Bird Date and Location Guide

BIRD DATE AND LOCATION GUIDE 

Compiled by Gus Yaki, gyaki@calcna.ab.ca.

Listed below are all living bird species that are known to have occurred within Calgary, or reasonably nearby, which could occur within the city limits. Also listed are a few with the potential of occurring. 

I would appreciate reports of species in BOLD TYPE or NOT LISTED below, gyaki@calcna.ab.ca or 403-243-2248. They also should be immediately reported to the CFNS & Inglewood Rare Bird Alert, 403-221-4519.

ABBREVIATION USED:

*=Breeds or has bred; A.=Abundant; ACC.=Accidental; C=Common;  Calg.=Calgary; E=East;  FC=Fairly Common; FCCP=Fish Creek Prov. Park; I.=Introduced; IBS=Inglewood Bird Sanctuary; imm=immature; Lk=Lake; M=Migrant; N=North;  N.=Nest(s)(ed); NRC=Not Recorded within Calgary; OW=Over-winter; Pk=Park; R=rare; Res=Reservoir; Rr=River; S=South;  S.=Scarce; SR=Summer resident; T=Transient; U=Uncommon; V=Vagrant; W=West;  W.=Winter Visitor.

FREQUENCY: A rough guide to the number of birds of a particular species that you might expect to see in a FULL day of birding in the Calgary area, IN THE PROPER HABITAT AND SEASON.

A.-Abundant – Over 500

C- Common – 101-500

FC-Fairly Common – 26-100

S.-Scarce – 1-25

R-Rare – Of irregular occurrence, in low numbers, not necessarily every year

Erratic – Numbers fluctuate greatly from season to season and year to year.

——————————————

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: U M spring, FC mid Aug-Dec. Elliston/Sloughs/Bow. OW.

SNOW GOOSE: U M late Mar-early May & Sep-mid Dec. Glenmore Res./IBS/Carburn/Elliston Pk.

ROSS’ GOOSE: S. M Apr-May & Sep-Nov. IBS/Bow Rr/Elliston/sloughs. Accompanies Snow Geese.

BRANT: ACC. R V.  Occurred Glenmore Res, 21,28Oct84.

CACKLING GOOSE: Newly recognized species 2004. U to S. M Mar-Apr & Oct-Nov. Occasionally OW.

CANADA GOOSE*: A. year round resident on Bow & Elbow Rrs/Glenmore/IBS. N. throughout the city.

TRUMPETER SWAN: U M late-Mar-late Apr & Oct-Nov.  1, Glenmore Res, summered 1993. Some OW.

TUNDRA SWAN: A. M late Mar-early May & late Sep-mid Nov. Glenmore Res/IBS/sloughs. Some OW.

WHOOPER SWAN: ACC. NRC. R V in early Apr 1999 & 2000 on Prairie sloughs near Irricana.

FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK: ACC.  R V.  1, near Calgary Airport, 23May-earlyJun03.

WOOD DUCK*: FC SR Apr-Oct. Calgary birds may have originated from releases at IBS. Some OW.

GADWALL*: FC SR early Apr-late Oct. IBS/Bow Rr. Some OW on Bow River. Voice: a rude “Brrrp”.

EURASIAN WIGEON: S. to U M mid Mar-late May. IBS/Bow Rr./SE Sloughs.

AMERICAN WIGEON*: C SR late March-early Nov. IBS/Glenmore Res./SE Sloughs. Some OW BowRr.

AMERICAN BLACK DUCK*: ACC. R V. 1,IBS,13Apr84; 1,Carburn,09Jan04;Prince’s Is./IBS/Carburn.

MALLARD*: A. year round resident. IBS/Bow & Elbow Rivers/FCPP/Glenmore Res/SE Sloughs.

BLUE-WINGED TEAL*: C SR mid Apr-early Nov. Glenmore Res./Bow Rr/IBS/Carburn/SE Sloughs.

CINNAMON TEAL*: FC SR early Apr-July. Not reported after early July. Moulting? IBS/SE Sloughs.

NORTHERN SHOVELER*: C SR early Apr-early Dec. IBS/Elliston/Sloughs. Males in moult, 21June,

NORTHERN PINTAIL*:  A. to C SR late Mar-Nov. Bow Rr/IBS/Glenmore Res./Shallow sloughs.  OW.

GARGANEY: ACC. NRC. R V mid May-July.  1, Strathmore, 12-15Jun82.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL*: C SR late Mar-early Dec. Elliston/IBS/Bow Rr/SE Sloughs. OW Bow Rr.

CANVASBACK*: C SR early Apr-mid Nov. Glenmore Res/IBS/Cattail sloughs.

REDHEAD*: C SR early Apr-mid Nov. Glenmore/IBS/Cattail sloughs. OW Bow Rr. Voice: “Car car car”.

RING-NECKED DUCK: FC M mid Apr-May & U late Sep-Nov. Glenmore Res./IBS. Some OW Bow Rr.

TUFTED DUCK: ACC. One occurred at McElroy Slough (not in city), 02-06May92.

GREATER SCAUP: R W late Sep-Apr. Glenmore Res./IBS/Bow Rr.

LESSER SCAUP*; FC SR early Apr-late Nov. Glenmore Res/IBS/Carburn/deep sloughs.  Some OW.

KING EIDER: ACC. R. V.  One shot, Calgary, 04Nov1894; 1, Lk  Minnewanka, Banff, 17Dec05.

HARLEQUIN DUCK: R V, recently a year-round resident at IBS/Beaverdam Flats/Carburn/Bow Rr.

SURF SCOTER: R M May & S. late Sep-early Nov. x,Glenmore27Sep08; Glenmore Res./IBS.

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER: FC to U M late Apr-mid May & mid Sep-mid Nov. Glenmore Res./IBS.

BLACK SCOTER: ACC. R V early Oct-mid Nov.  2,Carburn,05-07Nov06;  Glenmore/Carburn/Bow Rr.

