Posted by Dan Arndt
One of the birding events that I have wanted to take part in since learning of it last year was the May Species Count. This is one of the many events that contribute to real science research on behalf of Bird Studies Canada. I was a little worried when taking on an entire area of my own, since I was certain that I’d miss some calls that a more experienced birder would have picked up and identified in seconds, or that I’d misidentify warblers, sparrows, or other shorebirds. Thankfully, I didn’t hear anything that really threw me for a loop (aside from a Western Meadowlark that sounded like it was a little confused) and didn’t see anything that I couldn’t readily identify with a quick reference to my Sibley Guide or Audubon’s Field Guide to Birds app.
Starting at about 5 AM, we hiked from the parking lot at Bow Valley Ranch, meandering south to 194th Avenue, then back north to the Ranch, which I’ve mapped below.
Hull’s Wood to Lafarge Meadows – May Species Count Route
Paul Turbitt came along both for the photo opportunities as well as to help out with spotting birds, but I always find the viewpoint of an experienced hunter and photographer incredibly valuable in the field. That, and having someone else around to see and hear birds that you might otherwise miss is indispensible. We racked up a total of 70 species, which included 3 new year birds for me, and something like 10-12 for Paul. It’s always great to show people new birds that they’ve never seen before, but also to get better views (and photos) of birds that you’ve seen dozens or hundreds of times before. Below are a few of my favourites from Saturday’s portion of the May Species Count.
Spotted Sandpiper
Alder Flycatcher
Western Wood-Pewee
Great Horned Owls eating breakfast
Northern Shoveler
American Wigeon
Killdeer
Blue-winged Teal
Eastern Kingbird
Great Blue Heron
Red-winged Blackbird and Heron
- Great Horned Owl Fledgeling
Sunday’s photos and recount of the May Species Count from the Weaselhead, North Glenmore Park and Reservoir, and Pearce Estate Park to come soon…
Good evening from Scotland, nice report and great pictures. Your Gadwall pic looks an awful lot like an American Wigeon? Just starting to plan my trip to Alberta in 2013, fantastic place can’t wait to get back.
Thanks for the catch, Dave. Something didn’t sit right with that for me either.
There are a ton of great birds (and birders) in Alberta that make it an awesome place to visit, and even better place to live!