Tofield Snow Goose Festival

Saturday and Sunday April 22 - 23, 2023

A celebration of spring bird migration

Geoff Holroyd photo

Committee excited to resurrect festival for 2023 and

Welcome to the 2023 Snow Goose Festival on 22-23 April, 2023 in Tofield Alberta.

A committee representing over a dozen organizations has been meeting regularly to recreate this festival which attracted 4,000 to 7,000 people in the 1990s to view spring wildlife focused on the thousands of Snow Geese, other waterfowl, and songbirds, which migrate through Alberta.

The Festival was established as a celebration of spring bird migration, an opportunity for everyone to view the many species of birds that pass through central Alberta on their migration northward.

The Festival will include guided bus tours, hiking tours, a trade show, a banquet and other associated activities based out of the Tofield Arena.

• Beaver County

• County of Strathcona

• Alberta Environment

Organizations that are represented in the organizing committee include:

•Town of Tofield

• Beaverhill Bird Observatory

• North American Waterfowl Management Plan

• Canadian Wildlife Service

• Nature Alberta

• Edmonton Nature Club

• Alberta Parks

• Nature Conservancy

• Beaverhills Biosphere

• Alberta Conservation Association

• Claystone Waste Ltd

• WILDNorth

On behalf of the committee we thank you for participating in the Festival

and supporting the trade fair in the Tofield Arena.

Thank you again for your interest.

Yours truly Geoff Holroyd, and Vanita Eglauer

On behalf of the 2023 Snow Goose Festival Organizing Committee

Photo: Dylan Reade, Hastings Creek, Kallal Property, Nature Conservancy of Canada

Geoff Holroyd Vanita Englauer

Avian influenza: A new chapter in an old book

Margo Pybus, Fish and Wildlife Stewardship, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas

Our view of Avian Influenza dramatically shifted in spring 2022 as Mother Nature provided something never seen before in North America. There was a change in the ancient relationship between avian influenza virus (AIV) and the birds in which it lives, and the final outcome is yet to be revealed.

Avian influenza virus coevolved naturally in wild waterfowl over many 1,000s of years. But as we saw with COVID19, viruses change a lot!

Influenza genes in wild birds constantly re-assort in a genetic melting pot around the world.

Given their ancient existence, variation in AIV genetics is extensive, and can differ at continental, flyway, regional, and local levels. Data collected by Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) across the prairies in the 1970s & 80s also revealed differences from month to month, species to species, week to week, and pond to pond.

What changed in 2022?

Normally AIV occurs in wild waterfowl and shorebirds without mortality.

However, in spring 2022 the virus killed migrating geese and ducks on all four North American flyways! It killed lots of waterfowl and quite a few other birds, and some mammals that ate live or dead infected waterfowl.

The AIV wave arrived in Alberta in early April. Within a few days, phone lines lit up with sick and dead bird reports – largely snow geese in southern AB. But very quickly most of central and east-central Alberta was awash with sick and dead snow geese and a few Canada geese, then secondarily raptors and corvids.

Dead geese were a bonanza for avian scavengers but the free food came with a high price. We received many many reports of sick or dead hawks, owls, crows, magpies, and a few falcons.

At the same time, strange neurologic behaviour occurred in striped

skunks and a few young foxes. More than 80 sick or dead skunks were reported from the same area where dead snow geese littered the landscape.

Affected birds and mammals displayed severe neurologic signs, including head tremors, weak neck, incoordination, and clouded eyes. Many raptors and corvids just fell out of a tree and died. Many of the skunks had severe seizures and convulsions before they died.

Overall, we detected AIV (specifically North American HPAI H5N1) in multiple wild bird species, skunks, and a few foxes. Mortality was greatest in snow geese, great horned owls (adults and youngsters), red-tailed hawks, and crows. Many many owl and hawk nests were empty in 2022.

The same virus was detected in commercial and backyard poultry flocks

involving over a million birds across Alberta. It was a widespread and very hot form of AIV. Mortality continued through the winter in pockets of Canada geese that stayed in parts of southern Alberta.