LONG-TAILED DUCK, (OLDSQUAW): R M & W, mid Oct -mid May. Glenmore Res./Bow Rr.

BUFFLEHEAD: FC M spring & A autumn. Glenmore Res./IBS/Bow Rr. OW in numbers.

COMMON GOLDENEYE*: FC year round, Bow & Elbow Rrs/Glenmore Res. Nest in tree cavities/boxes.

BARROW’S GOLDENEYE: U M late Sep-mid Apr. Carburn/IBS/Bow Rr/Glenmore Res. OW Bow Rr.

HOODED MERGANSER: U M mid Apr-May & FC mid Aug-Nov. Glenmore/Elliston/IBS/Bow Rr. OW.

COMMON MERGANSER*: FC year round on Bow & Elbow Rrs/Fish Creek/IBS.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER: S. M mid Apr-early May & mid Sep-Nov (Dec). Glenmore/Bow Rr.

RUDDY DUCK*: FC SR mid Apr-mid Nov. Cattail sloughs/IBS/Bow River.

GRAY PARTRIDGE*: I. FC year round resident. SAIT/UofC/Cemeteries/NGlenmore/grassy parks/fields.

RING-NECKED PHEASANT*: I. FC year round resident. IBS/FCPP/Bow & Elbow Rr valleys.

RUFFED GROUSE*: FC to U year round resident. W end FCPP/Weaselhead. Subject to ten-year cycles.

SHARP-TAILED GROUSE*: FC former resident, now S. 2,NoseHill,05 Mar00; 2,NWCal.08Apr09.

WILD TURKEY: I. 2-3 birds were present, Mallard Pt-Burnsmead, FCPP, 22Mar-17Oct07

RED-THROATED LOON: ACC. R M late Sep-early Nov. Glenmore Res.

PACIFIC LOON: R V mid Sep-mid Nov (Dec) on Glenmore Res./Bow River.

COMMON LOON*: C M & SR mid Apr-May (June) & Jul-Nov. Bearspaw & Glenmore Res/IBS/Bow Rr.

YELLOW-BILLED LOON: ACC. R M mid Oct-Nov (Dec). Glenmore Res/IBS.

PIED-BILLED GREBE*: U SR mid Apr-mid Nov (Dec). Glenmore Res./IBS/Bow Rr/local sloughs.

HORNED GREBE*: FC M & R SR early Apr-mid May & mid Sep-freeze-up. Glenmore/Elliston Pk/IBS.

RED-NECKED GREBE*: FC M & SR mid Apr-freeze-up. Glenmore/IBS/Bow River. N. CarburnPk 1994.

EARED GREBE*: C SR mid Apr-mid Oct (Dec), SE Sloughs/Glenmore Res./IBS.

WESTERN GREBE: C M late Apr-mid May & mid Sep-mid Nov. (Dec). Glenmore Res/IBS/Bow River.

CLARKE’S GREBE: NRC. May be overlooked. Similar to Western Grebe.

AM. WHITE PELICAN: FC M mid Apr-Oct (Dec). Bow Rr/Pearce Estate/IBS/Carburn Pk.

DOUBLE-CR. CORMORANT: FC SR mid Apr-mid Oct. Pearce Estate/Bow Rr. 2 imm OW 1998-99

AMERICAN BITTERN: Formerly C. Now S. SR late Apr-mid Oct in cattail marshes/IBS.

GREAT BLUE HERON*: FC SR late Mar-mid Oct. IBS/Weaselhead/Glenmore Res/Bow River. OW.

GREAT EGRET: ACC. R V late Apr-late  Oct. 1, Glenmore Res, 15Jun87.

SNOWY EGRET: ACC. R V mid May- mid Sep. 1, Glenmore Res, 21May89.

CATTLE EGRET: ACC. NRC. R V late  May-early Nov. DeWinton/Priddis/Indus/High Rr/Strathmore.

GREEN HERON: ACC. R M late May-early Oct. Glenmore Res/IBS/FCPP/Pearce Estate.

BLACK-CR. NIGHT-HERON: U SR early Apr-late Nov. ConfluencePark/IBS/Bow Rr/Irrigation ditches.

WHITE-FACED IBIS: S. SR early May-Sep. Occurred  88St SE,Calgary,26-30May00; FC Frank Lake.

TURKEY VULTURE: R T mid Apr-late Sep. 1,Calgary,26Apr & 02May1997. IBS/Weaselhead/Carburn.

OSPREY*: S. SR mid Apr-late Sep. N. Bow Rr at Bowmont/Crowchild Tr/Zoo/Beaverdams/LaFarge,etc

BALD EAGLE*: FC M & W  (up to 17) on Bow Rr/IBS/Carburn. 1pair N. Glennfield, FCPP since 2006.

NORTHERN HARRIER*: U SR Mar-Oct (Dec). N. Nose Hill. Occasionally OW as 1998-99 & ’99-00.

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK*: U M & S. SR late Mar-May & late Aug-Oct, throughout city. Often OW.

COOPER’S HAWK*: U SR early Apr-late Oct throughout city. N. FCPP/Weaselhead/Sandy Beach. OW.

NORTHERN GOSHAWK*: R SR; S. W late Sep-late Apr; IBS/FCPP/Elbow & Bow Rr Valleys.

BROAD-WINGED HAWK: S. M late Apr-May & R late Aug-mid Sep. IBS/Sandy Beach/Carburn/FCPP.

SWAINSON’S HAWK*: FC SR mid Apr-late Sep. Open area throughout city/IBS/Hull’sWoods/StanleyPk

RED-TAILED HAWK*: FC SR late Mar-Nov. FCPP/Weaselhead/IBS/Bow & Elbow Rivers Valleys.

—“HARLAN’S HAWK”: S. V. A dark Red-tailed Hawk morph. W Oct-early Apr. Bow & Elbow Rrs.

FERRUGINOUS HAWK*: S. SR mid Mar-Oct. N. Poplar Is, FCPP in 1950s. A true prairie resident.

ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: FC to S. M & W, late Sep-early May; 1, late, Nose Hill, 21May2000.  

GOLDEN EAGLE: S. M mid Feb-May & Sep-mid Dec. Bow River/Beaverdam/IBS. 1,Elboya,20Oct05. 

AMERICAN KESTREL*: U SR late Mar-late Oct. IBS/Bowmont/Hull’s Woods. Occasionally OW.

MERLIN*: S. year round resident throughout city. N. in old crow/magpie nests in mature Spruce trees.

GYRFALCON: R irregular winter visitor. Oct-Apr. Nose Hill/IBS/Bow Rr/Rural & semi-rural areas.

PEREGRINE FALCON*: S. SR late Mar-early Oct. N. Telus Bldg/UofC Craigie Hall. Occasionally OW.

PRAIRIE FALCON*: S. winter resident. Open areas along Bow Rr. Formerly N. Raven Rocks, FCPP.

YELLOW RAIL: NRC. S. SR May-Jul at marsh into Big Hills Springs Pr. Park; 2,04Jun2000,Lochend Rd.

VIRGINIA RAIL: S. SR late May-Oct. 1 released at IBS, 09Sep80. Voice: “Kid-dick, kid-dick, kid-dick”

SORA*: FC SR early May-early Oct. IBS/Bow Rr/Weaselhead/SE Sloughs. Voice: a descending whinny.

AMERICAN COOT*: C to A. SR late Mar-Oct. Glenmore Res/Elliston Pk./Bow Rr/SE Sloughs.

SANDHILL CRANE: S. M mid Apr- early May & FC Aug-Oct. 1,Nose Hill.05May96; 1,FCPP,17Oct07.

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER: FC M May & Jul-Nov. Glenmore Res./IBS/Grasslands. C at Langdon Res.

AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER: R M early May & early Jun-early Nov. 2, Shepard, 29Sep07.

PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER: ACC. R V. 1, Heatherglen Golf Course, 19May08.

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER: U M late Apr-May & mid Jul-Sep. On gravel & mud. Glenmore Res/BowRr

KILLDEER*: FC SR mid Mar-Nov along Bow Rr. N. gravel areas. OW. Voice: “Killdeer, killdeah, dea”.

BLACK-NECKED STILT*: Now FC SR early April-mid Sep. Virtually unknown in Alberta prior to 1994.

AMERICAN AVOCET*: C SR early Apr-mid Oct on SE alkaline sloughs.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER*: FC SR early May-late Sep. N. Glenmore Res/Weaselhead.  Bow & Elbow Rrs.

SOLITARY SANDPIPER: U M late Apr-late May & late Aug-late Sep. IBS/Bow & Elbow Rrs/SE Slough.

WANDERING TATTLER: ACC. R V in autumn; 1, IBS, 03-04Sep98.

SPOTTED REDSHANK: ACC. NRC. R M autumn. 1, Langdon Res, 19Sep87.

GREATER YELLOWLEGS: U to FC M late Mar-early May & mid Jun-late Oct. Bow Rr/Glenmore Res.

WILLET*: FC SR mid Apr-late Sep. Prairie/SE Sloughs. Voice: “Pill-will, pill-willet, will-willet”.

LESSER YELLOWLEGS: FC M early Apr-mid May & C mid Jun-Oct, Bow & Elbow Rrs/Glenmore Res.

UPLAND SANDPIPER*: S. SR early May-Aug; S  M over city, 1,21Jul05;  Grasslands/Langdon Res.

WHIMBREL: NRC. R M late Apr-26 May. A. M at Taber in May. Cultivated fields/Grasslands.

LONG-BILLED CURLEW*: S. SR mid Apr-early Sep. SE Sloughs/native grasslands/fields.

HUDSONIAN GODWIT: S. M mid Apr-mid May & R mid Jul-late Sep. Shepard Sloughs.

MARBLED GODWIT*: FC SR mid Apr-mid Sep. Fields/SE Sloughs.

RUDDY TURNSTONE: NRC. R M mid May-01Jun & mid Aug-late Sep. SE Sloughs.

RED KNOT: NRC. R M mid May-01Jun & mid Aug-late Sep. SE Sloughs.

SANDERLING: U M mid May-early Jun & mid Jul-late Sep. IBS/SE Sloughs.

SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER: FC M late Apr-early Jun & mid Jun-mid Sep. SE Sloughs.

RED-NECKED STINT: ACC. R V; 1, Shepard Slough, 06Aug86.

WESTERN SANDPIPER: NRC. R M early-24 May & mid Jul-late Sep; 1,HeatherglenGolfCo,02Sep2000.

LEAST SANDPIPER: FC M late Apr-late May & early Jul-mid Sep. SE Sloughs/IBS.

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER: R M mid May-04 Jun & mid Jul-early Oct; x, Race City, 2000.

BAIRD’S SANDPIPER: FC M mid Apr-late May & mid Jun-late Oct. SE Sloughs/IBS.

SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER: ACC. NRC. R M mid Aug-early Oct. Langdon Res.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER: FC M late Apr-mid May & early Jul-late Oct. Sloughs/IBS/Wet grassy areas.

DUNLIN: R M late Apr-late May & S. mid Jul-early Nov. SE Sloughs.

CURLEW SANDPIPER: ACC. NRC. R V; 1, LangdonRes, 24-25Sep03.

STILT SANDPIPER: U M late Apr-24 May & FC early Jul-mid Oct. SE Sloughs.

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER: NRC. R M late May-early Jun & mid Aug-Oct. Langdon/Frank Lk.

RUFF: ACC. 1 specimen, Calg,15May67. R V mid May & mid Jul-Sep; 1, Heatherglen Golf Co, x,Sep00.

SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER: S. M mid Apr-20 May & late Jun-late Sep. SE Sloughs.

LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER: C M late Apr-24 May & late Jun-early Nov. SE Sloughs.

