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
birds
Birds
Diving vs. Dabbling: Feeding Strategies in Alberta’s Ducks
By Chelsea Blyth Wetlands across Alberta are dynamic ecosystems that support a wide variety of waterfowl. From shallow prairie potholes to deep northern lakes, these
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
Birds
Arctic Visitors: 3 birds of prey to watch for this winter!
by Jennea Frischke A variety of birds migrate to Alberta from the Arctic each winter – including 3 very special raptors: the snowy owl, the
Birds
The Marvelous Mechanics of Hummingbirds
by Holly Hastings Alberta is fortunate to be the “Canadian sweet spot for hummingbird species.”1 We are home to three year-round species: the ruby-throated, calliope,
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
Ecology
At Home in the Badlands
By Carley Goodreau The Lakota people first called them Mako Sica – directly translating to “bad lands,” the French: “les mauvaises terres a traveser,” –
Birds
Woodpeckers: Ecosystem Engineers
By Katie Grant Woodpeckers significantly influence the structure and function of their environments, making them a keystone species. The presence and activities of a keystone
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