The Most Unique Bird Species in Alberta’s Lakeland
05-Jul-2018
There are more than 250 species of birds in the Lakeland area making it one of the best places in North America to go birding and view unique bird species.
If you’re thinking about making a trip up, now is the time!
Check out our guide on interesting bird watching in Lakeland, Alberta.
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is one of the most sought-after sightings in Alberta. They are the largest Heron species found in North America.
It’s distinguished by it’s icy, slate blue wing feathers, large wingspan, and yellow/orange beak.
The breeding range of the Great Blue Heron lays across northeastern Alberta. But these birds are easily disturbed and difficult to get a close look at. It’s important to keep a safe distance so the Heron isn’t frightened away from its nest.
Great Blue Herons breed in colonies and return to their nests after winter.
Sandhill Cranes
This species is identified by it’s distinctive and beautiful red face and large wingspans (2 metres on average). They use their loud, trumpet-like call to identify their chosen mate for the year.
Sandhill cranes have been recorded to live for 20 years or more.
Not only do they have incredible lifespans but the sandhill cranes are one of the oldest recorded species of bird. A 2.5 million-year-old fossil of a sandhill crane was discovered in Nebraska (a major stop on their migration route).
Sandhill cranes have been spotted in high numbers in our area during migration.
A Unique Bird Sighting: The Snowy Owl
Are you spending the winter holidays in Canada? Then the Snowy Owl is the bird to watch for.
It’s a special sight as it’s conservation status is considered vulnerable to endangerment.
Snowy Owls have striking, yellow eyes. The males are usually pure white while females and juveniles usually sport black and grey spots.
In the wild, Snowy Owls have an average lifespan of 10 years.
The Snowy Owl visits Alberta during the winter to enjoy the relatively warmer climate than its northern breeding grounds. It’s been spotted in highest concentrations in the eastern region between Edmonton and Calgary.
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is recognized by its white head, black body, and bright yellow beak. It also holds the record for building the largest tree nest of any animal in the world. The largest was recorded at 4 meters deep and weighed 1 ton.
The Lakeland region falls within the Bald Eagle’s breeding area. These birds can be spotted earlier than most breeding birds starting in February.
The Bald Eagle holds a lot of significance for many North American cultures. It’s the national bird of the United States and has a place in many Indigenous Rituals.
What Now?
This is just a taste of the abundant wildlife found in the hidden gem of Alberta’s Lakeland region.
And now that you know the kind of remarkable experience to expect it’s time to book your stay!
Come experience the best that the wild has to offer! View a rare and unique bird in their natural habitat. We guarantee it’s an experience you’ll never forget!