WILSON’S SNIPE*: U SR early Apr-late Oct. Bow Rr/sloughs/wetlands. Occasionally OW.

WILSON’S PHALAROPE*: C SR early May to mid Sep. Glenmore Res./SE Sloughs.

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE: C to A. M late Apr-05Jun & early Jul-mid Sep. Lakes/large sloughs. IBS.

RED PHALAROPE: ACC. R V mid Jul-late Oct. 1, SE Slough, 24-26Sep00;

BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE. ACC. Jun-Dec. Specimens, 1,NWCalg,13Nov76; 1,SECalg,11Aug99.

SABINE’S GULL: R M late May-early Jun & early Sep-mid Oct. Glenmore Res./Elliston Pk/SW Sloughs.

BONAPARTE’S GULL: FC M mid Apr-10 Jun & early Jul-mid Nov. Bow Rr/Glenmore Res./Elliston Pk.

BLACK-HEADED GULL: ACC: Hypothetical. 1 may have been seen at IBS, 18Jun08.

LITTLE GULL: ACC. R V; 1,Glenmore,24-24Oct91; 1,IBS,04May96; 1,Shawnessy,28Oct2000.

ROSS’S GULL: ACC. Hypothetical. 1 may have been seen Glenmore Res, 22Jul08.

FRANKLIN’S: GULL*: A. SR late Mar-late Oct. GlenmoreRes/Bow R/anywhere over city. N. Frank Lk.

MEW GULL: R M late Apr-       May & mid Aug-late Nov. IBS/Elliston Pk/ Bow Rr/Landfill sites.

RING-BILLED GULL*: A. SR mid Mar-late Nov. Glenmore/IBS/Shopping Malls/Fast food parking lots.

WESTERN GULL: ACC: R V; 1 photographed at weir, Pearce Estates, 04Apr06.

CALIFORNIA GULL*: A. SR early Mar-late Nov. Glenmore/IBS/Bow Rr/Landfill sites. N. Langdon Res.

HERRING GULL: FC M mid Mar-late May & mid Sep-late Nov. Glenmore/IBS/Bow Rr/Landfill sites.

THAYER’S GULL: S. M mid Mar-mid May & early Oct-late Nov. IBS/EllistonPk/Bow Rr/Landfill sites.

ICELAND GULL:  ACC. R V late Mar-11May & 09 Sep-Nov. Glemore Res./IBS/Elliston Pk/Landfills.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL: ACC. R V late Mar-13 May & late Aug-mid Oct. IBS/Landfills.

SLATY-BACKED GULL: ACC. R V late Mar-18 Apr & 29 Sep-19 Nov. IBS/Zoo/Elliston Pk.

GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL: ACC. R V late Mar-mid May & 11 Aug-22 Nov. GlenmoreLanding/IBS.

GLAUCOUS GULL: R M late Mar-mid May & mid Oct-late Nov (Dec). IBS/BowRiver/Landfill sites. OW

LEAST TERN: ACC. NRC. R V; 1 record: 1, Policeman’s Flats, 04Jul06.

CASPIAN TERN: R M mid Apr-May & early Jul-mid Sep. Glenmore Res./Bow Rr/IBS.

BLACK TERN*: FC SR early May-mid Sep. Glenmore Res/Bow River/Sloughs.

COMMON TERN*: S M late May-mid June & early Aug-22 Oct. Glenmore/Bow Rr/IBS.

ARCTIC TERN: ACC. R M 18-24 May &mid Jul-early Sep. Carburn/IBS.

FORSTER’S TERN: NRC. U SR late Apr-early Oct. Zoo Ranch, Carseland, Frank Lake.

POMARINE JAEGER: ACC. R V mid Jul-late  Oct. 1, Glenmore Res. 08-10Oct96.

PARASITIC JAEGER: ACC R V late Jul-early Oct. 1, Glenmore Res, 24Oct03

LONG-TAILED JAEGER: ACC. NRC. R V; 1, Namaka Lk, 05Sep82.

ANCIENT?/LONG-BILLED MURRELET: ACC. 1, Glenmore, 17-20Oct82; 1,LkMinnewanka,20Aug07.

ROCK PIGEON*: I. A. year-round resident. Downtown/Glenmore Dam/Bridges/ Railway tracks.

BAND-TAILED PIGEON: ACC. R V. May & Sep; 1,Beaverdam Flats,15May99; 1,IBS,27May2000.

WHITE-WINGED DOVE: ACC. NRC. Has occured widely in province.

MOURNING DOVE*: U SR mid Mar-late Oct. Weaselhead/IBS/Beaverdam Flats/Carburn/Bow Rr;  OW.

EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE: I. Becoming common. 1,Edworthy,19Jul01; 1,Bowmont,23May04.

BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO: ACC. R V mid Jun-early Oct. Calgary, 1969/77/80/81/82.

BARN OWL: ACC. NRC. R V. Four AB records in Jan2000. One found dead at Langdon.

GREAT HORNED OWL*: FC year-round resident. IBS/FCPP/Weaselhead/wooded areas.

SNOWY OWL: S. to U winter visitor late Oct-mid Apr. Open treeless areas/Prairies.

NORTHERN HAWK-OWL: R W Oct-Mar; 2,Bearspaw,1997-98; 1,IBS,22Oct00; 1,Elboya,02Oct05.

NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL: R M late Oct-early Apr. Annually since 2002 at Shannon Terrace, FCPP.

BURROWING OWL*:  R SR. Formerly occurred. One possibly seen 09May2000, S of Shepard Slough

BARRED OWL*: S. T & SR. FCPP/SGlenmore Pk/Douglas Fir Trail. 1,Weaselhead09May07.

GREAT GRAY OWL*: S. T; 1,FCPP,12Nov00; 1,Strathcona/CoachHill Nov02-Apr03.

LONG-EARED OWL*: S. year-round resident. Very secretive. Nr Airport/Nose Hill/IBS/FCPP/PearceEst.

SHORT-EARED OWL: R to U M & year-round. NoseHill/IBS/SandyBeach. 1,Carburn,03Dec06.

BOREAL OWL: S. W late Sep-Mar. Coniferous woods. FCPP/Residential Area. 1,Lynnwood,11-27Oct04

N. SAW-WHET OWL*: U year-round resident. Weaselhead/SandyBeach/FCPP/Douglas Fir Trail/IBS.

COMMON NIGHTHAWK*: Becoming S. SR, late May-late Aug. 1,03Jun2000. IBS/Bow River/FCPP.

COMMON POORWILL: ACC. Specimen; 1, Calg, 31May86. Voice:  A weak “Poor-will, poor-will”

WHIP-P00R-WILL: ACC. R V; 1, found injured downtown Calgary, 06Oct06.

VAUX’S SWIFT: ACC. R V. 1,IBS,07May02; Prince of Wales Hotel, Waterton , only known AB. N. site.

RUBY-THR. HUMMINGBIRD*: S. M & SR mid May-late Aug. Mostly East Calg./Weaselhead/Gardens.

BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD: ACC. R V late May- Aug;  1,Calgary,25Jun79; 1,27-30May2000.

ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD: ACC. R V late Jun-mid Nov; 1,06-31Oct76; 1,13Oct-04Nov77; 1,14Sep95.

CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD*: S. SR mid May-early Sep. N. in Weaselhead. Visits city gardens.

RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD*: FC M & SR early May-early Sep. Mostly W of city/Weaselhead/Gardens.

BELTED KINGFISHER*: U M & SR, mid Apr-Oct. Bow&ElbowRrs/FishCreek, Some OW, open waters.

LEWIS’ WOODPECKER: ACC. R V e May-m Jun & 21 Sep; 1,IBS,13 May95; 1,Ranchlands.09Jun2000.

RED-HEADED WOODPECKER: R V early May-mid Aug; 1, Carburn Pk, xx1996.

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER: ACC. R V; 1, hypothetical, Calg, 04Mar07; 1,Ponoka,Oct07-15Apr08.

WILLIAMSON’S SAPSUCKER: ACC. R V. One freshly dead female, NE Calgary, 24Jun92.

YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER*: S. SR late Apr-29 Sep. Aspen woods. Voice: A cat-like “Mew”.

RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER*: U late Apr-mid Sep. W end FCPP/Weaselhead.

Note: Most Calgary sapsuckers  are hybrid Yellow-bellied x Red-naped Sapsuckers.

RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER: ACC. R V mid Apr-early Nov; 1, Harvest Hills, 11Apr05.

DOWNY WOODPECKER*: FC year-round resident throughout city, mainly in deciduous woods.

HAIRY WOODPECKER*: S. year-round resident. Treed areas. Visits suet feeders.

AM. THREE-TOED WOODPECKER: S. winter visitor, conifers. GriffWds/FCPP/Bowness/Edworthy Pk.

BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER: R W 17 Oct-14 May. FCPP/S Glenmore Pk/Griffith Woods.

NORTHERN FLICKER*: FC SR, U winter resident. Visits feeders.

Most Calgary Flickers are hybrids between the Red-shafted and the Yellow-shafted morphs.

PILEATED WOODPECKER*: S. year-round resident. Giffith Woods//Weaselhead/Bow River/FCPP.

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER: R M mid May & early Sep. Weaselhead/IBS/Votier’s Flats,FCPP.

WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE*: C SR mid May-mid Sep. Usually along wooded streams. BowRr/FCPP

YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER: ACC. R mid May & early Aug-mid Sep; 1, Weaselh’d ,23May00.

ALDER FLYCATCHER*: S. SR late May-late Aug. IBS/Confluence Pk/Nose Hill/SGlenmorePk.

WILLOW FLYCATCHER: R M late May-late Aug, mainly foothills; 1,Bebo Grove,FCPP; IBS.

LEAST FLYCATCHER*: FC SR mid May-mid Sep. Deciduous woods (poplars). FCPP/Weaselhead.

HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHER: ACC. R T late May & mid Aug. High coniferous forest.

GRAY FLYCATCHER: ACC. V. First AB record; 1, 23Jun-17Jul99, Bowmont Pk.

DUSKY FLYCATCHER: R T late May-early Sep. Brushy areas. Weaselhead/FCPP.

PACIFIC SLOPE FLYCATCHER: ACC. R T early June-late Aug. W end FCPP.

EASTERN PHOEBE*: U SR mid Apr-mid Sep. N under Weaselhead bridges/Raven Rocks, FCPP.

SAY’S PHOEBE: FC M mid Apr-late Sep. Nose Hill/Confluence Park/Beaverdam Flats Pk/ Bow Rr.

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER: ACC. R SR early June-late Aug.  1, IBS, 05Aug02.

WESTERN KINGBIRD*: U SR mid May-early Sep. N. at lower elevations, LaFarge Pk, S. 22X.

EASTERN KINGBIRD*: FC SR mid May-early Sep. IBS/FCPP/Bowmont Pk/Along Bow River.

SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER. ACC. R T late May-late Aug. 1, IBS, 29Aug2000. 

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE*: R SR mid Apr-early Oct. Shrubby/grassy areas, E side of city.

NORTHERN SHRIKE: FC WV late Sep-late Apr. Anywhere, mainly river valleys/IBS.

YELLOW-THROATED VIREO: ACC. R V. 1, banded, IBS, 04Aug08.

CASSIN’S VIREO. U SR, early May-mid Sep. Formerly part of Solitary Vireo. FCPP/Weaselhead.

BLUE-HEADED VIREO: U M early May-01 Jul & mid Aug-mid Oct. River valleys/IBS,FCPP/Bow Rr.

WARBLING VIREO*: FC SR early May-mid Oct. FCPP/Elbow & Bow Rrs/Wooded valleys & streets.

PHILADELPHIA VIREO: R M mid May-mid Oct. Elbow & Bow Rivers. Deciduous? wooded valleys.

