Tag Archive | calgary bird blog

Rare Bird Alert Calgary: Oct 4

Oct5

Have you seen an unusual bird in Calgary?

If it is on this Reportable_Birds (PDF), please report it to the Nature Calgary Rare Bird Alert line at 403 221-4519 and leave a message after the beep at the end of the recording. If you would like some help with species identification, email us at birdscalgary@gmail.com.  To report injured wildlife call the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403 239-2488, or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403 946-2361.

Compiled by Terry Korolyk

Bird Sightings:
Sept. 27
–WHITE-FACED IBIS(11), Namaka Lk.SE of Strathmore, by Clive Elliot.

Sept. 30
–ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK(2), Plateau Mtn. Kananaskis area, by Peter Roxburgh et al
–NORTHERN PYGMY OWL(1), same as above.
–HARRIS’S SPARROW,imm, backyard of Dorothy Johnston, Marlborough area, seen through Oct.2. Call her at 403-272-7916 if wishing to see the bird.

Oct.1
–SNOW GOOSE(60), NW of Linden, by Corinne Griffin.
–SANDHILL CRANE, several near Twp.Rd 314 and RR 270, by CG.
–RED-TAILED HAWK (HARLAN’S), Elbow River Survey trip, by Gus Yaki et al.
–HOODED MERGANSER,21 seen Oct.1 by Bob Lefebvre, and 34 by Bill Wilson on Oct.2, in the irrigation canal S. of 17 Ave SE off Deerfoot Tr.

Oct. 2
–CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD, possible imm. female,at a feeder in Bowness. ID tentative so far.

Rare Bird Alert Calgary: Oct 1

Oct2

Have you seen an unusual bird in Calgary?

If it is on this Reportable_Birds (PDF), please report it to the Nature Calgary Rare Bird Alert line at 403 221-4519 and leave a message after the beep at the end of the recording. If you would like some help with species identification, email us at birdscalgary@gmail.com.  To report injured wildlife call the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403 239-2488, or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403 946-2361.

Compiled by Terry Korolyk

SEPT 27

PALM WARBLER – west Fish Creek PP, Richard Clarke
AMERICAN TREE SPARROW – in Calgary area

SEP 28

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER – 1 at slough on 304 St, SE 2 kms south of Hwy 552 – Richard Clarke
PECTORAL SANDPIPER – 100 as above
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER – 20 as above
AMERICAN BITTERN – slough on Twp Rd 273 just east of Rge Rd 261 southeast of Irricana – RC
HERMIT THRUSH – 2 at Confederation Park – Bill Wilson
SWAMP SPARROW – 1, as above

SEP 29

HERMIT THRUSH – at Confederation Park – BW

SEP 30

SNOW GOOSE – 4 adults at slough on 304 St 2 kms south of Hwy 552-Terry Korolyk
SANDHILL CRANE – 2 at a slough south of the Jumpingpound Gas Plant north of Hwy 1
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER – 34 at the slough on 304 St SE, 2 kms south of Hwy 552 – TK
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER – 1 as above
PECTORAL SANDPIPER – 50 as above, 25 at slough on 338 Ave and Hwy 799
BAIRD’S SANDPIPER – 2 as above
LEAST SANDPIPER – 3 as above, 3 at slough on 338 Ave and Hwy 799

The next scheduled update of the Bird Alert is on Thu Oct 4.

BIRD STUDY GROUP:

Bird Study Group meets 1st Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm in Room 211 of the BioSciences Building, U of C.

WEDNESDAY, OCT 3, 7:30pm – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS (IBAs) IN ALBERTA – Petra Rowell, Nature Alberta.

WEDNESDAY, NOV 7, 7:30PM – DANIEL ARNDT AND DAVID PUGH will share their experiences with technology in the world of birding.

Status of Landbirds in Alberta’s Boreal Plains

Sep28

The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) has released its latest report on the state of biodiversity in Alberta. The Status of Landbirds in Alberta’s Boreal Plains Ecozone reports on the status of common bird species that are monitored by the ABMI in Alberta’s Boreal Plains Ecozone (BPE).