It is very likely the virus will return as migrating ducks and geese flood back into Alberta in April 2023. We anticipate some mortality in wild birds but hopefully the virus has changed again and the mortality will be less than in 2022.

Stay tuned and we will all see what Mother Nature has in store.

For more info see: Alberta info & data lists: https://www.alberta.ca/avianinfluenza-in-wild-birds.aspx Canadian data: http://www.cwhcrcsf.ca/avian_influenza.php

Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta

Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023

Protecting Wetland Habitat in Alberta

Wetlands are highly diverse, productive ecosystems that provide a host of ecological benefits across Alberta's landscapes.

Covering around 20 per cent of the province’s surface area, wetlands play an important role in sustaining healthy watersheds and include a rich and varied array of ecosystems, including bogs, fens, marshes, swamps and shallow open water wetlands.

Over time, wetlands have been subject to alteration, degradation and loss due to human development and climate variations, and it’s important for all of us to do our part to protect and restore this important natural resource.

What is Alberta’s Wetland Replacement Program?

Through the Wetland Replacement Program, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas works in collaboration with Albertans to replace lost wetland areas.

From 2020 through 2022, Alberta’s government provided $11.4 million in funding resources for collaborative wetland replacement projects across the province. By working together with municipalities and non-profits, the pro-

gram has helped replace over 366 hectares of vital wetland habitat.

Wetland replacement in action

As a participant in the Wetland Replacement Program, Strathcona County restored a fully functioning marsh near Uncas Elementary School.

From site selection and hydrology design to soil testing and vegetation planting, the county worked with professional environmental consultants and University of Alberta students to build a series of wetlands that will help reduce the impacts of extreme weather, improve local water quality, support biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife and species at risk and create educational opportunities.

Another success story is in the City of Leduc. The city joined the Wetland Replacement Program to construct three basins providing marsh, swamp and shallow open water habitat for pollinators, amphibians and small birds.

The restored wetlands are nestled between the shoreline of Telford Lake and farmlands in an area that was historically drained for agricultural use.

In addition to all the ecological benefits of replaced wetlands, the project is near a multiway trail and is visible from the lake, providing notable opportunities to engage, inspire and educate visitors.

Wetland policy in Alberta

The Wetland Replacement Program is one tool of the Alberta Wetland Policy.

This policy outlines steps to avoid and minimize negative impacts on wetlands and to replace lost wetland value. It recognizes that wetland stewardship is an important component of wetland management in Alberta and supports the many efforts of landowners, municipalities, and the members of the public in protecting and enjoying their local wetlands.

For more information on the Alberta Wetland Policy and the Wetland Replacement Program, visit Alberta.ca

Snow

Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023

Topics and Guest Speakers in the Tofield Arena

Saturday 12:30 PM

Boreal Songbird Populations

As a whole, forest birds in Canada are doing relatively well compared to some other groups such as grassland birds and aerial insectivores, showing an average change of ~7% increase, according to latest State of Canada’s Birds Report in 2019.

When you look a little closer at the individual species though, we see that some populations are increasing and some are decreasing.

Who are the ‘winners’ and what does some of the recent work tell us about why some of these species are doing better than others?

Presented by: Thea Carpenter, Wildlife Biologist, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Climate Change Canada / Government of Canada. Over the last 10 years, Thea has worked on wildlife conservation issues in the boreal forest region, ranging from migratory songbird monitoring to boreal caribou recovery. Thea is an avid outdoor person, who enjoys exploring our diverse ecosystems and doing her best to contribute to their preservation.

Saturday 2 PM

40 years of Bird Conservation at the Beaverhill Bird Observatory

This presentation will focus on the research, monitoring and education programs that the Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) has conducted leading up to its 40th year of operation.

The research of BBO has extended our knowledge of breeding and migratory birds at Beaverhill Lake and many far flung places. Our education programs have embraced thousands of people, and our intern and young ornithologist workshop has helped train numerous youth in their early careers.

Presented by: Jon Von Arragon, Assistant Biologist, Beaverhill Bird Observatory. Jon is an avid lover of birds and nature, and he has been involved with the observatory since starting as a volunteer in 2016.

