VOLUME 34 | NUMBER 1 | SPRING 2004

NatureA L B E R T A ’ S N A T U R A L H I S T O R Y R E V I E W

HARRISON LAKE, BANFF NATIONAL PARK LAURIE L. LYWAK PHOTOGRAPHED ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2001 USING A CANON AE-1P SLR CAMERA AND A 28 MM WIDE-ANGLE LENS

Federation of Alberta Naturalists

SPRING 2004 1

The Federation of Alberta Naturalists is composed of natural history clubs from across the province. The aims of the Federation are: (a) To encourage among all Albertans, by all means possible, an increase in their knowledge of natural history and understanding of ecological processes; (b) To promote an increase in the exchange of information and views between natural history clubs and societies in Alberta; (c) To foster and assist in the formation of additional natural history clubs and societies in Alberta; (d) To promote the establishment of natural areas and nature reserves, to conserve and protect species, communities or other features of interest; (e) To organize, or coordinate symposia, conferences, field meetings, Contents nature camps, research and other activities whether of a similar or dissimilar nature; President’s Page...... 2 (f) To provide the naturalists of Alberta with a forum in which questions relating to the conservation of the natural environment may be discussed, so that united positions can be developed on them, and Editor’s Page ...... 3 to provide the means of translating these positions into appropriate actions.

Letters to the Editor ...... 4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PAST PRESIDENT: Margaret Coutts, 8 Pinewood Cl., Red Deer, AB T4P 1K1 PRESIDENT: Dennis Baresco, Box 2513, , AB T1A 8G8 Alberta Issues ...... 6 VICE PRESIDENT: Sandra Foss, Box 1109, Cochrane, AB T4C 1B2 SECRETARY: Coral Grove, 3423-136 Ave., , AB T5A 2W3 TREASURER: Margaret Coutts, 8 Pinewood Cl., Red Deer, AB T4P 1K1 Alberta Records of Yellow-billed Cuckoos ...... 10 APPOINTED DIRECTORS: Harvey Gardner, Don Stiles, Dennis Baresco, Sandra Foss ELECTED DIRECTORS: Elaine Gordon (ANPC); Wayne Kinsella, (BLN); Scott Dawn Dickinson Wins Prestigious Award ...... 12 Jubinville (CFNS); Jim Lange, (EBC); Coral Grove (ENHC); Grant Henry (FMFNS); Dawn Dickinson, (GN); Jerrold W. Sykes (LLBBS); Lloyd Bennett (LNS); Margot Hervieux (PPN); Margaret Coutts (RDRN); Stu Heard (VRN). Wagner Natural Area Project Land ...... 14

CORPORATE MEMBER CLUBS Fifth Report of the Alberta Bird Record Committee .. 15 Alberta Native Plant Council, Box 52099, Garneau P.O. Edmonton, AB T6G 2T5 Buffalo Lake Naturalists, Box 1802, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 FANs Club Page ...... 19 Field Naturalists’ Society, Box 981, Calgary, AB T2P 2K4 Edmonton Bird Club, Box 1111, Edmonton, AB T5J 2M1 Edmonton Natural History Club, Box 1582, Edmonton, AB T5J 2N9 Fort McMurray Field Naturalists’ Society, 152 Cote Bay, Fort McMurray, AB T9H 4R9 Grasslands Naturalists, Box 2491, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8G8 Lac La Biche Birding Society, Box 1270, Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0 Naturalists’ Society, Box 1691, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4K4 Peace Parkland Naturalists, Box 1451, , AB T8V 4Z2 Red Deer River Naturalists, Box 785, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H2 NATURE ALBERTA VOLUME 34, NUMBER 1, SPRING 2004 Vermilion River Naturalists, 6510 - 53 Avenue, Vermilion, AB T9X 1X7 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE FEDERATION OF ALBERTA NATURALISTS, 11759-GROAT ROAD, EDMONTON, AB T5M 3K6 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: Beaverhill Bird Observatory Heritage Tree Foundation PHONE.780.427.8124 FAX.780.422.2663 Beaver River Naturalist Club Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory [email protected] Big Lake Environmental Support Society Purple Martin Conservancy BowKan Birders Riverlot 56 Natural Areas Society SUBSCRIPTION $20.00 PER YEAR Crowsnest Environmental Action Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Society Areas Association EDITOR.BRIAN PARKER 11759 GROAT ROAD, EDMONTON, AB T5M 1K6 Edmonton Naturalization Group The Wagner Natural Area Society Naturalists Society Wildrose Outdoor Club EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.GLEN SEMENCHUK Friends of Blackfoot Society Wood Buffalo Wild Bird Club EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT.KAREN RIMNEY Friends of Jasper National Park

PRINTING PERCY PAGE CENTRE ISSN 0318-5440 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of through the Publication Assistance Program (PAP), toward DEADLINES FOR FAN PROJECT REPORTS ARE: our mailing costs. ALBERTA CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS.JANUARY 30 CANADA POST AGREEMENT NO. 40015475 MAY SPECIES COUNT - BIRDS AND MAMMALS.JULY 15 PUBLICATION MAIL REGISTRATION NO. 09839 FAN,11759 GROAT ROAD, EDMONTON, AB T5M 3K6

MAY SPECIES COUNT - PLANTS.JULY 15 EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER ELAINE GORDON, 15216-74 STREET, EDMONTON, AB T5C 0Y7 The opinions expressed by the authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the editor and the Federation of Alberta COMPILER COOPERATION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. Naturalists. The editor reserves the right to edit, reject or withdraw arcticles submitted. While due care will be taken of all manuscripts, photos or artwork submitted, FAN cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to such articles. 2 NatureAlberta

PRESIDENT’S PAGE Actions speak louder than birds BY DENNIS BARESCO

Watching wildlife is often termed “passive recreation”. I don’t know who coined that term, but they obviously didn’t know much about the activity. In fact, the acronym for “watching our wildlife” says it best: WOW. There is nothing passive about it. A great, proactive activity, WOW would better be called thrilling-exciting-awesome-soothing- emotional recreation (or TEASER for short!).

In fact, “passive” is a slightly American Birding Association wildlife to be there to watch. derogatory term, insinuating magazine) has centred on the I’ve said it before: most wildlife lesser importance than active issue of politics in Birding destruction and habitat recreation like golf, ATVing, articles. “Keep focused on degradation is avoidable and jogging. Never mind that birding and free of politics” without unduly impacting more people take part in WOW says one. But, by staying away society or the economy. than any other recreation and from activism, “we diminish Government has a duty to WOW’s annual economic value our ability to keep birds a protect that basic right of ours, is in the tens of billions of continuing focus for future and, by extension, the dollars in North America. generations,” says another. necessary wildlife. Failure to do so is a dereliction of office and Naturalists watch wildlife - With all the problems faced by duty. that’s their tradition. Actually, wildlife, it is hard to believe their tradition once leaned that this old argument That’s where naturalists come more to shooting any and all continues today. FAN once was into the picture. As letter-writer wildlife but, fortunately, times largely apolitical and refrained Jean Legge said in Birding: change. Just think what the from activism. However, one of “activists are reminding our public reaction would be if in our goals is “to promote the elected representatives and the 2004 FAN clubs went out in establishment of natural areas public that there are people Spring and at Christmas and and nature reserves, to who care greatly about these blasted every bird seen, pulled conserve and protect species, places, the wildlife, and the up every plant found on the communities or other features experiences associated with Spring Flower Count, and of interest.” Once, we could them.” An activist naturalist is whacked and pinned every depend on government to be not a trouble-maker, nor species on the fast-growing willing to help us achieve that someone stepping outside the summer Butterfly Count. Times goal. No more. Times change. bounds of the WOW change! recreational activity. An activist So, naturalists must change, naturalist is one that wishes to We’re in a period of change too. Wildlife and habitat continue to actively watch now and have been for several protection is an action that nature. Times change; so too decades: a change which has benefits society and our must the mindset and actions of caused some dissent among country as a whole. We have a the naturalist. That may not be naturalists. A letters discussion basic right, as Canadians, to our preference, but that’s the in recent issues of Birding (the watch wildlife AND to expect way it is if we wish to WOW. SPRING 2004 3

EDITOR’S PAGE Alberta Naturalist is evolving into

NatureBY BRIAN PARKER Alberta!