The BPE represents 58% of Alberta’s total land area and covers a vast expanse of northern Alberta. Alberta’s BPE is rich in natural resources; it serves as a working landscape for industry, and is considered an integral part of North America’s “bird nursery”. The report highlights the status of individual species and landbird groups such as neo-tropical migrants, forest interior specialists, winter residents and species at risk.

  • the status of 74 landbird species in the Boreal Plains Ecozone were found to be, on average, 80% intact.
  • as of 2010, 21% of Alberta’s BPE has been directly altered by human activities including cultivation, forest harvesting, residential, commercial, energy, and transport infrastructure
  • agricultural cultivation represents the largest human footprint in Alberta’s BPE at 12%
  • protected areas in Alberta include provincial and national parks and National Wildlife Areas account for 11.3% of the BPE
  • the status of 74 common landbirds in Alberta’s oil sands region were found to be, on average, 85% intact. This region currently has a lower human footprint than the entirety of Alberta’s BPE and, therefore, a slightly higher intactness for landbirds.

Read the full report on the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Website

Posted by Pat Bumstead

Rare Bird Alert Calgary: Sept 20

Sep21

Have you seen an unusual bird in Calgary?

If it is on this Reportable_Birds (PDF), please report it to the Nature Calgary Rare Bird Alert line at 403 221-4519 and leave a message after the beep at the end of the recording. If you would like some help with species identification, email us at birdscalgary@gmail.com.  To report injured wildlife call the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403 239-2488, or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403 946-2361.

Compiled by Terry Korolyk

Sept. 15, 17, 18 and 19:
Birds seen at Confederation Park included FOX SPARROW(2),and BLUE-HEADED VIREO(2) by Dan Arndt and Bill Wilson.

Sept. 16
At Weed lake, 20 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER and one SANDERLING were seen by Bob and Dan Lefebvre.

Sept. 17
At IBS, a MAGNOLIA WARBLER, SWAINSON’S THRUSH and A SWAMP SPARROW were seen by Greg Meyer, and on the 18th he saw a MOURNING WARBLER there.
At Mallard Point,FCPP, a BROAD-WINGED HAWK and a PEREGRINE FALCON were seen by Gus Yaki et al., and on the 18th, they saw a COOPER’S HAWK there.

Sept. 18
At FCPP, Glenfield area, a MOURNING WARBLER was seen by Terry Korolyk, and on the 19th, a PURPLE FINCH by TK.

Note: IBS(Inglewood Bird Sanctuary); FCPP(Fish Creek Provincial Park)

Bird Profile: Least Sandpiper, the smallest of them all

Sep21

Last week I went out for a walk in my neighborhood down here in Houston, Texas. As I walked along a storm water retention basin, I noticed 2 very small shorebirds hanging out with the usual Killdeer. Upon further investigation, I discovered that they were Least Sandpipers, a species that shows up several times a year in my neighborhood during migration.

These Least Sandpipers are quite unique and their name might give you a hint as to why; this species is the smallest shorebird in the world at a mere 13-15 cm in length and weighing only 19-30 grams. The pair that I saw provided an interesting look at differences in plumage, while one was a drab adult in winter plumage, the other was a more brightly colored juvenile.

Adult Least Sandpiper in winter plumage

Juvenile Least Sandpiper

The Least Sandpiper is a shorebird known as a peep, a group of small, difficult to identify sandpipers. While many “peeps” can be challenging to identify, the Least Sandpiper is usually fairly easy to name. The number one characteristic that separates the Least from other peeps is its yellow legs, (the others have black legs) though sometimes their legs can appear dark in poor light or when covered with mud. I once read an interesting article from the American Birding Association (ABA) that described how to identify peeps based on posture; the Least Sandpiper, it said, could be separated from the other 4 regularly occurring North American peeps by these habits:

  1. They typically feed from a crouched position with their “knees” (tibia-tarsus joint) almost brushing the ground
  2. The way they plant their feet can often make it seem like they are feeding between their toes though this is not quite as evident in my photos
  3. Least Sandpipers also seem quite nervous, glancing around a lot and freezing at any sudden noise or motion.

