Red Deer River Naturalists

Annual General Meeting
2019-01-24 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Edmonton) | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
Come join us and hear our reports, achievements, up-coming events and speakers. We also need Board Members and a new Secretary for the New Year. Think about joining the Board it is very rewarding.
Get involved!

Insect Focus Group
2019-01-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Your Host: Don Wales
Topic: Lepidoptera and miscellaneous orders.

Lepidoptera – moths, butterflies. This is one of the most well known and easily recognizable orders of insects. The order Lepidoptera means ‘scaly wings’. They have four large scale-covered wings that bear distinctive markings, and larvae that are caterpillars.

Board Meeting
2019-01-08 19:00 - 21:00, 2018-10-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada

Christmas Bird Count
2018-12-23 09:00 - 17:00 | Alberta
Print a copy of the Christmas Bird Count Tally Sheet, click here, choose a place to count the birds (map and instructions in the December 2018 newsletter).
Please register where you will be counting with Judy Boyd (403-358-1098) so there will be no duplication of counts.
Tally sheets must be received by December 29th. You may drop sheets off (Attn: Judy Boyd) at Kerry Wood Nature Centre 6300 – 45 Avenue Red Deer, AB T4N 3M4 or mail to RDRN Box 785 Red Deer, AB T4N 5H2, or email to rdrn.nature@gmail.com, put “CBC” in the subject line.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-12-01 13:30 - 15:30 | Gaetz Lakes Migratory Bird Sanctuary, gaetz lake mirgratory bird sanctuary, red deer, alberta, Canada
Location: Gaetz Lakes Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Meet inside the Kerry Wood Nature Centre.

Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.
We will enjoy coffee and cake afterwards.

All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-11-24 13:30 - 15:30 | Alberta
Location: Bower Woods
Meet in the green space across from 35 Selkirk Boulevard.
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.

All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.

Speaker of the Month
2018-11-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
RDRN General Meeting/Refreshments – 7:30 p.m.
Speaker: Mirjam Barrueto – 8:00 p.m.
Topic: The Bigger the Better: Large Landscape Wolverine Research in Southern Alberta and BC
Mirjam Barrueto is a wolverine researcher, PhD student at the University of Calgary, conservation biologist, climber, ultra-runner and back-country skier and has a MSc in Zoology from the University of British Columbia . As a child, wildlife and nature documentaries inspired her to become an Adventurer and Biologist. As a wildlife researcher now, she is passionate about exploring creative ways to make scientific research accessible to a broad audience, and to inspire others to get interested and involved in conservation themselves.

Insect Focus Group
2018-11-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
Your Host: Don Wales
Topic: Coleoptera (Beetles)
Coleoptera (Beetles) Beetles are a group of insects that form the order Coleoptera, in the superorder Endopterygota. Their front pair of wings is hardened into wing-cases, elytra, distinguishing them from most other insects.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-11-17 13:30 - 15:30 | McKenzie Trails, McKenzie Trails Red Deer, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: McKenzie Trails November 17, 2018 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Meet in the parking lot near the shelter.
Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.

Board Meeting
2018-11-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Board Meeting: November 13, 2018

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-11-10 13:30 - 15:30 | Red Deer Polytechnic natural area, College Circle, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Location: South of Red Deer College. The new Nova Chemicals Waskasoo Creek Nature Walk – an accessible one kilometre loop circling a pond in a natural area just south of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.
Host: Keith Kline
Meet in the southwest parking lot by the weather station.
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-11-03 13:30 - 15:30 | Alberta
Location: Power Line 30th Avenue and 22nd Street East walking trails
Meet: Located in the subdivisions of Vanier West and Lonsdale, meet at Vanier Drive and 22nd Street East. Park on Vanier Drive.
Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-10-27 13:30 - 15:30 | Alberta
Location: Hazlett Lake
Meet: 27432 HWY 1, go west on Highway 11A, take the last entrance on your right before the Highway 2 exit. Keith will be standing at the entrance. This is private property and we are here by invitation only.
Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.

