Northern Alberta Birding Hotline

The Edmonton Nature Club trip Sept.19 , with 7 participants, found that the aspen trees along Sec.769 north from Barrhead were already golden yellow & dropping off.  The trees lining the Athabasca R. at Misty Ridge were just starting to show some colour so it will be another week at least before the peak.  As the Flatbush Harvest Supper is next Sat. Sept.26 it is a good excuse to go back, never mind the raptors!  The forecast winds of NW30-50 km/h did not materialize, instead it was cloudy with 5-10km/h winds.  While this made for ideal songbird viewing it did nothing for raptors.  During our 4 km walk down the ski hill and along the river we observed a few White-front Geese, Canada Geese,( 2) Golden & (1) Ruby-crown Kinglet,  (2) Red-breasted Nuthatch, Boreal Chickadee.  The other highlight of the walk was the fresh tracks of a large Black Bear.  Hunters reported seeing a Black Bear near the building that morning however the cows chased it off & we could not find it.  The only raptors seen at the site (2) Northern Harrier & (8) Sharp-shin Hawk , (1) Merlin were moving through in late afternoon.  The drive up offered a Swainson's Hawk at Clyde corner & several Redtail Hawks finishing with 2 Kestrels along Hwy44 just north of Westlock.  Well maybe next trip will produce some eagles, always a gamble but a wonderful place to be regardless !