Least Sandpiper in breeding plumage

I found this ABA article quite interesting because it adds a whole new dimension to birding, birding by posture, that not everybody may use or be aware of. You can read the full article here.

While the Least Sandpipers I saw this past week were quite timid as always, once I sat down and waited patiently, the juvenile approached me and passed by me within feet, though I had to be careful not to make any sudden motions.

Least Sandpipers have likely all passed through Calgary already on the way back from their arctic breeding grounds to warmer regions in the southern U.S.A., Mexico and South America where they will spend the winter however next May they will be right back again, to complete their long travels once again.

Rare Bird Alert Calgary: Sept 17

Sep19

Have you seen an unusual bird in Calgary?

If it is on this Reportable_Birds (PDF), please report it to the Nature Calgary Rare Bird Alert line at 403 221-4519 and leave a message after the beep at the end of the recording. If you would like some help with species identification, email us at birdscalgary@gmail.com.  To report injured wildlife call the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403 239-2488, or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403 946-2361.

Compiled by Terry Korolyk

Sept.13:
–Possible hybrid warbler, Tennessee/Mourning, seen by Terry Korolyk in Fish Creek PP, E. of bridge # 7.

Sept. 14 + 15:
–AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, S.end Weed lake along Hwy.560. Several seen there by Marcel Gahbauer, and one by TK.

Sept. 15 + 16:
–SEMI-PALMATED PLOVER(2), SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPER(10), PECTORAL SANDPIPER(200+), SW corner of Hwy 560 and Hwy 24, by TK.
–RED-NECKED PHALAROPE(60), Cattleland Feedlot slough, N. of Strathmore, by TK.
–WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE(3) seen by TK 2km.S.ofHwy 552 on 304 Str. SE. Small flock seen by Ron Kube at RR 282 and TwpRd 360.

Sept. 16:
–BROAD-WINGED HAWK(2), by Peter Roxburgh and Calgary Nature members,seen at Plateau Mtn. in Kananaskis country.
–CLARK’S NUTCRACKER(500+) migrating through Plateau Mtn. area, as above.

Rare Bird Alert Calgary: Sept 13

Sep14

Have you seen an unusual bird in Calgary?

If it is on this Reportable_Birds (PDF), please report it to the Nature Calgary Rare Bird Alert line at 403 221-4519 and leave a message after the beep at the end of the recording. If you would like some help with species identification, email us at birdscalgary@gmail.com.  To report injured wildlife call the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403 239-2488, or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403 946-2361.

Compiled by Terry Korolyk

SEP 9

BROAD-WINGED HAWK – seen at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary by Greg Meyer
WILSON’S WARBLER – as above, also one seen in Lake Bonavista by Ann Simpson

SEP 10

BROAD-WINGED HAWK – as above
TENNESSEE WARBLER – Richmond area of Calgary, Phil Quinn
BLACKPOLL WARBLER – immature, just north of Scarboro Ave, PQ

SEP 12

HERRING GULL – 2 adults at Mallard Point, east Fish Creek PP, Terry Korolyk

The next scheduled update of the Bird Alert is on Mon Sep 17.

Rare Bird Alert Calgary: Sept 10

Sep11

Have you seen an unusual bird in Calgary?

If it is on this Reportable_Birds (PDF), please report it to the Nature Calgary Rare Bird Alert line at 403 221-4519 and leave a message after the beep at the end of the recording. If you would like some help with species identification, email us at birdscalgary@gmail.com.  To report injured wildlife call the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403 239-2488, or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403 946-2361.

Compiled by Terry Korolyk

Bird Sightings:

Sept 1-2:
COMMON REDPOLLS at feeder near Willow Park Golf Course, Marilyn Bushell.