Stephen Jay Gould used the term “punctuated equilibrium” to describe evolutionary sequences in which long periods of relative stability were interrupted by short periods of rapid change.

As all of our subscribers will photograph that evokes awe in and accomplishments of our surely have noticed by the new people that see it? Or that member organizations. cover and magazine layout, provides a new or different We are making ambitious changes, FAN’s long-running quarterly perspective on our and more changes will follow. The publication is at a “punctuation environment? Or know a friend needs and objectives of FAN, its point” in its evolutionary who does? Send it to us for member clubs and its individual sequence, after more than a consideration. Better yet, send a members evolve over time and the decade of relative stability. short commentary along with it content and format of Nature Beginning with this issue, Nature that tells readers where, when Alberta should reflect that Alberta has a new cover design, and how the photo was taken. evolution. Of course, and as featuring full colour images on Magazine content will also be always, we welcome any and all both front and back covers and evolving. While the perennially input from Nature Alberta a new page layout. Both are popular “Alberta Issues” pages, subscribers with respect to the intended to improve the book reviews and articles from changes we have made and new appearance and readability of FAN subscribers will continue to recommendations for further the magazine and bring it into be offered, Nature Alberta will improvements. Far too few the 21st Century. Many “behind strive to provide in-depth subscribers let us know how we the scenes” changes are also coverage of important local and are doing or if they like what they being implemented as Nature provincial issues. For example, see. Whether you want to pass on Alberta staff adopt new Nature Alberta proposes to congratulations or condemnations, production technologies. invite submissions from please, put your thoughts in From here on Nature Alberta recognized Alberta experts on writing and send them to us. intends to publish high quality topics as varied as water On a last note, Nature Alberta will landscape and wildlife imagery management, climate change, soon be getting its own page on (both flora and fauna) on our agriculture and other subjects of the FAN website at: front and back covers. We want current interest. Is there an www.fanweb.ca. Want to know Nature Alberta to look so good environmental or scientific issue our submission guidelines, our subscribers will display old you would like to know more word limits, pixel requirements for issues on their coffee tables about? Let your Editor know. images, or even what the theme rather than filing them away on Further our magazine will will be for the next issue? Please their bookshelves. Do you have feature a new “Club’s Page” in log on and give us a look. a special outdoor/wildlife which we will feature the work 4 NatureAlberta

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor; On 20 and 21 May 2004, my wife trumpeter swans. The birds were We saw 5 black bears on that Elsie and I drove the long 1430 in a large marsh, west of the road, day after we had left Fort Smith. km road to fort Smith, NWT, and about 35 km south of High All of them were young adults where we attended the unveiling Level. One bird, with neck and ridiculously unafraid of us. I of the CANUS exhibit in the outstretched, must have been have made the journey to and Northern Life Museum, CANUS incubating eggs, while the mate from that town a number of was the injured juvenile whooping rested on the edge of the nest, a times, but never have I seen crane captured in 1964, and that huge mound of marsh vegetation. more than one bear per trip. Deer also were common: we died in captivity on 18 January The Atlas of Breeding Birds of saw 11 of them, including 3 2003. The mounted bird has now Alberta shows a single nest record mule deer, between High Level been repatriated, a short distance east of High and Swan Hills. All of them Level, whereas our sighting, Enroute to Fort Smith, and some were feeding on freshly sprouted perhaps already reported by distance south of High Level we vegetation right along the road. spotted a large, white bird, others, was made south of that apparently on a nest. As we had town. We did not spend a long The sighting of these mammals, a long way ahead of us yet, we time viewing the nest site, as I the swans and a pair of gray decided to push on and check the kept a wary eye on a black bear, partridges near Nampa helped to area on the way back. During our who was right behind me along relieve the monotony of the long return south on 24 May we now the road, stripping catkins from drive. the willow bushes (getting his saw two birds on the nest and ERNIE KUYT they turned out to be a pair of nectar in small doses!)

Letter to an Activist Dear Activist: It’s another strange day for me. Things have been strange for 8 It’s honourable to work to change the world, months or more. I used to be an “but do it in balance with other things. activist. Now I don’t know what I ” am. Did you ever read the Kafka story about the guy who wakes up Many of today’s naturalists find themselves forced, by virtue of habitat and and he has turned into a cockroach? species loss, to be environmental activists. Committed activists engage in and My mind is in a fog - I can’t think fight many battles over the years, some of which are won, some lost. The very clearly. Making a sandwich continuing fight for change comes with many challenges, including burnout, takes a long time - I have to depression and despair. concentrate on every step along the way, and I am moving very slowly The following letter was written for Earth Day 2002 by environmental activist, and deliberately. I feel like I am and former Edmonton city councillor, Tooker Gomberg. At the time he was stunned, and spaced out most of the suffering from severe depression after spending his entire adult life as an time. Today is Earth Day, but I feel I environmental activist. In 2001, in his own words, he “hit a wall”. The letter am on another planet. was a private exercise for his therapist. Tooker Gomberg passed away earlier I have been spending lots of time in this year. bed, mostly sleeping, dozing, and dreaming. It feels like my mind has melted down, though I am told that SPRING 2004 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR it comes back once the depression by police in Quebec City, a don’t overdo it. If you burn out, or lifts. Whenever that is. For some security guard in City Hall, and tumble into depression, you’ll people it seems to be months, for various other security guards become no good to anyone, others years, and others never get during the mayoralty race. And especially yourself. When you’re in out of it. numerous arrests. this state, nothing seems worthwhile, and there’s nothing to look forward But I am writing to you about Or maybe it was the tear gas, and to. activism, not the frightening last summer’s smog. Maybe I impacts of depression. pushed my brain too hard, and It’s honourable to work to change overstressed it with the run for the world, but do it in balance with Amory Lovins, the great energy Mayor of Toronto, or the passport other things. Explore and embrace efficiency guru, once called me a burning, or 20 years of pushing the things you love to do, and you’ll Hyper-Activist. I guess that’s what against the juggernaut. And maybe be energetic and enthusiastic about I was. I lived, breathed, and Sept. 11 firmed up my worries into the activism. Don’t drop hobbies or focused on activism. It kept me a real fear that working for change enjoyments. Be sure to hike and thinking, inspired, interested, and was really dangerous. dance and sing. Keeping your spirit alive. But it also allowed me to alive and healthy is fundamental if ignore other things in life that Or it could be a physiological you are to keep going. now, suddenly, I realize I never response to too much coffee, developed. This makes me sad stress, and smog. Maybe I’ve I never really understood what and despondent. burned out my adrenal glands. burnout was. I knew that it affected Maybe my brain is poisoned from active people, but somehow I I used to enjoy cooking, but so much thinking about tragic thought I was immune to it. After all, stopped. I always liked kids, but ecological issues, pondering bad I took breaks every now and then never really thought about having air, and getting frustrated at the and went travelling. And all my kids of our own. Changing the slow rate of improvement and the work was done in partnership with world was more important, and rapid destruction of the living Ange, the great love of my life. having a kid would interfere with world. Could my brain have been our life’s work of changing the But in the end, when burnout finally damaged when I was close to world. caught up to me, it was mega, and dying with heat stroke in Vietnam must have been the accumulation of I didn’t develop my mind in a in 1998? decades of stress and avoidance. broad way, learning about music I should have developed a deeper And now I find myself in a dark and and art and theatre and poetry, for kinship with my family and with confusing labyrinth trying to feel my example. It was focused on people. Don’t get me wrong - I way back to sanity and calm. changing the world. I never really had lots of friends and thought about a career - I was So beware. Take this warning acquaintances in the activist world. living my life, not worrying about seriously. If you start slipping into But they were not deep friends of the trappings and credentials of the hole of depression and you the heart. I neglected my heart, the boring, status quo world. notice yourself losing enthusiasm and how I was feeling about and becoming deeply disenchanted, Maybe I was living in a bubble of things, about people, about take a break and talk with a friend naiveté, doing my own thing, situations. Now that I’m in crisis I about it. Don’t ignore it. The world unconcerned that my perspectives don’t really have the language to needs all the concerned people it and actions were so different from connect with people. The silence can get. If you can stay in the “normal”. I never wanted to be is easier than trying to explain struggle for the long haul you can normal anyways. Normal got us what I’m going through, or to make a real positive contribution, into the mess we’re in. relate to other people’s issues or and live to witness the next victory! So now I find myself, with my problems. APRIL 22, 2002, EARTH DAY sliver of being smashed to So what advice can I offer? Stay TOOKER GOMBERG smithereens after being assaulted rounded. Do the activism, but 6 NatureAlberta