Sunday 12:30 PM

The Curious Case of Prairie Wetlands: Love, Hate and Something in Between

The loss of wetlands across the Prairie Pothole Region has become a priority for provincial governments and the Alberta Wetland Policy in 2013 lays out clear conservation guidelines for Alberta landowners.

But wetlands continue to be drained and are viewed as wastelands by many people. This presentation will explore the economic benefits of wetlands for both the livestock and crop sector in the prairies, including: ecological benefits, productivity enhancement and conservation options for restoration.

Using personal examples from his farm near Camrose, and scientific examples from his research, this pres-

entation will explore options to manage wetlands as part of a farming operation.

Presented by: Dr. John K. PattisonWilliams is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta and president of Pattison Resource Consulting Ltd., a company specializing in the interaction between environmental conservation and economic development. He lives in the Miquelon Lake area and is active on the family farm, raising blue roan quarter horses and the odd chicken

Sunday 2 PM

Cool things to do and see in the Beaver Hills.

The Beaver Hills has a multitude of hiking trails, conservation and protected areas, and even roadsides, where visitors may find great opportunities to view wildlife and birds in their natural habitat. A guide to where to visit, what to do and how to get there, will be presented.

Presented by: Glen Lawrence, Councillor Strathcona County. Glen has spent his entire life living in, farming, loving and protecting the natural areas of the Beaver Hills.

Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta

It’s an Alberta thing.

Tofield Arena is at the Sports Grounds, 4748 53 Ave, Tofield

SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL: April 22 - 23, 2023

Schedule of Events

(Same for both day unless otherwise noted)

Purchase tickets and see detailed information at www.tofieldalberta.ca

7:30 am- 6 pm Tour Registration & information Centre – Tofield Arena

Concession open - Tofield Arena Lobby

8 am - 4 pm Tour Departures from Tofield Arena

Tour cost: Adults: $25, Youth (12 & under): $10, Family (2a/2c): $60 Visit website to purchase advance tickets. Tickets may be limited on site. Bring your camera, bird ID book, and binoculars. As spring weather can be unpredictable, waterproof footwear and layered clothing recommended as spring weather can be unpredictable.

8 am – 6 pm Trade Show Hours - Free admission

(Sun., 8 am – 5 pm)

Several vendors, nature interpretation, education with live birds and more!

8 am – 5 pmFREE Kids Activities - Located in Trade Show area

Hosted by Nature Alberta and Nature Kids

• Community Art Project - pick your colour and add your paint mark to Nature Alberta's canvas with specialized bird footprint sponges. The art will be hung in Nature Alberta's office to inspire our community connected by a love of nature for the next 50 years of service!

• Bird Protecting Window Decal - make a bird-shaped suncatcher window decal to take home and hang up in your window. The decal craft will break up the reflection of your window to help prevent birds from flying into it.

• Adopt a Goose - grab a paper goose, give it a name and draw on a happy face! Take your newly adopted goose home to hang up beside your window decal craft to protect birds from hitting your window.

• Mini Nature Quiz - test your nature knowledge with colourful Nature Kids flip cards to learn about Alberta's special species.

12:30 pm & 2:00 pm FREE Speaker Series: Tofield Arena Meeting Room

Saturday, April 22 at 12:30 PM

Boreal Songbird Populations

Presented by Thea Carpenter, Wildlife Biologist, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Climate Change Canada / Government of Canada.

Saturday, April 22 at 2 PM

40 years of Bird Conservation at the Beaverhill Bird Observatory

Presented by Jon Von Arragon, Assistant Biologist, Beaverhill Bird Observatory.

Sunday, April 23 at 12:30 PM

The Curious Case of Prairie Wetlands: Love, Hate and Something in Between

Presented by Dr. John K. Pattison-Williams, Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta and president of Pattison Resource Consulting Ltd.

Sunday, April 23 at 2 PM

Cool things to do and see in the Beaver Hills.

Presented by Glen Lawrence, Councillor Strathcona County.

6:00 pm Banquet & Silent Auction at Tofield Community Hall

Saturday Only Doors open at 6 pm, supper at 7 pm.

