Feature Article Winter Images

VOLUME 44 | NUMBER 4 | WINTER 2015 SUGGESTED RETAIL: $10.00 CDN Nature Alberta CELEBRATING OUR NATURAL HERITAGE

A DOWNY WOODPECKER GETS A HELPING HAND! SEE THE FEATURE STORY, PAGE 24. LEN PETTITT

feature article Winter Images

NATURE ALBERTA THERE ARE HILLS. SEE “MY ANCESTORS WERE PRAIRIE PEOPLE” STORY PAGE 16. JOHN WARDEN

A SNOW BUNTING IN THE BEAVERHILL LAKE AREA. SEE THE STORY, “BIRDS ON A POST” PAGE 32. SUSAN AND TERRY SLY WINTER 2015 1

Nature Alberta: Nature Alberta is composed of natural history clubs from across the province. The aims of the Federation are: Celebrating our natural heritage (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 among 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; NATURE ALBERTA VOLUME 44, NUMBER 4, WINTER 2015 (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 to Editor’s Page BY DENNIS BARESCO...... 2 provide the means of translating these positions into appropriate actions. Alberta Issues in Brief...... 4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Ted Hindmarch “Quill” is No More...... 9 VICE PRESIDENT: Linda Howitt-Taylor SECRETARY: Claudia Lipski Nature Alberta News...... 10 TREASURER: Christine Brown PAST PRESIDENT: Chuck Priestley Close to Home: Nature Photography in Alberta BY JOHN WARDEN...... 16 APPOINTED DIRECTORS: Christine Brown, Ted Hindmarch, Joseph Hnatiuk, Geoff Holroyd, Chuck Priestley, Linda Howitt-Taylor Eyes on IBAs: Birding in a Blanket of Snow BY BROOK SKAGEN...... 21 ELECTED DIRECTORS: Claudia Lipski, (BLN); Wayne and Joan Walker (CFNS); Lu Carbyn, (ENC); Jennine Pedersen (ENPG); Elizabeth Watts (FEIS); Stocked Ponds and Fisheries Conservation BY TODD ZIMMERLING...... 23 Martha Munz-Gue, (GN); Jennifer Okrainec (LLBBS); Lloyd Bennett (LNS); Margot Hervieux (PPN); Tony Blake (RDRN); Chris Olsen (VRNS); FEATURE ARTICLE: Winter Images...... 24 STAFF: TBA (Exec. Dir.) BY DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN Nature Diary: Brown Creeper ...... 30 CORPORATE MEMBER CLUBS First Hand...... 31 Buffalo Lake Naturalists, Box 1802, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 Edmonton Native Plant Group, Box 52099, Garneau P.O. Edmonton, AB Kevin Timoney’s Award-winning Ecology Book BY BOB MENTZINGER...... 34 T6G 2T5 Edmonton Nature Club, Box 1111, Edmonton, AB T5J 2M1 Spring 2014 Bird Count Results BY JUDY BOYD...... 35 Friends of Elk Island Society, Box 70, 9929 – 63 Ave, Edmonton AB, T6E 0G9 Grasslands Naturalists, Box 2491, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8G8 Charley’s Nature Note: The Coyote BY CHARLEY BIRD...... 36 Lac La Biche Birding Society, Box 1270, Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0 Lethbridge Naturalists Society, Box 1691, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4K4 Wildlife! Starring…Snowy Owls BY SHARIF GALAL...... 37 Nature Calgary (CFNS), Box 981, Calgary, AB T2P 2K4 Peace Parkland Naturalists, Box 1451, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4Z2 Who Speaks for Endangered Species? BY LORNE FITCH...... 39 Red Deer River Naturalists, Box 785, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H2 Vermilion River Naturalists, 5707 - 47 Avenue, Vermilion, AB T9X 1K5 Up Close Naturally: Tree Flowers: All Shapes and Sizes! AFFILIATES: BY MARGOT HERVIEUX...... 41 Alberta Lake Management Society Friends of Little Beaver Lake Society Alberta Lepidopterists’ Guild Grant MacEwan Mountain Club Redpolls: Winter Visitors from the North BY JESSIE ZGURSKI...... 42 Alberta Mycological Society Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada Beaverhill Bird Observatory J.J. Collett Natural Area Foundation A Tale of a Black Wolf BY SHARIF GALAL...... 45 Beaver River Naturalist Club Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory Big Lake Environmental Support Society Little Creeks and Rough Fescue Celestial Happenings BY JOHN MCFAUL...... 47 BowKan Birders Appreciation Society Calgary Bird Banding Society Purple Martin Conservancy Book Review: The Homeward Wolf...... 48 Cochrane Environmental Action Riverlot 56 Natural Area Society Committee Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas Crooked Creek Conservancy Society Association PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY NATURE ALBERTA, Crowsnest Conservation Society The Wagner Natural Area Society 11759 GROAT ROAD, EDMONTON, AB T5M 3K6 Edmonton Naturalization Group Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Ellis Bird Farm Preservation Society PHONE.780.427.8124 FAX.780.422.2663 Fort Saskatchewan Naturalist Society Wizard Lake Watershed and Lake EMAIL. [email protected] Friends of Blackfoot Society Stewardship Assoc. Friends of Elk Island Society EDITOR.DENNIS BARESCO Friends of Jasper National Park [email protected] CIRCULATION.TED HINDMARCH LAYOUT.BROKEN ARROW SOLUTIONS INC. CELEBRATE NATURE ALBERTA THANKS TO THE PROOFREADERS WHO ASSISTED IN PRODUCING THIS ISSUE: SERVING NATURE FOR OVER 45 YEARS!!! SANDRA FOSS, ELAINE GERMYN, SUZANNE LORINCZI, VAL SCHOLEFIELD, JUNE VERMEULEN. MANY THANKS TO THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER WANT TO SUBMIT ARTICLES NATURE ALBERTA DEADLINES ARE: The opinions expressed by the authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the editor and the Federation of Alberta OR PHOTOS? SPRING ISSUE.FEBRUARY 28 Naturalists. The editor reserves the right to edit, reject or withdraw GUIDELINES ARE AVAILABLE ON SUMMER ISSUE.MAY 31 articles submitted. While due care will be taken of all manuscripts, photos THE NATURE ALBERTA WEBSITE: FALL ISSUE.AUGUST 31 or artwork submitted, FAN cannot be held responsible for any loss or WWW.NATUREALBERTA.CA WINTER ISSUE.NOVEMBER 30 damage to such articles. TOWERING. JOHN WARDEN 2 NatureAlberta Editor’s Page BY DENNIS BARESCO

WHAT IS THAT MOUNTAIN? was formed in Innisfail A photo on page 17 in John in the spring of 1906, Warden’s column, “Freeborn’s making it the oldest organizations – including Nature Lament,” in the Fall 2014 edition continuous naturalist group in Alberta and Nature Canada – of Nature Alberta resulted in a Alberta. Within a few months, a across Canada. reader’s question: What is the branch was formed in Red Deer; The Lethbridge Natural History name of the mountain pictured? additional branches were later Club eventually changed its name formed at Erskine, Stettler, and John Warden isn’t sure of its to what it is now the Lethbridge Medicine Hat, with the Edmonton name, but he went through his Naturalists Society. Only the Bow Natural History Club becoming photos to check. Said John: Valley Naturalists has retained its an affiliate in 1910. In 1976, it original name; ironically, it is the “The ‘Towering’ photo was taken was renamed the Red Deer River only group of the original six that very near Crowfoot Glacier. I have Naturalists, its present name. The is no longer a member of Nature an image of Crowfoot Glacier branches, apparently, had struck Alberta. taken at 10:21 AM that morning, out on their own. the 30th of August and ‘towering’ The Edmonton Nature Club was taken just a minute later, so GOT OLD BINOCULARS? was formed in 2004 when the FROM WILDBIRD GENERAL STORE somewhere fairly close in the Edmonton Natural History Club NEWS, JANUARY 15, 2015 vicinity of Bow Lake and Num Ti (founded 1959) and the Edmonton Jah lodge.” We tend to take for granted Bird Club (founded 1949) merged having a pair or pairs of If anyone knows the exact name, to become The Edmonton Nature binoculars, which are simply let your Editor know. Club. The merging came only after part of the required equipment a lengthy and lively discussion for naturalists at any level. IN THE PRIME OF OUR LIFE about the pros and cons of one But in developing countries, Nature Alberta is celebrating club versus two. binoculars are rare at best, even its 45th Anniversary in 2015. In 1955, a handful of keen birders though they are so important in Our incorporation date was formed the Calgary Bird Club. encouraging nature appreciation April 4th, 1970. To kick off the During the 1960s, interest grew and knowledge. year, President Ted Hindmarch in other aspects of natural history Do you have a pair of binoculars has written a great little article, and the Calgary Bird Club evolved that you don’t use anymore? Are “Nature Alberta was born into a to become the Calgary Field they still in working condition? changing Alberta” (page 10). A Naturalists’ Society. As Calgary The Wildbird General Store sidebar in that article lists the six grew in the 1970s and 1980s the is involved in a project that original members of (what was Society became involved in the brings binoculars to the hands originally called) the Federation preservation of city natural areas of aspiring naturalists in Kenya of Alberta Naturalists. The names such as Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, and Namibia. Any working pair of those clubs have changed over Edworthy Park and Nose Hill. of binoculars, no matter the age the years. In 2004 the trade name Nature or style, would be an excellent Perhaps the most interesting is the Calgary was adopted in line help in the continuation of this Alberta Natural History Society. It with a trend followed by nature project. WINTER 2015 3

EDITOR’S PAGE cont’d… On the Covers: For more information about this FRONT COVER excellent project, contact the Wildbird It is quite thrilling if one can persuade a bird to come close General Store at: up to get some seeds, and an even greater thrill if it lands on one’s hand – chickadees, nuthatches and, in this case, a Email: [email protected]; Downy Woodpecker. There are those who feel this type of Phone: 780-439-7333; activity shouldn’t be encouraged. They may be right – but www.wildbirdgeneralstore.com by the same token, it does instill a whole new affection for 4712-99 Street NW, Edmonton AB, these common and friendly birds. See the Feature Story for more images, page 24. T6E 5H5 INSIDE FRONT COVER John Warden has a knack for IS IT RELEVANT TO ALBERTA? photographically capturing the You may wonder whether an article emotion of a scene, whether it in the section “Alberta Issues in Brief: is rock – as in the Fall edition Canada First in the World” (page of Nature Alberta – or prairie, 7) is, in fact, relevant to Alberta. the subject of his column in Indirectly, yes it is – as an example this edition (starting on page 16). Even a county trail undulating through the of the federal government’s attitude contrasting colours of agricultural fields tells a story of prairie. towards endangered species generally Susan and Terry Sly have come up with a unique idea for bird photography: birds and in Canada (and hence, Alberta) on a post. Their photos are wonderful, as you’ll see in their story on page 32. Here, specifically. we have a Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis), a beautiful, softly coloured species that nests in the high Arctic but can be seen in Alberta during the winter months. An article in the Hill Times online Few winter sights are as thrilling as watching several hundred Snow Buntings rise (“Canada fumbles on fin whales, sits up out of a snow-covered field where only seconds before they were invisible! out on CITES, and stalls on SARA,” originally published 12/08/2014) INSIDE BACK COVER mentioned a study by Canadian Sometimes, naturalists see the scientists published in the prestigious oddest things. That’s definitely the case for Aynsley and Jim Stelfox journal PLOS One. Quote: as they witnessed Hungarian “[The study] found that our Species Partridges not only feeding on a at Risk Act (SARA) is almost deer carcass, but getting the best totally ineffective at protecting our of Black-billed Magpies! Their story can be found on page 31. endangered species. According to Snowy Owls make great photographic subjects. Whether found on a post or pole the study, 86 per cent of species or flying low with a snowy backdrop or a clear blue sky, each sighting is a thrill assessed multiple times since 1977 for anyone. Author and photographer Sharif Galal captured a number of images; this one shows the bright yellow eyes as a fine contrast to the white and blue. See either stayed at the same risk level or Sharif’s story, page 37. deteriorated over time. The authors found that the status of species at- BACK COVER risk in Canada rarely improved, with An important part of great photography is being in the only 5.7 per cent of those assessed right place at exactly the right time! That was definitely recovering to a “not at risk” status.” Owen Slater’s luck when he came across three bull Moose carrying out a bit of a drama. Of course, being in It went on from there, but you get the the right place at the right time is more than just luck; picture, as unattractive as it may be. it’s a result of consistently being out in nature – any season – with your camera. See the bull Moose pictorial on page 33.

