Northern Alberta Birding Hotline

The Gyrfalcon which was seen hunting pigeons at the Gov't Grain Terminal in north Edmonton has not been seen lately.   It may still be around & just not been observed as I have not had much observation time.  Hardy Pletz saw one east of Fort Sask. in mid-Jan.  Javen Green saw a Prairie Falcon near Breton on Jan. 18.  Snowy Owls are still  few & far apart with a sighting by Ted Hindmarch Jan. 16, of an adult male near Egg L.  A Barred Owl was seen in Mill Creek ravine in mid- Jan.   The most unusual sighting is an American Dipper first seen on Jan.7 along the south side of the N. Sask. River where the LRT bridge crosses.  It was seen again on Jan.16 this time near the mouth of Whitemud Cr.  In other news Don Delaney located both a White-crown & White-throat Sparrow which have been overwintering at Hermitage Park.  Ron Jones reported having 30-40 Evening Grosbeaks at his place near Lily Lake, north of Gibbons.  This is a real treat, as there have been no reports from anywhere else.  The numbers of this species has dropped dramatically over the last number of years,  We now see them in small numbers and not often.  The only other sighting is of a Hawk Owl on Rge. Rd.21 near the Peat Moss Plant at Goodridge L. Jan.17 observed by myself.  The suet feeders which I placed at Misty Ridge are attracting lots of activity.  So far the birds have eaten 9 lbs. of suet since Oct. Currently there are 3 White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 Downy & 2 Hairy Woodpecker along with 3-4 Black-cap Chickadee.

* I was notified by the Ski Hill manager that several Cougars were released in the area of Misty Ridge to control the deer numbers.  Just think, another species to watch for along with the Black Bears in summer.  The only large tracks I found Tues. during my 4 km walk around the property belonged to Wolf which was expected.  Snow depth there is only approx. 8-10 inches compared to Edmonton.  I will be listening for Pygmy Owls there over the next couple months on weekdays when the hill is not in operation which allows for quiet time!  Bald Eagles should return to the nest site in late Feb. so will keep you informed!