VOLUME 36 | NUMBER 4 | WINTER 2007 Nature A L B E R T A ’ S N A T U R A L H I S T O R Y R E V I E W

DINOSAUR PROVINCIAL PARK IAN GARDINER PHOTOGRAPHED IN JANUARY 2001 USING A NIKON F3HP CAMERA, A NIKON SERIES E 25-150 MM ZOOM LENS AND KODACHROME 64 SLIDE FILM

feature article Northern Native Grasslands At Risk FEDERATION OF ALBERTA NATURALISTS The Alberta Parks and Protected Areas and Alberta Conservation Association Robert Bateman Commemorative Prints

Supporting environmental education and stewardship in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Alberta’s Provincial Parks.

ollect the stunning set of four signed, special-edition Cprints featuring wildlife in specially selected Alberta provincial parks, to be released February 1st, at Canadian Tire stores across Alberta!

The prints feature:

Birgit Freybe Bateman • A in Rock Lake – Solomon Creek Wildland Park • A Woodland Caribou in Chinchaga Wildland Park • A Prairie Falcon in Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Alberta’s • A in Saskatoon Island Provincial Park Provincial Parks. The Alberta Conservation Association’s involvement Proceeds will help fund conservation education in this initiative exemplifies how financial assistance programming and the national Robert Bateman and support can enhance conservation education while “Gettoknow” program. promoting important information about our programs and “I dreamt about exploring Alberta’s diversity long before the value of wildlife, fish and habitat conservation work in I first had the chance to visit natural Alberta in the 1950s. our province. It is giving me great pleasure to investigate some of the “Ultimately, conservation is about people. Creating ecosystems and to attempt to include a wild creature that awareness about these ’jewels’ in our backyard provides an represents the particular habitat. Henry David Thoreau said, incredible opportunity to communicate conservation values ‘In wilderness is the preservation of the world…’ Exploring that will generate a greater appreciation for the natural the Parks of Alberta is a world-class treat, good for the world around us,” says Lisa Monsees, ACA. mind, body and soul.” Call toll free 1-877-969-9091 for more information The goal of this initiative is to inspire Albertans to or visit our website at www.ab-conservation.com in rediscover and support the need for preserving and January to learn how you can own a set of Robert Bateman supporting environmental education and stewardship in Commemorative Prints.

Sponsored by

the power to make a difference WINTER 2007 1

The Federation of Alberta Naturalists is composed of natural history clubs from across the province. The aims of the Federation are: (a) To encourage among all Albertans, by all means possible, an increase in their knowledge of natural history and understanding of ecological processes; (b) To promote an increase in the exchange of information and views 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 Contents interest; (e) To organize, or coordinate symposia, conferences, fi eld meetings, nature camps, research and other activities whether of a similar or President’s Page ...... 2 dissimilar nature; (f) To provide the naturalists of Alberta with a forum in which questions relating to the conservation of the natural environment may Editor’s Page ...... 3 be discussed, so that united positions can be developed on them, and to provide the means of translating these positions into appropriate Letter to the Editor ...... 4 actions.

Alberta Issues ...... 5 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Sandra Foss, Box 1109, Cochrane, AB T4C 1B2 Visitor at the Fishing Hole ...... 8 VICE PRESIDENT: Grant Henry, 152 Cote Bay, Fort McMurray, AB T9H 4R9 SECRETARY: Judy Boyd, 33 Cunningham Crescent, Red Deer, AB T4P 2S2 TREASURER: Don Gordon, 15216 - 74 Street, Edmonton, AB T5C 0Y7 Advertising Power ...... 9 PAST PRESIDENT: Dennis Baresco, Box 2513, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8G8 APPOINTED DIRECTORS: Dennis Baresco, Sandra Foss, Don Gordon, Don Northern Native Grasslands At Risk ...... 10 Stiles, Ruth Kleinbub ELECTED DIRECTORS: Birgit Friedenstab (ANPC); Wayne Kinsella, (BLN); An Historical Perspective on Alberta’s Scott Jubinville (CFNS); Jim Lange, (ENC); Grant Henry (FMFNS); Dawn Dickinson, (GN); Ted Johnson (LLBBS); Lloyd Bennett (LNS); Margot Current Wolf War ...... 12 Hervieux (PPN); Judy Boyd (RDRN); Iris Davies (VRNS).