Want to Switch your subscription from hard copy to the full Phone today: (780) 427.8124; or Switch? COLOUR e-version and get even GREATER enjoyment Email us: [email protected] or of Nature Alberta while REDUCING paper use. [email protected] 4 NatureAlberta

ALBERTA ISSUES IN BRIEF

Site C Dam Update: First Nations Lawsuits

The Athabasca Chipewyan First Government in the rush to Nation and Mikisew Cree First build the Site C Dam, but it Nation have filed a lawsuit is also beset by many other in Federal Court against the problems, including rising Site C Dam, which was given costs (only a couple of environmental approval by both months down the road, the the BC and federal governments. cost has gone from $7.9 The bands state that the dam was billion to about $10 billion approved without consideration of and will likely go to at the impact on the Athabasca delta. least $15 billion or more) Another lawsuit by four BC bands and, at best, a vaguely was also filed, arguing that the demonstrated need for dam would damage their ability to the power. For the Alberta exercise treaty rights. connection, see the Issues SITE C DAM ARTIST RENDERING. WWW.SITECPROJECT.COM section of Nature Alberta, First Nations rights are possibly Fall 2014. the major problem for the B.C. Alberta Peace River Dam Project Cancelled By TransAlta ALBERTA WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION NEWS RELEASE, JANUARY 20TH, 2015 On January 16, TransAlta wildlife populations that would a citizens group composed of Corporation withdrew its be harmed by another instream local residents, was the only application to the Alberta Utilities flow barrier and associated concerned stakeholder that Commission (AUC) for a 9 year infrastructure, adding to BC qualified for standing to trigger a extension of the approved dams’ considerable impacts,” hearing, under Alberta’s restrictive construction date of its Dunvegan says Carolyn Campbell, AWA ‘directly and adversely affected’ Hydroelectric Project, citing conservation specialist. rules for standing in an industrial substantial information requests development application. Like local The 100 MW hydro project would from stakeholders, a potentially citizens groups that are sometimes have placed a spillway across long and costly hearing process, given standing, the crucial role the Peace River just upstream and unfavourable project played by ‘genuine public interest’ of Alberta’s historic Dunvegan economics. Alberta Wilderness environmental groups such as AWA Bridge, to raise the River’s level by Association (AWA) welcomes the in development decisions should 6.6 meters and create a headpond withdrawal of the 100 MW hydro also be recognized by reforming of 26 kilometers. TransAlta will power project as positive news standing rules to allow their now have to re-apply for project for local residents and the Peace’s concerns to trigger a hearing. approval with fully updated aquatic and river valley ecosystem. studies if project economics FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: “The end of the Dunvegan Project improve. CAROLYN CAMPBELL, ALBERTA WILDERNESS in the nationally significant Peace ASSOCIATION, (403) 283-2025. Concerned Residents for Ongoing River Valley ecosystem is great Service at Shaftesbury (CROSS), news for important fish and WINTER 2015 5

Mikisew Cree First Nation Celebrates Two years ago, the Harper ago. In his 64-page judgement, It should be noted that the court government removed federal Justice Roger Hughes wrote, “A decision does not affect the protection from about 99% of reasonable person would expect already passed legislation, so all water bodies in Canada by that a reduction in the number of the waterways will remain open using omnibus bills (C-38 and waterways monitored carries with to exploitation from a federal C-45). This included most of the it the potential risk of harm.” perspective. For example, major waterways in the northern Alberta pipelines and inter-provincial Mikisew Cree First Nation Mikisew Cree traditional territory. power lines now have the green Chief Steve Courtoreille said: The Mikisew Cree viewed this as light to cross over and under more “Mikisew now expects the having the potential to adversely than 31,000 lakes and 2.25 million federal government and all affect their legal treaty rights, so rivers without federal scrutiny. other governments in Canada they went to court. But it will mean that governments to consult with First Nations must seek input from First Nations On Dec 19th, 2014, the federal early on legislation that may in the future. court ruled that the Harper adversely affect our rights. Those government should have governments should not be The Harper government had until consulted with First Nations afraid of us. We have valuable January 19, 2015 to file an appeal before introducing the omnibus information and contributions to against Judge Hughes’ ruling. bills C-38 and C-45 two years make on these important issues.”

New Provincial Park Announced FROM AN ALBERTA GOV’T ANNOUNCEMENT: DEC 05, 2014

Three hundred and eighty hectares cultivated. It features rare native of undisturbed native grassland grasslands, aspen groves and has been donated to Alberta’s healthy wetlands in addition to provincial parks system. At the being home to a variety of wildlife, request of landowner and donor including the thirteen-lined ground Gottlob Schmidt, who resides on squirrel, deer and elk. ALBERTA.CA the land near Hanna, the land will “I’m very happy to make this become Antelope Hill Provincial The park will be managed for wildlife donation to the province and Park. purposes and low-impact recreational the people of Alberta,” said Mr. uses such as hiking. Hunting, Antelope Hill has high ecological Schmidt. “I’ve lived on this land overnight camping and off-highway value because it has never been since 1933 and my wish is to vehicle use will not be permitted preserve the land in its natural state within the park. for future generations to enjoy.” GOTTLOB SCHMIDT. ALBERTA.CA Schmidt will continue to reside on the land for the immediate future and when he does leave his homestead, the province will open the park to public use and manage the land in accordance with his wishes.

THE PARK INCLUDES WETLANDS INHABITED BY CINNAMON TEAL. ALBERTA.CA KEN SLADE/BIRD STUDIES CANADA

6 NatureAlberta

Calling all Barn Swallow NestWatchers! FROM BIRD STUDIES CANADA AND RED DEER RIVER NATURALIST NEWSLETTER (JANUARY 2015)

By monitoring Barn Swallow nests near you and submitting observations to Project NestWatch, you can contribute to a growing database of information that will help us understand Barn Swallow declines. With spring coming, it’s a good time to consider monitoring this extremely interesting swallow.

Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) BARN SWALLOW. are aerial insectivores – birds that feed on flying insects. This • Loss of nesting and foraging Nests are built of mud and grasses, and group of birds (which includes habitat associated with changes are often adhered to vertical surfaces swifts, swallows, flycatchers, in agricultural practices near the ceiling, or under eaves on the and goatsuckers) is experiencing • Competition for nesting sites outside of buildings. Barn Swallows alarming population declines from other species (e.g., House sometimes build their nests on horizontal across Canada. Barn Swallows are Sparrows) beams, or on top of ledges, light fixtures, the most widely distributed and or other structures that provide additional • Reduced nesting success due to abundant swallow in the world; support for the nest. The nests are lined high loads of ectoparasites (e.g., in Alberta, they are found almost with grass, animal hair, and feathers. mites and blowflies) everywhere, though in declining numbers as well. BARN SWALLOW NESTS MONITORING NESTS Although Barn Swallows are Barn Swallow nests are easier You can help contribute to a growing still common, the population to find than many other species’ database of information on Barn in Canada declined by about nests. They nest in most rural Swallows. For full instructions on 30% between 1999 and 2009, areas and some suburban and monitoring and how to submit your according to long term data from urban areas, in and around data online, go to: www.birdscanada. the North American Breeding human-made structures such as org/volunteer/pnw. If you are interested Bird Survey (BBS). Barn Swallows barns, sheds, and boathouses, in monitoring Barn Swallows using the are classified as Threatened in as well as under bridges and in BSC Project NestWatch protocol, please Ontario, and they have been culverts. Some Barn Swallows contact projectnestwatch@birdscanada. recommended for protection nest singly, but many are found in org to obtain a copy of the Canadian under Canada’s Species at Risk small colonies (usually containing Wildlife Service Scientific Permit from Act. no more than 10 nests). Bird Studies Canada. The reasons Barn Swallows are declining are not well understood, and may include changes on FACTS ABOUT BARN SWALLOWS their breeding grounds, wintering • Barn Swallows are the most widely distributed species of swallow in the world and grounds, and along migration breed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and winter in most areas of the Southern routes. Potential threats on the Hemisphere. breeding grounds include: • Barn Swallows originally nested in caves and in crevices on cliff faces. • Changes in food supply (e.g., • A Barn Swallow’s long forked tail makes them easy to identify, along with their steely- availability of flying insects) blue back, wings, and tail, and pale rufous to cinnamon underparts. WINTER 2015 7

Canada First in the World! FROM SUMOFUS.ORG, JANUARY 14, 2015 Canada just became the first nation “technical” opposition. Canada has of the meat arrived in Halifax and, in history to opt out of every previously managed to produce according to Greenpeace, were proposed resolution protecting regulations well within a 90-day transported by train to ports in British new endangered species from grace period allowed under the Columbia. international trade. Documents just treaty. Environment Canada told the Toronto released from a 2013 Convention on Canada’s 76 reservations, all filed in Sun that “CITES permit requirements International Trade in Endangered 2013, dwarf those of other nations. do not apply to the transit or trans- Species (CITES) show that Canada Over the entire 39-year history shipment of specimens through or expressed “reservations” on of the treaty, Iceland has filed 22 in the territory of a party while the extending protection to all 76 reservations; Japan 18 and the shipments remain in Customs control.” species – from soft-shelled turtles United Kingdom eight. The United That technicality has not stopped to tropical hardwoods – that were States has filed none. other countries, such as Germany added to the charter. “Reservations” and the Netherlands, from turning means that Canadian trade in those In a related issue, Huffington back shipments of Icelandic whale species will continue as normal. Post reported that last year the meat in the past. And it does nothing Conservative government was Canada doesn’t even harvest or for Canada’s international reputation allowing meat from endangered trade in most of the species listed – considering that fin whales have been whales to be shipped across like manatees, manta rays or ebony. given the highest level of protection Canada. Apparently, the federal The government says its opposition under CITES, which Canada has government allowed an Icelandic is only “technical” – which doesn’t signed. Atlantic Fin whales are also company to transport meat from explain why it has not brought of “special concern” under Canada’s endangered fin whales across its regulations in line almost two Species at Risk Act. Canada on its way to market in years after the convention or how Japan. Twelve shipping containers 180 other countries did not have

Why Bat House New BCI Website Bat Conservation International (BCI) has launched its new website! Its Design Matters fresh look and user-friendly navigation will make learning about bats and You may be thinking about BCI a breeze. setting up a bat house this The site was revamped after BCI’s new Strategic Plan, in the fall of 2013, spring. Installing a backyard signaled significant changes in the organization’s goals and priorities, bat house is a great way to most notably a re-dedication to demonstrate your commitment its global mission to save the to nature. And your bat-tenants will pay you back world’s bats. The new website with some wonderful benefits! is designed to better reflect But if you want your bat house to be successful, design is BCI’s increasing attention key. Small, poorly made houses commonly sold in stores to preventing bat species are likely to fail. For 12 years, BCI researched bat-house extinctions by focusing on global use across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. The priority regions. BCI encourages results were enlightening. To read more: you to explore the new site at http://batcon.org/pdfs/BHBHResearch2013.pdf www.batcon.org. 8 NatureAlberta

The Problem of Alberta Caribou The survival of certain herds government of Caribou in Alberta comes continues down to loss of habitat due working to almost exclusively to industrial minimize exploitation of that habitat. these impacts, Nothwithstanding government the increased pronouncements about managing numbers of habitat in, for example, the other animals

Little Smoky caribou range, the in caribou OWEN SLATER continuing exploitation means that habitat means caribou habitat is lost so we must it is a strong likelihood that some an increase in predators – let them fade away. Focus on the herds will be extirpated in the namely wolves.” Caribou Mountains, Bistcho Lake, fairly near future. The controversy is from three the Mountain herds, and other What has brought this problem distinct angles: 1) the act of places where some habitat still to the forefront yet again, and killing wolves (regardless of the remains. And protect that habitat!” with it lots of controversy and reason); 2) the methods – aerial How this eventually plays out emotion, is the continued killing gunning, snaring, but especially will be seen, though the survival of wolves. In a January 9th 2015 the use of strychnine (which of caribou is doubtful. However, web posting, Alberta Environment always kills many individuals of a wolf killing is unlikely to go away. and Sustainable Resource variety of non-targeted species); In fact, it may be spreading: B.C. Development (ESRD) attempted and arguably the most important has announced a similar program to outline its “Wolf population angle, the long-term futility if the in two areas for the same reasons management protecting Little goal is protecting caribou but as Alberta. One of the B.C. herds, Smoky caribou” (https://aesrd. habitat destruction is allowed to the South Selkirk, consists of wordpress.com/2015/01/09/ continue. only eighteen caribou, down wolf-population-management- The comments from the public on from forty-six in 2009. Decades protecting-little-smoky-caribou/). the website are interesting in that of habitat destruction and human Said ESRD in the posting: they are overwhelmingly against encroachment have left BC’s the wolf kill under the present mountain caribou on the edge of “Due to loss and fragmentation circumstances. As Dr. Mark Boyce, survival. Over 180 wolves are now of habitat, increasing numbers University of Alberta professor and being targeted for aerial killing this of deer and moose are Alberta Conservation Association winter. However, killing every wolf sharing caribou habitat. While Chair in Fisheries and Wildlife, in B.C. (and Alberta) won’t bring commented on January 9th: the caribou back in the absence of ELSTON DZUS/ESRD WEBSITE habitat protection. “This is an outrageous industry-motivated NOTE: A second, earlier ESRD web approach that somehow posting on May 22, 2014 on the gets the province off the issue is: https://aesrd.wordpress. hook for failing to manage com/2014/05/22/caribou-range- caribou habitats. Wolf planning-co-existing-on-the-land/ control is unacceptable. The

Photographer and author John Marriott has promised “a number of blog posts regarding wolf culls and predator killing contests” on his blog site. John’s writings are always interesting and informative and worth reading; www.wildernessprints.com/. WINTER 2015 9 “Quill” is No More

The well-known Grizzly Bear #128, better known as “Quill”, was struck and severely injured October 26th on the TransCanada Highway in Yoho National Park, west of Field, and had to be euthanized.

Quill – so named because he (apparently a had been tranquillized in 2012 week or so) to remove porcupine quills from to remove a paw – and his sibling Morant what was became famous as orphaned cubs essentially after their mother was killed by bear bait a train while feeding on spilled on the QUILL IN JUNE OF 2011. RICK PRICE grain on the CP rail tracks near TransCanada Lake Louise. Highway. However, in an Oct Photographer Rick Price was 27th Calgary Herald interview, able to photograph Quill both in Quill was hit by a car about 9:00 Parks Canada wildlife biologist June 2011, shortly after he and pm close to a small grain spill Alan Dibb felt that the collision his sibling were orphaned, and (approximately three metres by and the grain spill were not then again in June of 2012 the three metres by thirty centimeters “directly linked”. Quill had day after he had been tranquilized deep) which he (and other bears) apparently been spending to remove porcupine quills had been feeding on in the days a fair amount of time in the from his paw (see the Nature previously. The spill had been vicinity of the train/vehicle Alberta article in the Summer cleaned up the day before Quill traffic corridor. 2012 edition). Said Rick: “I was met his end. However, some so excited to see him making wondered why it took so long his way in the world after his mom was killed eating grain that was dropped from a freight train, but I was also concerned that although many visitors to Banff were seeing a grizzly for the first time with Quill, he was becoming habituated to people and vehicles…I’m sorry Quill that we have made your land so very dangerous for your kind.”

