Red Deer River Naturalists

Bird Focus Group Walk
2025-12-13 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Edmonton) | Gaetz Lakes Migratory Bird Sanctuary, gaetz lake mirgratory bird sanctuary, red deer, alberta, Canada
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Gaetz Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Meet: Inside the Kerry Wood Nature Centre
When: December 13, 2025 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
This will be our last scheduled walk for the season. Coffee and treats to follow (about 1:00 p.m.) at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. We’ll use this opportunity to debrief our season, so even if you can’t make the walk, try and come out to enjoy the group and to share your feedback and ideas/suggestions for next year.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars* and camera/phone. Carry water and an energy snack. Dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by the season. Some trails are on rough terrain. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first served) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.

Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip
2026-03-21 09:00 - 17:00 | Carburn Park, 67 Riverview Drive SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip
Host: Chris Olsen
When: March 21, 2026 – Carburn Park 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. / Fish Creek Provincial Park 1:00 p.m. to approx. 5:00 p.m. / Join us for either or both.
Location: Carburn Park, 67 Riverview Drive SE Calgary, Alberta / Fish Creek Provincial Park, Boat Launch on Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, Alberta.
Carburn Park is a large natural area park nestled along the Bow River. It features two man-made ponds, a regional pathway and numerous, wildlife and waterfowl to experience. The Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Launch is near Hulls Wood with birding trails.
Meet: In the main parking lot at Carburn Park, and the boat ramp parking lot at Fish Creek Provincial Park.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars* and camera/phone. Wear layers and sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant with ice cleats as required by the season. Some trails are on rough terrain. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Carry water and an energy snack. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first served) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.
Click here for Carburn site map: Carburn Park – Calgary Map
Click here for Boat Launch info: Fish Creek Provincial Park – Calgary Boat Launch
Traveling Maps:
Carburn Park Map
Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Launch

Bird Focus Group Walk
2026-03-28 10:00 - 13:00 | River Bend Golf & Recreation Area, 3800 River Bend Drive, Red Deer, Alberta, T4P 0Y4, Canada
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: River Bend Golf & Recreation Area – Perimeter Trail
Meet: In the main parking lot
When: March 28, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Maybe longer.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars* and camera/phone. Carry water and an energy snack. Dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by conditions. Some trails are on rough terrain. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first served) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2026-04-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Gaetz Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Meet: Inside the Kerry Wood Nature Centre
When: April 4, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars* and camera/phone. Carry water and an energy snack. Dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by conditions. Some trails are on rough terrain. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first served) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2026-04-11 10:00 - 13:00 | McKenzie Trails, McKenzie Trails Red Deer, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: McKenzie Trails Recreation Area to River Bend Golf & Recreation Area
Meet: In the main parking lot at McKenzie Trails near the shelter. Arrange your own shuttle from River Bend or return to McKenzie Trails.
When: April 11, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Maybe longer.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars* and camera/phone. Carry water and an energy snack. Dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by conditions. Some trails are on rough terrain. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first served) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2026-04-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Maskepetoon Park, Maskepetoon Park, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
You are invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Maskepetoon Park – located in the subdivision of Oriole Park West.
Meet: In the fitness park parking lot of Kerry Wood Drive/Oak Drive. Parking lot is on the west side of Kerry Wood Drive/Oak Drive.
When: April 18, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars* and camera/phone. Carry water and an energy snack. Dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by conditions. Carry rain gear and a hat as required. Some trails are on rough terrain. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first considered) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.

CANCELLED Bird Focus Group Walk Sharp-tailed Grouse Tour
2026-04-25 04:00 - 08:00
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER EVENT.

Our RDRN Host Chris Olsen has booked the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk to join the Wainwright Wildlife Society (WWS) in their annual Sharp-tailed Grouse Tour on April 25, 2026. WWS set comfortable blinds on a lek site. The birds come in the pre-dawn to display to potential mates, and it is truly amazing to witness the strutting, posturing, rattling and even aggression in the dawn light. Dancing at this very site was filmed and shown on the Nature of Things. Go to CBC GEM and search the Nature of Things; look for a 3-part documentary titled the ‘Secret World of Sound’. The segment that includes Sharp-tailed Grouse on this lek is in part 2, ‘Love and Rivals’.

Pre-registration is required for $35 adults, $15 students (cash) to support the WWS – bring exact change. This outing will meet at a parking lot (tba) in Wainwright and depart for the lek at 4:00 a.m. sharp. Plan to be in the blinds until about 8:00 a.m., dress in warm layers, and bring a hot thermos and a snack. If you are unfamiliar with this spectacle, you will be amazed! If you wish to attend contact the WWS for this Sharp-tailed Grouse Watch from mid April to mid May. See www.facebook.com/WainwrightWildlifeSociety for details and more information about the tour.

