© Myrna Pearman

Bird Focus Group

What to know

Weather permitting, the Bird Focus group meets on Saturdays for a leisurely 2 hour walk in the Red Deer and Central Alberta area.

Chris Olsen is your host and 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.

Interesting Historical Bird Sightings

We see out-of-the-ordinary birds periodically.  Usually these are birds that are far out of their normal range or uncommon in our area.

Pine Warbler was first seen at a feeder at Sylvan Lake on November 3, 2015 and last seen on November 6.

Pine Warbler

was first seen at a feeder at Sylvan Lake on November 3, 2015 and last seen on November 6.
Photo by Myrna Pearman.

at Medicine Lake, October 2, 2015. The ID has been confirmed by many birders and two authorities from the U.S. as a “Little Blue Heron” This is only the third documented sighting in Alberta of this species.

Little Blue Heron

at Medicine Lake, October 2, 2015. The ID has been confirmed by many birders and two authorities from the U.S. as a “Little Blue Heron” This is only the third documented sighting in Alberta of this species.

Snow Geese

Not an unusual bird, but an unusual activity. 100’s of snow geese sitting on the road. This was north of Alliance, Alberta. April, 2014

Turkey Vultures

Turkey vultures are being seen with increasing frequency. Several nest sites have been located.

Short-eared Owls

Jan. 2008
There were at least three short-eared owls located on Range Road 272 about one-half mile south of Secondary Highway 590 (east from Innisfail). Others were sighted on RR 275 south of Secondary 590. Five were sighted just east of Markerville.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Oct. 2007
Ponoka, Alberta. Seen at feeders along 38 St.

Red-tailed Hawk

The bird is white, except for some dark feathers on the head. May, 2007 East of Markerville.

Barrow’s Goldeneye

January – February, 2007
Dickson Dam

Steller’s Jay

January 2007
Leslieville

Yellow-billed loon

Around Christmas, 2004
Dickson Dam