QUILL NURSING HIS SORE PAW IN JUNE OF 2012. RICK PRICE 10 NatureAlberta

Nature Alberta NEWS Nature Alberta was born into a changing Alberta BY PRESIDENT TED HINDMARCH

45 years ago, in 1970, when the Environmental Conservation Nature Alberta was established Act. A year later the first provincial as the Federation of Alberta environment ministry in Canada was Naturalists by six naturalist created through the introduction of clubs in the province, times a Department of Environment Act. A were changing in the world Clean Air and Clean Water Act soon of environmental science and followed. 1971 also saw the National technology and in environmental Clean Air Act passed in Canada. awareness. Nature Alberta In 1971, the Progressive Alberta had the majority of sour Conservatives overturned the Social is 45 years old gas resources in the country and Credit era based on a campaign that in 2015! started exploiting that resource in attacked the previous government on the late 50’s. The Government of their failure to diversify the provincial Happy Birthday – and sincere Alberta under the Alberta Social economy away from oil. The new wishes for many more! Credit Party had started to put in government, under Premier Peter place legislation and regulatory Lockheed and his minister of the guidelines, quite advanced for Environment, W.J.Yurko, took up the their time, to promote safety, environmental torch. conservation and minimize “We, the Alberta Government, The six naturalist groups that founded what pollution – but more was needed. recognize that there must be a was then known as Federation of Alberta Science was finding disturbing balance between the desire to Naturalists were: evidence of pollution and its not upset the natural state of • Alberta Natural History Society (Red Deer/ effects. Environmentalism was our land and water, and the job Penhold), founded 1906 growing as a popular culture. opportunities created by petroleum, • Bow Valley Naturalists (Banff), founded With the passing of the Clean timber, coal and other mineral 1968 Air Act in the US in 1970, and natural resource developers. Albertans began to put additional If we are forced to lean in one • Calgary Field Naturalists’ Society (formerly pressure on the government direction or another, it would likely Calgary Bird Club), founded 1956 for greater protection. James be toward conservation rather than • Edmonton Bird Club, founded 1955 Henderson, Minister of Health development.” under Social Credit Premier • Edmonton Natural History Club, founded – Peter Lougheed 1971. Harry Strom, responded. In 1970 1949 he championed the passage of • Lethbridge Natural History Society, founded 1968 WINTER 2015 11

“We, the Alberta Government, consequences of cumulative will watch EPA [Environmental effects on the environment, the New Corporate Club Protection Agency] action economy and the social fabric The Nature Alberta Board of Directors closely and always lead where in Alberta. The Government has approved the Friends of Elk Island possible. We wouldn’t under of Alberta, through the Land Society as a new corporate member of any circumstances sanction Use Framework is once again Nature Alberta. Elizabeth (Liz) Watts, standards in Alberta less heralding the importance of their Event Coordinator, is our new stringent than those set by the sustaining the environment and corporate board member. EPA for the United States or those the first of the Biodiversity and Liz balances a busy professional career set nationally in Canada” Landscape Frameworks (for as a clinical research consultant at the Lower Athabasca Regional – W.J. Yurko. Alberta Minister of University of Alberta with several Plan) are in draft. These are the Environment, January 1973. naturalist causes. With her experience our hope for the future – and and time as Event Coordinator for Read about the activities and Nature Alberta and many of Friends of Elk Island, she has already issues the Federation of Alberta its clubs across the region are stepped up to chair a Nature Alberta Naturalists was engaged in during taking part. committee for planning some events these heady first years. See our on- Unfortunately, our continued to celebrate our 45th anniversary year. line newsletter archives at http:// reliance on a petro-based In addition, she is also secretary of the naturealberta.ca/publications/ economy and the latest major Alberta Mycological Society (a Nature magazine-archive/ downturn in oil prices, may Alberta Affiliate club). Here we are in 2015, 45 years once again put the environment Friends of Elk Island Society was the later. Policies have continued in the back seat. We can only feature club in the last (Fall 2014) to result in growth of industry, hold out hope that by our 50th edition of Nature Alberta (page 48). agriculture and population anniversary, we will have seen spread which has found us in some movement towards a a new era of the concerns and more sustainable environment. Nature Alberta &

Executive Director Resigns Cheyenne Lemery, Nature Alberta’s Communications Specialist, wants Petra Rowell, Nature Alberta’s great appreciation to Petra for the you to know that Nature Alberta Executive Director for the excellent work she has done for has its own YouTube channel now. past three years, tendered her the organization to bring Nature All kinds of “good stuff” is there for resignation on December 1st Alberta forward to this point. In you to view. Visit: to take effect January 1st, 2015. particular, she did a tremendous Petra’s other consultant work will amount of administrative youtube.com/naturealberta be keeping her on the road more, reviewing, updating and plus she plans to spend more time organizing for greater efficiency at her cabin in northeastern BC and effectiveness. this spring and summer. Petra has The process to replace the advised that she would continue Executive Director began to be available for much of the immediately and it report and financial reporting is likely that by the work and to handle a transition time you read this, through the Jan-Mar period. a new Executive On behalf of the board, President Director will be in Ted Hindmarch extended our place. 12 NatureAlberta

Here are Two Interesting Offers Do you enjoy Nature Alberta magazine? Do you think it must be interesting and exciting putting together and putting out these four editions per year? Well, you’re right: it is interesting and exciting. We are offering the opportunity for someone to be an assistant Editor, possibly with a view to become, at some point in the future, the main Editor. Time commitment would be about 25 to 40 hours per edition (at present, the Editor, working alone, takes 60 to 70 hrs per edition). This time includes planning, gathering enough material (which has never been a problem!) and putting it together, along with appropriate images – but not design and layout, which is done by Broken Arrow Solutions Inc. Obviously, a good grasp on editing and writing of proper English is required. If you are interested, contact Dennis at na@ naturealberta.ca for more information. Also, if you live in Edmonton or area, we’re looking for someone to volunteer to help the Circulation Manager, who mails out – either by Canada Post or email – each edition of Nature Alberta. In essence, it’s just a few hours four times a year, but it will certainly assist Ted. Interested? Contact us at info@ naturealberta.ca or [email protected].

Thanks for the Donation Michael Butler and Martha Allen live out in the Elk Island area but are moving to Ontario; they made a donation of five boxes of natural history books which we will use, with additional donations, to have a “used and new book sale” in February. Thanks. WINTER 2015 13

SHORELINE ADVISORS WITH SOME Living by Water: Thirteen Years of Programming COOPERATING RESIDENTS. BY GREG BOORMAN, PROGRAM MANAGER, NATURE ALBERTA’S LIVING BY WATER PROJECT

In 1997 Clive Callaway and The project structure in its early shoreline advisors reside in their Sarah Kipp, two coastal residents years was based on the initial target lake community throughout of British Columbia, came up concept of volunteer residents the summer. There, they would with a program that helped assessing the health of their promote the project, organize property owners learn about neighbor’s properties. This appointments with residents and the specific roles they play in proved to be less successful perform homesite evaluations. In maintaining healthy shorelines. than expected as residents felt theory, it was perfect. In practice, They created reference material like they were criticizing, rather it was problematic. There were that outlined factors influencing than educating, their neighbors. issues with the abilities and environmental and recreational This led Nature Alberta to outgoingness of the shoreline integrity of shoreline and aquatic provide training for volunteer advisors as well as false claims ecosystems. This material along residents and had summer being made about the completion with their efforts in promoting students accompany them while of homesite evaluations. environmentally responsible they assessed their neighbor’s The problems encountered over communities provided a properties. However, this gave the years led to the currently used foundation for The Living by similar results and it was time to Water Project. leave the assessing in the hands of non- Seventeen years later, The residents. Living by Water Project provides resources and education to The first year that shoreline communities throughout Nature Alberta hired Alberta. This article outlines the summer students evolution of the project along with to act as shoreline the successes and hurdles that it advisors was quite has encountered in its thirteen “interesting”. The years of operation with Nature plan was to have Alberta.

A GATHERING OF GULLS ON WABAMUN LAKE. 14 NatureAlberta

WORKING WITH RESIDENTS.

program structure in which local complete the resident receives a products and riparian vegetation lake groups create community report detailing the assessment for are detailed below. interest in the program and Nature future reference. During consultations, Alberta focuses on presenting at The increased number of homeowners were told that community events and performing consultations brought about by fertilizers contribute to increased homesite evaluations. Residents this restructuring created a need nutrient loading into the lake request a homesite consultation to measure the success of the which may increase the chances and a shoreline advisor spends program by way of a follow up of algal blooms. The downsides approximately an hour and half consultation. Follow ups are of excessive algal growth such as assessing their property. The intended to collect information on fish kills, decreased lake usability assessment functions to let them homeowner progress two years and reduced property values were know what they are doing well after their initial consultation. also explained to residents. Based and how they can reduce their Follow ups were first introduced on the follow ups completed, environmental impact on the in 2007 to provide the program there was a 39% decrease in the ecosystems surrounding their with feedback on how well it number of properties that were property. After the assessment is was working. So far, 112 follow using fertilizer. ups have been The majority of the pesticides performed and used were categorized as the data has herbicides; however some been compiled residents were also using to show results insecticides. Residents were told from the past that pesticides have the potential eight years. to negatively affect non Changes in the target native organisms use of fertilizers, on the shoreline and can pesticides, also have negative impacts household on aquatic organisms in

PERFECTLY CALM FALL DAY ON SYLVAN LAKE. WINTER 2015 15 their lake. Our efforts, combined was also a slight decrease of 10% show the program’s ability to with a broad increase in pesticide in the number of households that be successful, it should not be awareness, contributed to a stopped using harsh chemicals extrapolated to all 754 homesite 47% reduction in the number of such as bleach, drain cleaners consultations that have been properties using pesticides. and disinfectants. With the ease completed. in which this switch can be made, In-home cleaning products can The evolution and feedback we expected these numbers to be also negatively affect the health received over the past thirteen higher. With an increasing number of aquatic ecosystems. Many of years has enabled The Living by of eco-friendly cleaning products the residents that we visited had Water Project to stay successful available combined with increased pump-out holding tanks for their in reaching its education and awareness, this number will surely wastewater. It was still a common outreach goals. However, to increase over time. belief among residents that when remain effective in the future, the the wastewater was removed from The program also stresses the project will have to continue its their property, the environmental importance of native riparian growth and development in new damage was averted. The program buffers. Property owners were ways. In Alberta, there is currently informed residents of where educated on the impacts of a push towards collaborative their wastewater ends up and clearing shoreline vegetation and efforts among Environmental the effects that some household the benefits of maintaining and Non-Government Organizations cleaners have on the waste restoring it. Wildlife habitat, runoff to reduce overlap and create being produced. The presence filtration and less yard work focus on crucial environmental of phosphates in household were all mentioned as benefits needs. Next spring, a proposed products can increase the of increasing buffer sizes. The collaboration with an Alberta freshwater contamination risks results show that there was a 17% WPAC (Watershed Planning that wastewater poses while harsh decrease in the amount of grassed and Advisory Council) will chemicals can harm the organisms areas, a 13% increase in sparsely respond to the growing need that help to break down the vegetated areas, a 24% increase in for education and outreach to waste. After residents were made shorelines with clumped shrubs shoreline communities. This pilot aware of the potential hazards, we and trees and a 21% increase in project will pave the way for saw a 25% increase in the number the number of densely vegetated future collaborations, ensuring of households using phosphate- shorelines. These changes have the continued success of The free soaps and cleaners. There also led to a 20% increase in the Living by Water Project along with number of hardened the creation and maintenance shoreline structures of healthy shoreline ecosystems (retaining walls, rip throughout Alberta. rap, etc.) that have been softened by vegetation. This, along with personal communications with NAME CHANGE homeowners, suggests that the program’s The Alberta Native Plant Council, a efforts are helping Corporate Club of Nature Alberta, has homeowners see changed its name. The new name is the value of healthy Edmonton Native Plant Group. riparian buffers and to make efforts to restore Their website is now… them. Although most www.edmontonnativeplantgroup.org, of the data presented but the email address remains the same ([email protected]). 16 NatureAlberta

Close to Home: Nature Photography in Alberta My Ancestors were Prairie People BY JOHN WARDEN JOHN WARDEN

Our milk cow fell into the well and had to be shot. The antelope ate our garden and we always had trouble with coyotes. A terrible wind blew up, lifted the barn and sat it down on the hen house, killing most of the chickens. There hadn’t been any rain, so most of the crop was gone (Fleming, 1980).