Book Review: Day Trips from Calgary ...... 14 CORPORATE MEMBER CLUBS Alberta Native Plant Council, Box 52099, Garneau P.O. Edmonton, AB Just what was going on here? ...... 15 T6G 2T5 Buffalo Lake Naturalists, Box 1802, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 Calgary Field Naturalists, Box 981, Calgary, AB T2P 2K4 Book Review: Alberta Beneath Our Feet ...... 16 Edmonton Naturalists Club, Box 1111, Edmonton, AB T5J 2M1 Fort McMurray Field Naturalists Society, 152 Cote Bay, Fort McMurray, AB Celestial Happenings –Winter/Spring – T9H 4R9 Grasslands Naturalists, Box 2491, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8G8 February to April ...... 17 Lac La Biche Birding Society, Box 1270, Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0 Lethbridge Naturalists Society, Box 1691, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4K4 FAN Club Page ...... 18 Peace Parkland Naturalists, Box 1451, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4Z2 Red Deer River Naturalists, Box 785, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H2 Vermilion River Naturalists, 6510 - 53 Avenue, Vermilion, AB T9X 1X7 NATURE ALBERTA VOLUME 36, NUMBER 4, WINTER 2007 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE FEDERATION OF ALBERTA NATURALISTS, Alberta Naturalization Network Society Friends of 11759-GROAT ROAD, EDMONTON, AB T5M 3K6 Alberta Stewardship Network Heritage Tree Foundation of Beaverhill Bird Observatory PHONE.780.427.8124 FAX.780.422.2663 Beaver River Naturalist Club J.J. Collett Natural Area Foundation [email protected] Big Lake Environmental Support Society Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory BowKan Birders Purple Martin Conservancy SUBSCRIPTION $30.00 PER YEAR Crooked Creek Conservancy Society Riverlot 56 Naturalists Area Society of Alberta Stewards of Alberta’s Protected EDITOR.BRIAN PARKER 11759 GROAT ROAD, EDMONTON, AB T5M 3K6 Crowsnest Conservation Society Areas Association Edmonton Naturalization Group The Wagner Natural Area Society [email protected] Wilmore Wilderness Preservation & Fort Saskatchewan Naturalists Society Historical Foundation EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.GLEN SEMENCHUK Friends of Blackfoot Society Wood Buffalo Wild Bird Club OFFICE MANAGER.KAREN RIMNEY We acknowledge the fi nancial support of the Government of PRINTING PERCY PAGE CENTRE ISSN 0318-5440 Canada through the Publication Assistance Program.

NATURE ALBERTA DEADLINES ARE: CANADA POST AGREEMENT NO. 40015475 SPRING ISSUE.FEBRUARY 14 PUBLICATION MAIL REGISTRATION NO. 09839 SUMMER ISSUE.MAY 15 FALL ISSUE.AUGUST 15 EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed by the authors in this publication do not WINTER ISSUE.NOVEMBER 15 necessarily refl ect those of the editor and the Federation of Alberta CONTRIBUTOR COOPERATION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. Naturalists. The editor reserves the right to edit, reject or withdraw articles submitted. While due care will be taken of all manuscripts, photos or artwork submitted, FAN cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to such articles. 2 NatureAlberta

PRESIDENT’S PAGE It is winter now… BY SANDRA FOSS

…and it is so cold out that snow crunches underfoot, and the “mist” rising off the river coats all the bushes with hoar frost. At least we have gloriously clear sunny days in Alberta when it is really cold.

