Red Deer River Naturalists

Christmas Bird Count
2021-12-19 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | alberta
Christmas Bird Count
Sunday December 19, 2021
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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 2021 newsletter and also under Programs).
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.

Annual General Meeting
2022-01-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom Meeting
You are all invited to our RDRN Virtual Annual General Meeting by Zoom

Moderator: Interim President Rick Tallas

January 27, 2022 – 7:00 p.m. held by a Zoom meeting
Come join us and hear our Reports, Achievements, up-coming Virtual Speakers and also our Election of Directors for the Board. Please consider becoming a Board Member. Get Involved! Any questions contact us at rdrn.nature@gmail.com or 347-8200. We are actively recruiting for the position of President.

How to join the meeting:
First create your Zoom account ahead of time.
Click join a meeting.
Enter Meeting Id number: 977 2870 6378
Enter Meeting passcode: [REDACTED]
or use this link without an account: https://zoom.us/j/97728706378?pwd=[REDACTED]

RDRN Virtual Speaker Night by Zoom
2022-02-24 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Meeting
Speaker: Dr. Emily Studd

February 24, 2022 – 7:30 p.m. held by a Zoom meeting

Topic: Is Something Screaming? Uncovering the secret lives of boreal mammals with technology

Dr. Emily Studd is currently a NSERC post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Toronto Mississauga.

Go to www.zoom.us website

Click join a meeting at the top

Meeting ID number: 833 4356 2232

Meeting Passcode: [REDACTED]

Have your microphone on mute during the meeting.

FLOWER FOCUS GROUP MEETING
2022-03-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
Flower Focus Group Meeting
Please join us for the resumption of RDRN Flower Focus Group Meeting
Your Host: Don Wales
Topic: The Flowers of Glacier National Park
Meet at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre Red Deer, Alberta in the Theatre room.

RDRN Virtual Speaker Night by Zoom
2022-03-24 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Meeting
Speaker: Dr. Erin Bayne

March 24, 2022 – 7:30 p.m. held by a Zoom meeting

Topic: The Beauty of Bird Song: How and why birds sing and how sound is being used to make better conservation decisions.

Dr. Bayne is a Professor at the University of Alberta where he runs the Bioacoustic Unit.
Join Zoom Meeting here: https://zoom.us/j/92097043905?pwd=[REDACTED]
Or follow these directions:

Go to www.zoom.us website

Click join a meeting at the top

Meeting ID number: 920 9704 3905

Meeting Passcode: [REDACTED]

Have your microphone on mute during the meeting.

Bird Focus Group Walk
2022-04-02 10:00 - 12:00 | McKenzie Trails, McKenzie Trails Red Deer, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: McKenzie Trails Recreation Area
Meet: In the main parking lot near the shelter

When: April 2, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by the season. 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. Please come fully vaccinated and stay home if you have cold, flu or other Covid-like symptoms.

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Maskepetoon Park, Maskepetoon Park, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Maskepetoon Park – located in the subdivision of Oriole Park West.

Meet: Follow Kerry Wood Drive, meet in the parking lot south of Overand Place. Parking lot is on the west side of Kerry Wood Drive.
When: April 9, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. Wear sturdy hiking footwear, water resistant and with ice cleats as required by the season. 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. Please come fully vaccinated and stay home if you have cold, flu or other Covid-like symptoms.

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-04-16 10:00 - 12:00 | 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
Meet: In front of Kerry Wood Nature Centre
When: April 16, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. 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. Please come fully vaccinated and stay home if you have cold, flu or other Covid-like symptoms.

FLOWER FOCUS GROUP LECTURE
2022-04-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Flower Focus Group Lecture

Location: Kerry Wood Nature Centre in the Theatre room

Topic: Wildflowers of Central Alberta with Caroline Harris

When: April 20, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Don Wales

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

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-04-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Nova Chemicals Community Nature Trail, Nova Chemicals Community Nature Trail, County of Lacombe, Alberta, T0C 0Y0, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
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: https://www.novachem.com/wp-content/uploads/Legacy-fact-sheet-1.pdf
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.
When: April 23, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Some trails are on rough terrain. Carry water and an energy snack. Remember your bug spray and sunscreen. Wear layers and carry rain gear and a hat as required by conditions. Let Chris know if you have any potential medical issues. Please come fully vaccinated and stay home if you have cold, flu or other Covid-like symptoms.