No, these are not the lyrics of and had just emigrated that spring, Life on the land was tough. That fall, a popular country and western from Iowa. On horseback, she she moved off the homestead and into song. This was life on the prairies chased the coyotes away from the Brooks. That winter she moved from for my maternal grandmother, homestead and on one occasion, Brooks to the village of Hanna. Irene Fleming, as written in her returning home from a picnic on The man who would eventually be her autobiography. It was the spring the prairies, she got caught in the father-in-law had been a trainman with and summer months of 1913 middle of a cattle stampede. the C.P.R. in Thunder Bay. George and she was living then in a two We were on foot and ran up and Fleming had come west in 1912. He room shack on a homestead, down ditches and across the rode forty-two across-the-prairies miles near Brooks. It was seven miles prairie and into a ditch rider’s on horseback from Munson to settle to the nearest neighbour and cabin1, just in time. The cattle town was twelve miles away. tore the porch right off the cabin Grandma was nineteen that year 1 as they went by. Ditch Riders were in charge of regulating the flow of water to individual farms from irrigation channels. A PAINTING OF SOFT PASTELS. JOHN WARDEN WINTER 2015 17

CHANGING CANVAS. JOHN WARDEN at Hanna before it was even a say, ‘for a cloud’. If you could the land, there’s the horizon, town. I’ve seen photographs of spot a cloud that meant that there a dividing line between earth the village of Hanna from 1913. was hope for rain and with that and sky. Explicit or implied, the There wasn’t much there, maybe rain, life and growth for the land horizon creates space, defines a dozen buildings or so. What and for the people. We watched shape and offers perspective. A they did have though, was an for antelope and counted gophers high horizontal line provides us abundance of land and sky. on the road, commented on the with a focus on the land. A low dryness of the land and watched horizontal line opens up the sky. When we were kids, we’d visit my the sky, hoping for clouds. Simple, yet subtle, the artist’s grandparents at Hanna. Coming placement of the horizon is a from the west on Highway 9, the The simplicity of land and sky…a powerful, compositional tool. road drops down a long hill and century after my ancestors arrived From design theory, horizontal you can see the prairies open up on the prairies, I returned to lines comfort and calm us with to the east. The sightlines seem Hanna. feelings of stability, balance and to extend into forever and the Simplicity seems, well…simple. control. A horizontal line provides landscape is just far enough away Land and sky. Two elements. a place for us to stand and also from the badlands to be pure That’s the prairies. That’s how presents us with a starting point prairie. It was a tradition that, after nearly everyone describes the from which we can explore the dinner, we would all pile into plains and grasslands. But when subtleties of both the land and the family car and go for a drive, we look out to the edge of sky. ‘looking’ as my grandfather would 18 NatureAlberta

THE FERTILITY OF THE LAND. JOHN WARDEN

‘Subtle’ is an interesting word release and the mirror lock-up contours of the land were revealed meaning delicate, understated and feature of my camera to further in subtle highlights. In the looking, I difficult to understand or perceive. reduce camera vibration. With my literally, saw the light and watched as Yet, it is the subtleties of the tools ready, it was time for a long it moved, dancing across the land, light prairies that leave their mark and slow look, challenging my eyes chasing shadow. With a low horizon, I tell its story: the always changing and my spirit to find the art of the felt the power and vastness of the sky, canvas of colour, the lines and prairies. the majesty and mass of clouds looking shapes, layers and patterns. These down upon me from their high view. Well, the Hanna landscape that are all of the elements of design morning was, at first glance, bold. A few days later, I went cross country and composition that apply An obvious, brilliant wash of to Vulcan. to any other image, but we’re color. Waves of yellow. Canola looking for them in a simple, My grandfather, John Warden, came and mustard fields everywhere. seemingly empty landscape. To to this area in 1906 and worked at But, what other riches might a find them will require patience, the Bartlett Ranch on Willow Creek, long slow look reveal? I composed contemplation and a long slow west of Stavely. He was a blacksmith, photographs, patiently working look. but he also hauled mail and supplies the horizon. What do I see? What by wagon to the new post office and So, with an open heart and a do I feel? What does what I see, store at Reid Hill. It was a distance of suitcase full of memories, I pulled mean to me? What do I want the about thirty miles across the wide open over to the side of the road, set image that I create, to tell others? prairie and the winter of 1906 / 07 up my tripod, and attached my Here is the land! was one of the worst on record. Snow camera. A tripod allows for the started falling on 3rd of November stability required for crystal clear With a high horizon, I 1906 and fell for thirty-one hours sharpness and maximum depth of contemplated the prairies and straight, staying on the ground until field. Also, I always use a cable found rolling hills, where the 24th of May 1907. The official record WINTER 2015 19 for snowfall that year was taken years. The pump house and the layers, and colours. It’s the at Edmonton and was reported old chicken coop next to the colours that surprised me the as 90.3 inches. Local stories tell windbreak are the only original most. On this morning, the prairie of temperatures dropping down buildings still standing. The land was a painting of soft pastels to 50 and 60 degrees below zero and the sky though, remain. punctuated by farms, windbreaks (Fahrenheit). Thousands of cattle and old granaries. The land has How do I tell you of the sky and horses died that winter from been cultivated and nurtured for at Vulcan? It’s a sky that has the snow and cold. Many ranchers generations now, and the fertility a physical presence, a sky of went bankrupt and those that and history of the land was piercing blue emptiness where a survived turned to farming. revealed in its soft colours. single cloud can appear and move My grandfather took a homestead across the land, growing larger In the early 1900’s, when the near Carmangay, only to find the and morphing into a prairie storm, homesteaders came to Alberta, summer of 1910, one of the driest all in a matter of minutes. eighty percent of the population seasons ever. He seeded in March was rural. Now, eighty percent of Beneath that vast sky, I stood in a and by fall the crop was only the population is urban. People farmer’s field on a bit of a hill and about ten inches high. He had a have left the land for the cities. contemplated the land stretching family to support though, so the But the land, the sky and the out to a 360 degree prairie following year the Warden family horizon remain, simple, subtle and horizon. Breathtaking, it is indeed. moved for better land to Reid Hill, rich. My ancestors were prairie The farmers will tell you that it nine miles east of the new town people. They lived and loved requires patience for the land to of Vulcan, on the Lomond Road. and at times, hated the land, but reveal its richness. Fortunately, A succession of Warden families it’s my grandmother’s words that I had the time for a long, slow lived there for the next fifty years. paint the picture. look and discovered once again, The Warden home place has an incredible splendour of lines, changed in the intervening

A SPLENDOR OF LINES, LAYERS AND COLOURS. JOHN WARDEN 20 NatureAlberta

THE SKY AT VULCAN. JOHN WARDEN

I’ll never forget the morning we also now, part of yesterday. The Rainone, M. (2014, Feb). Reflections of arrived at Brooks. Ah, what a land and the sky though, they Ponoka: We also had cold winters in beautiful morning. Almost all are right now. Their richness is the old days. Ponoka News. Stavely Historical Book Society. (1976). you can see for miles and miles to be found in this moment, and Butte Stands Guard: Stavely and is prairie. There are hills, just patiently, they wait for us. District. Calgary: W. Friesen and little rolling ones though. I fell in Sons Ltd. love with Alberta that morning Bibliography The Carmangay and District Home and and have never gotten over it! Budd, V. (1995). John and Grace School Assoc. (1968). Bridging the Alberta’s famous sunshine, air Warden and Families History Book. Years: Carmangay and District. like wine, meadowlarks singing Vulcan, Alberta: Self Published. Lethbridge, Alberta: Southern Printing Company. and the whole wonderful world Fleming, I. (1980). An Autobiography. Hanna, Alberta: Self Published. Vulcan and District Historical Society. ahead of me (Fleming, 1980). Hunt, S. (2013, May 2002). Mythical (1973). Wheat Country: A History of The stories of my ancestors are a prairie dances to life. Retrieved from Vulcan and District. Calgary: D.W. Friesen & Sons Ltd. paragraph or two in a history of Edmonton Journal: http://www2. the prairies. The photographs I canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/ whatson/story.html?id=a6f70192- took to help tell their stories are 4703-4c57-af89-d6b722f75400

Check out John Warden’s updated website: www.jwardenphotography.com, with a new look and many photographs. Plus, also on the site are his past Nature Alberta articles. www.jwardenphotography.com WINTER 2015 21 Eyes on IBAs Birding in a Blanket of Snow BY BROOK SKAGEN, NATURE ALBERTA IBA INTERN

As an Important Bird Areas (IBAs) intern this past summer, I have had the rewarding opportunity to explore the prairies of my home region in greater detail, as well as expand my knowledge about the unique avian species that call it home.

Nature is full of immense admit the pun was one of them). I couldn’t see a single bird! transformations. From the colorful Fairly new to the world of winter Shocked at just how barren the mosaics of blooming flowers, to birding, I set off for my last IBA reservoir appeared, I paused to the blanket of snow wrapping the visit of the year. listen for any songs or calls…there golden prairies, Mother Nature’s were none; the whistling of the Hays, or Scope, Reservoir is an many seasons shape our world cool winter wind carried off any IBA located near the hamlet of as if she was an expressive artist sounds of morning chat. The visit Hays and approximately halfway with a blank canvas. With winter seemed futile, but I hesitantly set between the cities of Lethbridge comes change, and with change: up my scope in hopes of spotting and Medicine Hat; it provides inspiration. a raptor in the distance; only the nesting habitat for both grassland silhouettes of ice-fishers were With annual fall migrants long and waterbird species. During visible in the blanket of white. gone for the winter, spotting birds my summer assessment of the throughout the chilly season can area as an IBA intern, American Disappointed in my lack of prove challenging for even the White Pelicans, Double-crested findings, I prepared to depart most experienced of birders; the Cormorants, Western Grebes, and empty-handed, when suddenly New Year was less than a week numerous species of waterfowl, a break in the wind revealed a away, and I certainly didn’t expect gulls, and terns, were observed beautiful melody to my ears: a to check anything new off my at the large man-made reservoir, calling Black-billed Magpie (I was annual list. The acquisition of while grassland swallows and happy to hear anything at all). a new spotting scope provided sparrows dashed from shrub The calls of the magpie were soon me with the motivation and to shrub along the surrounding followed by the rhythm of chatty inspiration needed to take a little native grasses. Black-capped Chickadees and road trip to one of my favorite the beat of a cawing Raven from Easily accessible, the expansive Important Bird Areas for a the reservoir below. I stood and water body and surrounding “spotting test”: Scope listened to the natural serenade prairie landscape allows one to Reservoir (I chose this of the winter wind and its avian see for miles (the more influential location for a number orchestra; the warmth of the reason for my visit). The crisp of reasons, but I distant sounds sheltered me from snow crunched beneath my feet the snow’s chill. Suddenly, as if as I approached the reservoir, in harmony with winter’s melody, eager to discover what birds the other listener appeared in Brook Skagen awaited me with my trusty scope. Nature Alberta IBA intern 22 NatureAlberta

clear view of my scope: a Snowy the sound Owl. of silence. The IBA Perched atop a telephone pole, was more her black-speckled plumage beautiful shimmered in the snow-reflected than ever, sun. It was during this moment and yet still that I realized just how lively the exhibited prairies were beneath the snow, life, frost, and ice. The reservoir was despite the NATURE ALBERTA DIRECTOR LLOYD BENNETT AT HAYS RESERVOIR. NATURE ALBERTA far from barren, for life carried harshness on, hidden within the whistling of the as rewarding as at the peak of winds and glimmering flakes of cold. Winter birding proved more migration. I strongly encourage snow. I didn’t need my scope to gratifying than I ever imagined. any birders – novice or expert – to see the resilient hidden gems of help contribute to Alberta’s bird nature; I only needed to change Sadly, winter data for Alberta’s conservation, all the while gaining a the way I looked. The majestic many IBAs are greatly lacking. In deeper connection to the beautiful owl then vanished into the stretch fact, my checklist was the only land that surrounds us. So pack your of white prairie as quickly as winter data for Hays Reservoir winter coat, beloved binoculars, and she was discovered. Though the submitted to eBird in years. In a hot beverage next snowfall: winter sighting was brief, I still carry the order to better conserve the bird at an IBA! excitement and gratification that province’s species, it is critical followed that moment with me that data be collected during all I hope to see your tracks in the into the New Year. seasons; only then can we truly snow. understand just how crucial the The magnitude of transformation Important Bird Areas (as well as undergone by the reservoir other sites) are for avian life. Nature Alberta Director Lloyd Bennett did amazed me: rolling waves were a short video on Hays/Scope Reservoir now drifts of snow travelling The winter wonderland I for Nature Alberta; if you haven’t seen it across a foundation of ice, the experienced at Hays Reservoir yet, it’s on You Tube: www.youtube.com/ grassland thickets were now inspired me to appreciate the watch?v=mRMu-9TfhVc. While the quality bubbles of white protruding from hidden details of our province of the video is not great, nevertheless the the sheet of white snow, and more than I ever thought subject is very interesting and may motivate the bustling calls of hundreds of imaginable; visiting an IBA you to visit this reservoir. nesting birds were replaced by in the cold months was just

Advertising in Nature Alberta

Nature Alberta is now accepting a limited Full details, including rates and sizes, are available at: number of advertisements for future issues. online: www.naturealberta.ca Ad rates vary from $35 (business card size) to email: [email protected] $249 (full page), X2 for colour. phone: (780) 427 – 8124 WINTER 2015 23 Stocked Ponds and Fisheries Conservation BY TODD ZIMMERLING

Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) expends significant funds on a yearly basis, stocking approximately 120,000 rainbow trout into 60 waterbodies around the province.

We undertake this activity to desired goal is to “put” catchable- all we need, a connection with the achieve our mission to conserve, sized fish in a pond so that anglers resource to create a sense of value, protect and enhance fish and can then “take” them home for a which results in action towards wildlife populations and their meal. Wherever possible we try conservation. It’s not a quick fix, but habitats for Albertans to enjoy, and target families and we spend it is a potentially large solution. value and use. significant effort promoting the While our stocked ponds are meant So the question arises, what does concept of taking a kid out fishing. to provide fishing opportunities in stocking a pond with rainbow trout This is really where the long general, ACA has been working do for conservation? The short answer with respect to conservation with a variety of partners to provide answer is nothing! comes in. People do not conserve specific family fishing opportunities. The longer answer is everything! things that they do not value. So In 2014 the Kids Can Catch program The act of stocking a pond does the easiest way to ensure kids saw over 2000 people participate nothing directly for conservation, grow up valuing fish and fish in 8 events across the province. Of BUT, the activities that you habitat is to get them involved these participants, the vast majority promote around that pond can do with fishing early. These kids don’t were families with young children. wonders for conservation and can have to become anglers as they Our goal with the program is to form the basis of societal shifts in grow up, they just have to value encourage parents to take their kids attitudes towards native fisheries, the experience of angling. The fishing; to remember the fun times clean water and outdoor activities memory of spending time with they had as kids and to pass those in general. We are all aware of the Mom and Dad, or maybe catching experiences on. various studies, reports and surveys that first fish with Grandpa: that is indicating that in general, people today are much more removed from the natural environment than even one generation ago. This phenomenon is even more pronounced with young people, as video games, television and the ever present cell phone have taken the place of outdoor pursuits like tree climbing, bike riding and spending time at the local fishing hole. ACA’s stocking program concentrates on what are referred to as “put and take” fisheries. Our

SOPHIE AND HER DAD AT THE FORT SASKATCHEWAN “KIDS CAN CATCH” EVENT IN 2014. 24 NatureAlberta

FEATURE ARTICLE Winter Images While summer is generally considered the optimal time for naturalists, with spring and fall excellent shoulder seasons, winter has a uniqueness all of its own.

