Birds
Species Profile: Great Blue Heron
by Courtney Collins Great blue herons, Ardea herodias, are the largest heron in Canada and the largest wading birds in North America.1 They have blue-grey
Wildlife
Mammals
Spotting the Difference: A Guide to Alberta’s Mule Deer and Whitetails
By Natalia Galan If you live in Alberta, you have probably seen a deer grazing in a field or darting across a road. But did
Birds
Diving vs. Dabbling: Feeding Strategies in Alberta’s Ducks
By Chelsea Blythe Wetlands across Alberta are dynamic ecosystems that support a wide variety of waterfowl. From shallow prairie potholes to deep northern lakes, these
Mammals
The Striped Skunk: Alberta’s Helpful Nocturnal Neighbour
By Katie Grant As the snow thaws and March days grow longer, the striped skunk begins stirring more often near farms, grasslands, and even urban
Amphibians
Alberta’s Hidden Heroes: Who Are Our Toads?
By Natalia Galan Amphibians are often overlooked, but they are some of Alberta’s most vital, and most vulnerable, creatures. Our native toads are crucial to
Birds
Coevolutionary Arms Race: Crossbills & Conifers
By Holly Hastings Two crossbill species exist in Alberta; the Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) and White-winged crossbill (Loxia leucoptera). The name of this group of
Ecology
Hoary Marmots: The Accidental Hitchhikers
By Chelsea Blyth Marmots are a familiar part of Alberta’s mountain story. These chunky rodents, best known by the hoary marmot and their rock-dwelling cousins,
Birds
All About Mountain Bluebirds
By Courtney Collins Mountain bluebirds, Sialia currucoides, have a brilliant blue colouration. The males are bright sky blue with a grey or white lower belly,
Ecology
The Northern Flying Squirrel: Acrobats of the Night Sky
By Katie Grant Alberta is home to a truly unique mammal among its many forest-dwellers. The northern flying squirrel doesn’t actually fly, but their ability
Ecology
The American Badger: A Subterranean Specialist
By Natalia Galan Beneath the seemingly placid Alberta prairies, a tenacious predator and master of excavation quietly plies their trade. The American badger (Taxidea taxus)