ALBERTA ISSUES BY S. E. FOSS Access & Off Highway Vehicle Issues In Idaho, OHV sales have grown hired people to work on access, when enjoying our public land. This by 88% in the last 5 years. We OHV and other trail issues in program strives to increase awareness live right next door. Likely isn’t Alberta. Look for signage and of the various impacts associated with much different here! information to educate the public recreational activities. Together, we all on responsible trail use. share ownership and stewardship of Alberta OHV users have formed Construction of information these special areas. We all play a part the “Canadian Coalition for kiosks in key recreation areas, in ensuring the continued health of Access and Stewardship” group presence at key events, and these areas. Help maintain the quality to lobby for more open and direct engagement of recreational of Alberta’s forests, rivers and public increased access to trails and user associations and dealerships lands. Take the lead…reduce your places to ride their machines. are all part of the plan. “Respect impact when at work or at play. Do Sustainable Resource the Land is a program that your part. Do your best. Encourage Development (SRD), Alberta has encourages responsible conduct others to do the same.”

Forestry Issues Following two years of companies will reconsider their discussions involving IKEA, position. There are numerous Weldwood and Alberta types of certification, and Alberta conservation groups, IKEA has upside down by the total and dropped Weldwood of Hinton as complete lack of understanding by a supplier of wood, citing wood Forestry companies find the Court of how logging happens in dimension problems. IKEA will “ Alberta, and the role played by road not consider Weldwood as a Forest Care Certification bans, timing for wildlife impacts and supplier in the future until a (FSC) difficult, because other environmental considerations. process that includes Alberta The strange convolutions of this court conservation groups satisfies until now it has been a case have shaken any faith I had in IKEA that their forestry practices moving target. the court system. A seasonal grazing meet IKEA’s wood purchasing ” lease holder who agreed by contract policy. For more information: to logging on leased lands has taken Read CPAWS –Edmonton’s is now recommending Canadian the province and 4 CTP logging Boreal Forest News Standards Association (CSA) companies to court to stop logging, (www.cpaws-edmonton.org) certification, because that but in a ruling that appears vindictive, certification requires public the province has been held Forestry companies find Forest stakeholder involvement. responsible. The ranch has been Care Certification (FSC) difficult, found guilty on previous fraud because until now it has been a In a truly bizarre turn of events, a court case in Calgary by a charges. They justify what they are moving target. After companies doing, because they wish to develop (in eastern provinces) committed dude ranch against four commercial timber permit (CTP) (no permits, licenses or anything else to FSC, the rules changed. even applied for at this time) an Hopefully, now the target has holders or small logging operators has been turned “environmental tourism operation” on stopped moving, some crown lands that Albertan’s own. SPRING 2004 7

ALBERTA ISSUES

Water Issues: There are no groundwater or Environmental Impact baseline studies being done or Assessment. Sunrise was required in NE Alberta, to formerly known as Kearl Lake, oil and gas grab in the Rocky assess the impacts the many and the plan is for steam Mountain West has been a massive oilsands developments assisted gravity drainage or disaster for the region’s wildlife will have on northern water SAGD. http:// –not to mention its ranchers” supplies. There seems to be no www.huskyenergy.ca/about/ www.audubon.org or refer to planning or forethought by the downloads/SunriseThermal.pdf the EUB’s newsletter info on Alberta government, just the coalbed methane. http:// In the USA, the demand for www.eub.gov.ab.ca/bbs/ burning desire to increase natural gas has been declining production & profits, but the products/newsletter/2003-11/ 2% per year since 1996. There feature_01.htm landscape has finite limits. We are now more known need to insist our government recoverable gas reserves than The City of Red Deer is do this. With responsible in 1990, so why the frantic currently appealing a plan to government, industry profits rush to put in hundreds of divert water from the Red Deer could climb, though coal-bed methane gas wells in River for use in oil extraction production should not have to. the USA and in Alberta? Toxic by Capstone Energy. What A petroleum industry person gases will be given off, and happens to Red Deer’s water suggested all parties should be when the coal seam has been has implications for water use brought together (“locked in a dewatered, the gas can go all over the province. The Red room”), until solutions are where it wants - to the Deer River diversion is the first worked out. Interesting wellhead or surface vents. major test of Environment enough, a local Forestry Fracing fluids that are pumped Minister Lorne Taylor’s “Water company has taken this into the ground at high for Life” strategy, released approach and is attempting to pressure to fracture the coal November 27, 2003. The organize a watershed group, to seams and release the strategy recognizes that coordinate data gathering and methane, and benzene and Alberta’s watersheds have data sharing amongst various other poisons, and can limited water resources and industries. This group is based contaminate groundwater, and advocates methods to ensure in SW Alberta. Information/ aquifers. According to sustainable use. http:// discussion meetings will soon Audubon magazine, the www.waterforlife.gov.ab.ca/ be held with the petroleum dewatering of coal is drying industry, the conservation On October 31, 2003 Alberta up aquifers, springs, and Environment granted an groups, municipalities and creeks. The disposal of the other industry groups affected. amendment to a water licence water is killing forage, to allow an irrigation district in The thought is – if industry annihilating plant and government and all groups southern Alberta to use water communities, sterilizing soil, for purposes other than concerned with gathering polluting rivers and watershed data (flows, irrigation. The St. Mary River threatening fish species. Read Irrigation District (SMRID) can temperatures etc) coordinate more about the problems with efforts, dollars are saved by now allocate 12,000 acre feet of this type of gas extraction in water, the amount ‘saved’ each group, and disturbance the March 2004 Issue of should be minimized. through publicly-funded Audubon magazine – The Mad irrigation efficiency Husky – Sunrise is the newest Gas Rush, by Ted improvements, for commercial, oilsands project doing an Williams…..“Industry’s frantic 8 NatureAlberta

