A Sight to See

A SIGHT TOSee

There are just under 300 species of birds that can be found in our region. Early mornings are the best time to spot local birds of the Lakeland.

At Wolf Lake, you can spot a variety of bird life - a Loon with red eyes glowing as it emerges from the water, a Blue Heron sets out the smallest ripples over the lake as it glides along the shore, an Eagle keeps its eyes peeled for prey from its treetop nest, a Kingfisher rests on a branch, a group of Pelicans chat in the reeds, a Tern balances delicately on a lilypad, or an Osprey takes off with its catch.

While you can birdwatch on any lakeshore, some of the best spots are Muriel Lake, Moose Lake Provincial Park, Franchere Bay, Pelican Point, and Wolf Lake recreation areas as they offer excellent boreal forest and wetland habitats. Jessie Lake, in the Town of Bonnyville, is a shallow wetland home to many species of birds. Walk the path to see some of the many bird species in the area.

Be sure to add Ethel Lake to your list as it is one of Alberta’s most reliable count areas for the Yellow Rail and Sedge Wren.

Cold Lake is an entry point for neotropical migratory birds such as Wood Warblers. In late May and early June, Cold Lake Provincial Park is the destination for birders looking for the possibility of spotting up to 23 Warbler species. The fall migration draws a repeat crowd. Cold Lake has one of Alberta’s largest Western Grebe colonies, and a spill-over population of Pelicans, Cormorants and Gull species.

All photos on these pages are taken at Wolf Lake by Norm Dyrvik