Horned Larks are being seen around the east side of Beaverhill L. On Feb.21, Fred Whiley found a single bird and on Feb.28 Ken Hansen located a total of 20 in various small groups. A single Canada Goose was observed Mar. 1 flying over Hawrelak Park. Dan Heinrichs spotted a Bald Eagle along Hwy 11, east of Red Deer on Feb.28. Also on Feb.28, Fred Whiley & Alf Scott located a Barred Owl in the south end of Mill Creek ravine south of the Whitemud Fwy. A Song Sparrow has been overwintering near Bloomsbury north of Barrhead. This was confirmed with photos of the bird coming to a ground feeder. Joanne Booth reported seeing between 3-7 House Finches at 101 Ave. & 91 St. today & I may have 2 of them back at my feeder after being absent all winter. A return trip to Misty Ridge today in search of Pygmy Owls was not successful in that regard however after 4 hours of constant scanning the skies over the Athabasca R. valley I was able to find the adult Bald Eagle which has been aparently overwintering. On Feb. 9 it was sitting next to the nest, however today no action around the nest at all. The nesting pair should be there immediately & I will start monitoring on a regular basis now. I did observe a Bluejay feeding at my suet feeder which I thought rather unusual. The only other highlight was fresh wolf tracks at the bottom of the ski hill & along the trail through the pasture. Not unexpected just a treat to see! Gulls should be here in 2 weeks as well as more Canada Geese, possibly Bluebirds & Crows outside the city where some have overwintered. Any Robins seen in the city this time of year are still overwintering birds and not a sign of spring. Also watch for Redtail Hawks to show up in the next 3 weeks or maybe earlier if we get some strong south winds.
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