ALBERTA ISSUES

Water Issues…continued industrial, municipal and/or environment has been assessed background information on this recreational use. The water as heavily impacted and matter and on water allocated to SMRID comes from degraded. Fish and cottonwoods management in the southern the stressed southern tributaries are in decline and water quality tributaries of the Oldman River of the Oldman River - the St. adversely affected. The Southern can be obtained by contacting Mary, Belly and Waterton Rivers. Alberta Environmental Group Cheryl Bradley at: Below the irrigation dams and (SAEG), based in Lethbridge, [email protected]. diversions these rivers flow at with support from Trout Cheryl E Bradley, 625-18 St. S. regulated minimum flows, which Unlimited Canada, is appealing Lethbridge AB T1J 3E9 are just 10% of mean flows, most Alberta Environment’s decision Phone: (403) 328-1245 of the time. The aquatic to amend the licence. More Fax: (403) 380-4969 Politics Before Science! Politics is threatening the science-based process for listing species at risk says the Canadian Nature Federation.

The CNF is concerned by a Nature Federation (CNF). The 7th Prairie Conservation & federal government decision The Canadian Nature Endangered Species Conference to seek public input on the Federation is calling on the (February 2004) highlighted the “costs and benefits” of listing federal government to effects of urban sprawl, light and 73 wildlife species under the abandon their public review infrastructure pollution, and Species at Risk Act. At stake process, or, at a minimum, cumulative effects. Lorne Scott, is the fate of species such as only allow for the former Saskatchewan wolverine, polar bear, consideration of scientific Environment Minister woodland caribou, information at this stage of commented on the expected humpback whale and the the listing process. turnover in land managers spiny softshell turtle. (prairie ranchers) in the next 15 And in Alberta, our minister “Canada’s expert scientists years and on the need to GET of Sustainable Resource have already determined that POLITICAL to effect change. Development ignored the these species are at risk of advice of his own scientists, Order forms for the Conference extinction. The Ministers of and has allowed a spring Proceedings (available April the Environment and grizzly bear hunt, even 2005) can be downloaded from Fisheries and Oceans should though a Recovery Team is the Provincial Museum Shop respect the expertise of these in place. Common sense website at: http:// scientists and recommend to would say that if a species www.pma.edmonton.ab.ca/ cabinet that they be needs “recovery” stop shop/intro.htm protected under SARA.” hunting the species, and this noted Julie Gelfand, To get political…the Canadian would decrease human President of the Canadian Nature Federation encourages all caused mortality. SPRING 2004 9

ALBERTA ISSUES

Politics Before Science!…continued nature enthusiasts to ask Shoestring Budget” at Great Plains. One of the candidates the following www.cnf.ca/media/ important areas identified for questions when they knock on sep_23_02.html) conservation is Sage Creek in your door, or even better, at •How will your party ensure southern Alberta. NPCN will your all-candidates meetings. that Canada meets our begin its conservation campaign by informing the public of the •What are you or your party commitments under the tremendous wildlife going to do to protect (pick a Kyoto protocol? opportunities for these 10 areas natural area in your The Northern Plains and looking for nearby community)? Conservation Network (NPCN), communities interested in •What will you or your party a growing network that now pursuing large-scale do to protect Canada’s marine includes16 conservation conservation. environment? groups from Alberta, A list of participants, maps, •What will you or your party Saskatchewan, Montana, planning boundaries, and photos do to protect nature in Wyoming, South Dakota, can be downloaded from http:// Canada? North Dakota, and Nebraska has identified 10 locations in npcn.net/ or contact Jonathan •How will your party handle the Northern Great Plains with Proctor: (303) 376-4982 or Tom the crisis in Canada’s national opportunities for large-scale Lalley: (202) 997-0899. For a map wildlife areas (NWA)? If there conservation. The groups of the 10 areas, see the pdf is a NWA in your area, please expect their announcement version of the news release at refer to it. (For more will help conserve and restore http://www.albertawilderness.ca/ information on this issue, you some of the wildlife diversity News/News2004.htm can download our report and grandeur of the Northern “Conserving Wildlife on a 10NatureAlberta

Alberta Records of Yellow-billed Cuckoos BY JOCELYN HUDON AND CARITA BERGMAN

Pincher Creek was getting its first real snow of the winter on November 25, 2001 when a cuckoo flew in from the west in mid-morning and landed in a weeping birch.

The bird perched for about 45 hatching-year female (Pyle 1997). evidence and accepted this record minutes, shivering constantly, (Slater and Hudon 2002). The Elk Another Yellow-billed Cuckoo hit giving ample time for Carita Island bird was seen at the end of a a window in Rocky Mountain Bergman to photograph and year with abundant tent caterpillars House on July 25, 1971, identify the bird as a Yellow- (Malacosoma spp.) (Bob Carroll, subsequently died, but was not billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus pers. comm.), of which these preserved (Salt and Salt 1976). americanus). The identification cuckoos are particularly fond Apparently, color photographs was confirmed when the (Hughes 1999). were taken of the bird, but they photographs were forwarded to cannot be located, so the age of A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was also the senior author at the the bird cannot be determined. reported on July 9, 1996 at Dinosaur Provincial Museum of Alberta on Another individual of this species Provincial Park by G. Donovan and the advice of Lynn Vogt, co- was also reported at the time but D. Hutchinson (Bain and Holder compiler of reports of rarities in lacks documentation (Salt and 1996). Apparently some the province at the time. The Salt 1976). documentation was filed with the record has since been accepted park (Gary Donovan, pers. comm.), by the Alberta Bird Record A more contentious occurrence but until it is reviewed the record Committee (ABRC; Slater and took place during the first must be considered unsubstantiated. Hudon 2002). provincial breeding bird atlas in Elk Island National Park, outside More recently, a specimen of Yellow- Records of Yellow-billed of Edmonton, when Bob Carroll billed Cuckoo turned up in a freezer Cuckoos in the province have saw a cuckoo on July 12, 1987. at the Provincial Museum (accession been few and far between. The Photographs taken at the time number Z01.3.1). This bird, found in first individual of this species for clearly identify a cuckoo, but the snow in Edmonton not far from Alberta was found dead below a because of poor lighting the the museum in early April 2000, was window in Edmonton on species’ identification is difficult. in a partial state of decomposition. It September 14, 1968 and donated However, the observer recorded was found and brought to the to the Provincial Museum where the bird’s bill color as yellow and museum by P. Bidwell. The bird had it was prepared as a skin recorded a glance of reddish been overlooked by the receiving (accession number Z69.40.1). color to its wings. Although the party as a Black-billed Cuckoo Based on the gonads and gray Atlas Rare Bird Committee (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus), tail feathers with poorly defined rejected the claim, the current although the early date should have whitish tips, the bird was a ABRC recently reviewed the raised some eyebrows. SPRING 2004 11

