAN ROBINS foraging with NORTHERN FLICKERS and BLUE JAYS on Shannon Drive in Shawnessy; Terry Korolyk. A walk at IBS provided 30 CALIFORNIA GULLS, 1 RING-BILLED GULL, 1 AMERICAN ROBIN, 2 AMERICAN CROWS, a female HOODED MERGANSER and a BROWN CREEPER; Gus Yaki and FFCPP. The next scheduled update of the Bird Alert is Monday, March 15 . BIRD STUDY GROUP - Meet September - May, 7:30 PM on the 1st Wednesday of the month, Room 211, BioSciences Bldg, University of Calgary. Doors open at 7:00 pm. The next meeting on Wednesday, April 7. Scott Lovell's talk "A tail of two Warbling Vireo species in Alberta?" Nature Calgary Field Trips: March (note that on Sun Mar 14 Daylight Saving Time begins) Sun Mar 14, 1:30pm: Woody plants of Reader Rock Garden. Meet parking lot S off 25 Av SE, just E of Macleod Tr, S of Stampede Grounds. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. ** Note Daylight Saving Time begins Mar 14 ** Fri Mar 19, 8:30pm: Watch for Northern Flying Squirrels and other nocturnal life. Bring flashlight. Meet Weaselhead parking lot, 37 St & 66 Av SW. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. Sun Mar 21, 9:30am: Peak of Golden Eagle Migration, Mt. Lorette, Kananaskis Country. Bring lunch, warm clothing. Meet Assumption School, 34th Av NW (NW corner of Sarcee Tr, at Hwy 1). Leader, Andrew Hart, 403-279-5209. Fri Mar 26, 9pm: Listen for Northern Saw-whet Owls, Sandy Beach Park. For the past two years, these owls have been heard calling here. Meet at parking lot at W end of Riverdale Av SW, W off Elbow Dr. Bring flashlight. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. Sat Mar 27, 9am: Bird Glennfield area, FCPP, E of Macleod Tr, just S of Fish Creek. From N, go S on Macleod Tr, turn right onto Bannister Rd, go under Macleod Tr, then 1st left into FCPP. Meet at N end of 1st parking lot. Leader, Wayne Hewitt, 403-256-7609. .April Thu Apr 1, 8:30am: Monthly Elbow River Birding Survey. Meet Stanley Park, 42 Av SW, just W of Macleod Tr. Walk to Glenmore Reservoir, ride back (3.5 hours). Call leaders, Aileen Pelzer/Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248, to ensure vehicle space for return. Pat Mitchell deemit AT telus.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: N. Harrier From: "ken_moore_ab" <ken_moore AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:59:45 -0000 I saw my first Northern Harrier of the year this afternoon. With a brisk southwest breeze blowing a female Northern Harrier lifted off from a fence post as I approached, gained some altitude and flew northwestward across bare pastureland and cultivated fields about 5km east of Stirling, 30km southeast of Lethbridge. This is the first day when I haven't seen a Snowy Owl around here too. Another sign of spring was a flock of well over 200 Snow Geese flying overhead this morning and there are also more Tundra Swans around. Subject: FFCPPSoc.Birding, IBS, 9:15am,Thu.11Mar2010. Ptly Cloudy, calm, -3 to 5C. From: "Gus Yaki" <gyaki AT calcna.ab.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:40:41 -0700 FFCPPSoc.Birding, IBS, 9:15am,Thu.11Mar2010. Ptly Cloudy, calm, -3 to 5C. 1.. Canada Goose-500 2.. Mallard-500 3.. Common Goldeneye-12 4.. Hooded Merganser-1 f 5.. Common Merganser-3 m. 6.. Bald Eagle-1 ad in flight, 2 at nest. 7.. Ring-billed Gull-1 8.. California Gull-21 9.. Rock Pigeon-1 10.. Downy Woodpecker-1 11.. Hairy Woodpecker-1 12.. Northern Flicker-5+ 13.. Black-billed Magpie-20 14.. American Crow-1 15.. Black-capped Chickadee-8 16.. European Starling-24 Richardson's Ground Squirrel-1 Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Meadowlark , High River From: "chucker232000" <csvoboda AT telus.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:51 -0000 Tuesday, March 9, I spotted a Meadowlark just south of High River. And I haven't even seen my first robin yet. I'm new to this area so am wondering if this is an unusually early arrival for meadowlarks in this part of the country? Regards, Chuck Svoboda, High River. Subject: Spring Arrivals in the Hat Area From: Milton Spitzer <milton.spitzer AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:47:56 -0700 The new arrivals here in the Hat and area seem to be very slow and sporadic or is it just wishful thinking that spring is truly here. This morning I did see a Great Blue Heron at Police Point Park and the wandering Pileated Woodpecker was back in the park. Also observed the two Common Grackles which seem to have survived the winter quite well. On Monday I did see a California Gull at Strathcona Park (only one reported to date in this area). We seem to be missed by the first wave of gulls. Also a trip on Tuesday failed to turn up any migratory waterfowl in the area West of Medicine Hat in spite of a lot of open ponds and sloughs. I apologize for the late report but this past Saturday Ben Velner, Bob Frew and I travelled south on Eagle Butte Road then west on Wildcat Road to an area Southwest of Manyberries and then home via the Black and White Trail. In spite of the numerous Richardson Ground Squirrels we only spied one raptor, a Rough-legged Hawk along Eagle Butte Road. We did however see several groups of Sharp-tailed Grouse with one group displaying and dancing on a snow covered field. Milt [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Trip to Cuba From: "Howard" <howard.heffler AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:32:00 -0000 Lyn and I got back from Cuba last Sunday where were spent two weeks birding. We drove around on our own in a rental car. Did 2400 km. We focused on four main areas: Vinales, Zapata, La Belen and Cayo Coco. We have good notes, maps and the names of local guides, etc. If you are interested in going there and would like to chat about it, please feel welcome to contact us. Howard Heffler 403-284-2961 hheffler AT shaw.ca Subject: Re: Re: Return To Sspopiikimi From: Ryan Heavy Head <akayokaki AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:08:18 -0800 (PST) I don't have a nice list on-hand, but have been meaning to make one for a while. In the mean time, I'll attache a couple rough lists that are relevant ________________________________ From: chingfordca To: Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wed, March 10, 2010 12:38:04 PM Subject: [Albertabird] Re: Return To Sspopiikimi I always enjoy your posts, Ryan. I just went on-line to see if I could find a Blackfoot dictionary, which I did at http://www.freelang .net/dictionary/ blackfoot. php I tried looking up some of the words in your message and got zero hits. So I tried Kainai (for the Kainai Studies you are involved with) and got Blood, so I felt I was on the right trail, but still not getting the words I was looking for. Is there a better source or have you perhaps got a list of the words you use here with the English equivalent? Jill Bhar High River __________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Return To Sspopiikimi From: "gfox" <gfoxedm AT telusplanet.net> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:07:46 -0700 To: Ryan Heavy Head Ryan: Tundra Swans were marked in Western and Northern Alaska in 2006-2008 with coded neck bands which were blue with white digits. Sightings can be reported even without identifying the alphanumeric digits to: Craig Ely Alaska Science Centre CELY AT USGS.GOV Gerry Fox Edmonton . From: Ryan Heavy Head Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 9:30 PM To: Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [Albertabird] Return To Sspopiikimi In addition to observations of last week (described below), there have been about two-dozen tundra swans near Long Lake on the Blood Reserve since yesterday. One of these swans is wearing a thick blue necklace, if that means anything to anyone. I took photographs, as close as I could get to them, but can't make out any numbers on the band [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Return To Sspopiikimi From: "chingfordca" <jill.bhar AT shaw.ca> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:38:04 -0000 I always enjoy your posts, Ryan. I just went on-line to see if I could find a Blackfoot dictionary, which I did at http://www.freelang.net/dictionary/blackfoot.php I tried looking up some of the words in your message and got zero hits. So I tried Kainai (for the Kainai Studies you are involved with) and got Blood, so I felt I was on the right trail, but still not getting the words I was looking for. Is there a better source or have you perhaps got a list of the words you use here with the English equivalent? Jill Bhar High River Subject: Re: Greetings Edmonton Birders From: "gdanen" <gdanen AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:28:55 -0000 Ken, Joy and I live close to Gold Bar Park but have not seen a Buffelhead there. Likely an early arrival... Gerry --- In Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com, hansenk AT ... wrote: > > I am not sure if this was an over wintering duck but today at Gold Bar Park in the open water of the river I spotted a Bufflehead. Early arrival or over wintering? Who knows. Also spotted a Northern Flicker as well as a small group of Cedar Waxwings. > > Ken Hansen > Edmonton > Subject: Saw-whet @ Lindbrook From: "Bob Gehlert" <gehlert AT telus.net> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 21:40:36 -0700 After watching a program on Korean owls on the Oasis HD channel I went out on my deck and heard my first Northern Saw-whet Owl of the season. It was piping continuously from the east side of my acreage. They are great to hear every spring! Bob Gehlert Lindbrook (near Tofield) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Return To Sspopiikimi From: Ryan Heavy Head <akayokaki AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 20:30:44 -0800 (PST) In addition to observations of last week (described below), there have been about two-dozen tundra swans near Long Lake on the Blood Reserve since yesterday. One of these swans is wearing a thick blue necklace, if that means anything to anyone. I took photographs, as close as I could get to them, but can't make out any numbers on the band IIII ) llllllllllllllll Return To Sspopiikimi (3Mar10) 1528 Sspopiikimi - we arrive to find the pond still almost completely covered in ice, though there are plenty of small open pockets within the bulrush tufts and over the areas where the milfoil comes close to the surface 1534 At little pockets of open water in front of two of the shoreline mi'sohpsski burrows just north of the main ksisskstakioyis, we