Tickets: $50/person (purchase in advance)

Music provided by “Abby K and the Band”. Catered by: A-1 Catering

• Guest Speaker: Garnet Raven (CWS biologist)

“Lesser snow geese: population trends and management”

• Silent Auction at banquet with proceeds to the Festival.

*ONLY CASH ACCEPTED ON SITE*

TRADE SHOW PARTICIPANTS:

Beaverhill Bird Observatory – with live bird!

Nature Alberta

Nature Kids – Kids Activities

Ministik Crafters

Claystone Waste

Alberta NAWMP Partnership

Beaver Hills Biosphere

Goat & Gopher Cards ‘n Stuff

Alberta Conservation Association

Strathcona County

Wes Olson & Johane Janelle (Books & Wildlife Art)

Nature Conservancy of Canada

Ducks Unlimited Canada – Alberta Operations

Dr. Margo Pybus –Fish and Wildlife

Royal Alberta Museum

...and more!

CODE OF ETHICS FOR BIRDWATCHERS

• Do not trespass on private land without the landowners’ permission.

• Avoid repeated disturbance or flushing of birds. Keep your distance and ensure that your presence does not disrupt the normal resting, feeding, breeding and nesting behavior of birds. Repeated disturbance can reduce energy levels needed by migrating birds as well as those raising young. It can also increase their vulnerability to predation.

• On public land, such as the natural area, use established access points and stay on developed trails to avoid unnecessary trampling of vegetation.

• Ensure that you take back with you everything that you brought. Leave no litter. Most bird-watching access areas around Beaverhill Lake are user-maintained.

• Show courtesy towards fellow bird-watchers, other recreationists and landowners. Don't interfere with their activities and show a friendly disposition in sharing observations and providing directions.

The Snow Goose Festival is presented by the following partners:

Canadian Wildlife Service, Alberta Parks, Alberta Environment

Lesser snow geese: population trends and management

The North American population of lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) has experienced dramatic population growth over the last 50 years.

In North America, lesser snow geese are managed as three separate populations: the mid-continent population (MCP), the western arctic population (WAP), and the Wrangle Island population (WIP).

A proportion of all three populations come through Alberta during both

spring and fall migration. The manner in which these populations have been monitored and managed has changed in recent years. Designating the MCP and WAP as overabundant combined with liberalizing hunting limits has attempted to increase harvest rates and control increasing populations.

Mid-winter surveys along with photo counts at nesting colonies historically tracked population trends. More recently, monitoring of most arctic goose populations has transitioned to the use of Lincoln-Petersen estimates. These population estimates are generated using banding data along with harvest estimates. Lesser snow goose banding is annually conducted at 5 locations across the Canadian arctic. Harvest rate estimates are generated using band returns, and total harvest is estimated using the harvest questionnaire survey and the Parts Composition Survey (PCS).

The PCS survey uses

tail fan submissions of harvested geese by migratory bird hunters. Strategies used as well as the accuracy and efficiency in which we monitor and manage these populations will continue to evolve as technology and our knowl-

edge and understanding evolves. The conservation of lesser snow geese and their habitats is important to hunters, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts throughout North America.

10 - 2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta

Northern Alberta Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation

Have you seen this bird?!?

The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest and most colourful falcon. Unfortunately, Kestrel population declines have been detected across the continent. Additional monitoring and research are required to better understand this. Conservation efforts made for Kestrels would benefit a range of wildlife including ungulates, songbirds, upland game birds and many others.

What we are doing:

• Placing Kestrel nestboxes in good habitat such as near pasture and open areas.

• Using motion-triggered cameras at nests to learn about prey-use.

• Banding adult and young birds.

• Using trackers to follow Kestrels during migration and winter.

• Presentations made in school and at community events.

We would like to say a special thank you to Local Landowners! These folks host nestboxes on their properties and provide good habitat for Kestrels. We could not do our work without them.

How you could get involved:

• Share Kestrel sightings with us.

• Host a Kestrel family with a nestbox.

• Follow us on Instagram to learn about upcoming events and field outings.

Contact Us:

Email: info@STRIXeco.ca; @alberta_kestrel_project

Alberta Kestrel Project partners: Landowners

Living with wildlife

by WILDNorth Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation

The Snow Goose Festival is a wonderful opportunity to view and connect with one of the most amazing wonders of the wildlife world – the annual spring migration!