PINCHER CREEK YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO CARITA BERGMAN

other specimens, and all The April 2000 cuckoo has adult- The observation of Yellow-billed photographs, cannot be like rectrices (black with sharply Cuckoos in two separate time determined because several defined white tips; right r4 and r5 windows (summer and fall- critical measurements could not as far as we can tell) in addition to winter) suggests that perhaps be made. Thus, a clearer juvenal, tapered gray rectrices (4 different means or different understanding of the pattern of more feathers) (Pyle 1997). In sources of birds were involved. vagrancy of this species may most songbirds this condition There are two recognized have to await the study of would indicate that this individual subspecies of Yellow-billed additional material of Yellow- is an after hatch-year (AHY) bird, Cuckoo in North America. The billed Cuckoos from adjacent as songbirds do not usually molt eastern subspecies, C. a. jurisdictions. rectrices in their first fall, only in americanus, breeds from North their second. However, Yellow- Dakota east to New Brunswick billed Cuckoos often replace some and south to western Texas and REFERENCES or all of their tail feathers in their Florida, while the western Bain, M. and M. Holder. 1996. Cross first winter prebasic molt (Pyle subspecies, C. a. occidentalis, Canada round-up. Birders Journal 5: 1997), so this criterion cannot be breeds from California to 157-175. used to accurately age the bird. In Colorado to western Texas (Pyle Hughes, J.M. 1999. Yellow-billed the present case, the good 1997). C. a. americanus is slightly Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus). In condition of both the gray and smaller on average than C. a. The Birds of North America, No. 418 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The dark tail feathers, with little wear, occidentalis, but the differences Birds of North America, Inc., suggest that the bird is a juvenile are slight and identification is a Philadelphia, PA. with relatively fresh plumage. complex function of bill length Pyle, P. 1997. Identification Guide to Presumably, the bird died late in and depth, as well as wing and North American Birds. Part 1 the late fall or during the winter, tail length, such that 10 to 25 % of Columbidae to Ploceidae. Slate was buried in the snow, and birds of known sex cannot be Creek Press, Bolinas, California. resurfaced the following spring separated conclusively (Pyle Salt, W.R. and J.R. Salt. 1976. The Birds upon snowmelt. The dehydrated 1997). Based on the formula in of Alberta. Hurtig Publishers, Edmonton. state of the carcass indicates Pyle, the 1968 Edmonton freeze-drying. By comparison, the Slater, A. and J. Hudon. 2002. Fourth window-killed bird is of the Report of the Alberta Bird Record recent Pincher Creek bird had the eastern subspecies. Unfortunately, Committee. Alberta Naturalist. 32(3): tail markings of an AHY bird. the subspecific affiliation of the 116-117.

JOCELYN HUDON is Curator of Ornithology at the Provincial Museum of Alberta. CARITA BERGMAN is Wildlife Biologist (Fish & Wildlife Division) at Pincher Creek 12 NatureAlberta Dawn Dickinson Wins Prestigious Award BY DENNIS BARESCO, PRESIDENT, FEDERATION OF ALBERTA NATURALISTS

Dedicated Grassland Naturalist’s Director of the Federation of Alberta Naturalists (FAN) Dawn Dickinson has been honoured with the Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference Award. The award, for which Dawn was nominated by FAN, was presented at the conference’s Feb 28 2004 banquet in Calgary.

Throughout the twenty years and is widely respected for her Dawn was much more that she has lived in credibility and integrity. successful with the Meridian southeastern Alberta, Dawn’s Dam workshop she planned and The Cypress Hills, close to commitment to the grasslands coordinated. The workshop was Dawn’s heart, is where she has of southern Alberta has been the first time the public was able been especially active. One of nothing short of extraordinary. to hear about the negative her most successful activities was Her writings and activities have effects at one place and time the ambitious science-based allowed people to see the and was one of the underlying Cypress Hills Forest Management grasslands more clearly and factors that led to the shelving Workshop; she worked on every with greater understanding. As of the dam. aspect of the workshop, plus co- a professional zoologist, her edited the proceedings. Of Dawn’s writing skills have also knowledge, expertise and skills course, she often visits the Hills contributed to conservation: she have been important in all of just for the pure pleasure of it! wrote film scripts for Karvonen the area’s conservation Films, a sharp-tailed grouse initiatives, and she has kept On the controversial CFB brochure, a reference on those responsible for grassland Suffield feral horse committee, Cypress Hills ungulates, and management on their toes. Dawn was the sole committee Prairie River, the excellent guide Even when not directly member to insist on scientifically to the South Saskatchewan successful, her tenacity and valid ecological decisions and River. One book - on deer - is valid arguments “raise the bar” respect for the committee about to be released, and and most certainly have a long process. While her attempts another is in the works. term, positive effect. While her were for naught, area residents single-minded determination to and Base workers still, to this This is the second major award see management decisions day, mention how, in the face of Dawn has received in less than based on sound science has threats and considerable verbal a year. At the Canadian Nature not always been popular with abuse, she gained their respect Federation (CNF) National some, Dawn has never and admiration for her Conference in Medicine Hat, she wavered nor been intimidated honourable and courageous was presented with the CNF from abandoning her principles stand. Volunteer Award.

Congratulations, Dawn, you are most deserving! SPRING 2004 13 “ Our society contains no method of serious self-criticism for the simple reason it is now a self-justifying system which generates its own logic.” JOHN SAUL RALSTON

Prairie Conservation Award Acceptance Speech BY DAWN DICKINSON

I am honoured to accept this 7th Prairie Conservation Award.

But in accepting I want to our public lands to cultivation volunteer time. A hitchhiker’s acknowledge how much I owe for crops (most recently guide to stakeholder committees in my endeavours to the potatoes): crops which require is long overdue. unfailing support and irrigation from a river already As we have seen recently, encouragement of the Grasslands stressed to the limit by demands audits bring out surprising bits Naturalists, to the Federation of on its waters. A public review of information. I believe that it Alberta Naturalists’ President, of the process of making such is vitally important to evaluate Dennis Baresco, its Board of decisions is badly needed. the reasons for our successes Directors and staff, as well as to During the past couple of and failures – where and how other friends and colleagues. decades we have seen the we spend our limited energy Grasslands Naturalists’ members evisceration of government and resources. There have are fortunate in living in a region agencies, including those been two major barriers to such containing extensive areas of responsible for environmental an audit: lack of time – when intact native mixed-grass prairie, protection, by a policy of we are already stretched so a magnificent prairie river, and endless restructuring and thinly – and the perception that the beautiful fescue grasslands of excessive and continuing budget such evaluation is too negative the Cypress Hills. We have all and staff cuts. The cumulative a thing. It has become more worked long hours over the effects of this “slash and burn” important to justify, rather than years to protect from incremental ideology are just as alarming as evaluate, what we do. To quote destruction the lands, waters and the cumulative effects of from John Ralston Saul’s wildlife of this region. We have unintegrated land use practices, “Voltaire’s Bastards”, “Our worked too, over the years although the former have not society contains no method of towards a better understanding yet been modelled. At the same serious self-criticism for the of the natural processes that time, growing like fireweed after simple reason it is now a self- drive these ecosystems. It is a fire, there has been a justifying system which encouraging to see, from the proliferation of government generates its own logic.” sessions at this Conference, an initiated “stakeholder” Perhaps we can demonstrate increased focus on ecosystem committees. Most of these are that our own segments of research and cumulative effects. well intended: some have well society are engaged in the Over the past twenty years or so, planned terms of reference and constructive process of self- we have come a long way in our are effective within the limits of criticism in furthering our vision understanding of prairie their mandate; others are less of prairie conservation. grasslands, but not so far in so; while some are merely a I thank you for the great honour translating this understanding public-relations sham. Those you have done me tonight and into decisions. In our drought- members, who are not paid by will look forward to seeing prone corner of south-eastern government or industry for their many of you again in three Alberta, we are still losing participation, are required to years time. drought-adapted native prairie in donate many months of 14 NatureAlberta Wagner Natural Area Project Land BY PAT CLAYTON, DIRECTOR, WAGNER NATURAL AREA SOCIETY