When I walk along the Bow who calls regularly at the feeder taste of spring! If you are lucky River, I often see Common with suet in it, as well as lots of enough to have space, try a Mergansers. They overwinter, Black-capped Chickadees, Red fruit (or nut) tree, or some berry and only disappear from sight & White-breasted Nuthatches bushes. My policy has always when the river is frozen solid, and many magpies. Occasionally been to plant food trees, or which seldom happens in this I spot a Rough-legged Hawk edible plants around my house, hydro peaking river (the water cruising by my window. wherever possible. It could be levels rise and fall daily, which bird or butterfl y edible too. The long dark nights are keeps the river open). Flocks shortening up, and soon it will When you have your garden of up to sixty birds disappear be spring. I do enjoy winter, plan, you need to fi nd a good into the morning mist, as as long as I can get out on source for seeds. Often, seeds they cruise and fi sh their way my cross country skis to enjoy available locally are hybrids, downstream. The fl ocks sound it. With spring on the way, many likely genetically modifi ed. like goldeneyes when they fl y I hope you have all ordered I have purchased by mail from overhead. your garden seeds, but if you Stoke’s Seeds, among others, for Across the river from where I haven’t, it’s not too late. Try many years. Check out Seeds walk, bulldozers have been hard one of the wonderful heritage of Diversity – Canada’s heritage at it since the end of October. seed companies where the seed program at www.seeds. The deer appear quite confused fruit and vegetables are chosen ca/en.php. They have lists and as to what is happening to their because they taste good and are links to many different organic home, and our 6 o’clock owl nutritionally superior, and not & heritage seed companies in (Great Horned Owl) – so named because they handle well in a Alberta and across Canada. Some for when he calls will be looking mechanical harvester, or have excellent garden references (how for a new nest spot soon too. been bred to repel insects! Even to, and why you should!) are if you are in an apartment, put found in Thomas Pawlick’s “The I see fl ocks of Bohemian a few lettuce seeds in a pot, and End of Food”, ISBN 1-56980-302- Waxwings cruising my maybe a few herbs, or edge your 1, published by Barricade Books neighbourhood, and picking the fl owerbeds with a food crop. My Inc. 2006. crabapples on my tree, at least basil always does better in the until the local Merlin appears. Happy gardening! house than in my garden, and it There is a Downy Woodpecker is wonderful to have that fresh WINTER 2007 3

EDITOR’S PAGE Defi ne, Deny,

Distract,BY BRIAN PARKER Delay…

Here we go again. We are facing the most signifi cant environmental problem in our history, global warming caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. And all we see in the way of leadership from the new federal government is a carefully crafted public relations campaign designed to thwart efforts to bring the problem to heel.

There is a terrible irony in all of change’ thus lessens public The third facet of the campaign this: Canada will be among the anxiety and reduces pressure on is Distraction. To Distract our nations most severely affected the government to act. attention from global warming by global warming and yet we we’re informed of a real honest- The second facet of the are among the most intransigent to-God pollution problem that campaign is Denial. We can’t when it comes to taking action. we really can do something make signifi cant emission But let’s take a closer look at about: smog. We are offered, reductions we are told, it is the public relations campaign. with great fanfare, a new Clean either too expensive or we don’t It’s an interesting study and we Air Act to address the poor have the necessary technology all should understand how it is quality of the air in our major in place. We could never meet intended to work. cities. And while we are all Kyoto objectives by the stated preoccupied with implementing The fi rst facet of the campaign is deadline. And there is no the latter we come to the last to Defi ne the issue in language scientifi c consensus on global facet of the campaign: Delay. that is least disturbing to the warming. Delay is the crux of the issue public. Hence we see “global Denial and Defi nition tie together from the federal government’s warming” redefi ned as “climate neatly. If we can be convinced perspective: if the campaign is change”. Why? Because the climate change is normal, that successful the government can government correctly perceives there is no scientifi c consensus Delay reducing GHG emissions that the public responds with on climate change, and we can’t for the foreseeable future. more concern to warnings of meet emission objectives even global warming than of climate Defi ne, Deny, Distract and if we wanted to, then perhaps change. After all, everyone Delay, it’s a simple and effective we will begin asking ourselves knows climate change is normal, approach to manipulating if we should implement GHG climate has been changing for and placating the population emissions reductions at all. millennia. The use of ‘climate 4 NatureAlberta One of the greatest pains to human nature “is the pain of a new idea. EDITOR’S PAGE WALTER BAGEHOT (1826-1877) ”

while doing nothing to slow are “extremist” or “radicalized” defensible, well-thought down global warming. If it and not to be trusted. The key, alternative environmental, all sounds familiar, it is. The it seems to me, is changing the social and economic policy approach is identical to that way EIs do business. They must and, in particular, promote the used by the Bush administration go beyond simply pointing out myriad benefi ts of changing to avoid being pressured into to the public that our country is our ways. The hard right has implementing GHG emissions standing on the railway tracks, spent the last 20 years carefully controls in the US. looking the wrong way, in front researching, crafting and of an oncoming freight train. promoting its agenda, and it has So how do we defeat the EIs need to develop a broadly- become increasingly effective at carefully crafted spin on this based alternative vision similar manipulating public opinion. It’s and other issues and at the same in scope to that of the hard right. about time EIs paid attention and time sidestep public perception They must offer comprehensive, learned to do the same. that environmental interests (EIs)

