Northern Alberta Birding Hotline

Hi Debbie,

  Thanks for the sightings of the birds east of Edmonton.  The answer to you question on sighting a Northen Wheater is that probably no one has seen or photoagraphed them.  The chances of even seeing one is very rare as they breed through the northern Yukon & Alaska wintering in Africa.  Although you did not provide any habitat description with your report I would think they were probably along a road. If this is the case the bird(s) you photographed would more than likely be Horned Larks which could be starting to migrate back north. 
  As for the Chestnut-back Chickadee it would again be a rare sighting in Alberta.  They are a resident of coastal BC & and the US.  They have been known the wander as far as sw Alberta but one in the Edmonton area would be very unusual.  The bird you photographed would more likely be a Boreal Chickadee.  The plumage markings are somewhat close & could be mistaken.  Boreal as the name implies are usually found in White Spruce and either by themselves in small groups, individually or with Black-cap Chickdees. 
  If the pictures are on film, then when you get them developed bring them to the Wildbird General Store for ID.  If they are digital then you can email them to the store or bring your camera in & we will help you with the ID.

  Thanks, Jim Lange