RDRN Annual Banquet and Speaker
2018-10-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Pioneer Lodge, 4324 46a Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 6S7, Canada
RDRN Annual Banquet – October 26, 2018 held at the Pioneer Lodge, 4324-46A Avenue Red Deer, Alberta. Tickets are $30 and available for purchase at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre until Monday October 22. You must purchase your ticket in advance they are not available at the door. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., dinner 6:30 p.m. Catering by Blue Sage.
Speaker: Dr. Dale Leckie, award winning Geologist.
Topic: Rocks, Ridges and Rivers. The story of the Rockies, its rivers and valleys, glaciers and hot springs, caves and karst, mountain building and erosion.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-10-20 13:30 - 15:30 | Gaetz Lakes Migratory Bird Sanctuary, gaetz lake mirgratory bird sanctuary, red deer, alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Gaetz Lakes Migratory Bird Sanctuary
October 20, 2018 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Meet inside the Kerry Wood Nature Centre.

Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.

All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.

Invitation to attend SAPAA Annual General Meeting & Speakers
2018-10-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
Invitation to Attend the SAPAA AGM and Speakers
The Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas Association (SAPAA) is holding their AGM at the Kerry Wood Centre on Saturday, 20 October 2018.
The public is invited to attend the speakers program of the AGM:
Itinerary
9:00 a.m. Registration and coffee
9:30 a.m. Speaker: Dr. Charles Bird, Professor of Botany, Topic: Why We Preserve Locations like the J. J. Collett Natural Area
10:15 a.m. Questions and discussion
10:30 a.m. Coffee Break (coffee, muffins etc. provided but bring your own mug if you can)
11:00 a.m. Speakers: Nissa Petterson and Grace Wark, Conservation Specialists, Alberta Wilderness Association, Topic: AWA Wild Spaces 2020 Campaign.
11:45 a.m. Questions and discussion
12:00 noon Lunch (Please bring your own lunch, as kitchen facilities are limited)
The business portion of the AGM begins at 12:15 pm. Audience members who wish to become involved in the conservation of Alberta’s Protected Areas are invited to attend.
2:00 p.m. Walk in the J. J. Collett Natural Area Park.
We’ll follow up Dr. Bird’s talk with an actual visit to the site.

Insect Focus Group
2018-10-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Your Host: Don Wales
Topic: Trichoptera (caddisflies), Neuroptera (nerve-winged insects), Coleoptera (beetles)
Trichoptera: (caddisflies) the adult winged insects, with two pairs of wings with long, silky hairs and long antennae, are nocturnal and provide food for night-flying birds, bats, small mammals, amphibians and arthropods. The larval stage lasts much longer, often for one or more years, and has a bigger impact on the environment. Most larvae live in fresh water, some build ornamented case. They form an important part of the diet of fish.
Neuroptera: (nerve winged insects) any of a group of insects commonly called lacewings because of the complex vein patterns in the wings, giving them a lacy appearance. Four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Chewing mouth-parts. Long antennae.
Coleoptera: (beetles) their front pair of wings is hardened into wing-cases, elytra, distinguishing them from most other insects, mid wings are thin, folded. Size from small to large. Chewing mouth-parts. Antennae usually short. All have four life stages. Some aquatic. Many of their larvae are commonly called grubs. Some grubs live in the soil and feed on plant roots. Others bore into plant stems. The larvae of click beetles are called wireworms which feed on the roots, bulbs and crowns of plants and are especially destructive to germinating seeds. Bark beetles, which bore through the bark of trees, are considered the most destructive insect pests of forests.

Dr. David M. Bird and Feathering One's Nest. Why do Birds use Nests?
2018-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
In Red Deer for only one night on an Alberta tour! Co-hosted by Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer River Naturalists and Ellis Bird Farm, we are pleased to present Dr. David M. Bird.

As an Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Biology at McGill University, Dr. Bird has published 200 scientific papers, supervised 50 graduate students, and has written/edited ten books. Dr. Bird is a past-president of the Raptor Research Foundation Inc. and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists. He writes a bird column for Bird Watcher’s Digest and Canadian Wildlife magazines and does a biweekly video blog for Brome Bird News. Most recently, Dr. Bird has become a champion of renaming the Canada Jay and having it made Canada’s National Bird.
Come here him speak about Feathering One’s Nests. Why do birds use nests? How do they choose where to build them? Why do some birds nest in colonies? Could you build a 9,000 pound nest using only your toes and lips? How did 25 pounds of gold eyeglass frames end up in a crow’s nest? You will not believe some of the things birds do to house their eggs and babies!