After a long winter, the return of many waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds fills us with a sense of hope and renewal. While birdwatching has been long recognized as a rejuvenating activity, living with wildlife can brings it’s share of frustration mixed with that appreciation.

WILDNorth is a not-for-profit Edmonton-based organization that provides compassionate care to injured and orphaned wildlife (WILDCare), rescue of injured wildlife that may be in difficult situations (WILDRescue) and educational opportunities (WILDEd).

Our Wildlife Helpline handles thousands of calls each year and some of those calls are related to “how do I remove/deal with a particular animal that is causing aggravation”.

WILDNorth supports the principal

that humans can live harmoniously with wildlife if we follow a few simple - though perhaps not easy - practices.

Canada Geese are loved by many, despised by few and create angst for some. Canada Geese, once almost on the brink of extinction, have greatly increased their numbers over the past couple of decades and are now common across North America.

They have adapted to urban environments where there are plenty of open green spaces (golf courses, parks) and will often select a nest site on apartment balconies, rooftops, parking lots or construction sites.

Canada Geese are protected by law under the Migratory Birds Convention Act and once a nest is established with eggs, it is illegal to move or remove it. Canada Geese are also highly protective of their nests, eggs and young and will defend them vigorously against threats.

In the spring, flocks of Canada Geese return as ice and snow recedes. Pairs are already established and break away from the flock to select a nest site – either a new one or one where they

have successfully nested in previous years.

Male Canada Geese known as the gander, will stand guard nearby while the female may be somewhere else on a nest in a more secluded spot. To see a single goose alone in a parking lot or on a sidewalk in town in the spring is a sure sign that there is an active nest nearby.

The male usually will not fly away but will surely walk away or turn and hiss if approached. The female will lay a “clutch” of eggs – one a day up to 12 eggs. Once all the eggs are laid, she begins the incubation process which begins the development of the chicks inside the egg. She will incubate (keep the eggs warm) for 25-30 days rarely leaving the nest except briefly for food and water.

She can lose up to one-third of her body weight during this time. When the eggs hatch, she will continue to “brood” (keep them warm under her wings and belly) and within one to two days, she and the male will lead the goslings away from the nest site to find food and water.

They know exactly where they want to take the family and this can be quite a distance from the original nesting site to an area with plentiful food and water. Grass is the main source of food for the growing family.

If a Canada Goose has started to investigate your balcony in April/May as a potential nesting site, you must act quickly (within days) before the nest gets established. Remove any planters or other small, flat surfaces that may be attracting her and try to prevent access to the balcony during this time.

For more information about this or other wildlife-related concerns, please contact WILDNorth Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation at 780-914-4118 or visit our website at www.wildnorth.ca.

Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta

Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023

Take a trip to Miquelon Lake Provincial Park

By Brian Orr, Visitor Engagement Supervisor, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Alberta Parks.

Located just 65 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park is part of a network of protected areas that preserves the beauty and diversity of the Beaver Hills.

A rich mosaic of poplar, aspen, white spruce forests and flowering shrubs dominate Miquelon, and there are also numerous kettle ponds and wetlands in the park. These diverse landscapes provide habitat for a broad range of wildlife, especially of the winged variety.

It is recognized internationally as an Important Bird Area, attracting more than 200 species annually and nesting ring-billed and California gulls. It is also part of the Beaver Hills Biosphere, which received a designation from UNESCO in 2016.

Miquelon is a hub for year-round activities for everyone to enjoy. For

birders who want rare and unforgettable experiences, plan a trip in early May to witness thousands of ducks, geese and sandhill cranes circling above on migration. Then in the summer, come back to see a healthy breeding colony of American white pelicans.

Or, if you’re savvy with your bird calls, take a hike through one of the backcountry trail systems to identify many different migratory songbirds including the Canada warbler, eastern phoebe and rubycrowned kinglet.

Camping is available and sites can be booked online from mid-May through to the September-long weekend. Be sure to make time for a free interpretive education program like a guided walk, family program or even one of our amphitheatre programs.