It’s a great time for sightings and Some of the photos you may versus Black-billed Magpie, Moose photography of wildlife that gives recognize from previous editions and redpolls. every other season a run for its – quintessential winter images Enjoy the photos and head out money. that are too good to use just into our winter landscape. As once! This edition also has several The Feature Story in this edition Brook Skagen says in her IBA other winter stories which readers of Nature Alberta is a pictorial article: “I hope to see your tracks should find fascinating, including illustrating the wonders of in the snow.” about Snowy Owls, Grey Partridge nature during an Alberta winter.

TWO RED FOXES LOUNGE ABOUT ON A SNOW-COVERED ROCK PERCH, SOAKING UP SOME WARM FEBRUARY SUNSHINE AS THEY SURVEY THEIR TERRITORY. IAN FOSS WINTER 2015 25

THIS PORCUPINE SEEMS TO BE JUST ONE BIG ROUND BALL OF HAIR. WITH ALL THEIR TALK ABOUT AN EXCITING WINTER BODY FAT AND WOOLLY UNDERCOAT, SIGHTING! HELMUT AMELANG CAME UPON PORCUPINES HAVE NO REAL PROBLEM TWO JUVENILE LYNX VERY CLOSE TO THE SURVIVING THE WINTER. THIS PHOTO WAS ROAD. THEY JUST SAT THERE AND POSED ORIGINALLY IN THE WINTER 2013 EDITION FOR THE PHOTOS, EVEN AFTER HELMUT GOT OF NATURE ALBERTA. PAUL HORSLEY OUT OF HIS VEHICLE. HELMUT AMELANG 26 NatureAlberta A SPLENDID PHOTO BY AUTHORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ROBIN AND MARIAN WHITE, WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY THE COVER OF THE WINTER 2008 EDITION. AT THAT TIME, THE SUBJECT WAS MISIDENTIFIED AS A SNOWSHOE HARE WHEN IN FACT, IT IS A JACKRABBIT (THOUGH STILL A HARE). THE WHITES PRODUCED AN AWARD-WINNING, STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL BOOK, WILD ALBERTA AT THE CROSSROADS IN 2007. IT IS WELL WORTH HAVING IN ONE’S LIBRARY. ROBIN AND MARIAN WHITE

BISON ARE BUILT FOR WINTER BY THEIR SIZE, THICK COAT, STRENGTH AND ABILITY TO PAW THROUGH DEEP SNOW. WHEN BISON RULED THE PLAINS, THEY WERE VITAL TO PRONGHORN DURING WINTER. BISON ESSENTIALLY PLOUGHED FIELDS FREE OF SNOW WHILE FEEDING, UNCOVERING THE PLANTS UPON WHICH PRONGHORN, WHICH CANNOT PAW TOO SUCCESSFULLY, DEPENDED. RICK PRICE WINTER 2015 27

PAUL PG POSTED THIS PHOTO ON NATURE ALBERTA’S FACEBOOK PAGE WITH THIS EXPLANATION: “I THOUGHT I’D SHARE MY DAUGHTER’S DELIGHT AT SEEING A DOWNY WOODPECKER UP CLOSE TODAY (DEC 14/14) AT FISH CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK. JESS LOVES ANIMALS, BIRDS AND NATURE LIKE MOST KIDS DO, I SUSPECT. SHE STILL TALKS ABOUT RESCUING A SPARROW THAT KNOCKED ITSELF OUT FLYING INTO A WINDOW A FEW YEARS AGO. WE PICKED IT UP TO MAKE SURE A CAT DIDN’T EAT IT BEFORE IT CAME TO, TWEETED AND FLEW OFF. THIS DAY WAS EVEN COOLER AND THIS WAS ONE OF MANY BIRDS EAGERLY COMING TO EAT OUT OF HER HAND. THEY DIDN’T NEED ANY PROMPTING AS MOST VISITORS TO THE PARK HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS IT WOULD APPEAR BUT AS YOU CAN SEE IT SPARKS A WALT DISNEY CARTOON LIKE WONDER IN HER FACE TO SEE SUCH BEAUTIFUL CREATURES UP CLOSE IN THEIR HABITAT.” NATURE ALBERTA FACEBOOK

MANY PEOPLE ASSUME THAT ALL ROBINS HEAD FOR WARMER CLIMES COME FALL. HOWEVER, THERE ARE ALWAYS SOME THAT SPEND THE WINTER HERE IN ALBERTA. THIS PARTICULAR BIRD – ALL FLUFFED UP TO WARD OFF THE COLD – WAS PHOTOGRAPHED BY BONNIE MULLIN IN MID-APRIL, SO IT MIGHT ACTUALLY BE A RETURNED MIGRANT. BUT IT’S JUST AS LIKELY THAT IT STAYED THE WINTER MONTHS. AS LONG AS ROBINS HAVE PLENTY OF BERRIES TO EAT, THEY WILL DO FINE. BONNIE MULLIN 28 NatureAlberta

GREAT BLUE HERONS ALWAYS MIGRATE SOUTH, BUT SOMETIMES THEY MAY EITHER STAY A BIT TOO LONG OR COME BACK BEFORE WINTER ENDS. NEVERTHELESS, AS LONG AS THEY CAN FIND SOME OPEN WATER, THEY CAN GET BY – AS THIS PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL WITH A FISH IN ITS BEAK HAS SHOWN. TREVOR CHURCHILL

IT’S NOT JUST ANIMALS THAT MAKE FOR GOOD WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY. SNOW- COVERED BERRIES PROVIDE A BEAUTIFUL CONTRAST OF WHITE AND RED. POSSIBLY AN ADDED BONUS WOULD BE IF A BOHEMIAN WAXWING FLEW IN TO FEED! BONNIE MULLIN WINTER 2015 29 SOME PREDATORY BIRD SPECIES LIKE TO HANG AROUND WINTER FEEDERS IN THE HOPE OF GETTING AN EASY MEAL. MERLINS, COOPER’S HAWKS AND SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS (PICTURED HERE WITH AN UNLUCKY SONGBIRD) ARE NOT ALL THAT POPULAR WITH THOSE WHO SET UP BIRD FEEDERS, BUT THEY DO PROVIDE SOME EXCITING SIGHTINGS! SHIRLEE RIVEST

WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES ARE ANOTHER WINTER FEEDER BIRD. THEY ARE NOT AS COMMON AS THEIR COUSINS, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, BUT EQUALLY INTERESTING TO WATCH AS THEY GO HEADFIRST DOWN A TREE LOOKING FOR INSECTS OR EGGS, THEN FLITTING QUICKLY TO AND FRO FROM A FEEDER. SANDRA HAWKINS 30 NatureAlberta Like many naturalists, Debbie and Alan Godkin, from Westlock AB, have numerous stories of their experiences with nature – stories they love to share with other naturalists in this “NATURE DIARY” series!

Nature Diary: Brown Creeper BY DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN

A pair of Brown Creepers (Certhia americana) nested here back in 1999, which was a surprise, given their preference to forage on evergreens, of which we have very few.

They could be seen creeping tiny songbirds proved difficult, to Alberta Birds that they can upward in a spiral around a tree because the moment they spotted overwinter, I have yet to see one trunk as they probed the bark for me, they hastened their upward in the winter months. insects, then fly down to the base climb. We searched but couldn’t of a nearby spruce and repeat the find their nest. process. EDITOR’S NOTE: Every fall since that first sighting, Like Chickadees and Nuthatches, Their persistent call alerted me to I’ve spotted one or two, as they Brown Creepers do overwinter in their presence in our yard, days passed through our yard, usually Alberta, but they are hard to find before I ever saw them. They between September 12 and because of their inconspicuousness; were hard to spot, as their small October 12. They don’t linger they truly look like a piece of bark! size and streaked brown and buff long, two days at the most. Summer nests are also hard to find, upper body blends in with the Although I read in the Field Guide as their nests are well hidden under tree trunk. Photographing these the loose bark of a tree.

THE LONG, CURVED BEAK OF A BROWN CREEPER IS PERFECT FOR DIGGING UNDER BROWN CREEPERS USE THEIR TAIL AS A LOOSE BARK FOR INSECTS AND EGGS. DEBBIE SUPPORT, MUCH LIKE WOODPECKERS DO. GREAT CAMOUFLAGE! AND ALAN GODKIN DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN WINTER 2015 31 First Hand: Easy Pickings! BY DENNIS BARESCO

Sharif Galal’s Snowy Owl article sweep out any leftover grain from low behind the vehicles. Then (page 37) reminded me of the railcars. Nothing can attract at the precisely correct location, an interesting predator-prey pigeons like a ready supply of when it was even with the relationship – where the predator grain, and dozens of them would pigeons, the owl would swoop performed captures with military- congregate at the tracks. up and over the cars, invariably like planning and precision. grabbing one of the surprised There was a workers’ parking lot birds as they rose up in panic. Back in the 1960s-70s, my father right beside the tracks. Almost Very easy pickings! The pigeons worked as a Security Officer daily during the winter, my father apparently never learned. at the local fertilizer plant on – who had a perfect view of the the northwest side of Medicine scene – watched a Snowy Owl Hat. In preparing to load bulk that would come in fast, flying fertilizer, plant workers would First Hand: Hungry ‘Huns’ BY JIM AND AYNSLEY STELFOX

Each fall, we enjoy watching by the partridge, they Black-billed Magpies (Pica soon became frustrated at hudsonia) feed on fat scraps that being deprived of access we put out after cutting up the to ‘their’ food source. deer. This year, however, we were Instead of fighting with treated to a very unusual sight. each other for a feeding spot, some resorted Five Grey (Hungarian) Partridge to pulling partridge (Perdix perdix) came into our tails, which promptly back yard and soon converged on resulted in the partridge the pile of fat scraps, displacing spinning around and the dozen Magpies that had been GREY PARTRIDGE FEEDING ON FAT SCRAPS WHILE chasing the Magpie feeding on it. To our amazement, MAGPIES SQUABBLE. AYNSLEY STELFOX away. (Unfortunately, the partridge began picking up this hilarious action was crumb-sized pieces of fat that MAGPIES “SHARING” FAT SCRAPS WITH GREY PARTRIDGE. so quick that we weren’t had fallen on the snow when AYNSLEY STELFOX able to capture it on the Magpies were chiselling off camera.) Who would bigger pieces. We assume that this have thought that the opportunistic exploitation of such dainty partridge could a high-energy food source was displace, or put the run due to the cold (-20°C) conditions on, the seemingly more at the time. aggressive Magpie. Although the Magpies initially pulled back, or confined their feeding to the side not occupied THE BIRD THAT STARTED IT ALL: A SHORT-EARED OWL ON 32 NatureAlberta THE ROAD BETWEEN COOKING AND HASTINGS LAKES. TERRY AND SUSAN SLY First Hand: Birds on a Post BY TERRY SLY

My wife Susan* and I have long seems, if you are going to see loved hiking and exploring the them at all, it would be on a wonders that nature has to offer. post – like Wilson’s Snipe and We like taking photos of flowers, Upland Sandpiper. To date we mushrooms, insects, amphibians, have pictures of 42 different birds mammals and birds. standing on fence posts. In the last couple of years we We recently just missed A BOBOLINK IN THE BEAVERHILL LAKE AREA. have really enjoyed trying to photographing a Loggerhead TERRY AND SUSAN SLY photograph, identify and learn Shrike and a Turkey Vulture about the birds of Alberta and standing on a post, but with other locales we have visited. We patience and perseverance, we have identified and photographed know we can get them and a just over 200 bird species in bunch more. The pictures we Alberta. We have observed some have included with this article of the unusual mating rituals, like are some of our favourites, which Common Goldeneyes and Ruddy include a mix of what we think Ducks, with utter fascination and are unusual characters to be amazement. standing on a post and others that we just loved, like the Short-eared The sighting that hooked us on Owl that got us started. birding was a Short-eared Owl standing on a fence post. As time passed and we covered * Susan contributed a lovely the province on a couple of photo, “Western Bluebirds, All in a occasions, we noticed that a Row!” for the Spring 2014 Nature number of birds like to stand Alberta. on fence posts. Some birds it

A NORTHERN SHRIKE IN THE BEAVERHILL LAKE AREA. A SPRAGUE’S PIPIT, WHICH ARE RARELY SEEN TERRY AND SUSAN SLY ON THE GROUND, IN THE TYRRELL LAKE AREA. TERRY AND SUSAN SLY WINTER 2015 33

YOU WOULD THINK IT WOULD NOT BE HARD TO FIND AN ANIMAL THAT WEIGHS AROUND 500KG AND STANDS ABOUT 2.5 METERS TALL AT THE SHOULDER, BUT THIS BULL WAS ONLY GIVEN AWAY BY HIS PROMINENT SET OF ANTLERS WHILE HE BEDDED DOWN DURING A SNOW STORM. OWEN SLATER

BULL MOOSE WILL POSTURE TO SHOW OFF THE SIZE OF THEIR ANTLERS BEFORE EVER ENGAGING IN ACTUAL SPARRING. First Hand: WITH THE TWO SMALLER BULLS GETTING A CLOSE UP VIEW OF HIS LARGE ANTLERS, THEY QUICKLY REALIZED THEY Rocky Mountain Moose HAD NO CHANCE, PUT THEIR HEADS DOWN AND HURRIEDLY BY OWEN SLATER (OWENSLATERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM) STARTED WALKING AWAY FROM HIM. OWEN SLATER it’s relatively rare to see Moose (Alces alces) in the Rockies. I see more wolves and bears than I see Moose, but late fall and early winter always seem to be good times to run into them.