The Tofield Snow Goose Festival also runs the weekend of April 25-26, 2026, based on offerings of years’ past, there is a ‘bird festival’ site in the Town and guided bus excursions with a biologist or interpreter to area wetlands. You can expect to see very large aggregations of Snow Geese and other migrating waterfowl and shore birds. Two or three hour bus tour options, tickets go on sale March 5, 2026. You can pre-register to reserve your seat! Visit www.snowgoosefestival.ca for more information. It may be something you may want to do after the Sharp-tailed Grouse watch, or the next day, depending on travel logistics. Book Snow Goose festival activities for the late morning or afternoon if travelling from the Sharp-tailed Grouse watch on Saturday to Tofield.

Photo by Chris Olsen

Bird Focus Group Walk
2026-05-02 10:00 - 13:00 | Heritage Ranch, 6300 Cronquist Drive, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Heritage Ranch Trails, meet in the first parking lot past the entrance.
When: May 2, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars*, camera/phone, bug spray and sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first considered) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.

Bird Focus Group Field Trip
2026-05-09 09:00 - 16:00
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk & Paddle
Location: Raven Brood Trout Station – walk 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. from the picnic shelter; Beaver Lake – paddling 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Directions: Raven Brood Trout Station: 54034 Twp Rd 36-0. From Hwy 54, go south on Hwy 22 approximately 5 km, turn west onto Twp Rd 36-0. Turn right at the first fork. Meet at the picnic shelter. Beaver Lake: Those also going to Raven in the morning, can exit from Raven and go 2 mi South on Hwy 22, west 5 mi on Twp Rd 35-4, and then 1.5mi south on Rge Rd 6-3 (the Burnstick Lake Road). Else, a straight run south on Rge Rd 6-3 is simpler. This lake is approximately 10 km SW of Caroline. Facilities include a maintained parking area, outhouse and gravel boat launch.
When: May 9, 2026 bird walk 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. paddling from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars*, camera/phone, bug spray, bear spray and sunscreen. Some trails are on rough terrain. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Carry water and an energy snack. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, dress in layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Bring your own paddling equipment with safety gear. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first served) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.

Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip
2026-05-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Alix Lake Campground, Alix Lake, Alix, Alberta, T0C 0B0, Canada
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip
Location: Alix Lake Nature Trail
Meet: Alix Lake Campground
When: May 16, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Maybe longer.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars*, camera/phone, bug spray and sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.
RDRN has purchased a spotting scope and tripod. This will be a real asset for long distance observations.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first considered) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.

Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip
2026-05-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Kuhnen Park
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Kuhnen Park https://www.lacombecounty.com/index.php/parks-and-trails or https://birdingtrailsalberta.com/central-alberta-east/kuhnen-park-2/
When: May 30, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Maybe longer.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars*, camera/phone, bug spray and sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first serve) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00 | River Bend Golf & Recreation Area, 3800 River Bend Drive, Red Deer, Alberta, T4P 0Y4, Canada
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: River Bend Golf & Recreation Area – Upper Trail
Meet: In the main parking lot
When: June 6, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Maybe longer.
Host: Guest Host Ron Bjorge
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars*, camera/phone, bug spray and sunscreen. Carry water and an energy snack. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, some trails are on rough terrain. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first serve) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.
Bird Focus People with an urge to travel are also welcome to join the Vermilion Provincial Park annual Spring Species Count today. You can camp in Vermilion Provincial Park, and join all or any of several walks throughout the day. We start at 5:00 a.m., meeting at the Trout Pond parking lot, and shuttling from there to do a 5-6 km walk along the riparian shore trails of Vermilion Park Lake. We’ll see literally hundreds of warblers, orioles, catbirds, woodpeckers, waterfowl and raptors on that one, but there are also shorter woodland and shore walks through the mid-day and afternoon, and even an evening night heron/nighthawk/owl prowl outing. Anyone interested can contact Chris Olsen directly for details.

Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip
2026-06-13 10:00 - 17:00
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip
Location: Medicine Lake Provincial Recreation Area (north of Rocky Mountain House on Hwy 22) see map, best to use a mapping app on your phone as a guide if you have one. Cell phone service is poor at the campground, but probably text msgs. will get through.
Host: Chris Olsen
When: June 13, 2026 bird walk from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and paddling from 3:00 p.m. onward.
Meet: Day use area/boat launch for both the birding walk and paddling. We may shuttle from there for the walk, or simply hike back to the trail head. We’ll paddle the lake counter-clockwise, and so people that want a short outing can see ‘water lily bay’ and do a short loop (about 2 kms) back to the launch. Those that are up for a longer paddle can continue along the far shore for as long as they like, and eventually we’ll explore the mouth of the Medicine River and loop back to the boat launch (about 4 hrs). Bring your own paddling equipment with safety gear.
While Medicine Lake Rec. Area can be booked, there are two non-reservable sites in each loop, and those are usually available to access on-site if you are interested in camping, first come first served. Chris will be camping at site A-08 June 11th to 15th, and anyone arriving early can find him there.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learn from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars* and camera/phone. Carry water, energy snack, sunscreen, bug spray and bear spray. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, dress in layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Some trails are on rough terrain. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues. RDRN has purchased a spotting scope and tripod. This will be a real asset for long distance observations.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first served) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.

Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip
2026-06-14 10:00 - 14:00
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip
Location: Crimson Lake Provincial Park – Amerada trail follows the lake perimeter for about 11 km. Bring your own lunch for a break at about the mid-point, and plan for about 4 hours of walking.
Meet: At the main parking lot
When: June 14, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars,* camera/phone, bug spray, bear spray and sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues. RDRN has purchased a spotting scope and tripod. This will be a real asset for long distance observations.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first served) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.
Crimson Lake Provincial Park
Crimson Lake Provincial Park

Ferry Point Community Camp-out/Birding Field Trip
2026-06-20 10:00 - 2026-06-21 13:30
You are all invited to the Ferry Point Community Camp-out/Birding Field Trip
Explore the beautiful Battle River Valley June 20 and 21, 2026.
Location: Meet at the Ferry Point Campground near Meeting Creek @ 10:00 a.m. Range Rd 184 north of Twp Rd 434, Rosalind, AB T0B 3Y0
During the weekend, we will visit several sites, within the Battle River valley and surrounding uplands and wetlands to observe birds as well as flowers and other plants. Some years we observe more than 70 bird species; many are located close to the campground and Battle River. Some of the highlights of the trip might be Brown Thrasher, Great Horned Owl, Mountain Bluebird, Cliff Swallow, White-faced Ibis. Judy Boyd and others from the Red Deer River Naturalists will be joining us to share their knowledge and enthusiasm. Dale Leckie, adjunct professor of Earth, Energy, and Environment at the University of Calgary, will also be joining us to share his expertise throughout the day and into the evening.
Come out for a day or the weekend. You have two ways to participate in this trip:

Go out on Saturday and meet at 10:00 a.m. and spend the day, bring your own lunch and drinks. Judy Boyd will be on hand to help identify species. Following an afternoon of birding, burgers will be provided by the Red Deer River Naturalists and salads and deserts will be pot luck. Please bring an item to share.

Go out on Sunday and meet at the campground at 10:00 a.m. bring your own lunch and drinks. We will travel to 1 or 2 sites to observe birds, flowers and other wild plants. We will be wrapped up by about 1:30 or so.

You can camp (tents or trailers) overnight at the Ferry Point Campground, south of the Battle River bridge on Range Road 184. $25.00/night. No electricity or water. No formal activities are planned for Friday evening, but for those who wish to camp on Friday night, it is a good time to enjoy the ambience of the Battle River valley and visit with others. Breakfast is provided on Sunday morning.

Host: Judy Boyd 403-358-1098, please call to confirm attendance.
Bring your binoculars, hat, sunscreen, camera/phone, insect repellent, water and energy snack and dress for the weather.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.

Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip
2026-06-27 10:00 - 13:30
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Field Trip
Location: Radar Hill – see Alberta Discover Guide – https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=E3&number=12
Meet: End of RR 260 – This 480-acre site is approximately 21 km SE of Red Deer. To access the site, travel 16 km E of Red Deer on Highway 595, then S 4.8 km on RR 260.
When: June 27, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May be longer.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learn from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!
Bring your binoculars*, camera/phone, bug spray and sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Some trails are on rough terrain. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Carry water and an energy snack. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.
*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first serve) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.
Radar Hill Driving directions

Radar Hill

Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip
2026-09-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Alix Lake Campground, Alix Lake, Alix, Alberta, T0C 0B0, Canada
You are all invited to the Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk Field Trip

Location: Alix Lake Nature Trail

Meet: Alix Lake Campground

When: September 5, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Maybe longer.

Host: Chris Olsen

All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend. We’re an inclusive group that learns from each other, and birders of all skill levels are welcome!

Bring your binoculars*, camera/phone, bug spray and sunscreen. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Distances vary, but may be up to 5 kms. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues.

RDRN has purchased a spotting scope and tripod. This will be a real asset for long distance observations.

*RDRN have two birding binoculars that can be borrowed (first come, first considered) by new participants. Binoculars courtesy of a City of Red Deer Community Better ParticipACTION grant.