At the visitor centre, you can get extra information; outfit yourself with ice cream, ice, or keepsakes at the giftshop; or go check out our live educational animal displays in the discovery

room.

Looking for more to do? Explore the park’s hiking trails, take a walk along the lake or engage in activities at the nearby Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area.

Miquelon Lake Provincial Park proudly hosts a number of exciting

events. Take a look at our website and mark down the dates so that you don’t miss out. For any information or questions, please visit our website at https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/c entral/miquelon-lake-pp or give us a call at 780-672-7274. See you soon!

Phone: 780-662-2499

miquelonhillsgolf.com

18 Hole Golf Course! Located 15 minutes southwest from Tofield 20340 Twp Rd 494A, Camrose County

Celebrating the spring migration and wetlands.

Schedule your tournament or event with us!

RV SITES AVAILABLE!

The spring migration is a marvel of nature as thousands of migrating snow geese, Canada geese, various shorebirds, cranes and swans return. But this annual wonder wouldn’t be possible without wetlands - the productive waterfowl habitat that is such an important part of the Alberta landscape.

Since 1986, the Alberta North American Waterfowl Management Plan Partnership (Alberta NAWMP) and its supporters have been conserving and protecting the province’s wetlands. Because of these efforts, some bird populations - especially waterfowl - are making a comeback and, in some cases, thriving again.

PARTNERS

To learn more about the Partnership, visit

We celebrate wetlands every year. But this year especially, we welcome the return of the Snow Goose Festival to Tofield and Beaverhill Lake! ABNAWMP.CA

2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta -13

ALBERTA NAWMP

Welcome

the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023

Wetland restoration brings benefits to farm family

by Beaver Hills Biosphere

For Leroy and Mary Feldberg, their wetland restoration project provides better control of spring flooding on their land, continued use of the land for grazing, increased wildlife habitat, and financial compensation. This great project is one of many wetland restorations enabled through the Alberta Wetland Policy.

“If Ryan Pocza hadn’t dropped by, my parents would have never known that this project was a possibility,” says Lisa Ayres, the Feldbergs’ daughter. Pocza, a Conservation Program Specialist with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), has been actively targeting drained wetlands in Wetaskiwin County that could be restored. Restoring such wetlands enhances the habitat base that DUC has already protected in the area through conservation easements, purchases and restoration projects.

In 2019, using satellite imagery and other tools, Pocza determined that a wetland basin on the Feldbergs’ land had been partially drained years ago. So, he approached Leroy to see if he might be interested in a project to restore that wetland to its pre-drainage level.

“We have two quarter sections – a south pasture and a north pasture. Both pastures have natural slough wet-

land areas, which are connected by a creek. In the spring, a lot of water comes into the south pasture in that slough area. And when ice breakup happens, we typically see flooding through the creek, over our driveway, and into the north pasture’s slough area,” explains Ayres.

and half is paid in 10 payments over the 10 years. We put a caveat on the title for those 10 years, which allows us to access the wetland to check that everything is functioning properly.”

The landowner retains ownership and management of the restored area. The only restrictions are that the

and geese.

Controlling the water level in the south slough required a rock chute and dam, which DUC built to withstand a 1-in-100-year flood. Pocza adds, “The Feldbergs were awesome to work with, and everyone was happy to see this project come to fruition.”

“All in all, this project was a very positive experience,” says Ayres.

“What really sparked Leroy’s interest in the project was having more control of the water flow.”

Under its Wetland Restoration Lease Program, DUC works with the landowner to develop a project plan. If the landowner and DUC decide to proceed with a proposed project, they sign a 10-year agreement.

“Under these agreements, DUC takes care of all the work and costs related to restoring the wetland,” explains Pocza. “We also pay the landowner 100% of the fair market value for the area covered by the restored wetland. Half is paid upfront,

Everyone at The Tofield Mercury extends a big thank you to the organizers for reviving the Snow Goose Festival, in particular its promotion committee of Geoff Holroyd and Vanita Eglauer for the cooperation and organization they showed gathering copy for our publication.

As usual the Town of Tofield was essential in another successful event. Thank you Mayor Dueck, Council, Admin and staff.