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor: BY DENNIS BARESCO

The inside back cover of the Fall The spectacle of Canada Geese Police Point’s Canada Geese 2006 issue omitted the location choosing, then protecting, in trees provide a unique early of the excellent Hans Mueller their chosen tree is something spring opportunity for birders, photos of a nesting Canada to behold. The ritual begins photographers and anyone Goose in an old fallen plains in February – coincidentally, interested in seeing natural cottonwood. If you guessed usually on or close to Valentine’s things out of the ordinary. Police Point Park in Medicine Day – and is interrupted only Hat, you’re right! by unsettled winter weather conditions. Numerous noisy The # 1 preferred nesting site for pairs circle the park, landing and EDITOR’S NOTE: Canada Geese that have over- taking off high up in the trees. wintered in the ‘Hat seems to be As both Ernie Kuyt (page 15) and Should another pair approach the large open cavities in the old Dennis Baresco discuss, Canada a “taken” tree, the honking – 250 to 300 years old! – gnarly, Geese may choose to nest in trees. becomes frenzied. Occasionally, giant Plains Cottonwoods in Adding to these observations, for a goose will try to land on an Police Point Park, especially the several years in the mid-1990s your occupied cottonwood, which standing ones (live or dead). Editor observed Canada Geese sometimes results in the very The main reason might be that nesting in an old Red-tailed Hawk weird sight of these heavy the nest is virtually predator nest at the NW corner of Parkland creatures actually hovering for a proof and can be started much Natural Area, several miles east of few seconds! earlier than most ground nests. the community of Ministik. WINTER 2007 5

ALBERTA ISSUES

Motorcycle & ATV Manufacturer’s Code of Ethics for Advertising FAN and the Alberta Off their magazines (See Dennis Feedback Highway Vehicle Association Baresco’s article on page 9 for Feedback from previous Issues (AOHVA) are working on an examples). If you see particularly Pages asked why we didn’t ethical advertising message offensive ads, record the include a list of solutions to the campaign for Off Highway pertinent information or send a concerns we raised. If it was Vehicle (OHV) manufacturers. copy to FAN President S. Foss, only that easy! For most of the This would include big or to the offi ce for her attention, issues, the answer is the same: trucks, quads, SUVs, 4x4s and and we will deal with them. Write to your government similar vehicles. Motorcycle On the Off Highway Vehicle representatives and ask for manufacturers have already front, you might fi nd the change. adopted an advertising code research and information on a of ethics. Because the AOHVA If you need help to fi nd out couple of these US websites of (www.aohva.com) group is who to write to: Check the interest. a heavy consumer of OHV governments’ websites. Federal products, we feel that working Wilds Centre for Preventing government at www.parl.gc.ca with them will have more impact Roads (www.wildlandscpr.org) or Alberta at www.assembly. ab.ca/lao/mla/mla_help.htm. than either of our groups acting National Trails and Waters independently. Coalition (www.naturaltrails.org) FAN has been sending Great Old Broads for Wilderness complaints to natural (www.greatoldbroads.org) history organizations about inappropriate ads they run in

Southern Foothills Study The purpose of the Southern informed land use planning recreation, mining, agriculture, Foothills Study is to create a base and to understand the potential forestry, residential acreages, of accurate data on cumulative effect of all types of land use and conventional and non- land use trends within the study development on an ecosystem conventional oil and gas area in the Porcupine Hills. It that provides signifi cant development, will irreparably is a unique cumulative effects ecological goods and services to alter and perhaps damage this study being initiated by local Alberta. key watershed, the ecosystem, residents, not government, that and the culture that stewards it. Many people who live and will look at all activities that work in the study area are For further information and a list change the landscape. The concerned that the wave of of supporters please visit: www. proposed study is important to land use pressures, which salts-landtrust.org/sfs provide background data for include activities such as 6 NatureAlberta