RDRN VIRTUAL SPEAKER NIGHT BY ZOOM
2022-04-28 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Meeting
RDRN Zoom Virtual Series
Speaker: Dr. Gabriela Ibarguchi

April 28, 2022 – 7:30 p.m. held by a Zoom meeting

Topic: Arctic Seabirds as Sentinels of Change

Dr. Ibarguchi is an Instructor at Red Deer Polytechnic

Join Zoom Meeting here: https://zoom.us/j/96777607119?pwd=[REDACTED]
Or follow these directions:

Go to www.zoom.us website

Click join a meeting at the top

Meeting ID number: 967 7760 7119

Meeting Passcode: [REDACTED]

Have your microphone on mute during the meeting.

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-04-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Heritage Ranch, 6300 Cronquist Drive, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: Heritage Ranch

Meet: In the first parking lot past the entrance.

When: April 30, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. 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. Please come fully vaccinated and stay home if you have cold, flu or other Covid-like symptoms.

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-05-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Bower Woods, Selkirk Boulevard, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: Bower Woods

Meet: In the green space across from 35 Selkirk Boulevard

When: May 7, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. 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. Please come fully vaccinated and stay home if you have cold, flu or other Covid-like symptoms.

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | alberta
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: Raven Brood Trout Station
Directions: 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: Park by the picnic shelter

When: May 14, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. 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. Please come fully vaccinated and stay home if you have cold, flu or other Covid-like symptoms.

FLOWER FOCUS GROUP SPEAKER
2022-05-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Flower Focus Group Speaker

Location: Kerry Wood Nature Centre in the Theatre room

Topic: Wildflowers of Central Alberta with Caroline Harris

When: May 18, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Don Wales

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

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-05-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Alix Lake Campground, Alix Lake, Alix, Alberta, T0C 0B0, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: Alix Lake Nature Trail
Meet: Alix Lake Campground

When: May 21, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. 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. Please come fully vaccinated and stay home if you have cold, flu or other Covid-like symptoms.

Central Alberta May Species Count 2022
2022-05-28 09:00 - 17:00, 2022-05-29 09:00 - 17:00 | alberta
We invite you to help us document animals and flowering plants in Central Alberta!
You can count in your own backyard, in a nearby park or natural area or even by driving the back-roads. We are interested in everything, from insects and spiders to amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Head on over to the drop-down menu Programs, Species Count, May Species Count to print off your tally sheets. Also a map shows the different zones you can count in. You can view the individual zone maps as well. Let Judy know exactly where you are counting with an address or name of area to avoid duplication.
All living things are counted: flowers in bloom, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, spiders, insects.
Count between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. either Saturday, Sunday or both. If counting both days, please count in different locations using separate tally sheets.
Contact Judy Boyd 403-358-1098 if participating and to indicate where you are counting so there are no duplication of counts.
Completed tally sheets can be scanned and emailed to judy.boyd@shaw.ca or mail your tally sheet to Red Deer River Naturalists Box 785 Red Deer, Alberta T4N 5H2 Attn: Judy Boyd. You can also drop your tally sheet at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre Attn: Judy Boyd. Or call Judy and give your tally to her over the phone. Deadline is June 15th.

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-06-04 10:00 - 12:00 | 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 Upper Trail
Meet: In the main parking lot

When: June 4, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Chris Olsen

All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone. 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. Please come fully vaccinated and stay home if you have cold, flu or other Covid-like symptoms.

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Kuhnen Park
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: Kuhnen Park https://www.lacombecounty.com/index.php/parks-and-trails
When: June 11 , 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, bug spray, 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. Please come fully vaccinated.

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-06-18 10:00 - 12:00 | alberta
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

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 14 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 18, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, bug spray, 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. Please come fully vaccinated.

RDRN POLLINATOR WALK
2022-06-23 18:00 - 20:00 | alberta
Red Deer River Naturalists Pollinator Walk
In celebration of Pollinator Week, the Red Deer River Naturalists invite you to come and enjoy a family-oriented summer evening “Pollinator Walk” right here in Red Deer. This is a free event, and all are welcome (Families, Adults, Youth).
Location: Barrett Park
Meet: At the south end of the Kinex Arena parking lot and explore the amazing world of pollinators on a wonderful guided walk through Barrett Park.
When: June 23, 2022 6:00 p.m.
Host: The walk will be hosted by Charity Briere (Instructor, Biology – Red Deer Polytechnic)

BATTLE RIVER FIELD TRIP
2022-06-25 - 2022-06-26 | Ferry Point Campground, Range Rd 184, Rosalind, Alberta, T0B 3Y0, Canada
Battle River Field Trip

June 25, 2022 @ 10:00 am – June 26, 2022 @ 3:30 pm

Ferry Point Community Camp-out/Bjorge Farm Hike in the Battle River Valley.
Explore the beautiful Battle River Valley June 25 and 26, 2022