Sept 6:
LAPLAND LONGSPUR (9) Nose Hill Park, Bill Wilson.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK, IBS, Gus Yaki with FFCPP.
MAGNOLIA WARBLER, TOWNSEND’S WARBLER, Confederation Pk, BW.
BLACKPOLL WARBLER, OLIVER-SIDED FLYCATCHER (2), IBS, Gus Yaki with FFCPP.

Sept 7:
TOWNSEND’S WARBLER, BLACKPOLL WARBLER, Confederation Pk, BW.
TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE, Mallard Pt FCPP, Helga Borgardt.

Sept 8:
LAPLAND LONGSPUR (16) Nose Hill Pk, BW
WESTERN TANAGER (2), Confed. PK, BW.
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, HERRING GULL, IBS, Gus Yaki with FFCPP.
OVENBIRD, IBS, Kingsley Blades.

Sept 9:
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (2) at Third Lake, and 28 at Eagle Lake via Rnge Rd 245 access, Andrew Slater.
RED-TAILED HAWK dark phase immature, Mallard Pt, FCPP, BW.
OREGON DARK-EYED JUNCO, Carburn Pk, BW.
SOLITARY SANDPIPER(9), IBS, Bob Lefebvre with FFCPP.

The next scheduled update of the Bird Alert is on Thursday Sept 13.

Rare Bird Alert Calgary: Sept 6

Sep7

Have you seen an unusual bird in Calgary?

If it is on this Reportable_Birds (PDF), please report it to the Nature Calgary Rare Bird Alert line at 403 221-4519 and leave a message after the beep at the end of the recording. If you would like some help with species identification, email us at birdscalgary@gmail.com.  To report injured wildlife call the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403 239-2488, or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403 946-2361.

Compiled by Terry Korolyk

SEP 3

LONG-TAILED JAEGER – east end of Cooking Lake, flying south, Gerald Romachuk
SANDHILL CRANE – 3 seen over the Calgary Zoo’s private facility off Dunbow Road, Dwight Knapik
STILT SANDPIPER – 500 on 304 St SE 2 kms south of Hwy 552; 500 at Weed Lake; 250 at Langdon Corner slough in the SW corner of the Hwy 1 and 9 junction – Terry Korolyk
BAIRD’S SANDPIPER – 30 at Langdon Corner slough, TK
SANDERLING – 5 at Weed Lake at the Hwy 560 pulloff, TK
LESSER YELLOWLEGS – large numbers at the water bodies mentioned above, TK
GREATER YELLOWLEGS – as above

SEP 4

TOWNSEND’S WARBLER – Confederation Park, Bill Wilson
HERMIT THRUSH – as above
BLUE-HEADED VIREO – as above
WILSON’S WARBLER – 40 banded at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

SEP 5

PEREGRINE FALCON – perched on library tower at U of C, Bill Wilson

The next scheduled update of the Bird Alert is on Mon Sep 10.

Rare Bird Alert Calgary: Sept 1

Sep6

Have you seen an unusual bird in Calgary?

If it is on this Reportable_Birds (PDF), please report it to the Nature Calgary Rare Bird Alert line at 403 221-4519 and leave a message after the beep at the end of the recording. If you would like some help with species identification, email us at birdscalgary@gmail.com.  To report injured wildlife call the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403 239-2488, or the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation at 403 946-2361.

Compiled by Terry Korolyk

AUG 27

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER – 2 at Confederation park, Bill Wilson
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW – 2 as above
CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD – small hummingbird with buffy flanks seen in Braeside by Katrina Lybbert and her son; thought to be a Calliope

AUG 28

WILSON’S WARBLER – 12 at Confederation Park, BW
SOLITARY SANDPIPER – 5, as above

AUG 29

BLACKPOLL WARBLER – seen by BW at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
OVENBIRD – as above
AMERICAN REDSTART – 3, as above
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH – as above
WILSON’S WARBLER – 5, as above
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER – 2, as above
TOWNSEND’S WARBLER – in Cranston subdivision, by Rick Robb