All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-10-13 13:30 - 15:30 | River Bend Golf & Recreation Area, 3800 River Bend Drive, Red Deer, Alberta, T4P 0Y4, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: River Bend Golf & Recreation Area October 13, 2018 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Meet in the parking lot on your right at the bottom of the entrance to River Bend Gold Course.

Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.

All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-10-06 13:30 - 15:30 | Heritage Ranch, 6300 Cronquist Drive, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Heritage Ranch October 6, 2018 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Meet in the first parking lot past the entrance.

Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.

All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-09-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Maskepetoon Park, Maskepetoon Park, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Maskepetoon Park September 29, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Located in the subdivision of Oriole Park West, follow Kerry Wood Drive, meet in the parking lot south of Overand Place. Parking lot is on the west side of Kerry Wood Drive.

Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.

All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.

Speaker of the Month
2018-09-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
RDRN General Meeting/Refreshments – 7:30 p.m.
Speaker: Sandra MacDougall – 8:00 p.m.
Topic: Why did the Deer cross the road? Understanding the issues around animal/vehicle collisions in Alberta.

Animal/vehicle collisions are a significant problem in Alberta affecting motorist safety and wildlife populations. Sandra will provide an overview of the magnitude of this issue in Alberta and introduce projects that are underway both locally and provincially to better detect and mitigate animal/vehicle collision prone locations.
Sandra MacDougall is an Ecology Instructor at Red Deer College in Red Deer, Alberta Canada. Sandra worked with Parks Canada for a number of years conducting grizzly and black bear risk assessments and habitat use studies in northern National Parks. After her Husband and Daughter were involved in a moose/vehicle collision in 2007, she turned her attention to road Ecology and since then has worked with the Alberta Government and the City of Red Deer on a variety of road Ecology projects.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-09-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Three Mile Bend, Three Mile Bend, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Three Mile Bend September 22, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Meet in the first parking lot near the ski ramp.

Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.

All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-09-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Slack Slough, Slacks Slough, County of Red Deer, Alberta, T0M 1R0, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Slack Slough September 15, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Meet in the parking lot at the north entrance.

Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.

All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.

RDRN Board Meeting
2018-09-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada

Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-09-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Nova Chemicals Community Nature Trail, Nova Chemicals Community Nature Trail, County of Lacombe, Alberta, T0C 0Y0, Canada
Location: Nova Chemicals Community Nature Trail
Meet: Before you visit you can get a detailed map showing how to get there, and learn more about the area and visitor guidelines: http://www.novachem.com/pages/joffre/joffre.aspx
The Community Nature Trail is located within easy driving distance of many Central Alberta communities: just southwest of the Hamlet of Joffre on Township Rd 390. Directions from Red Deer, travel east on Highway 11 and turn left onto highway 815. Proceed to Range Road 390 and turn left. It’s a short distance and you will see a sign.
Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather. Remember your bug spray and sunscreen.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-08-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Alberta
Location: 20th Avenue East walking trails
Meet: Located in the subdivisions of Vanier West and Lonsdale, meet at the very end of 22 Street East.
Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2018-06-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Alberta
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Springbrook Natural Area, take the main road into Springbrook (Red Deer Airport). Just before the bend to the right there is a small gravel parking lot where you can park.
Saturday June 30, 2018 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Host: Keith Kline
Bring your binoculars, camera and dress for the weather.
Remember your bug spray, hat and sunscreen.

All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.

Battle River Field Trip
2018-06-23 - 2018-06-24 | Alberta
June 23 and 24 – Come out for a day or the weekend. Camping is available for minimal fees. Visit the Turkey Vultures at the Bjorge farm. We will meet 10:00 AM at the Ferry Point Campground, near Meeting Creek. There will be a potluck supper on Saturday and crepes Sunday morning. Besides the vultures, some of the highlights of the trip might be Brown Thrasher, Great Horned Owl, Mountain Bluebird, Cliff Swallow. Call Judy at 403-358-1098 if you plan to attend.
