Birds
Wood Duck: The Comeback of a Feathered Gem
By Holly Hastings Have you ever craned your neck to see better the bright, beautiful feathers of a bird perched in a tree, only to
animal behaviour
Mammals
The Social Hierarchy of the Red Fox
By Katie Grant Red foxes organize their small family groups (called “leashes” or “skulks”) through a social hierarchy. At the top of the pack are
Amphibians
Western Tiger Salamander Migration
By Courtney Collins Western tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium) are found from inland British Columbia to western Manitoba and are divided into two populations: the Southern
Mammals
Elk Rutting Rituals
By Julia Guame What is Rutting Season? Rutting season is the annual mating time for various animals including deer, moose and elk.1 During this time,
Birds
Meet Alberta’s Feathered Cleanup Crew: The Turkey Vulture
by Marissa Hansen Alberta is home to a myriad of wildlife, but one bird holds a special place as the province’s only vulture—the turkey vulture
Mammals
A Bat’s Year in Alberta
By Holly Hastings Alberta is home to nine species of bats; for a list of species, click here. They can be split into two groups:1
Birds
BROOD PARASITISM: A PARENTING LIFEHACK?
By Marissa Hansen Brood parasitism is nature’s version of free daycare. In this scheme, the parasitic bird lays its eggs in the nest of another
Birds
The Intelligence of Magpies
By Courtney Collins Black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia) are found throughout Alberta and much of western Canada.1 While many regard these birds as pests, often due
Mammals
Leave it to Beavers!
By Carley Goodreau Busy as a beaver! These famously industrious creatures can be found building dams in ponds and on the Canadian nickel. Beavers cut