find flotillas of green bulrush stems and roots. Atop these flotillas, the muskrats have placed small feeding pads of very old and dark aquatic plants, both milfoil and a grass-like species 1546 There’s also a decent amount of open water between the ksisskstakioyis and their mounded food cache, but not much floating in this pool that I can see from where we stand at the opposite shore 1550 Continuing our walk south along the west bank, I notice the new green absinthe leaves and hear mi’kaniki’soyii calling from the forest by the river. At ground-level on our path, we come across tiny puffball mushrooms, their heads no bigger than a chokecherry. They are partially collapsed, as if a little past their prime, which means they likely erupted within the subnivian zone, or just as the snow melted. I took pictures and samples for later identification 1605 I'm surprised there are no aapsspini here laying claim to the islands yet. We've seen them in pairs on other small, iced-over bodies of water during our drives through Kainaissksaahko the past couple of mornings. Here at Sspopiikimi, we’re seeing them pass overhead in pairs and quartets. Already there are golfers on the neighboring course 1627 We swing around the south end of the pond, along the levee-walk to the river. There we find a goose couple establishing themselves on a river island, and another couple beside one of the cement anchors of the high-level bridge 1647 We had expected to find the kakanottsstookii couple near last year's nest in the forest south of the levee. They had been down there a few weeks ago, before we left for Europe. But taking a careful walk through, we find no trace of them. This makes us wonder if they've perhaps decided to take over the old Swainson hawk nest in the forest north of the levee, behind the subpond. So we set off to find out 1707 As we start down into the north woods along an established and presently very muddy trail, we come across raccoon tracks moving in the opposite direction. These are the first such signs of a raccoon presence we've ever come across at Sspopiikimi 1717 A little further up the trail, we pass the empty hawk nest. Now we have no idea where the owls may have gone. There are, however, several starlings chattering from high in the canopy 1722 The starlings are working through a repertoire of mimicry. Among their songs are the calls of a red-tailed hawk and the hoo-Hoo-hoo of a mourning dove 1730 We’re almost to the end of the forest when we hear the tell-tale tap-tapping of a downy woodpecker. The male bird is about two-thirds of the way up the trunk of a young, but tall cottonwood. It thrumps its beak into the bark here and there as it climbs higher, and picks into crevasses of any small branches it passes 1737 Finally, at the edge of the forest, also high in the canopy, are two robins. They are too distant and silhouetted against the cloud-grey sky to identify them by gender. But we wonder if they could be the forerunners of the robin migration. We've not seen any overwintering at Sspopiikimi 1754 We left the pond amidst a chatter of niipomakii coming from the absinthe field. One lone magpie glided past, low overhead, probably heading to the bulberry thickets on the wet-meadow. We did not have a chance to check their old nests there this evening, to learn whether they are being revamped for another breeding season. Perhaps I'll have an opportunity to check on that area tomorrow or the day after IIII ) llllllllllllllllll House Finch (5Mar10) 1020 Sspopiikimi - Alone at the pond today. Our bodies still haven't adjusted to being home, and as a result we were up half the night, Mahoney even longer than me. Now she's returned to bed, trying to recuperate, while I've come out to explore 1035 I set off on a sunwise course around the still-frozen pond, stopping first at last year's remains of a mature asparagus plant. The ground is clear of snow and it has been fairly warm, but there are no shoots pushing through yet. Nor have the goose couples returned, though there are plenty staking claims to the neighboring river islands 1041 While checking the asparagus, and turning over a few poplar logs nearby in search of insects, I hear a familiar song and look up to see a rosy-headed house finch fly past from out of the north woods. There’s also magpie chatter coming from that direction, and I'm hoping to check if these birds at Sspopiikimi have begun preparing and repairing nests like those at the college 1113 I climb over the levee and drop down into the north forest, an area we haven't paid much attention to in previous years. It’s a typical flood zone of a'siitsiksimm, with brome for ground cover. I find a few trees that have been ravaged by wood-boring insects and begin stripping off chunks of bark in search of cucujus. What I find instead is a silky chrysalis of sorts, like a sack of spider eggs, but with an elongated, dense core that I can only imagine holds some kind of sizeable larva. The silk on one end of this cocoon is a neon yellow color, almost the same hue as poplar sunburst lichen. I decide to take this little bundle home in a film canister and see if anything emerges from it 1127 There's an interesting fence-line or wooden wall in here, built of material as thick as railroad ties. It's old enough that mature trees have grown up beside it. Where these trees touch the beams, their bark spreads out and engulfs it, mouth-like, as if the trees are trying to eat the wall. The line of this wall continues to the north end of the pond, and it is the same material we see jutting out of the cutbanks there 1154 While checking out this wall, I notice that small birds are beginning to gather. First come the niipomakii, obviously curious of me, then the downy woodpecker, searching the bark just under the canopy, and finally I hear again the songs of the house finch. I follow their music to a clump of trees beside the river, where there are several birds singing. Even right amidst them, the house finches are difficult to spot. They're so small. Eventually my eyes catch a flitter of movement high above, and there I find one of the finches very actively weaving in and out of tunnels beneath some loose bark on an old poplar snag. The bird notes my presence, but doesn't seem too bothered by it. I wonder what it has going beneath this drooping bark, whether it is just feeding or building a nest. I stand there watching it through my big lens for close to twenty minutes before my neck starts to ache. Just when I'm about to leave, the finch flitters down on a low branch much closer to my position and sings the song that brought me to it 1224 Toward the bottom of the forest, on a dirt path running parallel to the river, I take out my macro lens in attempt to photograph a fly, the first I've seen this season. But when I crouch down near to the mud and leaf litter, I find a whole world of life erupting. There are grey wolf spiders, tiny red aphids, even the first baby grigs. All of them scurry, moving just out of range of each step I take, the spiders sometimes leaping to do so 1243 Walking along the edge of the river, I note that there is an aapsspini pair and one oddball (probably a first-year) inhabiting the north island right below the bridge of Hwy 3. Then upstream, at the big river-island, which now has open streams flowing around it, there are six couples, all bickering at one another's movements. Nesting is not far away 1250 Cutting back over the levee and dropping into the main forest and wet-meadows, I spot the first aapsspini couple of Sspopiikimi this season. They're standing atop a muskrat lodge on the north end. When I pause to write these notes, they begin honking and soon fly away 1305 I went to check the large bulberry patch and its magpie nests, and I could hear the birds calling as I approached. But when I finally arrived, the mamia'tsikimiiksi were nowhere to be seen or heard. There are two and a half nests in this patch, the half nest being a bowl only, with no hood. All are situated just high enough that they're impossible to see into from the ground. I was able to shinny a step up one of the larger trunks to peak into the nest that seemed to be in the best condition. There was no evidence, however, that the magpies had been renovating. The mud-lined bowl is still full of last-year's dry, shed leaves 1310 It's worth noting also that the bulberries have yet to flower, though I suspect they will do so soon, and the first honeybees of the season will be seen 1315 Moving on to the south end of the pond, I found three pairs of geese. One of these is likely the pair that was previously on the north end, and I suspect it is the couple who seem unestablished, walking on the ice. There is also a pair on the wet-meadows beside the subpond canal. This could be the successful gosling couple of last year, who nested not far from that position. They are aggressive, and are calling out and walking toward the pair on the ice. The latter got the message and have begun walking away. A third goose couple is standing on the end of the peninsula, again near nest sites of prior seasons 1330 Coming up on the duck blind, I find there are two more aapsspini couples hanging around the ever-open water in the far southeast. They are accompanied by dozens of mi'ksikatsi. As I watch, a third goose couple flies in from the river to land amidst these others, but they are quickly set upon and chased away 1340 I could easily stay out here all day, but Mahoney has a doctor's appointment this afternoon, so I decide to just check on one more thing before returning to the truck - the owl nest. Trying not to frighten the mi'ksikatsi, I moved past them out of sight, by the river. I then cut into the south forest, stopping partway in to lift a board under which we'd seen in our last visit that someone had cached some goods. Surprisingly, the stuff was still there. These goods consist of a blanket and a black fabric bag, the type they give out at conferences. In the bag is a beaded vest, an abolone shell, an otter skin, and a couple ziplocks - one full of sage, the other wild rice. These materials obviously belong to someone who attended the powwow in Sikoohkotoki last weekend. He probably stashed his stuff here because he's staying somewhere unsafe and doesn't want to get ripped off. So be it. But if he doesn't come back for it soon, the bugs and mice are going to have their way. And before they do, I’m going to take the otter skin 1352 I look around by the owl nest, but they're not