Birds

Dancing Without a Stage – The State of the Greater Sage-Grouse

1 August 2021

BY TIMOTHY SHAPKA

As of 2020, the Alberta population of greater sage-grouse was estimated to be 72 individuals — down from the thousands that were present when we started keeping track in 1968. Timothy Shapka reviews the causes of the decline and what is being done to recover the species.

Rare Alberta Birds Get Close Scrutiny

22 July 2021

The Alberta Bird Record Committee (ABRC) is the body responsible for evaluating records of rare birds in the province. It periodically publishes the results of its deliberations, and its newest report, the thirteenth in the series, is now available. The report documents the Committee’s decisions on almost 90 records of bird rarities that have been recorded in the province over a span of about six years.

A bugling elk (Cervus canadensis) by Nick Parayko

Out of Sight: How Scientists are Listening in on Nature in Alberta

22 July 2021

BY RICHARD HEDLEY

Imagine being a biologist: do you want to go on a long difficult journey to reach a site to conduct a breeding bird survey at dawn…or wheel your rollie chair over to your desk to use an acoustic survey? What are the cons of this scenario, if any? And how does it stack up to traditional surveys?

A Harlan’s hawk soaring straight overhead of the surveyors at Orkney Viewpoint. RYAN WILKES

Birding the Badlands

27 January 2021

BY RYAN WILKES WITH HEATHER BLANCHETTE

Despite the barren landscape that is often associated with the badlands, the valley accommodates a lively riparian forest. This ecosystem makes the river valley a popular birding spot for local naturalists and visiting birders alike.

Common loon adult with small chick. DARWIN PARK

Why Are Common Loon Chicks Becoming Less Common?

22 January 2021

BY KRISTIN BIANCHINI

Measuring loon productivity is also an excellent indicator of lake health. As top predators, loons are sensitive to damage at lower levels of the food chain. For example, processes that decrease the number of fish in a lake can cause food shortages, especially for young loons. Being a top predator also makes loons more vulnerable to pollutants, like acid rain and mercury.

An eastern kingbird catches and gobbles down a big, juicy two-striped grasshopper. MYRNA PEARMAN

Eastern Kingbirds

18 January 2021

BY MYRNA PEARMAN

Eastern kingbirds belong to a group of birds known as the tyrant flycatchers, and the Latin name of this species, Tyrannus tyrannus, reflects their pugnacious nature.