Many of you will be familiar with Wagner Natural Area, three quarter sections of crown land situated west of Edmonton and east of Stony Plain along the Yellowhead Highway, which include a groundwater dependent rich fen known locally as “Wagner Bog”.

Where the mineral rich (infamous?) for fighting Government of Alberta was able groundwater reaches the tenaciously to protect the area to purchase the 160 acres surface as seeps or small from encroachments by immediately to the east of this springs it forms marl ponds, highways and overpasses, property, when it too was for which the Wagner Natural threats to the water supply and unexpectedly offered for sale. Area is famous. Most of the other thoughtless acts. Now Unfortunately, the Government area is muskeg forest but some WNAS has another challenge is unable to provide any funds drier areas, once cleared for on its hands: it has recently towards this land purchase hay production, have been contacted by a new opportunity, leaving the Society subsequently been colonised neighbour who has indicated a to raise the funds. by poplars. The wide variety of willingness to sell to the Natural As WNAS is an associate habitats support over 420 Area ~80 acres of treed marl member of the Federation of species of moths, 16 species of and fen land directly to the Alberta Naturalists, we have orchids and numerous other south of the Marl Pond Trail. asked FAN to handle the fiscal plants and wildlife. The self- WNAS is attempting to raise the responsibilities of the purchase guided Marl Pond Trail and necessary funds to purchase for us, leaving WNAS members picnic shelter (with pit toilets) this area and protect its unique free to raise funds and continue are the only part of Wagner natural history and groundwater their maintenance of the existing open to the public, the value. protected lands. remainder of the site is fragile WNAS has been working hard and open only to authorized If you would like to make a to protect the Natural Area’s researchers. donation to help purchase these surface and groundwater lands, or if you know of any The area is managed by the supplies. Purchasing these 80 potential funding sources, or Wagner Natural Area Society acres will be a major step in have any questions, please (WNAS), which holds both the achieving this protection. The contact us at: (780) 427 8124 or lease and a water license. Natural Area was fortunate in [email protected]. WNAS is well known that, in 2001-02 the

THE SOCIETY’S WEBSITE IS AT: www.wagner.fanweb.ca SPRING 2004 15 Fifth Report of the Alberta Bird Record Committee BY ANDREW SLATER AND JOCELYN HUDON

The Alberta Bird Record Committee (ABRC) continues to adjudicate provincial records of rare birds and to maintain the Official List of Birds of Alberta.

With this report, the RECORDS ACCEPTED - near Taber; 17 May 1993; article in Tricolored Heron (Egretta Alberta Naturalist 25(1): 12 (1993) provincial list reaches a tricolor) near Bashaw; 22 May (Lloyd Bennett). Code 3 record; major milestone. The 1981; reported in American the ABRC was not satisfied that the Birds 35: 834-837 (1981) photo which accompanied the addition of three species (Bernard Gollop) with black article was of this individual. (Eurasian Collared- and white photograph (Rudi Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) near Butot). Code 1 record. Dove, Siberian Accentor Crossfield; 15 May 2001; Green Heron (Butorides photographs and description (M. and Hermit Warbler) to virescens) at Frank Lake; 26 Ross Lein and Valerie A. Haines). the Official List pushes May 2001; description (Dave Code 1 record. Gibson, Ian Halladay and Don the species total past the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris Magnusson). Code 3 record. acuminata) at Langdon 400 mark. -in Fish Creek Provincial Park, Reservoir; 30 September 2001; Calgary; 5-9 August 2002; photograph (Bill Walker), four Since publication of the photograph (Bill Walker) and descriptions (Mike Mulligan, Phil fourth report of the ABRC description (Brian and Nancy Cram, Alan Fishkin, M. Ross Lein Ritchie). Code 1 record. (Slater and Hudon 2002), the and Valerie A. Haines). Code 1 ABRC has reached a decision Garganey (Anas querquedula) record. on the following records. near Strathmore; 12-15 June Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius Rejection of a record by the 1982; description (Moray J. longicaudus) at Pine Lake, Wood ABRC does not necessarily Lewis). Code 3 record. imply that the species did not Buffalo National Park; 8 June - near Taber; 6-28 May 1990; occur at the reported time 2002; four photographs and article in Alberta Bird Atlas and place, only that the description (Paul Jones). Code 1 Newsletter 5(1): 3-4 (1991) and documentation or record. Alberta Naturalist 25(1): 12 circumstances of the (1993) (Lloyd Bennett), two Little Gull (Larus minutus) at observation were judged descriptions (Ross D. Dickson, ; 13-14 September inadequate for the ABRC to Doug Collister). Code 2 record. 1998; description (Brian Ritchie). endorse occurrence in the Code 3 record. province. -in Winagami Lake Provincial Park; 15 May 1992; description - near Irricana; 4-10 May 2002; three with sketch (John B. and Marion photographs (Bill Walker), two descriptions, (Andrew Slater, Brian E. Steeves). Code 3 record. Ritchie). Code 1 record. 16 NatureAlberta

