Birds

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.

Do all birds migrate in the fall?

9 November 2020

Not all birds seek a warmer place for the winter, learn more here!

What are bird bands?

9 November 2020

Learn about the brightly coloured bands you see on bird’s legs!

How can we keep birds safe?

5 November 2020

Keep cats safe and save birds lives!

What bird has the farthest migration?

4 November 2020

Migration is something that many birds do every year! Find out who goes the farthest!!

Bohemian Waxwings

15 January 2020

BY MYRNA PEARMAN

It is always a treat when a winter flock of Bohemian Waxwings suddenly descends on the cotoneaster bushes in our yard. No matter the weather, their constant trilling fills the air and they devour the berries with great flourish. Although always in constant motion, they usually allow close approach – a photographer’s delight!

NATURE ALBERTA