here. That's two visits in a row they've been absent during the daytime, and it makes me doubt the kakanottsstookii will be nesting here again this year 1355 To get back to the parking lot, I follow the line of the west cutbank overlooking the pond. The three aapsspini couples who I'd seen here earlier have now quieted down. Those who had been on the peninsula now were relaxing on last-year's successful nesting island. The couple by the entrance to the subpond canal were sipping from a bit of open-water along that shore. And those who'd been walking on the ice were still doing so, but now they stood near the ksisskstakioyis. From the looks of it, things at Sspopiikimi are about to get very interesting again IIII ) lllllllllllllllllll Ermine (6Mar10) 0657 Sspopiikimi - Rolled out here early this morning, before sunrise, after dreaming that a city crew had set up live traps at the open water holes, trying to catch and relocate the beavers 0705 As we walked from the parking lot, a pair of aapsspini flew right over us, honking, to land and sit on the ice midpond. Another couple are sitting on the ice beside the ksisskstakioyis 0713 It's cold and frosty out here this morning, and it must have been right freezing through the night, because the waters are all re-iced, save for the ever-open pool in the far southeast, where a mi'ksikatsi just landed. The flickers are out, perched high in the trees, singing their laughing song 0721 In the south end of the pond, there's a third aapsspini couple asleep on the big island, and we can hear a fourth back by the mi'ksikatsi in the bit of open water. There's also a huge goose raucous coming from the high-level trestle, where no doubt they're starting to fight over claims to the concrete islands in the river. I can hear the rattle of a downy woodpecker somewhere in the owl woods. More mi'ksikatsi are descending to the southwest pool, and Naato'si is just breaking the horizon 0738 We moved toward the woodpecker sound. Just at the edge of the owl wood, high on the snag where both the downy and tree swallows nest in later seasons, we find the source. It’s actually mi'kaniki'soyii, a flicker 0804 After the flicker took off, we cut down through the owl wood. Still no kakanottsstookii. This couple must have decided to nest elsewhere. The house finches have now begun to sing their morning round. And at the high level bridge there are a couple dozen aapsspini - some standing on the river ice, others perched on the steel of the bridge itself, all in an uproar 0825 Our next stop is the duck blind beside the open southeast pool. Here, like yesterday, there are dozens of mi'ksikatsi, though only a few females among them. The mallards are not yet accompanied by the wigeons we've come to recognize as early migratory fowl 0834 On the path leading to the duck blind, there are some tracks that I'm guessing belong to an ermine. Like the raccoon, it is another resident we've never encountered in-person at the pond 0849 Walking through the main wood, we came across four downy woodpeckers chasing one another from tree to tree. We also ran into the starlings, in the same general area we'd observed them the other day. This time, the only mimicked song I recognize among their electronic beeps and whirls is the flight call of a killdeer 0909 At one point, the trees immediately around us fill with small bird activity - the starlings, house finches, downy woodpeckers and flickers are all here at once. The only ones missing are the magpies and robins 0913 At the north end of the forest, we climb up on the levee-walk and sit for a rest on a bench overlooking the big island in the river. There are three pairs of aapsspini on the island, two of which are squabbling, the other far out on their own, just laying amidst the rocks. There's also a fourth couple up here on the walk with us, sunning themselves and occasionally picking something in the grass 0935 Our final encounter of the morning, as we made our way back to the truck, was a robin, feeding in the short-grass off the side of the trail that runs through the absinthe field IIII ) llllllllllllllllllll Crawlies (7Mar10) 1150 Sspopiikimi - Where the path from the parking lot intersects with that which follows the cutbank along the west side of the pond, there's a giant wood ant mound. This afternoon, thousands of ants are busy shuffling the grass stems they've collected. Even watching them, it's difficult to understand the flow of their work 1155 Their mound is about two-feet in diameter, with a central pit of sorts, filled with the most in-tact grass stems. Around this central pit there are dozens of individual entryways into the hive. When we place grass stems upright into these entryways, the ants may move them or leave them alone 1158 About fifteen minutes ago we dropped a piece of cooked egg, one inch square, near the central pit. The immediate effect of this was, as one of my students noted performing the same experiment with a chip the other week, to draw a swarm of ants to the egg, followed quickly by exploration teams being sent off the mound and into the surrounding grass. When this was observed, we placed another similar-sized piece of egg about a foot away from the mound. It was located almost immediately, and has since had at least one to three ants attending to it. The egg on the nest had a long sliver chewed off and pulled into one of the entries. For the most part though, it appears as though the ants at that egg are taking individual bites rather than lopping off significant-sized pieces to cache away 1224 About twenty-five minutes after depositing our egg on the ant hill, we decided to walk away and check back on the situation when we return. Making our way then sunwise around the pond, I turn over a log at the north end and there find two dark, fuzzy caterpillars with lighter, almost yellow, lateral stripes. These may be the same I'd seen on the trails just as winter was approaching. Could they have overwintered in that fuzzy, larval form? 1246 After the caterpillar encounter, we cut around through the edge of the main forest and down onto the wet meadows. I wanted to take another peek into the large bulberry patch for magpie activity. There wasn't any. But we did find a sandbar willow with several unfamiliar galls. They weren't the usual flowery type made by cabbage willow midges. Rather, they were green and egg-shaped, formed at the end of twigs. I took a couple samples 1322 Walked down by the ksisskstakioyis, which is presently surrounded by open water. There are a lot of older-looking bulrush stem parts in this surrounding water, which Mahoney guessed, probably accurately, had been ejected as they cleaned out their lodge. The water table is higher in the pond than it was at this time last year 1332 Also in the wet-meadows, I turned over a log and found the mother-load of creepy crawlies: an epicoris thread-legged bug, a ghostly-white centipede, three kinds of wolf spider, many different egg sacks, and hundreds of slender, black and red striped rove beetles. Then, along the subpond canal, we were excited to find that the six-spotted fishing spiders are back in action, walking on water 1354 As we reached the south end of the wet meadows, and the cutbank above the always-open shallows here, we find sixteen aapsspini and twenty-three mallards, all grazing and soaking and grooming together. Although there's an occasional chase or squabble, and the birds are certainly organized as couples, these ones are not trying to establish territory here. It must be a neutral zone 1407 In contrast to this sa'ai assembly, there’s an aapsspini couple hunkered down on the big island. This, no doubt, is their chosen nesting site. We have only to wait now for the timing. It shouldn't be long before they start setting down eggs 1428 It's a spidery day, for sure. Crossing the levee-walk on the south end of the pond, our trail is crossed by three different arachnids, all but one heading away from the pond, with the oddball being a six-spot fishing spider, which makes sense 1439 Rounding back to the cutbank along the west side of the pond, I walk down to the water's edge to check on the turtle nests. The ground does not appear disturbed, and given that we really still have at least one full moon cycle of winter I'm not surprised. The temporary warmth is just making me over-excited for the big transformation to come 1454 Almost back to the parking lot, we stop to check the ant hill. The egg we'd left on top is completely gone, and the one down on the grass has been taken down quite a ways. I drop the remainder of the egg in my pocket upon the mound, where again it is rushed by thousands. While we watch the proceedings, Mahoney accidentally drops her buff for a second on the grass beside the hive. Snatching it back up, already there's an ant locked onto the material in full assault. I have a fairly difficult time wresting it off of the material __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Greetings Edmonton Birders From: hansenk AT shaw.ca Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:57:09 -0000 I am not sure if this was an over wintering duck but today at Gold Bar Park in the open water of the river I spotted a Bufflehead. Early arrival or over wintering? Who knows. Also spotted a Northern Flicker as well as a small group of Cedar Waxwings. Ken Hansen Edmonton Subject: FFCPPSoc.Birding, IBS, 9:15am,Tue.09Mar2010. Cloudy, calm, -1C. From: "Gus Yaki" <gyaki AT calcna.ab.ca> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 15:13:14 -0700 FFCPPSoc.Birding, IBS, 9:15am,Tue.09Mar2010. Cloudy, calm, -1C. 1.. Canada Goose-100 2.. Mallard-300 3.. Common Goldeneye-8 4.. Hooded Merganser-1 f 5.. Bald Eagle-1, working on nest. 6.. Ring-billed Gull-1 7.. California Gull-30 8.. Rock Pigeon-25 9.. Downy Woodpecker-2 10.. Hairy Woodpecker-1 11.. Northern Flicker-7 12.. Black-billed Magpie-15 13.. American Crow-2 14.. Common Raven-4 15.. Black-capped Chickadee-20 16.. Red-breasted Nuthatch-1 17.. White-breasted Nuthatch-1 18.. Brown Creeper-1, found by Phil S. 19.. American Robin-1, found by Kristin 20.. European Starling-12 21.. House Sparrow-2 a.. Richardson's Ground Squirrel-1 b.. Mule Deer-3 Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RBA: Calgary AB, March 8, 2010 From: Jean Moore <jmmoore AT ucalgary.ca> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:42:55 -0700 -RBA * Alberta (Canada) * Calgary, AB * Mar 8, 2010 * ABCA10.03.08 -Birds mentioned Tundra Swan Cackling Goose Eurasian Wigeon