Thank you to the community-minded businesses which always seem to support The Mercury. Please support the businesses who advertised and paid for this won-

landowner must not remove the wetland control structure or till the land within the wetland’s boundary.

“This project doesn’t change how we manage the land; we can still pasture cows there,” notes Ayres. “The only change is that we now have controlled water flow and a new area for wildlife and waterfowl. My parents are both avid bird watchers, and Leroy is a photographer.”

This land has been in the Feldberg family for generations. Leroy, who has lived on this farm all his life, told Pocza that as kids they used to canoe in the slough and watch the cranes, ducks

derful souvenir.

Funding for these restoration projects is available to landowners as a result of the Wetland Policy mitigation process. Fees paid by proponents for approved wetland impacts are held in a provincial fund dedicated to wetland replacement. Those funds are used by DUC to compensate landowners like the Feldbergs for voluntary wetland restoration.

“The Alberta Wetland Policy has created a mechanism for paying landowners for the ecosystem services [such as wildlife habitat, flood and drought management, water quality improvement and biodiversity] provided by their restored wetlands,” explains DUC’s Tracy Scott.

“As a rough estimate, this policy is putting almost $4 million a year into landowners’ pockets through the compensation payments in DUC’s restoration projects. It’s really a win-win-win for the environment, society and landowners.”

Congratulations to the Snow Goose Festival committee and many organizations involved in bringing this great event back to Tofield. Visitors please enjoy this year’s Snow Goose Festival and the incredible welcome and hospitality our town is known for!

Thanks to Lisa, Jordyn, Jana, John and Crystal for being such a great staff and for all the extra work everyone did before, during, and after - making this event more enjoyable for all!

- Kerry Anderson, Publisher

Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023

Observe, investigate, and share nature with iNaturalist!

BY STEPH WEIZENBACH, NATURE ALBERTA PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Investigating nature can be a fun treasure hunt when you use iNaturalist to record and share your observations. Experts will help identify all your treasured finds! Follow these easy steps to get started:

Step 1: Install the iNaturalist app on your device or visit inaturalist.org on your computer.

Step 2: Create an account.

Step 3: Head outside to explore nature and find species of interest: plant, fungi, insect, bird, mammal, or any living thing!

Step 4: Tap “OBSERVE” to take a photo of your neat nature find. Review your photo and hit “NEXT” if it looks good.

Step 5: Identify it by clicking on “WHAT DID YOU SEE?” Options will populate based on species that look like your photo. You can select one of these or look up a species name if you know what it is.

Step 6: Optional: You can add more photos, or a note, and review other set

Waterfowl in spring

by Ducks Unlimited

options.

Step 7: Hit “SHARE.”

It's that easy!

Challenge yourself to see how many species you can record within an 8-km radius of your house! And head over to naturealberta.ca/citizen-science to learn about projects and events you can participate in with your new tool and skill!

Project Spotlight:

Franklin’s Ground Squirrel

Franklin’s ground squirrel was once common in central Alberta but is now rarely seen. Nature Alberta believes this animal needs to be listed as a threatened species.

The first step is to gather more information about its current population size and distribution, and to do this we need your help.

If you spot this squirrel on your travels, please submit a photo to iNaturalist. We are also interested in historical observations. Further information, including tips on identifying the squirrel, can be found at naturealberta.ca/ground-squirrel.

Each spring, Canadians herald the sights and sounds of waterfowl as they flock to their nesting grounds. But after their long trips, life for our feathered friends isn’t easy.

Waterfowl – especially females –undergo arduous physical and biological processes before, during, and after their journeys. And once here, most hens have one shot to raise a brood.

Waterfowl hens will construct a nest with nearby vegetation and line it with down plucked from her breast. She’ll feed on invertebrates to build her energy for an important role: producing a brood.

It’s no easy gig. She’ll need all the energy she has to give.

When male and female waterfowl prepare for their journey from their southern wintering grounds northwards to Canada, they do so in similar ways. The process differs between the sexes once they arrive.

David Howerter, PhD, director of national conservation operations at DUC explains how, and why, ducks do

what they do – before and when they get here.