TWO OTHER SIMILARLY CAMOUFLAGED BULLS WERE RESTING NEARBY, BUT WHEN THEY GOT UP AND STARTED MOVING TOWARDS THE LARGER BULL IT DIDN’T TAKE HIM LONG TO GET THEIR ATTENTION. HE QUICKLY STOOD UP, LOWERED HIS HEAD, FLATTENED HIS EARS AND STARTED A SLOW AND DELIBERATE STRUT TOWARDS THEM. OWEN SLATER

THE LARGE BULL ESCORTED THE YOUNGER ONES THROUGH THE MEADOW AND MADE SURE THEY WERE HEADED TOWARDS THE FOREST BEFORE HE TURNED BACK AND HAD A LOOK AT ME. I HAD ALREADY PLANNED FOR A QUICK ESCAPE IF NEEDED, BUT I GUESS HE DIDN’T FEEL I WAS EVEN WORTH THE EXTRA EFFORT TO TRY TO SCARE OFF, SINCE HE JUST TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK TO FEEDING ON WILLOW SHOOTS. I WAS JUST FINE WITH THAT! OWEN SLATER VISIT OWEN! When not working with wildlife during his day job, Owen spends much of his free time If you have a first-hand experience with nature, send studying and photographing Alberta’s wildlife. His veterinary background provides him it in and share it with other naturalists. After all – with a unique perspective and insights on the animals he photographs. To see more of there are 8 million stories in the Nature City. Yours… his many photos, you’ll enjoy a visit to his website at www.owenslaterphotography.com. could be one of them. THE PEACE-ATHABASCA DELTA IS COMPOSED OF 34 NatureAlberta MANY DELTAS, ONE OF WHICH IS THE CREE CREEK DELTA, THE MOUTH OF WHICH IS PICTURED HERE FROM JUNE 2014. KEVIN TIMONEY

Kevin Timoney’s Award-winning Ecology Book BY BOB MENTZINGER, FROM COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC NEWS, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Dr. Kevin Timoney, A College of the Atlantic alumnus, has received one of Canada’s top scientific writing awards for a book that examines a globally significant wetland in western Canada endangered by an uncertain future.

The book, “The Peace-Athabasca the management, health, and policy “The award is eminently deserved; Delta: Portrait of a Dynamic of natural systems; naturalists; both for Kevin’s passion for his Ecosystem,” published in 2013 by engineers in government and non- subject and his ability to distill 20 the University of Alberta Press, governmental organizations; and years of research into this important, had been favorably reviewed in students and teachers of ecological accessible book,” said Monika Igali of several places, including the journal and environmental studies.” the University of Alberta Press. “We are Restoration Ecology; and received The delta in northern Alberta is a very proud to have worked with him several other prior awards. globally significant wetland within on this award-winning book.” “As Dr. Timoney makes perfectly one of the largest unfragmented “Like the delta, this book is a jewel,” clear in this beautifully written landscapes in North America. said Rob Alexander of Rocky Mountain and illustrated book, the Peace- Arguably the world’s largest boreal Outlook. “Timoney has set a standard Athabasca Delta is a world treasure. inland delta, it is renowned for for books of this nature. It provides The author has written a book biological productivity and is a a blueprint in terms of the type of based on scientific evidence, and central feature of a UNESCO World information we need and how to best he has done so with passion,” said Heritage Site. present it to allow us to make better, world-renowned ecologist John Yet the delta and its indigenous informed decisions.” P. Smol, PhD, in the Department cultures lie downstream of Alberta’s Timoney, who lives in Androssan, of Biology at Queen’s University bitumen sands, whose exploitation Alberta, said he has another book in Canada. “This is an important comprises one of the largest soon to be published, this one by book that should be read by industrial projects in the world. Springer, that studies the effects of scientists, naturalists, and anyone Timoney provides an authoritative exploitation of bitumen sands — also concerned about the environmental synthesis of the science and history known as tar sands — on the wetlands degradation of our planet.” of the delta, describing its ecology, of northeastern Alberta: “Impaired “The Peace-Athabasca Delta” is unraveling its millennia-long Wetlands in a Damaged Landscape: described a “synthesis of what history, and addressing its uncertain The Legacy of Bitumen Exploitation in is known about the delta, an future. Timoney writes: “In the Canada”. environmental history, a reference delta, water is boss, change is the Timoney earned a master of science in book, and a field guide,” intended only constant, and creation and plant ecology from the University of for a wide audience “including destruction exist side by side.” Wisconsin and a Ph.D. in plant ecology natural scientists; those involved in from the University of Alberta.

College of the Atlantic was founded in 1969 on the premise that education should go beyond understanding the world as it is, to enabling students to actively shape its future. For more, visit www.coa.edu. FRANKLIN’S GULL OVER WATER. ISTOCK WINTER 2015 35 Spring 2014 Bird Count Results BY JUDY BOYD The number of species went down this year: from 275 last year to 273 this year but the number of individual birds went up: 237, 010 this year from 209,381 last year.

In 2013, the most numerous were each seen at Crowsnest Pass; Lake and Lac La Biche; Mourning species was the Franklin’s Gull Magnolia Warbler was seen at Fort Warbler at BowKanBirders; with 15,441. Second was the McMurray; Tundra Swan was seen McCown’s Longspur at Brooks and Canada Goose with 10,685 at Lac La Biche; Dunlin, Bohemian Milk River/Writing-on-Stone. and third was the Red-winged Waxwing were each seen at Last year we had five species in Blackbird with 10,083. This year, Lethbridge; Eurasian Wigeon, all areas. This year we had 10 the most numerous species was Northern Shrike and Common species in all areas: Canada Goose, again the Franklin’s Gull with Redpoll were each seen at Mallard, Sora, American Coot, 34,585. Second was the Red- Medicine Hat; Western Sandpiper, Northern Flicker, Common Raven, winged Blackbird with 11,647 and Northern Mockingbird and Sage Tree Swallow, American Robin, third was the Canada Goose with Thrasher were each seen at Milk Chipping Sparrow, and Red- 9908. River/Writing-on-Stone; Pine winged Blackbird. Grosbeak was seen at Waterton. This year, 30 species were found Last year seven species were in only one location around the 13 species were found in 2 found in all but one area, and province: Red Crossbill was seen locations around the province: eleven species were found in all at Banff; Northern Hawk-Owl, Peregrine Falcon at Calgary and but two areas. This year fifteen Golden-crowned Sparrow were Milk River; Yellow Rail at Calgary species were found in all but one seen at BowKanBirders; Surf and Cold Lake; Hudsonian area: American Wigeon, Blue- Scoter, Clark’s Grebe, Ruddy Godwit at Brooks and Calgary; winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Turnstone, Sabine’s Gull, Arctic Common Nighthawk at Cold Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Red- Tern, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Lake and Crowsnest Pass; Black- tailed Hawk, Spotted Sandpiper, Barred Owl, Lewis’ Woodpecker backed Woodpecker at Cold Downy Woodpecker, Black-billed (count week (cw)), and Gray- Lake and Fort McMurray; Pacific- Magpie, American Crow, Cliff crowned Rosy-Finch were each slope Flycatcher at Calgary and Swallow, Barn Swallow, Clay- seen at Calgary; Black-chinned Waterton; Philadelphia Vireo at coloured Sparrow, Savannah Hummingbird was seen at Central Alberta and Lac La Biche; Sparrow and Brown-headed Cardston; Long-eared Owl, and American Dipper at Calgary Cowbird. This year eight species Northern Saw-whet Owl were and Crowsnest Pass; Gray- were found in all but two areas: each seen at Central Alberta; cheeked Thrush at Calgary and Gadwall, Lesser Scaup, Killdeer, Glaucous Gull, and Sedge Wren Medicine Hat; Nashville Warbler Wilson’s Snipe, Swainson’s Thrush, were each seen at Cold Lake; at Cold Lake and Crowsnest Pass; European Starling, Yellow-rumped Wild Turkey and Western Bluebird Connecticut Warbler at Cold Warbler, and Song Sparrow.

Highlights and details of each specific count can be found at www.naturealberta.ca. 36 NatureAlberta PROCEEDINGS OF PHOTOGRAPHED NOVEMBER 19, 2014, THE 10TH PCES NEAR ARROWWOOD, ALBERTA. CHARLEY BIRD CONFERENCE The Alberta Prairie Conservation Forum and Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) are pleased to announce that the proceedings of the 10th Prairie Conservation and Endangered Charley’s Nature Note: Species Conference can be found on its website, www.pcesc.ca, for your review and use. The conference was held in Red Deer, The Coyote Alberta in February 2013. About BY CHARLEY BIRD 400 people attended and over 140 presentations were made This is my first “Nature Note” in quite a while. My apologies, I have during the three day meeting. been busy with a number of other activities, especially working up The abstracts and articles that presenters and authors submitted lists of the mushrooms of the J.J. Collett Natural Area (see jjcollett. are presented in the 320 page com) and of our natural quarter NW of Winfield, AB. proceedings. The website also contains the proceedings of The subject of today’s note is the At night, Coyotes often vocalize with all the previous conferences at Coyote (Canis latrans). a yip-yip-yip-howl call that can be http://pcesc.ca/past-conferences. heard when the animals are a long aspx. Coyotes occur throughout Alberta and way off. They often antagonize farm are found only in North America. They The 11th Prairie Conservation dogs. have persisted in spite of widespread and Endangered Species shooting and trapping. They are grey- In late winter, especially when food Conference will be held in brown in color, have a bushy tail and a is scarce, some animals lose much of Saskatoon in early 2016 hosted pointed nose. Adults are about as large their hair due to a sarcoptic mange by the Saskatchewan Prairie as a medium-sized dog. Mating occurs (scabies) infestation. Conservation Action Plan in late winter and their pups are born committee and partners. Watch Coyotes are part of our natural world in the spring in underground dens. for more details on the websites and they do a lot of good by helping www.pcap-sk.org/home and Coyotes will eat a wide range of food, to control rodent populations. Enjoy www.pcesc.ca. but they primarily search out small them. rodents, such as voles and mice. They ASPB’s next conference, “Witness The best source of information about will also eat road-kill, bird’s eggs, hares to Change: A Generation the Coyote is Naughton, D., 2012. and they occasionally kill fawns or of Science, Regulation and The Natural History of Canadian calves. In the fall, their droppings often Conservation” will take place Mammals. Canadian Museum of have numerous chokecherry pits. in Canmore, Alberta, March 31 Nature. 784 pp. to April 1, 2015. Join us as the ASPB celebrates forty years of Dr. Charles “Charley” Bird is a university professor, publisher of 300+ professional practice in biology in scholarly articles, long-time advocate for Alberta conservation issues, Alberta and the growing public active with Federation of Alberta Naturalists (Nature Alberta) and in demand for accountability in the particular with his local group, Buffalo Lake Naturalists Society (a management of our ecosystems. Nature Alberta Corporate Club). In 1978, he received Nature Alberta’s Full details are on the ASPB Loran Goulden Award. Charley’s interests and expertise are broad website: www.aspb.ab.ca/ indeed, but especially butterflies and moths; he was the lead author for conference. Alberta Butterflies, published in 1995. TALONS ON FEATHERED FEET OF A FEMALE SNOWY OWL. SHARIF GALAL WINTER 2015 37

Wildlife! Starring… Snowy Owls BY DR. SHARIF GALAL

Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) are the second largest owl in Canada, the largest being the Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa).

In winter, Snowy Owls migrate turn their heads to shift their TYPICAL PRAIRIE PERCHES FOR to the wind swept prairies that gaze. With 14 neck vertebrae “SNOWIES”. SHARIF GALAL resemble the wide open spaces of they can turn their head a full the arctic tundra. These beautiful 270°. Females have dark barring birds can be photographed east on their feathers with white faces; and south of Calgary between males tend to be almost all white. November and the end of March. Their feet have four talons and are thickly feathered to protect Snowy Owls have a maximum the birds when temperatures lifespan of about ten years in the drop to below -30°C for weeks. wild and up to twenty-eight years in captivity. Their population is Telephone poles appear to be a estimated to be between 10,000 favorite perch for Snowy Owls and 30,000 breeding pairs in – males and females – where Canada. The Snowy Owl is the they can scan the fields for prey; provincial bird of Quebec. It is they are also found frequently thought to be one of the first bird on fence posts and occasionally species that can be identified in in trees. To spot Snowy Owls Prehistoric Art. Analysis of their you need to stop and get out of mitochondrial DNA suggests your car and scan the fence and Snowy Owls are closely related telephone poles with binoculars. to Great Horned Owls which are If the owls are on snow-covered often found in the same habitat ground, they are so well during the winter months. camouflaged as to be almost impossible to sight until they take Snowy Owls have large yellow flight or move, or if you have eyes which, as with all owls, seen them land. cannot move, so the owls must

Dr. Sharif Galal is a medical doctor and a biotechnology researcher. He received his M.D. from Egypt and his specialty degree in diving medicine from Stellenbosch University- South Africa in addition to a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences from University of Calgary. Apart from medicine and research, Dr. Galal is an amateur underwater photographer, scuba diving instructor and an enthusiastic wildlife and nature advocate. He currently resides in Calgary, Alberta and can be contacted at: [email protected]; www.flickr.com/sharifgalal. 38 NatureAlberta

MALES ALMOST DISAPPEAR, EVEN IN FLIGHT. SHARIF GALAL

Once you find a bird you need The owls, especially males, get In the Arctic, Snowy Owls feed to get close without scaring whiter as they get older. Females primarily on lemmings – many them away. When they are on are darker than males, with dusky lemmings. An adult may eat more telephone poles, I have found I spotting, and never become totally than 1,600 lemmings a year, or am often able to drive almost right white. Some elderly males do three to five every day. The birds up to them and photograph them become completely white, though supplement their diet with a wide from my car window, as they many retain small flecks of dusky variety of small rodents, rabbits, birds, seem to ignore cars; thus, you can plumage. and fish. They have also been known use your vehicle as a blind from to attack cats and small dogs. The The Snowy Owl is a patient which to observe and photograph owls are diurnal though they may hunter. They hunt from the air by them. If they are on fence poles sometimes hunt at night. hovering, or they watch for prey they seem to be more wary. Some from a perch, which is often a These magnificent owls sometimes owls seem to ignore me; others telephone or fence pole on the remain year-round in their northern may take flight when I approach prairies, before soaring off in breeding grounds, but they are within 100 meters. Individual owls pursuit. Snowy Owls have keen frequent migrants to southern seem to vary in their wariness eyesight and great hearing, which Canada, the northern United towards people. can help them find prey that is States, Europe, and Asia. Lemming These large owls breed on the invisible under thick vegetation availability may determine the extent Arctic tundra, where females or snow cover. The owls deftly of southern migration, when owls lay a clutch of three to eleven snatch their quarry with their take up summer residence on open eggs. Clutch size depends upon large, sharp talons. When they fields, marshes, and beaches. the availability of food, and in capture a rabbit, they sink their particularly lean times a usually talons into the back and backflip Bibliography monogamous pair of owls may until the rabbit is exhausted. Dr Robert Berdan, article on snowy not breed at all. Parents are During the breeding season males owls:www.canadiannaturephotographer. territorial and will defend their will kill and display prey in caches com/snowy_owls.html nests against all comers – even to impress the females. Wayne Lynch (2007). Owls of the United States and Canada. Johns Hopkins. ISBN wolves. 0-8018-9687-2 WINTER 2015 39

“THE DILEMMA OF SAGE GROUSE IS A CLASSIC FAILURE TO PLAN… AND TO ACT RESPONSIBLY, QUICKLY AND DECISIVELY BEFORE A Who Speaks SPECIES FADES INTO OBLIVION.” GORDON COURT for Endangered Species? LORNE FITCH, P. BIOL.