- near Cold Lake; 30-31 August Barn Owl (Tyto alba) near Chestnut-backed Chickadee 2002; five images captured from Bashaw; mid-December 1999- (Poecile rufescens) along video and brief description (Richard Klauke). Code 1 record. early January 2000; article in Alderson Lake Trail, Waterton Blue Jay 59(3): 122-3 (2001) Lakes National Park; 8 October Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (Lisa Takats and Gordon Court) 1984; description (Robert W. at Inglewood Golf Course, with photograph (Jim Storms and K. M. Mleziva). Code Calgary; 9 November 1996; Whitehouse). Code 1 record. 3 record. description with sketch (Michael - in Bowness Park, Calgary; 22 Harrison). Code 3 record. Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) near Cremona; 20 April 1988; description with -at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, August-27 September 1990; two sketch (John W. Thompson). Calgary; 9 May 2000; description Code 4 record. (M. Ross Lein and Valerie A. descriptions (Ross D. Dickson, Haines). Code 3 record. Doug Collister). Code 2 record. - in Waterton Lakes National - near Turner Valley; 20 August-7 Park; 27 February 1999; two Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus October 1991; description (Ross photographs (Randal fuscus), Inglewood Bird D. Dickson). Code 3 record. Hoscheit). Code 1 record. Sanctuary; 23 August-20 -in Calgary; 14 September 1995; September 2001; two Western Bluebird (Sialia description with sketch (John mexicana) nesting near Turner photographs with description Riddell). Code 3 record. Valley (two pairs); 30 March-27 (M. Ross Lein and Valerie A. -in Lethbridge; mid-September-30 Haines). Code 1 record. June 1984; illustrated article in October 2002; several Alberta Naturalist 14(3): 97-98 photographs (Teresa and Doug Eurasian Collared-Dove (1984) (Dave Elphinstone, Ena (Streptopelia decaocto) in Red Dolman, Lloyd Bennett), description with sketch (Teresa Spalding and John Bargman). Deer; June-July 2002; VHS video and Doug Dolman). Code 1 Code 1 record. with vocalizations, several record. -at Saskatchewan Crossing in Banff photographs and brief National Park; 10-12 July 1991; description (David Prescott). Red-breasted Sapsucker description (Ross D. Dickson). First documented occurrence (Sphyrapicus ruber) at Alliance; Code 3 record. in the province. Code 1 May 2000; two photographs and -at Rafter Six Ranch near ; record. colour sketches (Norm 2-20 June 1992; two descriptions - near Beaverhill Lake; 23 Johnston), courtesy of Wildbird (Ross D.Dickson, Ray M. September 2002; description (Fred General Store, Edmonton. Code Wershler). Code 2 record. Whiley and Betty Rogers). Code 3 1 record. record.

THE CODE DEFINITIONS REPORTED HERE ARE:

ACCEPTED, CODE 1. Records ACCEPTED, CODE 2. Sight ACCEPTED, CODE 3. Sight records by supported by material evidence, records (without supporting single observers that are supported by a i.e. specimens, identifiable body material evidence) by multiple written description that leaves no doubt parts, identifiable photographs observers that are supported by as to species identity, and which receive or sound recordings, whose written descriptions that leave five favourable votes and no dissenting origin from within the borders of no doubt as to the species vote. A Code 3 is the minimum for Alberta is in no doubt, that are identity. A Code 1 or 2 sighting inclusion in the official provincial list. accompanied by written reports must receive four favourable ACCEPTED, CODE 4. Sight records by of the circumstances of the votes and no more than one single observers that receive four observation. dissenting vote to be accepted. favourable votes and no more than one SPRING 2004 17

Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes Black-throated Sparrow Temmink’s Stint (Calidris montanus) near Keoma; 19 May (Amphispiza bilineata) in Jasper, temminckii) at Wyndham- 1986; description (Bill Wilson, Jasper National Park; 30-31 Provincial Park; 8 Kenneth Parker). Code 3 record. August 1993; photograph (Gloria October 1990; description with Martin), courtesy of Wildbird sketches (John B. Steeves and -at Buffalo Prairie, Jasper National Marion E. Steeves). The ABRC Park; 11 May 1995; field notes and General Store. This becomes written description (Gordon the first documented felt that, though the evidence Ruddy, Roy Richards). Code 2 occurrence in the province. was very suggestive, the record. Code 1 record. description provided did not - near Brooks; 16 June 1999; rule out other species, photograph and brief description RECORDS INSUFFICIENTLY particularly Least Sandpiper (C. (Bill Walker). Code 1 record. DOCUMENTED. minutilla). Siberian Accentor (Prunella Garganey (Anas querquedula) Black-chinned Hummingbird montanella) in Calgary; 20 near Taber; 25 July 1991; brief (Archilochus alexandri) in March-5 April 2002; two description in article in Alberta ; 26-27 July 1995; photographs (Walter Zwick). Naturalist 25(1): 12 (1993) description with sketch First documented occurrence (Lloyd Bennett). The ABRC felt (Lorraine Smith). The ABRC felt in the province. Code 1 record. that the documentation did not that Ruby-throated eliminate other duck species in Hummingbird (A. colubris) was Hermit Warbler (Dendroica eclipse plumage. not eliminated by the evidence. occidentalis) by Tawayik Lake, Elk Island National Park; 15 May Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte 2002; description (Martin Sharp fulva) at Namaka Lake; 20 anna) at Highwood House, and Peter Nienow). First September 1992; description Kananaskis Country; 19-23 June documented occurrence in (John B. Steeves). The ABRC felt 1994; written description (Terry the province. Code 3 record. that American Golden-Plover (P. Korolyk). The ABRC felt that dominica) was not eliminated by more common species were not Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo the evidence. eliminated by the evidence and chlorurus) in Lethbridge; 17 June - near ; 22 May 1997; that the date of the sighting was 1993; two descriptions (Randy A. description (John B. Steeves). The out of season for expected Nystrom, Ross Munro). Code 2 ABRC again felt that American occurrences of this species in record. Golden-Plover was not eliminated. the province.

dissenting vote. For record adjudication detailed enough to eliminate all ERROR IN IDENTIFICATION. Records purposes, such a record is acceptable, other possibilities, or to support that are not supported by the but does not pass the more stringent conclusively the identification of documentation available to the requirements for inclusion on the the species as presented. committee, or that describe official provincial list. A list of species Placement in this category should another species from that that have no higher than a Code 4 in no way be interpreted as a suggested. record may be published as an reflection on the veracity of the QUESTIONABLE ORIGIN. Records appendix to the official list. observation, but should be looked that concern species that are of upon as an encouragement to INSUFFICIENTLY DOCUMENTED. Records questionable origin, possibly substantiate occurrence of the supported by material evidence or escapees, and whose wild status species in the province more fully. written descriptions that are not cannot be determined accurately. 18 NatureAlberta

Chestnut-backed Chickadee ERROR IN IDENTIFICATION Randal Hoscheit), two (Poecile rufescens) in Calgary; 23 Chestnut-backed Chickadee descriptions (Bob Carroll, January 2000; description (Rhys (Poecile rufescens) near Erskine; Richard Thomas). and Terry Harrison). The ABRC 22 October-20 November 1994; Flammulated Owl (Otus felt that the documentation did description (Lloyd Lohr). This flammeolus) found dead in not eliminate Boreal Chickadee bird was identified as a Boreal Edmonton (Al Gartke); late fall (P. hudsonica). Chickadee (P. hudsonica) by 2000; specimen at the Provincial others and the observer Museum: Z01.7.1. Western Bluebird (Sialia withdrew the report. mexicana) at ; 17 June 1994; photograph with brief Since the fourth report was RECORDS INSUFFICIENTLY description (Olga Droppo). The published, Bob Carroll stepped DOCUMENTED ABRC felt that the evidence at down from the Committee and Chimney Swifts (Chaetura hand did not eliminate other Richard Knapton joined it. With pelagica) at Sylvan Lake; 23 June bluebird species. this writing Andrew Slater retires 1960; article in Blue Jay 18(4): from the Committee. The current 185 (Helge Abrahamson). Green-tailed Towhee in members of the Committee are Thompson Creek campground Jocelyn Hudon (Provincial Canyon Wren (Catherpes along Hwy 11, north-east of Museum of Alberta), Richard mexicanus) in the Milk River Banff National Park; 24 Klauke (Vilna), Richard Knapton Valley; 5 July 1971; article in September 1998; description (Edmonton), M. Ross Lein Blue Jay 30(1): 49-51 (Wayne (Myles Willard). The ABRC felt (Calgary), John Riddell (Calgary) Smith). that, considering the length of and Brian Ritchie (Calgary). time which elapsed between the REFERENCE date of the sighting and CORRIGENDUM Slater, A. and J. Hudon. 2002. submission of the report, and Information pertaining to several Fourth Report of the Alberta Bird while there is a strong possibility records in the fourth report of Record Committee. Alberta that the identification was the ABRC (Slater and Hudon Naturalist 32(3): 116-117. correct, the description did not 2002) were inadvertently left out. Andrew Slater is retiring completely eliminate other The fourth report should be Secretary of the ABRC; Jocelyn species. amended to read as follows: Hudon is its Chairman. - near Taber; 27 July 2000; description (Lloyd Bennett). The ABRC felt that, while it is very RECORDS ACCEPTED possible, or even likely, that the Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa bird observed was a Green-tailed tridactyla) in Elk Island National Towhee, the description as given Park; 22-23 October 1999; two is not detailed enough to eliminate photographs (Bob Carroll, other species.

If a man walks in the woods for love of them half of each “ day, he is in danger of being regarded as a loafer. But if he spends his days as a speculator, shearing off those woods and making the earth bald before her time, he is deemed an industrious and enterprising citizen.” HENRY DAVID THOREAU 1817-1862 SPRING 2004 19

F AN CLUBS PAGE

Check out the Checklists The new editorial committee of Naturally, different habitat brings found in the Boreal mixedwood Alberta Naturalists thought it different birds (and imagine all forests around Lac La Biche. time to dedicate a page (or two) the “edge” habitat). A bonus in Made of sturdy card stock, and of each issue to FAN clubs. The this checklist is a synopsis of the 12 panels long, the checklist idea is to showcase select southeast’s birding hot spots. includes valuable information contributions Alberta naturalists Contributing to the good look most checklists lack. For are making to the enjoyment, and feel of this checklist is a stiff instance, at a glance, all understanding, and conservation card stock cover with a encoded on one line, you can of Alberta’s natural history. If wonderful rendering of a Yellow- learn that the Broad-winged space allows, we might even breasted Chat by James Marshall. Hawk is an Obligate Neotropical (heaven forefend) take a closer Copies are available through the Migrant, a Forest Interior look at a dedicated naturalist or Grassland Naturalists. species, and is “Decreasing in two. Alberta and/or all or parts of Raven’s Over Crowsnest is a North America.” In terms of With this first foray, and with striking 16-panel brochure seasonal abundance, the BWHA spring upon us, I thought it published by one of our newest is Uncommon in Spring, Summer timely to highlight a few recently member clubs, the Crowsnest and Fall, and its breeding published regional bird Environmental Action Society. In evidence is confirmed. Also in checklists. Each has been addition to a bird “Species List the checklist is a note on birding compiled and published by FAN for Greater Crowsnest Pass” ethics and conservation, where member clubs. Each club and which includes 259 species, the we’re reminded: “No Habitat = their dedicated members deserve brochure also highlights No Birds = No Birding”. Copies a hardy thanks! “Crowsnest Pass Feature Sites” are available through the Lac La which amounts to a kind of Published last spring by the Biche Birding Society. mini- bird-finding guide to the Grassland Naturalists and Alberta area. A dozen sites are featured, Parks and Protected Areas, the including Beauvais Lake, Todd Southeastern Alberta Bird Creek, and Fummerfelt Park. As Checklist is a handsome “the province’s most prolific pocket-sized, 16-page booklet. Bird Checklist region ... for bird species Compiled by the GN Bird Study Lesser Slave Lake Bird diversity” watch for Golden- Group, the seasonal checklist Observatory and Vicinity crowned Sparrows, Black and lists 307 species (including Vaux’s Swifts, Lazuli Buntings This 8-panel seasonal checklist vagrants and rarities) and covers and Calliope Hummingbirds. covers the 238 species of birds two contiguous but very Copies are available through the recorded in the LSLBO vicinity, different ‘prairie’ regions. The Crowsnest Environmental Action including Lesser Slave Lake first is the prairie proper and Society. Provincial Park, as of June 2002. covers an area from the Red For copies of this checklist, Deer River in the north to the Available for a couple of years please contact the Lesser Slave Alberta/Montana border in now, the Bird Checklist for the Lake Bird Observatory. south, and from Highway 36 in Lac La Biche Region is a dandy! the west to the Alberta/ Compiled by Richard Thomas [If you know of other regional Saskatchewan border in the east. and Richard Klauke, and checklists that ought to be The second is the Cypress Hills published by the Lac La Biche posted here, please send a copy region, which, technically, is Birding Society, this seasonal of the checklist to FAN, attention more montane than prairie. checklist includes 256 species George Newton.] 20 NatureAlberta

Cover Photo Submission Guidelines Nature Alberta will accept never before published, high quality photographs of Alberta landscapes, wildlife, flora and related subjects in competition for publication, in full colour, on the front or back cover.

Nature Alberta requires Minor digital/darkroom Submit images either contributors to include enhancement of images is electronically to [email protected] photographer name, street allowable, but must be disclosed or, for film format, by regular address, e-mail address (if to the Editor. Composite images, mail, to the address provided on available), location the such as generated by adding the back cover. Although Nature photograph was taken, the wildlife to a landscape image or Alberta staff will undertake all subject and how the combining two landscape reasonable efforts to return photograph was taken (digital/ images, are not acceptable. The original film images to film camera/lens/filter used, Editor reserves the right to refuse contributors, Nature Alberta will etc.) with their submission. If a any image and to crop images to not be held responsible for any photograph includes fit the front/back cover page failure to either receive or return identifiable persons, it must be format. Photographs may be images. No fee is payable for accompanied by a signed held for publication in future published images. release granting Nature Alberta issues or, by Editor’s choice, may Digital photographers are explicit permission to publish be included as black-and-white advised that 5 megapixel and the likenesses of the images within the body of the larger formats are recommended. individuals in the photograph. magazine.

Submission guidelines for articles are available on the FAN website at www.fanweb.ca.

Nature Alberta Subscription Fees

REGULAR » $20 per year NATURE ALBERTA SUBSCRIPTION SUPPORTING » $30 or more per year (amount in excess of the $20 regular amount is tax deductible) Name:

Address: MAIL THE FOLLOWING TO: Federation of Alberta Naturalists City: Attn: Membership 11759 Groat Road

Edmonton, AB Province: Regular SUBSCRIPTION T5M 3K6

Postal Code: Supporting SUBSCRIPTION

Total Enclosed $

VOLUME 34 | NUMBER 1 | SPRING 2004 Naturegallery

NORTHERN PYGMY OWL GERALD ROMANCHUK PHOTOGRAPHED ON FEBRUARY 8, 2004 AT , NEAR CANMORE, USING A CANON 10D DIGITAL SLR CAMERA AND A 300 MM TELEPHOTO LENS

FEDERATION OF ALBERTA NATURALISTS 11759 GROAT ROAD, EDMONTON, AB, T5M 3K6 PHONE: 780.427.8124 FAX: 780.422.2663