A SHARED EXPERIENCE: PREPARING FOR MIGRATION

Feeling restless – Ever wonder what pushes migratory waterfowl to bid adieu to their warm winter homes?

It’s a physiological process called zugunruhe (pronounced: zoo-gunroo). This German term refers to the restlessness birds experience as migration nears.

Zugunruhe is triggered by the endocrine system (a collection of glands that release hormones into their blood stream) in response to longer daylight hours.

“As it gets closer to the time for these birds to migrate they become increasingly active,” says Howerter. “They’ll spend more time flying and their movements will begin to orient in the direction they intend to migrate.”

No exceptions – Zugunruhe impacts migratory waterfowl wintering close to the equator, where daylight hours remain consistent, year-round.

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Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023

Waterfowl

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This may be a result of evolutionary hangover from when the species had a different distribution, or because of the changing angle of the sun.

Packing on the pounds – “Before ducks begin their journey north, they’ll go through a phase biologists refer to as hyperphagia, where they’ll spend a lot of their days consuming calories,” explains Howerter. “This is done to prepare for their long trip.” Like zugunruhe, hyperphagia’s also triggered by hormonal changes, influenced by changing daylight hours.

Growing closer – Migratory waterfowl can only procreate from spring until late summer. This is because in the “off-season” their reproductive organs shrink, making it easier to fly over long distances. As birds close in on their breeding grounds, their endocrine system releases hormones that stimulate their reproductive organs to grow larger again in anticipation of breeding.

tilized the eggs and the hen is incubating, the drakes will take off. Often they’ll go further north, to the boreal forest,” says Howerter.

Meanwhile, the hens prepare for one of the most difficult processes they’ll go through in their lifetime: producing a clutch of eggs.

Size matters – How waterfowl behave once they arrive at the nesting site depends on whether they’re capital or income breeders.

arrive at the nesting grounds, they’re looking for protein- and calcium-rich foods, like invertebrates, that provide the nutrients they need to produce a clutch of eggs.

ing embryo and albumen (egg white) is deposited around it, followed by the shell. About seven days later, the hen will lay an egg,” says Howerter.

A blue-winged teal hen will lay between six to 14 eggs, provided she has the energy required to develop them.

Sitting still – Once a duck has laid her eggs, she will spend nearly one month incubating them.

IT’S

ALL ABOUT HER: PRODUCING A CLUTCH

Once waterfowl arrive at nesting sites, the male-female experience begins to diverge. “Once they have fer-

“Capital” breeders are large-bodied ducks that can store enough energy (calories) to migrate thousands of kilometres and arrive ready to lay a clutch of eggs and incubate them for about 30 days. One example of a capital breeder is the common eider, which averages between two and six pounds.

“Income” breeders like the far smaller blue-winged teal (weighing in at 400 grams) are unable to sustain the same kind of fuel reserves. When they

Nesting is natural – Birds, like people, experience the urge to nest before they welcome offspring into the world. Expectant bird and human parents alike can trace this feeling to the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is released into the blood stream by the pituitary gland, found at the base of the brain.

Laying a clutch of eggs – A hen’s pituitary gland will also release two hormones that stimulate egg production: follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. They trigger ovulation. Once a duck begins to ovulate, a drake can fertilize her egg – then things begin to take shape. “Once the ovum is fertilized the egg starts to develop. The yolk provides nutrients to the develop-

Crack! – The eggs have hatched. Finally, mom can focus on relaxing and refueling, right?  “Not exactly,” says Howerter. Instead, she’ll help her ducklings find food high in protein and calcium, required for muscle and skeletal development. While ducklings are precocial (mobile after hatching), they still need help to find suitable habitat and food.

Bidding farewell – After 30 to 40 days, many hens will leave their broods to prepare for moulting (the process in which ducks lose their flight feathers). “The ducklings are on their own after that,” says Howerter, noting at this point young waterfowl are able to source their own food.

In future years, these ducklings will return to the prairie landscape to produce their own offspring and repeat this fascinating but strenuous process of duck-rearing.

BEAVERHILL BIRD OBSERVATORY WELCOMES YOU TO THE 2023 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL

Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta