Nature Alberta Magazine
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WINTER 2021 VOLUME 50 | NUMBER 4 A COMMUNITY CONNECTED BY A NATURE LOVE OF NATURE ALBERTA MAGAZINE Eastern Kingbirds Avian Attitude Raptors of Keeping Loons and the Red Deer Urban Coyotes Lake Health River Valley Wild PM40015475 arts, culture & heritage education & learning health & wellness social & community services recreation & leisure environment social enterprise endowment charitable legacy investment grants scholarships impact community fund granting field of interest engaged unique inperpetuity timeless generations forever personal gift priorities causes arts, culture & heritage education & learning health & wellness social & community services recreation & leisure environment Craig and Mark Stumpf-Allen Edmonton in bloom. We believe in a community that is beautiful, sustainable and vibrant - dynamic qualities that unfold over time. An endowment was the right tool to realize our vision. It will continue to support passionate, engaged citizens, year after year. Give. Grow. Transform. Call 780-426-0015 or visit our website www.ecfoundation.org CONTENTS WINTER 2021 02 The President’s Perspective 03 Nature Alberta News 04 Parks Win a Reprieve 05 Eastern Kingbirds 24 08 Winter LakeKeepers 10 Why Are Common Loon Chicks Becoming Less Common? 14 A Fisheye View of Cumulative Effects in Alberta’s Southern East Slopes 18 Keep Those Wily Urban Coyotes Wild! 22 The Road to 50: A Logo, a Look, a Legacy 24 Birding the Badlands 14 30 Stories in the Snow 32 Nature Kids 36 Meet a Member Club 37 Alberta's Nocturnal Owl Survey 18 10 NATURE ALBERTA MAGAZINE WINTER 2021 | 1 NATURE ALBERTA MAGAZINE THE PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE VOLUME 50 | NUMBER 4 | WINTER 2021 ISSN 1713-8639 Publisher Nature Alberta As I write this, 2020 is finally ending; a year of Managing Editor Jason Switner unprecedented challenges, global changes, like Technical Editor Richard Schneider an opened Pandora’s box. It’s a time of change for Creative Susan May, intrinsic design Nature Alberta, too, as we say goodbye to Linda Cover Image Myrna Pearman Howitt-Taylor as president. For the past three Editorial Committee years she has been advocating and promoting the The Magazine Editorial Committee, which consists of dedicated volunteers, who all have changes needed to revitalize Nature Alberta. Her a passion for nature, lend their respective leadership has helped guide and build dynamic experience and expertise to developing editorial outlines, commissioning articles and teams that will drive us successfully into 2021 and beyond. As incoming President, I thank reviewing/vetting article submissions for the Linda for everything she has done and the inspiration she has provided. She now moves magazine. The committee includes: Lu Carbyn into the position of Past President, where her knowledge and expertise will be valued and Linda Howitt-Taylor called upon. I wish Linda all the best and hope she now has more time to relax and enjoy Kim MacKenzie Valerie Miller the natural Alberta around her. Richard Schneider To introduce myself, my name is Elizabeth Watts. I have a B.Sc. in Microbiology, and Content [email protected] have enjoyed a career in clinical trials research — lots of data for processing and details Subscriptions [email protected] to be scrutinized. While not known for any hiking ability, I love being outside, camping Nature Alberta magazine is published four times per year by: and soaking up the beauty of Alberta. I plan on taking up kayaking at the first available Nature Alberta opportunity. I’m on the board of the Alberta Mycological Society, and enjoy guided forays 11759 Groat Road in the fields and forests (my personal favourite) learning about the boundless world Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6 (780) 427-8124 of fungi, including what is and is not OK to eat. I live close to Elk Island National Park, [email protected] so volunteering on the Friends of Elk Island Society board is a natural fit. We work to Nature Alberta Magazine (electronic) is made available free of charge at naturealberta.ca. promote, conserve and research the unique ecosystems found in the Park, and support Print copies of Nature Alberta Magazine are educational needs as they arise. available by annual subscription, which covers the cost of postage and handling of four 2020 has shown us that change is possible and adaptation is necessary. The pandemic issues per year for $30 Canada (Canadian has resulted in a surge in people's desire to reconnect with nature. We can build on funds + GST). Publications Mail Agreement No. 40015475 that and collaborate with the diverse network of clubs, organizations and individuals Advertising in Nature Alberta Magazine is throughout Alberta that appreciate the unique ecology and beauty of our land. Even not considered an endorsement by Nature during the winter months, we can use innovative solutions and technology — including Alberta. Opinions expressed by the authors of articles included in this publication do not our new website, social media, and