RED-EYED VIREO*: U SR mid May-mid Sep. Poplar woods, N. SGlenmore/Weaselhead/FCPP.

GRAY JAY*: Formerly U WV, now absent mid Sep-late May. W end FCPP/Weaselhead/GriffithWoodsPk.

StELLER’S JAY: ACC. R WV mid Oct-late Mar; 1, Bayview, 22,28Oct03; 1,Parkdale,16Oct04.

BLUE JAY*: Now FC year-round resident throughout  western half of city.

CLARK’S NUTCRACKER: ACC. R WV. 1 heard, Douglas Fir Trail, Edworthy Park, 26Mar2000.

BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE*: A. year-round resident, throughout city.

AMERICAN CROW*: C mid Mar-late Oct throughout city. Communal roost, U of C.  Some OW.

COMMON RAVEN*: R SR & U WV. In winter, many fly over city daily to feed at landfill sites.

HORNED LARK*: FC M & SR mid Feb- mid Oct. Some OW. Open fields/grasslands.

PURPLE MARTIN*: R SR. N. SW Calgary’76. Presently N. north end of Chestermere Lake. IBS.

TREE SWALLOW*: C SR early Apr-late Aug. Elbow & Bow Rrs/FCPP/Glenmore/Weaselhead.

VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW: U to A. M early Apr & R M early Aug. Bow Rr(Burnmead,FCPP,1994).

N. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW*: U SR late Apr to early Sep. N. Bow&Elbow Rrs/Weaselhead/FCPP.

BANK SWALLOW*: FC SR late Apr-early Sep. N. in colonies; Bow& ElbowRrs/MallardPt/58th Av SW.

CLIFF SWALLOW*: C SR mid May-mid Aug. N. in colonies under bridges over Bow & Elbow Rivers.

BARN SWALLOW*: R SR late Apr-late Sep. N in buildings in FCPP/Mallard Pt/Rural areas.

BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE*: C year-round resident in wooded urban areas/IBS/FCPP/Bow/ElbowRr

MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE: R erratic late summer/winter visitor, in residential areas/Doug.Fir Trail.

BOREAL CHICKADEE*: S. year-round resident, W end FCPP/Weaselhead/Griffith Woods/Bowness Pk.

CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE: ACC. Hypothetical; 2,Bowness Pk,22Apr88; 1,winter 1996.

RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH*: FC to S. year-round erratic resident. Prefers conifers.

WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH*: S. year round. R in summer, breeding along rivers in poplars.

BROWN CREEPER: S. M & WV mid Sep-mid May. Wooded river valleys/residential areas.

ROCK WREN: R V      May-late Aug; 1,Glenmore,04July98; 1,Park’n’fly,Calgary Airport,18Jun00.

HOUSE WREN*: FC SR early May-late Sep. Wooded urban areas throughout city.

WINTER WREN*: S. T mid Apr-late Sep; 1, N. nr Bridge 2,FCPP.2000. Coniferous woods/Glenmore.

SEDGE WREN: ACC. R T. One on Nose Hill, 28May92.

MARSH WREN*: U SR early May-late Oct in large cattail marshes.

AMERICAN DIPPER: R W mid Dec-Mar on Elbow River below Glenmore Dam/FCPP.

GOLDEN-CR. KINGLET*: U M & year-round resident. FCPP/Weaselhead/Bowness Pk.

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET*: U M early Apr & S. SR to early Nov. N. Weaselhead/Bebo Gr,FCPP.

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER: ACC. R V. 1/1,IBS,Nov87/Dec88; 1,Carburn,13Sep99. 

NORTHERN WHEATEAR: ACC. R V. 1,Nose Hill,22Nov89.

EASTERN BLUEBIRD*: ACC. S. V & SR late May-mid Oct. 1, SW Calgary, 28May-13Jun77.

WESTERN BLUEBIRD*: ACC. S V & SR. Reported NGlenmore Park, early Apr2000.

MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD*: FC SR mid Mar-early Nov. Weaselhead/NGlenmorePk/Nose Hill/FCPP.

TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE: S. T & erratic W late autumn-late Apr. Anywhere, treed areas.

VEERY*: U SR mid May-early Sep. Weaselhead/FCPP W of bridge #4.

GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH: ACC. R M mid May-early Jun & late Aug-Sep. 1,banded,IBS,22May01.

SWAINSON’S THRUSH*: U SR mid May-mid Sep. Weaselhead/FCPP w of Bebo Gr./Edworthy Pk.

HERMIT THRUSH*: S. M & SR, mid Apr-early Nov. Weaselhead. Migrates through city.

AMERICAN ROBIN*: A. M & SR mid Mar-mid Oct. Some OW in/near river valleys.

VARIED THRUSH: R V late Mar-10May & 18Sep-late Oct. IBS/SGlenmore/Varsity/Oakridge.  OW.

GRAY CATBIRD*: FC SR mid May-late Sep. N. along Bow & Elbow Rrs/FCPP. 1,IBS,21May2000.

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD: ACC. R V year round. 1,Dec90-20May91; 1,Dec97-Jan98,SECalgary.

SAGE THRASHER: ACC. NRC. R V early May-early Sep.

BROWN THRASHER*: S. SR mid May-mid Oct. Weaselhead/Bowmont/Edworthy/IBS. Sometimes OW

EUROPEAN STARLING*: I. A. SR late Feb-Dec; U W Dec-Feb. N. mainly in large Balsam Poplars.

SIBERIAN ACCENTOR: ACC. R V; 1, Varsity, 20Mar-16Apr06.

AMERICAN PIPIT: U to A. M mid Mar-early May & mid Aug-late Oct. Along Bow Rr/open fields.

SPRAGUE’S PIPIT*: Now R SR early May-early Sep. Nose Hill. Song, given in flight – 600 feet high.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING: FC to A. W mid Oct-mid Apr. Throughout city. Feeds on Eur. Mountainash.