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

This trip will involve a three-hour easy to medium hike through the Battle River Hills each day, and a stop at the old homestead of the Bjorge’s to check for Turkey Vultures. Besides the vultures, some of the highlights of the trip might be Brown Thrasher, Great Horned Owl, Mountain Bluebird, Cliff Swallow, White-faced Ibis.
Come out for a day or the weekend. You have two ways to participate in this trip:
1. Go out on Saturday and meet at 10:00 a.m. and spend the day, bring your own lunch and drinks. Avril Magenson will be giving a talk about native stone tool making. On Saturday night there will be a potluck supper. Please bring an item to share. Also you can camp (tents or trailers) overnight at the Ferry Point Campground, south of the Battle River bridge on Range Road 184. There is a minimal charge for the campsite.
2. Go out on Sunday and meet at the campground at 10:00 a.m. There will be a breakfast. Zoey Zapisocki will be on hand to ID wildflowers and grazing species and Lucas Erickson will lead a snake friendly group looking for garter snakes.
Host: Judy Boyd 403-358-1098, please call to confirm attendance.
Call Myron Bjorge for more details about camping at 403-729-2631
Bring your binoculars, hat, sunscreen, camera/phone, insect repellent, and dress for the weather.
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-07-02 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. We cross over the road into the park.
When: Saturday July 2, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 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, 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. Please come fully vaccinated.

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-07-09 10:00 - 12:00 | J. J. Collette Natural Area, H956+42 Morningside, Alberta, Lacombe County, Alberta, T4L 2N4, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: J. J. Collett Provincial Natural Area – located in rural central Alberta near the hamlet of Morningside consists of 635 acres of Aspen Parkland underlain by ancient sand dunes. https://birdingtrailsalberta.com/central-alberta-east/j-j-collett-natural-area/
Meet in the parking lot at the entrance
When: July 9, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, bug spray, 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. Please come fully vaccinated.

FAMILY NATURE NIGHT - INCREDIBLE ECOSYSTEMS
2022-07-13 18:00 - 20:30 | Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3M4, Canada
Whooo’s ready for an Adventure?
Join Nature Alberta on July 13th, 2022 at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre 6300 – 45 Avenue Red Deer for their first Family Nature Night of the year! We’ll learn all about Incredible Ecosystems by taking guided tours of Kerry Wood Nature Centre, investigating the difference between antlers and horns with the Red Deer River Naturalists, and meeting a live Great Horned Owl with the Medicine River Wildlife Centre. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., event at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Come early to register your spot as we can only accommadate a limited number of families. Will run rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather, notice of cancellation will be posted on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/NatureAB. This is a free event, although donations are appreciated.

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-07-16 10:00 - 12:00 | alberta
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk

Location: Kin Kanyon Park

When: July 16, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Host: Chris Olsen
Meet: Rotary Park area parking lot

All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, bug spray, 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. Please come fully vaccinated.

WETLAND CRITTER CAPER FAMILY POND DIPPING ADVENTURE
2022-07-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Kuhnen Park
FAMILY EVENT: Bring the kids and join Nature Central / Red Deer River Naturalists for a Family Pond Dipping Adventure hosted by Environmental Educators Joey Temple and Janessa Matthew.
When: Saturday July 16, 2022 1:00 p.m.
Where: Kuhnen Park. Directions: https://birdingtrailsalberta.com/central-alberta-east/kuhnen-park-2/
Participants will learn all about wetland ecosystems and why they are so important. The Pond Dip will bring the wetland ecosystem to life as we look closely at the little critters that live and thrive in a healthy wetland ecosystems.

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-07-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Ellis Bird Farm, 39502 Range Rd 260, Lacombe County, Alberta, T4L 1W7, Canada
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: Ellis Bird Farm
Saturday July 23, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. May be longer.

Host: Chris Olsen

Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, bug spray, 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. Please come fully vaccinated.

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

BIRD FOCUS GROUP WALK
2022-07-30 10:00 - 12:00 | alberta
Red Deer River Naturalists Bird Focus Group Walk
Location: The Narrows – meet at the turn-around area at the end of Range Road 22-1. It is clearly marked with a dead-end sign and there is lots of parking on the right. There is a walking trail from there into the larger Recreation area.
Saturday July 30, 2022 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. May be longer.

Host: Chris Olsen
All are welcome, you do not have to be a RDRN member to attend.
Bring your binoculars, camera/phone, bug spray, 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. Please come fully vaccinated.

Narrows Provincial Recreation Area. Map: https://birdingtrailsalberta.com/central-alberta-east/the-narrows/
