Tag Archive | Bow Valley

August Birding in the Bow Valley

Posted by Ethan Denton (BirdBoy)

While top locations like Confederation Park and Mallard Point are the go-to spots for fall warbler migration in our part of Alberta, it’s often worth checking out some less-birded hotspots for rarities passing unnoticed. The Bow Valley is a perfect example of this, as Policeman’s Creek, Vermillion Lakes and Flowing Waters Trail are more than capable of holding their own in the fall flurries. I’ve been birding these exact spots over the past month, and I would encourage all you Calgary birders to try them out during September.

Located in the heart of Canmore, Policeman’s Creek is a great spot to go for unusual birds, and has not disappointed this autumn. Around eight Blackpolls, a Magnolia, two MacGillivary’s and a Canada Warbler (only the third eBird record for the county) fill the warbler quota, while Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, Say’s Pheobe and Eastern Kingbird join in. Merlin, Peregrine and Prairie Falcons all made appearances.


Yellow Warbler, Policeman’s Creek


Canada Warbler, Policeman’s Creek


Say’s Pheobe, Policeman’s Creek


Magnolia Warbler, Policeman’s Creek

Bow Valley Provincial Park’s Flowing Waters Trail is a short walk around some of the best habitat in the area, and supports dozens of fall migrants. Cassin’s and Blue-headed Vireo, American Redstarts and Nashville Warbler have all been seen there recently, and it’s one of the best spots to find Western Tanager, Eastern Kingbird and Warbling Vireo in the valley.


Warbling Vireo, Flowing Waters


Eastern Kingbird, Flowing Waters


Warbling Vireo, Flowing Waters

Vermillion Lakes will only now be starting its high point for the fall, but this 220+ species location boasts an impressive track record of Black-bellied and Golden Plovers, Baird’s and Pectoral Sandpipers, and ducks such as Eurasian Wigeon and Red-breasted Merganser. This fall, I’ve already seen two Stilt Sandpipers, a Pectoral, and both species of Yellowlegs. For those who rarely visit the mountains, Clark’s Nutcrackers and Mountain Chickadees are common. MacGillivary’s and Magnolia Warblers have turned up here this fall, and more may be coming.


Pectoral Sandpipers, Vermillion Lakes – 2017


Ring-billed Gull, Vermillion Lakes


Common Raven, Vermillion Lakes

Anyone interested in consistent reports of what’s in the valley should check out the Bow Valley Birding Facebook page, and for more photos my personal blog, www.birdboy.ca

Thanks for reading, and I hope you take some time to bird the Bow Valley soon!

Bow Valley Birding

Posted by Ethan Denton

Though it is not birded by many people, the Bow Valley – Banff, Canmore and area – can be an amazing place to bird. Whether it’s just for a few hours, or if you have a day or more, visiting the valley is an unforgettable experience. Recently, hotspots in Banff and especially Canmore have been heaving with birds, from late a Red-tailed Hawk and American Coots to a plethora of Rusty Blackbirds and Common Redpolls. Here are some of my photos – all taken within the last week. If you have time, visiting the area would be a great idea. Main hotspots are Policeman’s Creek (Canmore) and the Cave and Basin (Banff), but birds turn up anywhere, so check out some other locations on eBird or the local Facebook group, Bow Valley Birding.

Common Goldeneye, Policeman’s Creek, Canmore, November 5, 2017. Photo by Ethan Denton

Clark’s Nutcracker, South Canmore, November 8, 2017. Photo by Ethan Denton

Injured American Coot, Policeman’s Creek, Canmore, November 5, 2017. Photo by Ethan Denton

And they’re not all birds, either. This Long-tailed Weasel was seen on Policeman’s Creek, in addition to Muskrat, Voles, Mule Deer and Red Squirrels.

Long-tailed Weasel (winter coat), Policeman’s Creek, Canmore, November 5, 2017. Photo by Ethan Denton

Finally, if you are looking for a way to spend a Saturday helping birds and bird research, the Banff/Canmore Christmas Bird Count is coming up, on Saturday December 16th. It’s always a great time, and usually you see some interesting birds. Afterwards, there’s a big potluck in the senior’s centre in Banff, where we talk about the day, tally up the results and enjoy fabulous food! Anybody interested can contact me at birdboy.ca@gmail.com, or head over to birdboy.ca for more information.

Black-capped Chickadee, South Canmore, November 10, 2017. Photo by Ethan Denton