Posted by Bob Lefebvre
I thought I’d do a series of posts on some of the smaller ponds and birding locations in Calgary that many birders may not have visited. I’ll start with a fairly new pond that was constructed just south of the new Alberta Children’s Hospital.
This location, which is not far from the Bow River, lies just west of the University Heights neighbourhood in NW Calgary, and alongside West Campus Blvd. There are several paved paths into the area. To access the area by car, park on Utah Drive and take the short path to the pond.
The main feature here is the large body of water which is almost bisected by a long thin peninsula. The pond attracts waterfowl, a few shorebirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, and others. There is also a large open field north of the pond which attracts hawks. A pair of Swainson’s Hawks has nested just SE of the pond for the last few years. I have seen up to six Swainson’s Hawks over the field at once. A Rough-legged Hawk staked out its territory here last winter.
Looking across the pond from the northeast corner.
A closer look from the northeast, with Edworthy Park across the river in the backgound.
Three views from the south side, looking towards the Children’s Hospital:
A few closer looks which feature some of the birds found here:
Mallards and Canada Geese nest here.
Red-winged Blackbirds nest in the cat-tails around the pond.
A Mallard, Northern Shoveler, two American Wigeons, and four Cinnamon Teal on the peninsula.
This location will only get better as the trees and shrubs around the pond mature. So if you live nearby, or are passing through this area, it is worth a visit.
For more information on where to go birding, see the Nature Calgary Birding Locations Page. It has an excellent and comprehensive guide to many locations in the city and the surrounding region.