CEDAR WAXWING*: U SR late May-early Oct. Throughout city. Some usually attempt to OW.

BLUE-WINGED WARBLER:  ACC. R V; 1, IBS, Aug97; 1,28May2000.

TENNESSEE WARBLER*: FC M & R SR mid May-late Sep. FCPP/Weaselhead.

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER*: U M late Apr-early June & early July-mid Nov. Throughout city.

VIRGINIA’S WARBLER: ACC. R V; 1, 1223 Nicola Pl NW, 11May1981.

NASHVILLE WARBLER: ACC. R M late Apr-late May & early Aug-late Sep. IBS/1223 Nicola Pl NW.

NORTHERN PARULA: ACC. R V May-early Jun & Aug-Oct; 1,IBS,15May85; 1,banded,IBS,08Sep2000.

YELLOW WARBLER*: C SR mid May-early Sep. River Valleys/Wooded urban areas.

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER: ACC. R M late May-early Jun & early Aug-mid Sep (Nov). IBS.

MAGNOLIA WARBLER: ACC. R M mid May-early Jun & U early Aug-early Nov. IBS/urban areas.

CAPE MAY WARBLER*: ACC. R M May & mid Aug-early Nov. (Dec), IBS/Bow River. Sometime OW.

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER: ACC. R V late Sep-early Nov (Jan). Urban areas.

YELLOW-RUMPED (Myrtle) WARBLER*: A. M mid Apr-late May & mid Aug-mid Oct (Dec-Jan). OW.

…..YELLOW RUMPED (Audubon’s) WARBLER: R T mid Apr-mid May & mid Aug-27 Oct. IBS.

BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER: ACC; 1,IBS,11Aug83; 1,Bowness,11Jun-03Jul84, 1,8AvNW.

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER: R M mid-late May & mid Aug-early Sep. IBS/Weaselhead.

TOWNSEND’S WARBLER*: R M late May & mid Aug-mid Sep. IBS/FCPP/Weaselhead/NGlenmore.

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER: R M (24May08) & mid Aug-mid Oct; 1,IBS,28/29Aug,2000. Hull’sWd.

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER: ACC. R V; 1,GriffithWoods,09Sep06, first Alberta record.

PINE WARBLER: ACC. R V; 1,28Sep87 & 16Aug91 at Calgary; 1,OW Riley Pk, 20Dec93-05Feb94.

PALM WARBLER: S. M early May & mid Aug-mid Oct; 1,PearceEst,04-09Jan03. IBS/Bow Rr Valley.

BAY-BREASTED WARBLER: R V early Jun &Jul. S. mid Aug-late Sep. IBS/Bow River Valley/FCPP.

BLACKPOLL WARBLER*: U mid May-early Jun & mid Aug-late Sep. IBS/Hull’sWoods,/Mt Royal.

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER: R M mid May-mid Jun & mid Aug-early Oct. IBS/NGlenmore.

AMERICAN REDSTART*: S. late May-early Jun & early Aug-mid Sep. Bow&ElbowRr/FCPP/Haysboro.

OVENBIRD*: U M & SR mid May-Sep. IBS/urban areas. N. Marshall Springs,FCPP. IBS/Glenmore.

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH*: U M & SR mid May-mid Sep. N. Weaselhead/FCPP.  Bow River.

KENTUCKY WARBLER: ACC. R V; 1, Weaselhead,18-21Jun88; 1,Weaselhead, 08Sep07.

CONNECTICUT WARBLER*: R M late May-early Jun & late Aug-mid Sep. IBS/Weaselhead/Hull’sWds.

MOURNING WARBLER: R M late May-early Jun & mid Aug-mid Sep; 1,IBS,27May00; 1,IBS,18Nov00.

MacGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER*: R M late May-early Jun & mid Aug-early Sep. Weaselhead/ IBS/FCPP.

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT*: U M & SR early May-early Oct. Weaselh’d/NGlenmore/Bow Rr/FCPP.

HOODED WARBLER: ACC. R V; 1, Lynnwood,03Oct-07Dec04.

WILSON’S WARBLER: FC M mid May & mid Aug-28 Nov (Dec). Woods/ treed urban areas.

CANADA WARBLER: R M late May-early Jun & mid Aug-early Sep. IBS/Southland/Mallard Point.

YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT: R V late May-mid Sep. Bred at Okotoks, 2000. IBS/Residential areas. 

SUMMER TANAGER: ACC. R V; 1,Bowness,xx2001; 1,Priddis,08Jun01.

SCARLET TANAGER: ACC. R V early May-mid Nov; 1,IBS,Aug82; 1,Lowery Gdns,30May87.

WESTERN TANAGER*: S. M & SR early May-mid Sep. N. Weaselhead/W.end FCPP. Urban areas. 

GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE: ACC. R V; 1, Bowmont Pk, 30May96, 1st AB. Record.

SPOTTED TOWHEE*: S. SR early Apr-late Oct (Dec). IBS/S facing slopes, FCPP/Weaselhead.

AMERICAN TREE SPARROW: U M late Mar-mid Apr & late Sep-Nov. Some OW. Weaselhead.

CHIPPING SPARROW*: FC SR early May-early Oct. Residential areas/River valleys/Parks.

CLAY-COLORED SPARROW*: FC SR mid May-late Sep. FCPP/Weaselhead. Wolf Willow thickets.

BREWER’S (TIMBERLINE) SPARROW: N. just west of city; 1, Confederation Park, xxJune88.

FIELD SPARROW: ACC. NRC. (1,08Jun2000, at Bryant’s Creek, #68Hwy, Sibbald Flats, Kananaskis)

VESPER SPARROW*: U to FC SR mid Apr-mid Oct. Grassy areas, Confluence Park/Nose Hill.

LARK BUNTING: ACC. NRC. R V; 1, 3km W Hwy22/Twp.272,  N of Cochrane, 01Jun2000.