There is a tendency on the part of some (notably industry, some landowners and remarkably our provincial government) to see protection of endangered species as a conspiracy to rob them of privileges and opportunities. It just isn’t that simple.

If all of us would step back from urban development, petroleum exercising free and full economic the rhetoric and handwringing extraction, transportation networks opportunity. over entitlements, conspiracy and a myriad of smaller but When we reach the edge of theory, perceived economic loss, additive game-changing shifts of a cliff, as we have with Sage usurping of provincial rights native habitat to a shadow of what Grouse, the alternatives disappear. by federal decree, perception was formerly available. Either we do something to arrest of personal property rights The intent of species at risk the downward trend in grouse infringement, and the mythical legislation is to rebalance the numbers, or we step back and heavy hand of government we stakes in favor of imperiled watch them disappear from might see another perspective. species, giving them a life boat of Alberta after a residency that Wild species are going missing sorts to reduce the risk of them is approximately 10,000 years at a rate unparalleled since winking out of existence. long. Species at risk legislation dinosaurs disappeared. The root Sage Grouse are caught in the fortunately won’t allow us to cause of this, especially with controversy between those who take the later easy route, no grassland species, is we have see diminished population status matter how comfortable and used up the majority of the as a failure to manage and protect economically advantageous it space for our purposes, habitat and those who see efforts might seem to be. in the form of cultivation, to stem the tide of possible There is precious little wiggle extirpation as a conflict with room left after years of government foot-dragging amid the race to exploit natural Lorne Fitch is a Professional Biologist, a retired Fish and Wildlife Biologist resources. The tired old refrains and a past Adjunct Professor with the University of Calgary. AN ICONIC PRAIRIE SPECIES, PRONGHORN FINDS ITSELF IN AN INCREASINGLY 40 NatureAlberta FRAGMENTED AND DIMINISHED GRASSLAND WORLD. RICK PRICE

responsibly, would be remarkably different I quickly and think. We need to face the hard decisively before question; are we stewards of the a species fades land and all of its resources or, are into oblivion. we trapped in a spiral of instant All of us, gratification and gluttony with no governments, sense of responsibility to future industry, generations? academia, If we can protect some places and conservationists, spaces for Sage Grouse and allow landowners and recovery of populations to more the public have robust levels, the intended effects a duty to ensure will benefit other species. It may Sage Grouse well be that our own species will of mitigation, more research and (and others) are need these places with natural enhanced land use guidelines are allowed to survive and recover. expressions of biodiversity and an attempt to drag the debate on The debate isn’t about whether ecosystem services. longer, without actually doing they should be saved but rather It shouldn’t be just the Canadian anything helpful for grouse how to save them and how government speaking for recovery. Einstein’s quote, “We quickly we need to act. Two endangered species; it should be can’t solve problems by using the essentials for any wild species all of us. As fellow travelers on a same kind of thinking we used are place and space. In the finite planet, it is our obligation to when we created them” resonates case of Sage Grouse, they and keep, as the ecologist Aldo Leopold strongly. their habitats are intertwined, admonished us, “all the pieces”. interconnected and incapable of We can’t, or don’t bother to being separated. Dr. Seuss provides some essential recall what the landscape looked advice in The Lorax that we might like when the ecosystem was in Lyndon B. Johnson, America’s apply to endangered species: 36th president and a campaigner balance. There is an expectation, “Unless someone like you cares a based on no evidence, that Sage for civil rights, social issues and whole awful lot, nothing’s going to Grouse will persist on fragmented the environment once declared: get better. It’s not.” landscapes as we pile compromise “If future generations are to upon compromise to “resolve” remember us with gratitude Who speaks for endangered each new calamity. rather than contempt, then species? We all should! It is an often repeated theme we must leave them with many of Alberta’s similarly with something more imperiled wild species including than the miracle of ALDO LEOPOLD (LEFT) AND OLAUS MURIE SITTING TOGETHER Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Bull technology. We must OUTDOORS AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WILDERNESS Trout, caribou and a longer list leave them a glimpse of SOCIETY COUNCIL, OLD RAG, VIRGINIA, 1946. HOWARD of species not yet imperiled but the world as it was in queuing up for that line. An ZAHNISER/NCTC ARCHIVES/MUSEUM the beginning.” example would be Pronghorn (Antelope), another species iconic If we took the of prairie Alberta that finds itself perspective we are in an increasingly fragmented and building our province diminished grassland world. and our communities to The dilemma of Sage Grouse last forever, instead of is a classic failure to plan, the just to the next election, timidity of resource management, or to the next resource the inability to see and respond revenue cheque or next to critical thresholds and the shopping trip, our take intransigence of all of us to act on endangered species TREMBLING ASPEN (POPULUS TREMULOIDES). WEB.UNBC.CA WINTER 2015 41 Up Close Naturally: Tree Flowers: All Shapes and Sizes! BY MARGOT HERVIEUX

The first flowers will be blooming soon. I don’t mean the odd crocus or tulip in a protected garden but the fuzzy flowers appearing on the aspen and willows.

Tree flowers come in all shapes spring belongs to the hazelnut (Corylus and sizes. Some have separate spp). The tiny, red female flowers look like HAZELNUT (CORYLUS SPP) IN BLOSSOM. male and female blooms while miniature anemones growing beside the SCHNOBBY/WIKIPEDIA others combine the two sexes in thin, dangling male catkins. one. The flower structure also If you have ornamental Manitoba Maple varies depending on whether (Acer negundo) in your yard, watch for insects transport the pollen from their flowers just as the leaves are budding plant to plant or if the pollen out. The flower clusters are reddish on the spreads on the wind. male trees and yellow on the female trees. The first trees to flower in the By early May the first of the more typical spring are the willows (Salix spp). flowering trees should be coming into Willow bushes produce either bloom. Our fruit trees all have flowers with male or female catkins, or pussy both male and female parts. The hanging willows. As the male catkins flower clusters of the currents should be mature you will notice that they in bloom by mid-May followed shortly MALE CATKINS OF SALIX CINEREA; NOTE become covered with yellow or thereafter by the cherries and roses. THE POLLEN-COVERED BEE!. BCB/WIKIPEDIA red tipped hairs. These stamens produce pollen that will be carried Cone producing trees like spruce and pine by the wind or foraging insects. won’t flower until late May. The male trees This early pollen is an important produce masses of wind blown pollen that food source for insects, squirrels fertilizes the female cones. This pollen, as and even birds. well as the pollen from birch and alder, is the cause of many springtime allergies. Aspen and Balsam Poplars In contrast, fruit tree pollen is spread by (Populus tremuloides and Populus insects, primarily bees and flies, and the balsamifera respectively)) also larger pollen grains are unlikely to give have separate male and female allergy sufferers any problems. trees. Pollen rides the wind to MANITOBA MAPLE FLOWERS. fertilize the female I take real pleasure in watching the sun catkins which then light up the catkins in an aspen forest FUNGUS GUY/WIKIPEDIA swell before releasing or finding the minute flowers on a hazel the seeds with their bush. These unusual flowers add their own own parachutes of fluff. special colour to the spring woodland. Another unusual flower to look for in the early

Margot also writes a column for the Peace Country Sun, archived copies of which are available at www.peacecountrysun.com. COMMON REDPOLL. JESSIE ZGURSKI 42 NatureAlberta

Redpolls: Winter Visitors from the North BY JESSIE ZGURSKI The bird diversity here in Alberta decreases quite dramatically during the fall and winter. Warblers, flycatchers, vireos, shorebirds, and most waterfowl head south for the winter

However, the birds that do stay include Snowy Owls, Rough-legged the Yukon, and northern Ontario, behind include chickadees, Hawks, Gyrfalcons, and redpolls. Quebec and Manitoba. In Nunavut, creepers, woodpeckers, nuthatches, Redpolls are members of the finch they breed on the mainland, southern waxwings, many owls, and family (Fringillidae), and they Victoria Island and southern Baffin grouse, so the birdwatching is still are among my favorite birds to Island. They have been known worthwhile. Common Goldeneyes watch. Redpoll taxonomy can be a to breed in Alberta, but this is an and Mallards will also tough out complex subject, but according to extremely rare occurrence. Hoary the winter in areas where there is most sources, there are two species Redpolls nest even further north open water, such as Goldbar Park in North America: the Common than Common Redpolls: in northern in Edmonton, where treated sewage Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) and Alaska, Greenland, and the northern effluent keeps part of the North the Hoary Redpoll (Acanthis parts of Canada’s three territories, Saskatchewan River warmer than hornemanni). including northern Baffin Island and normal. A similar situation occurs Ellesmere Island (the northernmost in Medicine Hat, where warm water These two species look very similar. of the Arctic islands). Common from the power plant keeps a Both are tiny brown and white and Hoary Redpolls also occur in channel in the South Saskatchewan birds with small, orange beaks northern Europe and Asia. and red caps on their heads. Adult River free of ice, attracting other Many redpolls do head south in waterfowl such as mergansers and males of both species will also have a red tinge on their chests. winter, not necessarily to escape the a great many Canada Geese. A few cold but to search for food. Many Bald Eagles will stick around and The hoaries are paler overall than commons and typically have white redpolls spend the winter in central hunt the waterfowl, and eagles and southern Canada. However, can sometimes be seen right in (or very lightly streaked) rumps and undertail coverts. However, some still overwinter as far north Lethbridge, Calgary, Medicine Hat or as central Alaska, the Yukon and Edmonton during winter. because ‘pale’ commons can look very much like ‘dark’ hoaries, the Northwest Territories. In years There are also some species that many birders are only comfortable where there is a lack of small tree show up in Alberta only in the labelling the palest redpolls as seeds (such as birch seeds) up north, winter and they make winter hoaries. they can show up as far south as the birdwatching quite interesting. central United States. These influxes These northern birds nest in the Redpolls are birds of the north. of redpolls into the south are referred Arctic and often head south in Common Redpolls breed in Alaska, to as “irruptions,” and they generally winter in search of food. Such birds Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, seem to occur in two-year intervals. PINE SISKINS AT A FINCH FEEDER. JESSIE ZGURSKI WINTER 2015 43

When and where the redpolls show up varies from year to year. While many migratory birds will breed and overwinter in the same areas each year, redpolls are wanderers. A redpoll is capable of travelling thousands of kilometers in one year. As an example, a Common Redpoll banded in Fairbanks, Alaska during one winter was recaptured 5000 km away in Montreal, Quebec the next winter. Redpolls may also travel across continents, as one Common Redpoll banded in eastern Michigan was later recaptured in Siberia. Another redpoll banded in Belgium was later recaptured in China, 8350 km away. What an amazing journey for such a tiny bird, which would weigh no more than three or four quarters! Despite their tiny size, redpolls are tough and can tolerate extremely low temperatures. After all, temperatures can dip to -40°C even in their ‘southern’ winter ranges. They also have to go twelve or more hours without eating during long northern or windy days, redpolls may also of 30°C than a body temperature of nights. However, most small birds quickly ingest many seeds and 40°C. The disadvantage is that they need to eat frequently because store them in their throat pouches. cannot move around well with such of their extremely high metabolic Then, in a more sheltered, warmer a low body temperature, but that rates. So, how do redpolls location, they can regurgitate the doesn’t matter too much when they are withstand northern winters? seeds, husk them, and swallow sleeping. Redpolls have several adaptations them. Redpolls and many other small that help them cope with the cold. Redpolls and other northern northern birds will also ‘clump’ For example, they have an extra finches can also reduce the amount together in tree cavities – or snow pouch in their throats they can of energy they use at night by tunnels – to conserve heat. Redpolls in store seeds in. This pouch, called undergoing a process called particular often tunnel into the snow an esophageal diverticulum, is ‘controlled hypothermia,’ where to stay warm. On very cold days and separate from the crop. The stored they allow their body temperatures nights, the ‘subnivean space’ (area seeds can be used as a fuel source to drop. Redpolls with low fat under the snow) may be many degrees throughout long nights. A redpoll reserves may undergo a drop in warmer than the area above the snow. can store up to 2 g of seeds in body temperature of about 10°C. Ptarmigan and grouse will also rest its pouch, and considering that Chickadees and House Sparrows do underneath the snow to stay warm. redpolls are only 10-20 g, that this as well. The reason they drop At rest, redpolls will also fluff up their is a lot of food! During winter, their temperatures is to conserve feathers to trap air among them. The redpolls often feed on birch, alder, energy. A bird will use less energy extra air trapped between the feathers or aspen seeds. During very cold to maintain a body temperature does add some extra insulation. 44 NatureAlberta