American Wigeon Northern Pintail Gyrfalcon Herring Gull California Gull Ring-billed Gull American Robin American Tree Sparrow Transcript Hotline: City of Calgary and Nature Calgary's (CFNS) Bird Alert Number: 403 221-4519 To Report: 403 221-4519 Coverage: Southern Alberta Compiler: Terry Korolyk (Nature Calgary & IBS) Transcriber: Jean Moore (jmmoore AT ucalgary.ca) Welcome to the City of Calgary and Nature Calgary's (CFNS) Bird Alert. This Bird Alert was recorded on Monday March 8, at 11:30 am. To report a bird sighting, leave a message after the beep at the end of the recording. To bypass the recorded message press the pound key on your touch tone phone. To speak to a naturalist during office hours dial 0 after reaching the Bird Alert. For inquiries after office hours please call 311 to speak with a Customer Service Agent. To report injured wildlife please call Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403 239-2488, or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403 946-2361 Sightings for Monday March 8 -- AMERICAN ROBIN (1) - S of Balzac by Corinne Griffin Sightings for Sunday, March 7 -- TUNDRA SWAN (25) - Frank Lake by Claude Benoit -- CALIFORNIA GULL ( 30+) - 3o seen on Bow River in Hull's Wood/Lafarge Meadows area of Fish Creek PP by Tony Timmons & CFNS field trip; several other reports from observers at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary -- HERRING GULL (1) - Hull's Wood/Lafarge Meadows, Fish Creek PP, by TT et al -- RING-BILLED GULL (1) - location as above, TT et al -- AMERICAN TREE SPARROW (12) - location as above, TT et al Sightings for Saturday, March 6 --TUNDRA SWAN (10) - Blizzard Lake (160 St SE, just S of Hwy 552) by Terry Korolyk --GYRFALCON (1) - adult grey morph - 48 St , 1 km N of Hwy 549, W of Hwy 552 by TK -- CALIFORNIA GULL (several) - at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (IBS) by several observers -- RING-BILLED GULL (several) - at IBS by several observers -- AMERICAN ROBIN (2) - IBS by Penny Smith and CFNS field trip -- AMERICAN WIGEON (several) - in Calgary area by several observers -- NORTHERN PINTAIL (several) - in Calgary area by several observers -- Unidentified bird - bird ca 40 cm long, black with a white head seen Votier's Flats, Fish Creek PP, by Shirley Otway. Call 403-203-2089 for more info Sightings for Friday, March 5 -- EURASIAN WIGEON (1 male) - Wyndham/Carseland PP by Richard Clarke -- CACKLING GOOSE (1) - just N of Ivor Strong Bridge in SE Calgary by Jim Davis Sightings for Thursday, March 4 -- CACKLING GOOSE (1) - IBS by Mike Mulligan -- AMERICAN ROBIN (1) - Wildwood subdivision in SW Calgary by PS The next scheduled update of the Bird Alert is Thursday, March 11 . BIRD STUDY GROUP - Meet September - May, 7:30 PM on the 1st Wednesday of the month, Room 211, BioSciences Bldg, University of Calgary. Doors open at 7:00 pm. The next meeting on Wednesday, April 7. Scott Lovell's talk "A tail of two Warbling Vireo species in Alberta?" ***2010 CALGARY BIG-YEAR BIRDING COMPETITION*** Join us in 2010 in our Calgary wide birding competition! It's free and open to all. There will be prizes, fun events, field trips and get-togethers throughout the year. Sign up now to be kept up-to-date with news about the competition and to be informed of events in which you can participate. For more information and to register see http://birdcomp.fanweb.ca/2010/ and watch the web and Nature News for updates. NATURE CALGARY (CFNS) BIRDING FIELD TRIPS Sun Mar 14, 1:30pm: Woody plants of Reader Rock Garden. Meet parking lot S off 25 Av SE, just E of Macleod Tr, S of Stampede Grounds. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. ** Note Daylight Saving Time begins Mar 14 ** Fri Mar 19, 8:30pm: Watch for Northern Flying Squirrels and other nocturnal life. Bring flashlight. Meet Weaselhead parking lot, 37 St & 66 Av SW. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. Sun Mar 21, 9:30am: Peak of Golden Eagle Migration, Mt. Lorette, Kananaskis Country. Bring lunch, warm clothing. Meet Assumption School, 34th Av NW (NW corner of Sarcee Tr, at Hwy 1). Leader, Andrew Hart, 403-279-5209. Fri Mar 26, 9pm: Listen for Northern Saw-whet Owls, Sandy Beach Park. For the past two years, these owls have been heard calling here. Meet at parking lot at W end of Riverdale Av SW, W off Elbow Dr. Bring flashlight. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. Sat Mar 27, 9am: Bird Glennfield area, FCPP, E of Macleod Tr, just S of Fish Creek. From N, go S on Macleod Tr, turn right onto Bannister Rd, go under Macleod Tr, then 1st left into FCPP. Meet at N end of 1st parking lot. Leader, Wayne Hewitt, 403-256-7609. Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a City of Calgary natural area. Staff offer information, courses and field trips relating to natural history. Nature Calgary (Calgary Field Naturalists' Society) promotes the observation, study, and conservation of the native habitat through lectures, field trips and collection of scientific data. Nature Calgary publishes a monthly newsletter. For membership or event information email naturecalgary AT cfns.fanweb.ca or visit the website at www.naturecalgary.com. The Birding section of the website http://birdcomp.fanweb.ca/index.html includes descriptions of Birding Locales in the Calgary area. -End transcript [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RBA: Calgary AB, March 8, 2010 From: Jean Moore <jmmoore AT ucalgary.ca> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:15:46 -0700 -RBA * Alberta (Canada) * Calgary, AB * Mar 8, 2010 * ABCA10.03.08 -Birds mentioned Tundra Swan Cackling Goose Eurasian Wigeon American Wigeon Northern Pintail Gyrfalcon Herring Gull California Gull Ring-billed Gull American Robin American Tree Sparrow Transcript Hotline: City of Calgary and Nature Calgary's (CFNS) Bird Alert Number: 403 221-4519 To Report: 403 221-4519 Coverage: Southern Alberta Compiler: Terry Korolyk (Nature Calgary & IBS) Transcriber: Jean Moore (jmmoore AT ucalgary.ca) Welcome to the City of Calgary and Nature Calgary's (CFNS) Bird Alert. This Bird Alert was recorded on Monday March 8, at 11:30 am. To report a bird sighting, leave a message after the beep at the end of the recording. To bypass the recorded message press the pound key on your touch tone phone. To speak to a naturalist during office hours dial 0 after reaching the Bird Alert. For inquiries after office hours please call 311 to speak with a Customer Service Agent. To report injured wildlife please call Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403 239-2488, or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403 946-2361 Sightings for Monday March 8 -- AMERICAN ROBIN (1) - S of Balzac by Corinne Griffin Sightings for Sunday, March 7 -- TUNDRA SWAN (25) - Frank Lake by Claude Benoit -- CALIFORNIA GULL ( 30+) - 3o seen on Bow River in Hull's Wood/Lafarge Meadows area of Fish Creek PP by Tony Timmons & CFNS field trip; several other reports from observers at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary -- HERRING GULL (1) - Hull's Wood/Lafarge Meadows, Fish Creek PP, by TT et al -- RING-BILLED GULL (1) - location as above, TT et al -- AMERICAN TREE SPARROW (12) - location as above, TT et al Sightings for Saturday, March 6 --TUNDRA SWAN (10) - Blizzard Lake (160 St SE, just S of Hwy 552) by Terry Korolyk --GYRFALCON (1) - adult grey morph - 48 St , 1 km N of Hwy 549, W of Hwy 552 by TK -- CALIFORNIA GULL (several) - at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (IBS) by several observers -- RING-BILLED GULL (several) - at IBS by several observers -- AMERICAN ROBIN (2) - IBS by Penny Smith and CFNS field trip -- AMERICAN WIGEON (several) - in Calgary area by several observers -- NORTHERN PINTAIL (several) - in Calgary area by several observers -- Unidentified bird - bird ca 40 cm long, black with a white head seen Votier's Flats, Fish Creek PP, by Shirley Otway. Call 403-203-2089 for more info Sightings for Friday, March 5 -- EURASIAN WIGEON (1 male) - Wyndham/Carseland PP by Richard Clarke -- CACKLING GOOSE (1) - just N of Ivor Strong Bridge in SE Calgary by Jim Davis Sightings for Thursday, March 4 -- CACKLING GOOSE (1) - IBS by Mike Mulligan -- AMERICAN ROBIN (1) - Wildwood subdivision in SW Calgary by PS The next scheduled update of the Bird Alert is Thursday, March 11 . BIRD STUDY GROUP - Meet September - May, 7:30 PM on the 1st Wednesday of the month, Room 211, BioSciences Bldg, University of Calgary. Doors open at 7:00 pm. The next meeting on Wednesday, April 7. Scott Lovell's talk "A tail of two Warbling Vireo species in Alberta?" ***2010 CALGARY BIG-YEAR BIRDING COMPETITION*** Join us in 2010 in our Calgary wide birding competition! It's free and open to all. There will be prizes, fun events, field trips and get-togethers throughout the year. Sign up now to be kept up-to-date with news about the competition and to be informed of events in which you can participate. For more information and to register see http://birdcomp.fanweb.ca/2010/ and watch the web and Nature News for updates. NATURE CALGARY (CFNS) BIRDING FIELD TRIPS Sun Mar 14, 1:30pm: Woody plants of Reader Rock Garden. Meet parking lot S off 25 Av SE, just E of Macleod Tr, S of Stampede Grounds. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. ** Note Daylight Saving Time begins Mar 14 ** Fri Mar 19, 8:30pm: Watch for Northern Flying Squirrels and other nocturnal life. Bring flashlight. Meet Weaselhead parking lot, 37 St & 66 Av SW. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. Sun Mar 21, 9:30am: Peak of Golden Eagle Migration, Mt. Lorette, Kananaskis Country. Bring lunch, warm clothing. Meet Assumption School, 34th Av NW (NW corner of Sarcee Tr, at Hwy 1). Leader, Andrew Hart, 403-279-5209. Fri Mar 26, 9pm: Listen for Northern Saw-whet Owls, Sandy Beach Park. For the past two years, these owls have been heard calling here. Meet at parking lot at W end of Riverdale Av SW, W off Elbow Dr. Bring flashlight. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. Sat Mar 27, 9am: Bird Glennfield area, FCPP, E of Macleod Tr, just S of Fish Creek. From N, go S on Macleod Tr, turn right onto Bannister Rd, go under Macleod Tr, then 1st left into FCPP. Meet at N end of 1st parking lot. Leader, Wayne Hewitt, 403-256-7609. Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a City of Calgary natural area. Staff offer information, courses and field trips relating to natural history. Nature Calgary (Calgary Field Naturalists' Society) promotes the observation, study, and conservation of the native habitat through lectures, field trips and collection of scientific data. Nature Calgary publishes a monthly newsletter. For membership or event information email naturecalgary AT cfns.fanweb.ca or visit the website at www.naturecalgary.com. The Birding section of the website http://birdcomp.fanweb.ca/index.html includes descriptions of Birding Locales in the Calgary area. -End transcript [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Eurasian Collared Dove - SW Calgary From: "ianmaton" <ianmaton AT shaw.ca> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:06:44 -0000 Hi All, I'm not sure how common these are in Alberta but we just had an Eurasian Collared Dove in our back yard. It was seen along the green space bike path which starts at the Richmond Hill Chiropractic & Massage, at the junction of Richmond Road SW and Sierra Morena Blvd in SW Calgary. Good Birding Ian & Jenny Maton Calgary Subject: Wabamun Lake From: "westkmav" <fwhiley AT telusplanet.net> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:43:02 -0000 Hi All! Sunday Mar. 07 was another nice day so Alf Scott and I headed west to Wabamun Lake. Our first surprise of the day was the fact that there was lots of open water. As far as I know the generating plant is still slated for closure this year but it hasn't happened yet. WABAMUN TOWN DOCK - a probable Tundra swan. It was to far away for species identification. Canada Geese in good numbers the only ducks were Mallards and Common Goldeneys. There were 10 Common Mergansers and 15 unidentified Gulls. FAllIS - ~50 Bohemian Waxwings And 2, possibly 4 Evening Grosbeak plus a couple of Pine Grosbeaks. SUNDANCE ROAD - 60+ Canada Geese. KEEPHILLS - 3 Tundra Swans, 6 Bufflehead 2 Bald Eagles. PRIVATE FEEDER - Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Pine Grosbeeaks etc. 9 species. ANOTHER PRIVATE FEEDER added Hairy Woodpecker to our day list 7 species. Total species for the day was 25. Fred Whiley Subject: Tundra Swans From: "Claude Benoit" <cbenoit AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 21:22:14 -0700 Saw about 25 tundra swans at Frank Lake this morning among hundreds and hundreds of ducks and Canada geese. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Canada Goose in Edmonton area From: "gdanen" <gdanen AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:49:00 -0000 No attachments, I guess... Try here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdanen/4415965200/in/photostream/ --- In Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com, Gerry Danen wrote: > > Here are 3 of the 4 geese Joy and I saw today at Hermitage Park. > > On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 6:47 PM, gdanen wrote: > > > Joy and I spotted a Canada goose south of Baseline Road in between Highway > > 216 and Sherwood Park in the wetland area north of the communication tower. > > It was flying northwest just above eye level. We stopped to see if there > > were more but nothing. > > > > Knowing a whole gaggle hangs out in Hermitage Park during the summer, we > > headed there to check. We saw 4 more flying off. This was just after 6pm. > > > > I also spotted a white large bird south of the communication tower south of > > Baseline Road in between Highway 216 and Sherwood Park. Are there snow geese > > here? > > > > Gerry > > Edmonton > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Subject: Re: Canada Goose in Edmonton area From: Gerry Danen <gdanen AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 19:28:53 -0700 Here are 3 of the 4 geese Joy and I saw today at Hermitage Park. On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 6:47 PM, gdanen wrote: > Joy and I spotted a Canada goose south of Baseline Road in between Highway > 216 and Sherwood Park in the wetland area north of the communication tower. > It was flying northwest just above eye level. We stopped to see if there > were more but nothing. > > Knowing a whole gaggle hangs out in Hermitage Park during the summer, we > headed there to check. We saw 4 more flying off. This was just after 6pm. > > I also spotted a white large bird south of the communication tower south of > Baseline Road in between Highway 216 and Sherwood Park. Are there snow geese > here? > > Gerry > Edmonton > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Nature Calgary Field Trip From: "tonytimmons99" <tonytimmons99 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:56:55 -0000 Thirteen people joined the Nature Calgary field trip on sunday morning march 7.We birded the area from Hull's Woods to Lafarge Meadows in Fish Creek P.P.;finding 22 species. Canada Goose 50 American Wigeon 1 Mallard 100 Bufflehead 10 Common Goldeneye 25 Common Merganser 1 Bald Eagle 3 Ring-billed Gull 1 California Gull 30 Herring Gull 1 Rock Pigeon 5 Black-billed Magpie 12 Downy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 5 Common Raven 3 Black-capped Chickadee 15 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 3 European Starling 25 American Tree Sparrow 12 House Finch 3 Pine Siskin 3 Tony Timmons Calgary Subject: Buntings and Horned Larks - Tofield From: "gfoxedm" <gfoxedm AT telusplanet.net> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:51:53 -0000 Sunday March 07 Observed 100 plus Snow Buntings, about 12 Horned Larks and 2 Gray Partridge on deadend road 522 east of RR185 near Tofield. Also three small groups of Canada Geese. Starlings and Magpies in great abundance. Gerry Fox Edmonton . Subject: Re: Tundra Swans From: Bob Parsons <vintagebob AT shaw.ca> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:29:48 -0700 On 07/03/2010 11:33 AM, ken_moore_ab wrote: > > The first tundra swans which I have seen this spring were spotted > yesterday just to the northwest of Stirling Lake, about 20 minutes > southeast of Lethbridge. There were about 50 swans in the open slough > along with numerous Canada geese and an assortment of ducks. And there > are at least two Snowy owls in this vicinity ... one at Stirling Lake > itself with a second about 3km to the west, neither of which is an > adult male. > > I am wondering when we will see the start of reverse migration when the next cold spell arrives!!!! [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Tundra Swans From: "ken_moore_ab" <ken_moore AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:33:54 -0000 The first tundra swans which I have seen this spring were spotted yesterday just to the northwest of Stirling Lake, about 20 minutes southeast of Lethbridge. There were about 50 swans in the open slough along with numerous Canada geese and an assortment of ducks. And there are at least two Snowy owls in this vicinity ... one at Stirling Lake itself with a second about 3km to the west, neither of which is an adult male. Subject: Re: Lone Goose From: "gdanen" <gdanen AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:12:15 -0000 Bob, would geese come in smaller numbers first to "test the waters" so to speak? South of Tofield we found starlings all over, but they are too skittish to waith for us to take photos... Horned larks are beginning to move into the fields as the snow begins to melt. Gerry --- In Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com, "birds4me2show" wrote: > > Greetings, > > Yesterday,(5th)while walking Lake Beaumaris,I was informed by a gentleman that a lone Canada Goose was walking on the ice at the West part of the lake.By the time I reached this area he was gone but there were tracks to verify this.Saw 2 Pine Siskin and a Red Breasted Nuthatch. > > South of Ponoka along RR254 towards Lacome,I observed about 20 Starlings and 8 Gray Partridges. > There sure is no shortage of Magpies. > > > > Bob van Essen > Subject: First time poster, short time reader. From: "tednanninga" <ted.nanninga AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:24:02 -0000 Thought I would contribute to the many "spring is coming" messages. Currently I am living on a farm just north of Picture Butte and the migration here is really starting to pick up. Yesterday we went out to a number of ACA sites, with horned larks, grey partridge, ring-necked pheasant and a GHO seen. But its the large puddles in the fields that have the real action. At one large puddle b/w Nobleford and Granum (Hwy 519) we counted 150+ mallards, 50-100 pintails, some small flocks of american wigeon and one goldeneye (couldn't tell if it was Barrow's or Common), but the real highlight was 90+ tundra swans. The most I've ever seen. Other highlights of late include the nesting of a pair of GHOs and a couple of unsuccessful hunts by merlin and sharpie on flocks of starlings/sparrows (these were all on the farm). Anyways, keep of the good birding, its great reading about everyone's posts. Ted Subject: more arrivals From: Lloyd Bennett <lloydaben AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 09:08:05 -0700 More birds have arrived since my last posting, and all of them have been found in large puddles in fields. Cackling Geese are now being seen, and small numbers of Tundra Swans are also being seen. American Wigeons are now seen regularly, and Common Goldeneyes are increasing rapidly in numbers. Yesterday I found my first Redheads. Lloyd Bennett Taber _________________________________________________________________ Take your contacts everywhere http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712959 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Lone Goose From: "birds4me2show" <vanesb AT ymail.com> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:41:17 -0000 Greetings, Yesterday,(5th)while walking Lake Beaumaris,I was informed by a gentleman that a lone Canada Goose was walking on the ice at the West part of the lake.By the time I reached this area he was gone but there were tracks to verify this.Saw 2 Pine Siskin and a Red Breasted Nuthatch. South of Ponoka along RR254 towards Lacome,I observed about 20 Starlings and 8 Gray Partridges. There sure is no shortage of Magpies. Bob van Essen Subject: Canada Goose in Edmonton area From: "gdanen" <gdanen AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:47:39 -0000 Joy and I spotted a Canada goose south of Baseline Road in between Highway 216 and Sherwood Park in the wetland area north of the communication tower. It was flying northwest just above eye level. We stopped to see if there were more but nothing. Knowing a whole gaggle hangs out in Hermitage Park during the summer, we headed there to check. We saw 4 more flying