LARK SPARROW: R V early May-early Oct. Prefers sandy areas; 1,Bowmont,18May90; 1,FCPP,May98.

BLACK-THROATED SPARROW: ACC. R V; 1, Bearspaw, 28-29May06.

SAVANNAH SPARROW*: C SR mid Apr-late Sep. Nose Hill/BeaverdamFlats/grasslands/roadside/fields.

GRASSHOPPER SPARROW: NRC. R SR mid May-mid Sep; 1, Namaka Lake, 28May2000).

BAIRD’S SPARROW*: S. SR mid May-late Oct. Formerly S Nose Hill; 1,Porcupine Valley,20Jun2002.

LeCONTE’S SPARROW*: U SR mid May-mid Sep. E end FCPP.

NELSON’S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW*: R M & SR late May-mid Sep; 1,88 St SE,21June2000.

FOX SPARROW: S. M late Apr-early May & late Aug-early Oct. Weaselhead/IBS. Occasionally OW.

SONG SPARROW*: FC SR early Apr-late Sep. Some OW.  Bow & Elbow Rrs/FCPP/IBS/backyards.

LINCOLN’S SPARROW*: U M & SR mid Apr-mid Oct. N. Sandy Beach 1999. Weaselhead/IBS/FCPP

SWAMP SPARROW: R M late Apr-02June & mid Sep-mid Oct. ACC. SR; 1, Weaselhead, 11Jul05.

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW*: U SR late Apr-mid Oct. Some OW. N. Weaselhead/FCPP.

GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW: ACC. R M late May & early Oct; 1, Elboya, 01-04Oct05.

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW*: FC M & R SR late Apr-May & Sep-Oct. N. Bowmont Pk.

HARRIS’ SPARROW: R M Apr-May & mid Sep-early Nov. Some OW at feeders. IBS.

DARK-EYED JUNCO*: C M & R SR late Mar-late May & late Sep-Nov. Some OW.

McCOWN’S LONGSPUR: R SR early May-mid Sep. No recent Calgary reports.  Prairies.

LAPLAND LONGSPUR: C to U M late Mar-early May & mid Sep-early Nov. Open fields.

CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR: R V late Apr-mid Sep. IBS.

SNOW BUNTING: U W early Oct-late Apr. Nose Hill/Cultivated fields/weedy areas.

NORTHERN CARDINAL: ACC. R V year round. Zoo,1993/94; 1f,throughout Calg.08′ 1,Elboya18Dec09.

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK*: S. SR mid May-mid Sep. Griffith Woods/Glenmore/Weaselhead/IBS.

BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK: R V 21 May-early Sep. Weaselhead; 1, Stanley Pk, 16Aug98.

LAZULI BUNTING: R V late May-early Sep. Breeds Windy Point, Sheep Rr; 1,ShanTerr,FCPP,28May07.

INDIGO BUNTING: ACC. R V; 1,NGlenmore Pk,15Jul88; 2prs,Bow River,E Nose Hill bridge, Jun2000.

DICKCISSEL: ACC. R V; 1, Mt. Royal College, 20Jul02.

BOBOLINK: R V & SR early May-mid Aug. Prairies/hayfields. Formerly N. Southland Park.

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD*: C late Mar-early Nov. Cattail marshes. Some OW.

WESTERN MEADOWLARK*: FC becoming R, late Mar-late Oct. Grasslands. Some OW in SE Calgary.

YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD*: FC early Apr-mid Sep. SE Cattail Marshes/ Carburn Pk. Some OW.

RUSTY BLACKBIRD: U M mid Apr-late May &late Sep-mid Nov. Wet woods/shoreline. IBS/FCPP. OW.

BREWER’S BLACKBIRD*: C late Apr-early Oct. N. 37th SW. Open grassy  areas. Some OW.

COMMON GRACKLE*: FC. Increasing. Late Mar-end Sep. River Valleys. Some OW.

BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD*: FC early May-mid Sep. FCPP/Bow river. Comes to feeders.

BALTIMORE ORIOLE*: FC to U, decreasing mid May-mid Sep. Bow & Elbow Rrs/Weaselhead/IBS.

BULLOCK’S ORIOLE: ACC. NRC. R V mid May-early Aug; 1, Deer Run, 07Jul02.

GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCH: ACC. Irregular mid Oct-mid Apr. Will visit feeders.

PINE GROSBEAK: Irregular late Oct-mid Apr. Throughout city, when present. Weaselhead.

PURPLE FINCH*: R M & SR early Apr-late Oct. Bow & Elbow Rrs/FCPP/IBS. Some OW.

CASSIN’S FINCH: R V late Apr-late Oct (Dec); 1,Calgary,24May02;  2,Lynnwood,22Oct04.

HOUSE FINCH*: A. SR, U W;  A native SW species. Our birds likely from eastern releases.

RED CROSSBILL*: R i1rregular visitor, mostly in winter. Feeds on seeds from spruce trees cones.

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL*: FC irregular visitor, mostly in winter. Feeds on spruce trees seeds.

COMMON REDPOLL: FC irregular visitor, early Oct-late Apr. Weed patches/Birch trees/ feeders.

HOARY REDPOLL: R irregular winter visitor. As per Common Redpoll.

PINE SISKIN*: R to A. irregular visitor, usually May-Oct. Bebo Grove,FCPP/Most Parks. Often OW.

AMERICAN GOLDFINCH*: U SR late May-late Sep. Weaselhead/FCPP/IBS. Sometimes  OW.

EVENING GROSBEAK: Formerly FC W, now R early Oct-early May; 12, Calgary, 14Dec08.

HOUSE SPARROW*: I. A. Year-round resident throughout built-up urban areas.

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2 Comments

2 thoughts on “Bird Date and Location Guide

  1. Northern goshawk seen at south glenmore/weaselhead park two weeks ago! Two of them seen flying together, very low. I turned vehicle around and had a good look! One landed on fence post, other on grass. Amazing! Anyone else spotted them? Is it common for two to fly together?!

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