video conferencing to connect to and enhance our necessarily reflect those of Nature Alberta experience of “This Land of Ours” (with apologies to Oscar Brand). or its affiliates. The Editorial Committee reserves the right to edit, reject or withdraw Whether you’re a longtime member or new to Nature Alberta, I welcome you as we any articles submitted. This publication is venture into the new year. Thank you for adding your voice to those who speak on behalf copyrighted and no part may be reproduced in any form, in all or in part, without the written of our natural environment. consent of Nature Alberta. ©Nature Alberta 2021 About Nature Alberta Alberta is home to incredible natural spaces comprised of beautiful and varied ELIZABETH WATTS landscapes, and rich biodiversity reflected in our abundant and diverse flora and fauna. Across the province, natural history clubs and their members are engaging Albertans NATURE ALBERTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS in the conservation and appreciation of this Directors natural heritage. Nature Alberta represents a Executive Committee President Liz Watts Alberta Native Plant Council Kimberly Seifert-MacKenzie network of these natural history organizations Treasurer Gerben Deinum Buffalo Lake Naturalists Claudia Lipski in Alberta. Secretary Amy Bergunde Edmonton Nature Club Len Shrimpton Past President Linda Howitt-Taylor Grasslands Naturalists Angela Turner Lac la Biche Birding Society Jennifer Okrainec Lethbridge Naturalists Society Ted Nanninga A COMMUNITY Patron Nature Calgary Kaya Konopnicki CONNECTED BY A John Acorn LOVE OF NATURE Peace Parkland Naturalists Margot Hervieux Red Deer River Naturalists Tony Blake NATUREALBERTA.CA Member at Large Brian Joubert 2 | WINTER 2021 NATURE ALBERTA MAGAZINE Nature Alberta News The New naturealberta.ca Urban Nature Initiative Update Have you had a chance to explore Since this past spring, Urban Nature Initiative our completely revamped website? (UNI) Coordinator Kelsie Norton has worked It’s been rebuilt from the ground up to with homeowners throughout the Edmonton emphasize three core themes: Learn to create urban oases — yards equipped with About Nature, Experience Nature, various tools and techniques to enhance and and Protect Nature. Combining a hub support biodiversity. The results of the program of resources with an ever-expanding are now available to see — and inspire! library of content — including Visit naturealberta.ca/support-urban-nature integrating articles from this magazine to watch four videos that feature homeowners in a searchable blog-like format — our putting beneficial management practices aim is to become the best resource (BMPs) into action in their yards. These folks available to learn about nature and accomplished some pretty impressive things conservation in Alberta. in just one season. If you’re inspired to make The site is designed to serve as a some changes in your yard, you don’t have to hub for what we hope will become go it alone. Supporting Nature and Biodiversity a Nature Network — a place where in Urban Yards is packed with tips and techniques all our member clubs can spotlight just like the ones put into practice on the their news and events, so anyone demonstration yards. You can read or download a in the province can easily find and copy at naturealberta.ca/support-urban-nature, participate in activities in their area. or contact [email protected] for a physical We’re excited to have an online copy. presence that can grow along with us We have to give special thanks to Ryan as an organization! Northcott of Panoramic Media for the beautiful work on the videos. Panoramic Media specializes in corporate filmmaking and drone photography and cinematography, bringing a wider perspective to the production process. Ryan’s work speaks for itself and we would encourage anyone looking for professional video production to get in touch with him. Visit panoramicmedia.com or email [email protected]. We also thank the Edmonton Community Foundation for funding the UNI, and homeowners like Lissa, Amanda, Holly, and Calvin for sharing their urban nature journeys. NATURE ALBERTA MAGAZINE WINTER 2021 | 3 CONSERVATION ISSUES A NATURE ALBERTA PERSPECTIVE Parks Win a Reprieve lbertans love their parks! Individu- in the East Slopes, permitted the sale of mining. In December, nearly 2,000 ha Aals like you from across the prov- Crown lands, increased the intensity of of East Slopes landscapes that the ince have written to the government by forest harvesting, reduced environmen- Lougheed government identified as the thousands, voicing their opposition tal monitoring, and permitted hunting ecologically sensitive were put up for to the proposal to delist 164 parks from of sandhill cranes for the first time in bid. A large open-pit mine, proposed the provincial parks system. And thou- Alberta’s history. by Australian mining giant Benga sands of "Defend Alberta Parks" lawn It is important that we celebrate Mining, is already in review, and many signs have sprung up in neighborhoods the policy reversal on parks and more are in queue.