Additionally, redpolls will grow birds and often feed, upside down, Canada this year, as birch crops in the very thick coats of down before the at the tips of branches. They may north are mediocre. This finch forecast winter season. also hold food items in their feet, focuses on Ontario, but is frequently In the winter, redpolls will happily much like parrots do. They can be accurate for the west as well. So be visit feeders and they particularly very amusing to watch. sure to keep your eyes open for these like black Nyger (or “Niger”) seeds. For me, redpolls mark the coming fascinating little finches this winter. To see redpolls, try putting out a and going of winter. They tend to feeder stocked with Nyger seeds in show up in Alberta in November or References winter. If there aren’t any redpolls December, and head out by March Groth, J. 2001. “Finches and Allies.” In: The in the area, you may still attract or early April, However, I did not Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior. other finches, such as Pine Siskins. see very many of them during the Elphick, C., Dunning, J. B. Jr., and Sibley, Like redpolls, Pine Siskins are winter of 2013/2014, which likely D. A., Eds. Alfred A. Knopf, New York, NY. finches that wander North America means that there was a good crop of Knox, Alan G. and Peter E. Lowther. 2000. and migrate in response to varying tree seeds further north. No redpolls Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea), The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, food supplies. showed up on Christmas bird count Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Redpolls can also be found in lists in several Alberta locations that Retrieved from the Birds of North America parks, where they will forage on year (including St. Alberta and High Online: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/ birch, spruce or aspen seeds. Their River), although 144 were reported species/543 buzzy calls can help a birder locate in Edmonton. Newton I. 2006. Advances in the study of them. Additionally, the presence of A “winter finch forecast” published irruption. Ardea. 94: 433-460. birch seed husks on top of snow by Ron Pittaway suggests that Reinertsen R. E. 1983. Nocturnal hypothermia suggests that redpolls have been in there should be a good number and its energetic significance for small birds an area. Redpolls are very acrobatic of redpolls heading to southern living in the arctic and subarctic regions. A review. Polar Research 1 n. s. 269-284.

NATURE CANADA: NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND ANNIVERSARY

Nature Canada has announced that Eleanor has agreed to join us and we’re Recently, Ottawa’s Hill Times chose Nature Eleanor Fast assumed the role as its excited to have a dynamic new leader Canada as the # 1 environmental Non- Executive Director starting on October 6, going into our 75th anniversary year.” Governmental Organization (NGO) lobbying 2014. group, and Charity Intelligence ranked Ms Fast assumes the duties of Stephen it the best advocacy NGO in Canada. Fast comes to Nature Canada with a Hazell, who was the previous Executive Strong – and deserving – praise! Nature passion for nature and a background Director and who will be staying on Alberta congratulates Nature Canada on its in ecology, biodiversity and the not-for- with Nature Canada as Director of dedication and reaching a milestone. profit sector. She has previously held Conservation and General Counsel. senior management positions with the Now in its 75th year, Nature Federation for the Humanities and Social Canada has been vital for Sciences, as well as with the Council conservation in Canada ever of Canadian Academies and holds a since 1939, when it produced Master’s degree in Natural Resource the magazine Canadian Sciences (Biodiversity). Nature. In 1948, it became “It’s not often that you find a person The Audubon Society of who is this strong in the hard sciences, Canada, then the Canadian government, not-for-profit management, Audubon Society, then the fundraising and communications all Canadian Nature Federation; at the same time,” said Richard Yank, the name Nature Canada Chairman of Nature Canada’s Board of was adopted in 2004. Directors. “We’re absolutely thrilled that ELEANOR FAST SHARIF GALAL WINTER 2015 45

A Tale of a Black Wolf BY SHARIF GALAL

A beautiful, quiet morning after a long night of snowfall…everything, including the trees, is covered with a spectacular white frost…a forest Raven is calling repeatedly…a man steps out of his camping tent, thinking of having a cup of hot coffee to overcome his sleepiness and the cold weather. Then he sees a big, black, lone Wolf with bright yellow eyes steadily staring at him from not farther than thirty feet away.

This was not a scene from as he did with the a horror movie. It was me grandmother in the camping at Banff National tale of “the little Red Park, when I encountered this Riding Hood”? Is gorgeous big black Wolf. For a he so hungry and was reading my mind when he moment, I recalled all the Wolf sees me right now as a big tasty just decided to move two steps stories that my parents used piece of juicy steak? to let the diffuse morning light to tell me when I was a little Then I realized that I got my fall on him, and he paused for a kid. I was talking to myself: is perfect picture. this Wolf going to swallow me lifetime chance to get a close- up portrait of him that probably The Wolf was very calm looking at I will never again get in my me while I was taking his photo life. I stepped back slowly and and by the time I was done, he grabbed my camera from the just decided to turn back and tent, deciding to take a good slowly walked into the bushes. picture that would tell a story The whole situation reminded me AUTHOR AND before anything bad could of Kevin Costner in his legendary PHOTOGRAPHER happen. I shot some frames in movie “Dances with Wolves”. SHARIF GALAL a bad lighting condition, as he The difference is that I was READY FOR was standing next to a shadow photographing but only my heart WINTER of a big tree; it seems the Wolf was dancing. It is a very strange PHOTOGRAPHY!

Dr. Sharif Galal is a medical doctor and a biotechnology researcher. He received his M.D. from Egypt and his specialty degree in diving medicine from Stellenbosch University- South Africa in addition to a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences from University of Calgary. Apart from medicine and research, Dr. Galal is an amateur underwater photographer, scuba diving instructor and an enthusiastic wildlife and nature advocate. He currently resides in Calgary, Alberta and can be contacted at: [email protected]; www.flickr.com/sharifgalal. SHARIF GALAL

46 NatureAlberta

feeling with a mix of fear, thrill significant role in our ecosystem and enjoyment at the same and it is scientifically proven that time. In the movie, the Wolf having Wolves around increases kept coming back to visit him, the biological diversity. but my Wolf never showed up Taking Wolves out of the system again. impairs its ability to function There is a psychological fear and because of this fact , the inside each of us toward US wildlife authority took Wolves, part of which is because some Canadian Wolves and re- of the tales we were told about introduced them to Wyoming`s Wolves when we were little – Yellowstone National Park and Wolves as evil animals or bad some other states after being spirits representing the dark extirpated due to massive side of the world or sometimes kills that took place in the last death. But in fact, Wolves play a century.

NEW BIRD BIOLOGY WEBSITE AWAKENS THE SENSE OF DISCOVERY INFORMATION FROM WWW.THEOUTDOORWIRE.COM/STORY/1414087247X568XJAKEPK

Cornell Lab of Ornithology has “The site contains a video library of eye- birds to understand biology introduced the new “All About Bird opening bird behaviors, along with self- makes the learning go down Biology” website, an interactive activities paced interactive lessons, articles, and easy. site about bird song, feathers, and more, animations that make learning a blast!” “We’re developing the next designed to appeal to anyone who’s Chapters currently online go in-depth chapter right now,” Thompson explains. “It’s called even a little bit curious about what on feathers and bird song. Playing the ‘Fancy Males’ and will focus on the ways birds use makes birds tick. “Bird Song Hero” game allows users bright colors, strange ornaments, and even a little We know birds have feathers – but what to keep score as they gradually learn to song and dance to capture a female’s attention!” are they made of, how do they work, recognize more than 50 bird species by Visit the “All About Bird Biology” website: and how many kinds are there? Birds sound. Educators and students surveyed sing songs – but how do they produce after the website launch found that using www.biology.allaboutbirds.org those sounds, what do they mean, and can you learn to identify birds by sound alone? If just knowing the name of a bird isn’t enough, then it’s time to make new discoveries at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “All About Bird Biology” website. “All About Bird Biology is all about inspiring people to find out what’s really going on in the lives of birds,” says Cornell Lab eLearning specialist Mya Thompson, who says scientists, teachers, artists, designers, and programmers all played an important role in developing the site and making it so appealing. WINTER 2015 47

CELESTIAL HAPPENINGS Starry Nights Spring: March to May BY JOHN MCFAUL

FEATURED CONSTELLATIONS: – LUPUS, ARA AND NORMA For those seeking a spring The constellation Ara (the Between Lupus and Ara is the vacation down south, these Altar) is another of Ptolemais obscure constellation Norma. It was are three lesser constellations constellations. It is thought to identified by the French astronomer to look for. They are found either represent the altar of Nicolas Louise de Lacaille. He had between the much better known Lycaon or the altar where the travelled to the Cape of Good Hope constellations Scorpius and Olympian gods pledged their in 1750. While there he catalogued Centaurus. allegiance after winning their close to 10,000 stars. This mighty battle against the titans constellation was origionally named Lupus (the Wolf) is one of who were led by Cronos, the “Norma et Regula”, the carpenter’s the 48 original constellations father of Zeus. The smoke created square and level – important tools recognized by Ptolemy in his by the altar is represented by the for the Sculptor’s workshop. treatise called “The Almagest”. Milky Way. Its mythology is the story of Lycaon who was the king of the lands of Arcadia located in CELESTIAL HAPPENINGS the centre of the Peloponnesian peninsula in ancient Greek times. At a feast, Lycaon decided Sun: Rise – March 1 (7:22 MST), April 1 (7:08 MDT), May 1 (5:59 MDT) to test Zeus, the king of the Set – March 1 (18:12 MST), April 1 (20:09 MDT), May 1 (21:04 MDT) Note: Day Light Savings Time will start on March 8th. gods, to see if he really was Spring Equinox occurs at 4:44 PM MST on March 20th. a divine being. He did this by Moon: Full – March 5, April 4, May 3 offering the cooked flesh of a New – March 20, April 18, May 17 child to Zeus. Zeus immediately Note: Total Eclipse of the Moon on April 4th. Eclipse starts at 4:17 AM. Totality recognized this deceit and starts at 5:57 AM. turned Lycaon into a wild beast, Planets: Mercury may be seen about 5 degrees above the western horizon a little after sunset often depicted as a wolf. He from about April 20th to May 14th. It will be furthest from the sun on May 8th. On also killed Lycaon’s 50 children April 21st Mars will be just to the left of Mercury. using his powerful lightning Venus will be a brilliant beacon in the western evening sky throughout the spring. bolts. Watch for the thin crescent moon to be close by on March 22nd, April 21st and May 21st. On June 30th Jupiter and Venus will be very close together. In some paintings Lupus is Mars may been seen just below Venus on March 1st. On April 21st it will be a couple shown as a sacrifice to the of degrees left of Mercury. Afterwards it will be too close to the sun to be seen. nearby centaur. Lupus may be Jupiter has moved into the constellation Cancer, the Crab. It will be fairly high in the seen from our latitude. This is SSE in March. By the end of May it will be low in the SW after sunset. during the latter part of July and Saturn is to be found in the constellation Scorpius. It is best seen before sunrise low the first part of August when the in the southern sky during the spring months. head of Lupus just barely peaks Meteor Shower: Lyrids (April 21, 15/hour in a dark sky), Eta Aquirids (May 4th, 20/hour) The rate of meteors observed is for dark skies well away from city lights and with no above the southern horizon. Moon. 48 NatureAlberta

BOOK REVIEW The Homeward Wolf REVIEWED FROM ROCKY MOUNTAIN BOOKS (WWW.RMBOOKS.COM) Wolves have become a complicated we once again share our Western comeback story. Their tracks are spaces. Instead, it argues that wolves once again making trails throughout are coming back to stay, that conflicts western Alberta, southern British will continue to arise and that we will Columbia and the northwestern need to find new ways to manage United States, and the lonesome our relationship with this formidable howls of the legendary predator predator in our ever-changing world. are no longer mere echoes from Van Tighem brings his knowledge our frontier past: they are prophetic from 40 years of experience as Kevin Van Tighem. ISBN 9781927330838; voices emerging from the hills of a naturalist to this manifesto on 168 pages hard cover; $16.00 (CAD) our contemporary reality. the importance of wolves in our Kevin Van Tighem’s first RMB ecological systems. With detailed short in length, small in size and rich Manifesto explores the history examples, he educates the reader in information. They are all written of wolf eradication in western on the history, politics and science by experts to encourage a public North America and the species’ related to the rising and falling conversation and to facilitate social recent return to the places where wolf populations in and around change. Topics are drawn from a wide humans live and play. Rich with western Canada. Highlights include variety of fields such as environmental personal anecdotes and the stories the specific role of wolves in our issues, urban planning, indigenous of individual wolves whose fates ecosystems, the conflicts over territory issues and public policy. reflect the complexity of our with ranchers and possible solutions The Homeward Wolf is the winner of relationship with these animals, to creating sustainable landscapes for the 2014 Mountain Literature/Jon Whyte The Homeward Wolf neither all wildlife. Award, Banff Mountain Book and Film romanticizes nor demonizes this Rocky Mountain Books’ Manifesto Festival. wide-ranging carnivore with whom series features books deliberately Nature Alberta Celebrating our natural heritage!

Nature Alberta welcomes submissions of articles, photos, humour and other suitable material on Alberta’s natural history. Submission guidelines for articles and photos are available on the NA website at www.naturealberta.ca. Join Today! E-VERSION » Individual*: $25/yr Donations welcome! MAIL TO: Nature Alberta Family*: $25/yr Your support means Attn: Membership (includes Young Naturalist Program membership) a great deal to 11759 Groat Road Edmonton, AB Less $5.00 for members of NA Clubs Nature Alberta and its T5M 3K6 * add $15/yr for hard copy of magazine conservation objectives. IT’S OURS NOW…WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT!? SEE THE STORY, PAGE 31. AYNSLEY STELFOX

A SNOWY OWL; SEE THE STORY, PAGE 37. DR. SHARIF GALAL VOLUME 44 | NUMBER 4 | WINTER 2015 Naturegallery

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