off. This was just after 6pm. I also spotted a white large bird south of the communication tower south of Baseline Road in between Highway 216 and Sherwood Park. Are there snow geese here? Gerry Edmonton Subject: Barred Owl on Whitemud Tral in Edmonton From: "avi8fauna" <data9boy AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:59:37 -0000 Greetings Ken Hansen and I found a Barred Owl on the Whitemud Trail this morning. Other birds noted were A Raven, Pine Siskins, Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker as well as several BC Chickadees and Nuthatches. Don Delaney - Edmonton Subject: GHO - up close From: "Ken Scott" <ken AT glisten.biz> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 13:34:03 -0700 Re the GHO. This morning I noticed that the water in the bird bath was totally inky black and mostly (I'd guess 90%) still suspended. Presumably this is the result of owl defecation as I've never seen this (the inky black) with other birds. Interesting that it was still suspended 15 hours later so obviously colloidal sized particles. The part that had settled to the bottom of the bird bath could not be removed with a stream of water and rather required a scraper with water. Ken, Christie in Calgary [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Pine Siskin From: "Kathy" <wisegril AT telusplanet.net> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:51:57 -0000 I think my offerings of free meals has finally rewarded me with at least 1 Pine Siskin these past couple of days. I have been trying hard to attract this little guy and I was so thrilled to see him. Joining him at the buffet were a couple of male house finches and a couple of red-breasted nut hatches, along with the usual house sparrows. I have another type of sparrow here too, but have to search to see which kind is gracing my yard before I can post! There have been several crows flying by these last few days also, as well as the flocks of Canada geese flying overhead going north in the mornings and south again in the evenings. I enjoy when I get a moment to just sit and listen to them as they wing their way either direction.. Kathy Grill Pineridge area Calgary Subject: NMT Birding: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary From: "William J. F. Wilson" <wjfwilso AT ucalgary.ca> Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:29:42 -0700 A bike ride to Inglewood Bird Sanctuary turned up 35 California Gulls and a couple of Ring-billed Gulls. Along with five crows in my neighbourhood yesterday this brings the NMT list up to 52 sighted for the year. Good birding, Bill Wilson Calgary Subject: GHO - up close From: "Ken Scott" <ken AT glisten.biz> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 18:59:18 -0700 Nice GHO sighting in Christie (west Calgary) 30 minutes ago. It landed on the metal rail of our upper patio deck - maybe10 feet from where we were sitting, just inside the window. Spent 5 or more minutes on the corner of the rail, then ambled over to the heated bird bath where it perched on the side - presumably for the 3 inches higher visibility. It had no interest in the water. Mostly scanned the ground below, probably for the mega mice that thrive on the leftover corn that I provide for pheasants (the same pheasants that attracted the Goshawk last year, and the same mice that attracted the Least Weasel - well, relatives of the same critters!). It seemed to not be particularly concerned about our movements - glanced our way only once. After 15 more minutes it flew eastward. Ken, Calgary [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Whiemud Park+ Ravine, Edmonton From: "Zoltan Domahidi" <dzoltan AT shaw.ca> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 17:07:33 -0700 Hi, took a 4 hour stroll throug the river Valley and Whitemud Ravine (from 76 th Ave to just south of Snow Valley). Great weather and 18 bird species to record. Hundreds of Pine Siskins, intense nesting hole search for the Black-capped Chickadees and also a nest building Raven pair. Interesting observations include: Pileated Woodpecker (three of them, well-two seen and one call) Common Merganser Brown Creeper Junco Goshawk Sharp-shinned Hawk All the best! Zoltan Domahidi [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Cackling Goose From: "Jim H Davis" <davismpe AT telusplanet.net> Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:42:45 -0000 Mike, there was a Cackling Goose swimming ahead of two Canada Geese just north of the Ivor Strong bridge in Douglas Glen at 2PM Wednesday. Slowly migrating north I guess... Jim Davis. --- In Albertabird AT yahoogroups.com, "Mike Mulligan" wrote: > > Late this morning I visited Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (Calgary). The wooded trails were quiet -- I saw no migrating songbirds. On the river I found my first-of-the-season Ring-billed Gull and a Harlequin Duck pair. > > The most interesting bird was a possible Cackling Goose perched on the river ice, aprx 40 meters downstream from the upper viewpoint. It was standing between two "normal" Canada Geese. The bird appeared to be about half the size of the ones on each side and showed a quite small, short bill compared to the other two. It remained facing away so I was unable to see the breast colour. > > If you confirm this sighting, please post and/or let me know. Thanks! > > Also, two days ago an experienced birder reported seeing two California Gulls at the bird sanctuary. > > Mike Mulligan > Calgary > potoo AT ... > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Subject: Female Hooded Merganser at Inglewood From: "davidlilly57" <davidlilly57 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:56:36 -0000 Hi Everyone, Today, I photographed a Female Hooded Merganser at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. I have posted a photograph on my website. http://www.davidlillyphotography.ca/_/Home.html David Lilly Calgary Subject: Thursday Morning at Brown-Lowery Provincial Park From: Dwight Knapik <dwightthebirdaholic AT shaw.ca> Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:54:17 -0700 Hello: On the morning of Thursday, March 4, 2010, I took a nice long walk around the mixed coniferous-deciduous woods at Brown-Lowery Provincial Park, along Plummer's Road, SW of Priddis. The weather was sunny and mild, with a light breeze (beautiful!). Things were quite quiet, and I saw or heard no owls, but there was a lot of Boreal Chickadee activity (saw at least 15 birds, more than I have ever seen in one day before), and good American Three-toed Woodpecker activity, as usual (I have rarely failed to find them there in all the times that I have visited). American Three-toed Woodpecker 4 Gray Jay 8 Blue Jay 1 Common Raven 6 Black-capped Chickadee 12 Mountain Chickadee 2 Boreal Chickadee 15 Red-breasted Nuthatch 4 Brown Creeper 1 Red Squirrel 9 Good Birding Everyone! Dwight P. Knapik Calgary, Alberta [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: M. Ross Lein honoured by the American Ornithologists' Union From: "Gus Yaki" <gyaki AT calcna.ab.ca> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 17:30:56 -0700 Ross Lein, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, has just been honoured by the prestigious American Ornithologists' Union (AOU). He was presented with the Marion A. Jenkinson AOU Service Award for his many years of services to the AOU - as a former book review editor for The Auk, organizing and chairing various business, council and fellows meetings - but primarily for his exemplary service as treasurer of the AOU for nine years. Congratulations. One of Ross's graduate students, Scott Lovell, will be discussing his research of Alberta's Vireos at the next Nature Calgary/CFNS Bird Study Group meeting at 7:30 pm, Wed. 07 Apr. 2010. The meeting is held in Room 211, Biosciences Building, Univ. of Calgary. Parking ($4.00) is available, but this building is readily accessible from the C-train, being the nearest one to the station. Gus Yaki [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RBA: Calgary AB, March 4, 2010 From: Jean Moore <jmmoore AT ucalgary.ca> Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:25:32 -0700 -RBA * Alberta (Canada) * Calgary, AB * Mar 4, 2010 * ABCA10.03.04 -Birds mentioned Northern Pintail American Wigeon California Gull Gull sp Boreal Owl Snowy Owl American Robin Song Sparrow Transcript Hotline: City of Calgary and Nature Calgary's (CFNS) Bird Alert Number: 403 221-4519 To Report: 403 221-4519 Coverage: Southern Alberta Compiler: Terry Korolyk (Nature Calgary & IBS) Transcriber: Jean Moore (jmmoore AT ucalgary.ca) Welcome to the City of Calgary and Nature Calgary's (CFNS) Bird Alert. This Bird Alert was recorded on Thursday March 4, at 10:00 am. To report a bird sighting, leave a message after the beep at the end of the recording. To bypass the recorded message press the pound key on your touch tone phone. To speak to a naturalist during office hours dial 0 after reaching the Bird Alert. For inquiries after office hours please call 311 to speak with a Customer Service Agent. To report injured wildlife please call Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403 239-2488, or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403 946-2361 Sightings for Tuesday, March 2 -- CALIFORNIA GULL (6) - Inglewood Bird Sanctuary by Bob Storms -- GULL sp (1) - flying above the Bow River at Edworthy Park by Eric Newton -- AMERICAN ROBIN (2) - University Heights in NW Calgary by EN -- BOREAL OWL (2) - heard in Kananaskis Country near William Watson Lodge at 8 pm by Cedric Hitchon Sightings for Monday, March 1 -- NORTHERN PINTAIL (50) - near Taber by Lloyd Bennett -- AMERICAN WIGEON (2) - near Taber by LB -- SNOWY OWL (1) - N end of Langdon Reservoir, SE of Langdon, by Bill Walker Sightings for Sunday, February 28 -- SNOWY OWL (1) - N end of Langdon Reservoir, SE of Langdon, by Andrew Slater -- SONG SPARROW (2) - one seen at Beaverdam Flats, the second slightly down river, by Jerry Pilny. The next scheduled update of the Bird Alert is Monday, March 8. BIRD STUDY GROUP - Meet September - May, 7:30 PM on the 1st Wednesday of the month, Room 211, BioSciences Bldg, University of Calgary. Doors open at 7:00 pm for the next meeting on Wednesday, March 3. Cyndi Smith, Conservation Biologist and master bander at Waterton Lakes National Park, will speak on Monitoring Breeding Songbirds through the MAPS program. ***2010 CALGARY BIG-YEAR BIRDING COMPETITION*** Join us in 2010 in our Calgary wide birding competition! It's free and open to all. There will be prizes, fun events, field trips and get-togethers throughout the year. Sign up now to be kept up-to-date with news about the competition and to be informed of events in which you can participate. For more information and to register see http://birdcomp.fanweb.ca/2010/ and watch the web and Nature News for updates. NATURE CALGARY (CFNS) BIRDING FIELD TRIPS Sat Mar 6, 9am: Bird Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, E end of 9 Av SE. LeaderPenny Smith, 403-283-9260. Sun Mar 7, 8:30am: Birding Bow River, Burnsmead to Hwy 22X. Meet parking lot FCPP HQ, off Bow Bottom Tr SE. Leader, Tony Timmons, 403-256-0754. Sun Mar 14, 1:30pm: Woody plants of Reader Rock Garden. Meet parking lot S off 25 Av SE, just E of Macleod Tr, S of Stampede Grounds. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. ** Note Daylight Saving Time begins Mar 14 ** Fri Mar 19, 8:30pm: Watch for Northern Flying Squirrels and other nocturnal life. Bring flashlight. Meet Weaselhead parking lot, 37 St & 66 Av SW. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. Sun Mar 21, 9:30am: Peak of Golden Eagle Migration, Mt. Lorette, Kananaskis Country. Bring lunch, warm clothing. Meet Assumption School, 34th Av NW (NW corner of Sarcee Tr, at Hwy 1). Leader, Andrew Hart, 403-279-5209. Fri Mar 26, 9pm: Listen for Northern Saw-whet Owls, Sandy Beach Park. For the past two years, these owls have been heard calling here. Meet at parking lot at W end of Riverdale Av SW, W off Elbow Dr. Bring flashlight. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. Sat Mar 27, 9am: Bird Glennfield area, FCPP, E of Macleod Tr, just S of Fish Creek. From N, go S on Macleod Tr, turn right onto Bannister Rd, go under Macleod Tr, then 1st left into FCPP. Meet at N end of 1st parking lot. Leader, Wayne Hewitt, 403-256-7609. Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a City of Calgary natural area. Staff offer information, courses and field trips relating to natural history. Nature Calgary (Calgary Field Naturalists' Society) promotes the observation, study, and conservation of the native habitat through lectures, field trips and collection of scientific data. Nature Calgary publishes a monthly newsletter. For membership or event information email naturecalgary AT cfns.fanweb.ca or visit the website at www.naturecalgary.com. The Birding section of the website http://birdcomp.fanweb.ca/index.html includes descriptions of Birding Locales in the Calgary area. -End transcript [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FFCPPSoc Birding, Edworthy Park, 9:15am,04Mar10. Sunny, calm, -1 to 8C. From: "Gus Yaki" <gyaki AT calcna.ab.ca> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 14:20:18 -0700 FFCPPSoc Birding, Edworthy Park, 9:15am,04Mar10. Sunny, calm, -1 to 8C. 1.. Canada Goose-6 2.. RUFFED GROUSE-1 3.. Rock Pigeon-9 4.. Downy Woodpecker-2+ 5.. Northern Flicker-6+, four of them in courtship display in one tree. 6.. Black-billed Magpie-10 7.. Common Raven-1 8.. Black-capped Chickadee-20 9.. Red-breasted Nuthatch-6 10.. White-breasted Nuthatch-1 11.. PINE GROSBEAK-7, seen only in flight. 12.. Pine Siskin-2, found by Ursula. a.. Eastern Gray Squirrel-3 b.. Red Squirrel-4, One chased an E. Gray Squirrel. Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: inglewood birding From: "Mike Mulligan" <potoo AT shaw.ca> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 13:30:40 -0700 Late this morning I visited Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (Calgary). The wooded trails were quiet -- I saw no migrating songbirds. On the river I found my first-of-the-season Ring-billed Gull and a Harlequin Duck pair. The most interesting bird was a possible Cackling Goose perched on the river ice, aprx 40 meters downstream from the upper viewpoint. It was standing between two "normal" Canada Geese. The bird appeared to be about half the size of the ones on each side and showed a quite small, short bill compared to the other two. It remained facing away so I was unable to see the breast colour. If you confirm this sighting, please post and/or let me know. Thanks! Also, two days ago an experienced birder reported seeing two California Gulls at the bird sanctuary. Mike Mulligan Calgary potoo AT shaw.ca [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Edworthy Park From: Eddy Matuod <gnude2000 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 14:59:58 -0800 (PST) Hi, Roam the area for almost two hours. Almost gave up and about to leave when 3 pine grosbeaks showed up at picnic site # 9. This is first for me....yeheeey! Same with the brown creeper (first photo-lifer for me). Thanks for the post (Phil C. and Mike M.). Photos can be viewed at my flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mama_lumen/ Will post later at my Albertabird 'Eduardo' photo album. Cheers, Eduardo [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Bald Eagle From: "birds4me2show" <vanesb AT ymail.com> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:10:04 -0000 Greetings Birders. On Tuesday March 3rd,I saw a Bald Eagle flying to the south along Highway 44 half way between Villeneuve and the Sturgeon River. Bob van Essen Subject: Raptors on the move From: "dlhuget" <hawkathome AT shaw.ca> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:22:12 -0000 Monday afternoon birding trip with Ken Orich to Del Bonita near the US border and east to Milk River found quite a few raptors on the move and feasting on Richardson's Ground Squirrels etc. 3 Northern Shrikes appeared to be preying on numerous Horned Larks along highway 501. List of raptors seen as follows: Bald Eagle (4) Golden Eagle (2) Rough Legged Hawk (5) American Kestrel (1) Great Horned Owl (2) Snowy Owl (1) Northern Shrike (3) Del Huget Lethbridge Subject: song sparrow in calgary From: "Mike Mulligan" <potoo AT shaw.ca> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 20:45:19 -0700 On Sunday Feb 28 Jerry Pilny found two Song Sparrows along the Bow River in the city. One was at Beaver Dam Flats and the second was seen farther downstream. Mike Mulligan Calgary [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Last day of Winter From: "westkmav" <fwhiley AT telusplanet.net> Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:47:50 -0000 Hi All! With bright sun and a temperature of +7,it was hard to believe that it was still winter. Alf Scott and I spent most of the day in the Black Mud Ravine. The birds too seemed to be enjoying the weather as there was song everywhere. Among birds seen, Black-capped Chickadees, Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins represented a good percentage and many woodpeckers were also active. There was also a flock of House Finches at a feeder above the ravine. Except for one Pileated all woodpeckers seen were Downy's. A medium sized flock of Bohemian Waxwings would not have been significant in past years, but is noteworthy this year. Several of the birds seen were decidedly showing signs of spring. The Pileated Woodpecker was busy excavating a hole in a tree and was also heard drumming and calling.Watching a Black-capped Chickadee also busy excavating a hole. Beside the contrast in size between these two species, we noticed the were also different in their excavation techniques. THe Pileated chopped out large pieces of wood and let them fall where the may. The chickadee took each tiny chip to a tree ~20 feet away and dropped them there. A Raven was also seen carrying nest material. At one point a dog went by carrying a stick. Alf tried to convince me it too was building a nest, but I remain doubtful. We ended the day in the Mill Creek ravine south of Whitmud Drive,where we added Barred Owl to our list. Fred Whiley Edmonton Subject: FFCPPSoc Birding, Edworthy Park, 9:15-11.15am, Tue. 02Mar 2010. Foggy, calm, -3C. From: "Gus Yaki" <gyaki AT calcna.ab.ca> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 15:34:12 -0700 FFCPPSoc Birding, Edworthy Park, 9:15-11.15am, Tue. 02Mar 2010. Foggy, calm, -3C. 1.. Canada Goose-1 2.. Mallard-5 3.. Rock Pigeon-3 4.. Downy Woodpecker-1 5.. Hairy Woodpecker-1 6.. Northern Flicker-6+ 7.. Black-billed Magpie-6 8.. Black-capped Chickadee-15 9.. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH-12+ 10.. White breasted Nuthatch-1 11.. PINE GROSBEAK-7, see photos attached or below 12.. Pine Siskin-2 Red Squirrel-3 Eastern Gray Sguirrel-5 The photos below were taken by Phil Smith. The Northern Flicker, Black-capped Chickadee and Ring-necked Pheasant were taken at Votier's Flats, FCPP yesterday (1Mar2010), but the two images of the PINE GROSBEAKS, were taken in the foggy light at Edworthy Park today. Gus Yaki [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: FFCPPSoc Birding, Edworthy Park, 9:15-11.15am, Tue. 02Mar 2010. Foggy, calm, -3C. From: "Gus Yaki" <gyaki AT calcna.ab.ca> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 15:32:28 -0700 FFCPPSoc Birding, Edworthy Park, 9:15-11.15am, Tue. 02Mar 2010. Foggy, calm, -3C. Canada Goose-1 Mallard-5 Rock Pigeon-3 Downy Woodpecker-1 Hairy Woodpecker-1 Northern Flicker-6+ Black-billed Magpie-6 Black-capped Chickadee-15 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH-12+ White breasted Nuthatch-1 PINE GROSBEAK-7, see photos attached or below Pine Siskin-2 Red Squirrel-3 Eastern Gray Sguirrel-5 The photos below were taken by Phil Smith. The Northern Flicker, Black-capped Chickadee and Ring-necked Pheasant were taken at Votier's Flats, FCPP yesterday (1Mar2010), but the two images of the PINE GROSBEAKS, were taken in the foggy light at Edworthy Park today. Gus Yaki [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: pine grosbeaks at edworthy park From: "Mike Mulligan" <potoo AT shaw.ca> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 10:02:04 -0700 The Pine Grosbeaks are still visiting Edworthy Park (Calgary). At 8:25 this morning Phil Cram and I searched the area without luck for almost an hour, but spotted a flock of six as we crossed the pedestrian bridge heading for our vehicles. The birds perched atop a spruce tree near the south end of the bridge, and we enjoyed excellent views through my elderly Kowa scope. Interestingly we'd seen them in the park last Saturday at the same time of day, almost to the minute. Mike Mulligan Calgary [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: pintails From: Lloyd Bennett <lloydaben AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 21:10:34 -0700 I took a drive around the countryside this afternoon to look for signs of spring. First I found 4 Mallards in a puddle in my field; they have not been found here for a while. Canada Geese are everywhere now, and I found one that had a completely white neck, instead of black. Then in a very large puddle northeast of me I found some ducks, about 50 pintails and a couple of American Wigeons. I later saw 4 or 5 jackrabbits running around together in a pasture, probably mating. A pair of Great Horned Owls has been calling loudly in my yard for a while now, and hopefully will stay to nest. So spring is definitely arriving. Lloyd Bennett Taber _________________________________________________________________ Introducing Windows® phone. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9708122 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Robins and a gull From: "lesbiendesbien" <ernewton AT ucalgary.ca> Date: Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:52:49 -0000 I've been in this group for a while, thought I would finally post something as I had a day off to do some birding. I observed a lone gull flying above the river at Edworthy Park this afternoon. Not positive on the ID but I assume it was a Ring-billed, it was very white with not much black on the wingtips. Also saw the usual chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers. When I arrived back home, I found 2 American Robins quietly sitting in the spruce tree in the front yard in University Heights. Hopefully a sign of spring. Eric Newton Calgary Subject: Bird Study Group meeting this Wednesday From: Andrew Hart <harta AT telusplanet.net> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:41:14 -0700 Meeting of Nature Calgary Bird Study Group, Wednesday March 03 The next meeting of the Nature Calgary Bird Study Group will be held on Wednesday March 03 in Room 211 of the Biosciences Building of the University of Calgary. Doors are open at 7:00 PM and the meeting will begin at 7:30 PM. Cyndi Smith, Conservation Biologist and master bander at Waterton Lakes National Park, will speak on Monitoring Breeding Songbirds through the MAPS program. There is a large map of the University of Calgary campus at http://www.ucalgary.ca/map The Biosciences building is in the right of the map and is marked BI. Parking is available in lots L21 and L25. Evening parking is available for $4. I hope to see you there on Wednesday. The Bird Study Group meets indoors on the first Wednesday of each month from September through May. Our goal is to encourage birding in the Calgary area and beyond by helping local birders develop their knowledge and skills. Our members are active local birders of all skill levels who are keen to share their knowledge and experiences. Please see the Bird Study Group website http://birdcomp.fanweb.ca/ for information on the group, its field trips and its other activities. If you want to be removed from this mailing list, please e-mail me at harta AT telusplanet.net Good birding! Andrew Hart Subject: Elbow River Bird Survey, Calgary, 0800-1230, Mon, 01Mar10. Sunny, calm, -4 to 9C From: "Gus Yaki" <gyaki AT calcna.ab.ca> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 17:46:58 -0700 Elbow River Bird Survey, Calgary, 0800-1230, Mon, 01Mar10. Sunny, calm, -4 to 9C. 1.. Canada Goose-140 2.. Wood Duck-1 pr. 3.. Mallard-60 4.. Common Goldeneye-1 m. 5.. Common Merganser-4 6.. Merlin-1 carrying prey. 7.. Rock Pigeon-5 8.. Great Horned Owl-2 9.. Downy Woodpecker-8 10.. Hairy Woodpecker-5 11.. Northern Flicker-6+ 12.. Blue Jay-1+ heard. 13.. Black-billed Magpier-30 14.. Common Raven-3 15.. Black-capped Chickadee-22 16.. Red-breasted Nuthatch-5 17.. White-breasted Nuthatch-3 18.. Brown Creeper-2 19.. European Starling-5 20.. House Finch-6+ 21.. Pine Siskin-2+ 22.. House Sparrow-16 Eastern Gray Squirrel-6 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Exshaw to Peyto Lake - no CBCH From: "Liis Veelma" <lveelma AT mts.net> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 17:34:38 -0600 Thank you Jason, and profound apologies to all for my senior moment. That was a Transformer Chickadee at Harvie Heights: a chestnut-sided bird turned chestnut-backed between my ears. We admired Boreal and Mountain Chickadees, as well as Black-capped ones and Red-breasted Nuthatch. Liis Veelma Winnipeg MB [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: TRIP TO MT LORETTE, KANANASKIS COUNTRY, MONDAY 15 MARCH 2010 From: "Gus Yaki" <gyaki AT calcna.ab.ca> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 15:59:57 -0700 Posted on behalf of Dorothy Spring: Gus Yaki -------------------- MON. 15 MARCH 2010 - MOUNT LORETTE, KANANANKIS COUNTRY Stephen and I are planning a trip to Mt. Lorette in the hope of seeing the Golden Eagle migration. If anyone who has made this trip before can join us, we would certainly appreciate your expertise. If anyone else is interested in this outing, please let us know so that we can arrange a convenient meeting place. Dorothy Spring e-mail: dorspring AT shaw.ca Res. phone - 403-238-0859 Stephen cell phone - 403-519-2266 Please note: If the weather or roads are unfavorable, the trip will be postponed to March 17th. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RBA: Calgary AB, March 1, 2010 From: Jean Moore <jmmoore AT ucalgary.ca> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:00:23 -0700 -RBA * Alberta (Canada) * Calgary, AB * Mar 1, 2010 * ABCA1003.01 -Birds mentioned Tundra Swan Redhead Lesser Scaup Prairie Falcon Bald Eagle Common Raven Townsend's Solitaire Horned Lark American Tree Sparrow Transcript Hotline: City of Calgary and Nature Calgary's (CFNS) Bird Alert Number: 403 221-4519 To Report: 403 221-4519 Coverage: Southern Alberta Compiler: Terry Korolyk (Nature Calgary & IBS) Transcriber: Jean Moore (jmmoore AT ucalgary.ca) Welcome to the City of Calgary and Nature Calgary's (CFNS) Bird Alert. This Bird Alert was recorded on Monday March 1, at 10:10 am. To report a bird sighting, leave a message after the beep at the end of the recording. To bypass the recorded message press the pound key on your touch tone phone. To speak to a naturalist during office hours dial 0 after reaching the Bird Alert. For inquiries after office hours please call 311 to speak with a Customer Service Agent. To report injured wildlife please call Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403 239-2488, or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403 946-2361 Sightings for Sunday, February 28 --LESSER SCAUP (5) -at Frank Lake by Rob Worona --REDHEAD (15) - at Frank Lake by RW --TUNDRA SWAN (3) - at Frank Lake by RW --SWAN sp (5) - at Lafarge Meadows, Fish Creek PP, by Nemali Seneviratne --HORNED LARK (good numbers) - east of Hwy 2 and south of Hwy 552 by Terry Korolyk --BALD EAGLE (several) - foothills between High River and Claresholm by TK --COMMON RAVEN (several) - foothills as above by TK Sightings for Saturday, February 27 --PRAIRIE FALCON (2) - displaying courtship behavior at Calgary Zoo's private breeding facility south of Calgary - Dwight Knapik --TUNDRA SWAN (5) --flew over the Zoo breeding facility - Dwight Knapik Sightings for Thursday, Feb 25 --TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE (5) - 4 at Edworthy Park, 1 at Griffith Woods by Phil Cram, Brian Elder, Mike Mulligan, Jerry Pilny and Hank Vanderpol --AMERICAN TREE SPARROW (1) - seen 1 mi S and 0.5 mi W of Hyw 22X/88 St SE junction by Phil Cram et al The next scheduled update of the Bird Alert is Thursday, March 4. BIRD STUDY GROUP - Meet September - May, 7:30 PM on the 1st Wednesday of the month, Room 211, BioSciences Bldg, University of Calgary. Doors open at 7:00 pm for the next meeting on Wednesday, March 3. Cyndi Smith, Conservation Biologist and master bander at Waterton Lakes National Park, will speak on Monitoring Breeding Songbirds through the MAPS program. ***2010 CALGARY BIG-YEAR BIRDING COMPETITION*** Join us in 2010 in our Calgary wide birding competition! It's free and open to all. There will be prizes, fun events, field trips and get-togethers throughout the year. Sign up now to be kept up-to-date with news about the competition and to be informed of events in which you can participate. For more information and to register see http://birdcomp.fanweb.ca/2010/ and watch the web and Nature News for updates. NATURE CALGARY (CFNS) BIRDING FIELD TRIPS Sat Mar 6, 9am: Bird Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, E end of 9 Av SE. Leader Penny Smith, 403-283-9260. Sun Mar 7, 8:30am: Birding Bow River, Burnsmead to Hwy 22X. Meet parking lot FCPP HQ, off Bow Bottom Tr SE. Leader, Tony Timmons, 403-256-0754. Sun Mar 14, 1:30pm: Woody plants of Reader Rock Garden. Meet parking lot S off 25 Av SE, just E of Macleod Tr, S of Stampede Grounds. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. ** Note Daylight Saving Time begins Mar 14 ** Fri Mar 19, 8:30pm: Watch for Northern Flying Squirrels and other nocturnal life. Bring flashlight. Meet Weaselhead parking lot, 37 St & 66 Av SW. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. Sun Mar 21, 9:30am: Peak of Golden Eagle Migration, Mt. Lorette, Kananaskis Country. Bring lunch, warm clothing. Meet Assumption School, 34th Av NW (NW corner of Sarcee Tr, at Hwy 1). Leader, Andrew Hart, 403-279-5209. Fri Mar 26, 9pm: Listen for Northern Saw-whet Owls, Sandy Beach Park. For the past two years, these owls have been heard calling here. Meet at parking lot at W end of Riverdale Av SW, W off Elbow Dr. Bring flashlight. Leader, Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248. Sat Mar 27, 9am: Bird Glennfield area, FCPP, E of Macleod Tr, just S of Fish Creek. From N, go S on Macleod Tr, turn right onto Bannister Rd, go under Macleod Tr, then 1st left into FCPP. Meet at N end of 1st parking lot. Leader, Wayne Hewitt, 403-256-7609. Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a City of Calgary natural area. Staff offer information, courses and field trips relating to natural history. Nature Calgary (Calgary Field Naturalists' Society) promotes the observation, study, and conservation of the native habitat through lectures, field trips and collection of scientific data. Nature Calgary publishes a monthly newsletter. For membership or event information email naturecalgary AT cfns.fanweb.ca or visit the website at www.naturecalgary.com. The Birding section of the website http://birdcomp.fanweb.ca/index.html includes descriptions of Birding Locales in the Calgary area. -End transcript [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]