ALBERTA ISSUES

Suffi eld National Wildlife Area Intervenor funding has sites - medicine wheels, tepee keeping is not good”. We visited been granted to several rings, some of the areas where a site where drilling sludge had organizations participating endangered species occur, and been applied too thickly and fi ve in the environmental impact a few of the many impacts of years later the site is still occupied assessment: Alberta Wilderness gas extraction. We saw deer by invasive weeds. On the trip we Association for biological/ and Pronghorn, Coyotes, some learned EnCana is pressing the cumulative effects, Nature meadowlarks and even a Base Commander to allow LWD Canada for legislative matters Harlan’s Hawk. elsewhere on native grassland in and international treaties, and CFB Suffi eld and that EnCana is A recently released report on Grasslands Naturalists for the doing its own studies on LWD Land Spraying While Drilling economic analysis and viability plots at Suffi eld with results to (LWD) revealed a number of of the project. be released in a year or two. The “operational defi ciencies”, which LWD review by Alberta Sustainable FAN and Grasslands Naturalists led to negative environmental Resource Development was written Board Members, some of the effects on grasslands at CFB in 2003 but was prevented from Suffi eld Coalition Committee Suffi eld and elsewhere. A being released by Alberta Energy/ and writer Andrew Nikiforuk moratorium was placed on LWD Industry(?) probably because it had a fi eld trip to the National on public lands but the practice revealed glaring fl aws in the way Wildlife Area in October, as still continues on pipeline rights- industry operates, including failure part of the FAN Board meeting. of-way at CFB Suffi eld, although to meet standards. We saw some of the historical we were told “the record

Thaydene Nene National Park Candidate This national park candidate was Black Bear. Lake Trout, whitefi sh being staked within the proposed park fi rst nominated in the 1970’s, and huge Northern Pike thrive in area. The main issue at this stage will be to represent Natural Region 17, the cold, nutrient-poor lakes and deferring claim staking activity until the Northwestern boreal uplands. rivers. lands are formally withdrawn through Thaydene Nene, meaning “land the Territorial Lands Act. In October 2006, a memorandum of our ancestors”, will protect of understanding was signed This park candidate has recently picked thousands of km2 of spruce between the federal government up momentum and at the request of the forest, glacially-formed lakes and and the Lutsel K’e First Nation to Lutsel K’e First Nation, Nature Canada one-foot thick carpets of lichens begin the process of assessing (and other environmental organizations) that blanket the ground between the feasibility of this area of have actively voiced support for the the trees. Vast bands of caribou interest (now 33,000 km2). It establishment of this park. Nature mass up on the edge of the was nominated by the Lutsel Canada has urged government to do woods and spend the harshest K’e Dene First Nation and is a full environmental assessment on a winter months in the spruce and located within their traditional proposal for a uranium mine and raised pine forests. The region is home territory. This area has high awareness on their website www. to fur-bearing creatures such as mineral exploration potential, naturecanada.ca . For more information, Lynx, wolf, Red Fox, Wolverine particularly uranium, with claims check out the website! and Marten as well as Moose and WINTER 2007 7

ALBERTA ISSUES

Looking Ahead The “new” Federal Government is creating for itself an abysmal record on everything involving the environment, including climate change and endangered species. Funding has been cut, decisions have been delayed, and actions are being postponed. Make a difference in the next election: actively support Conservation Groups Sue Federal Government an individual or political Conservation groups have fi led a lawsuit against federal Environment party that includes strong Minister Rona Ambrose for her ministry’s refusal to identify critical environmental policies in its habitat in the recovery strategy for the endangered Piping Plover. platform! They argue that by neglecting to identify critical habitat for the Piping Plover, the government is failing to properly implement the Species at Risk Act (SARA). SARA protects the habitat of endangered species only New Alberta Parks if it is specifi cally identifi ed. Plan The Alberta government is developing a new Parks Plan in relative secrecy. If you want to protect and enhance the current parks system, please remind your MLA that Alberta Parks are important to you! If you don’t know who your MLA is or how to contact them, look in: www. alberta.ca.

WOLVERINE PHOTOS.COM MUSKRAT 8 NatureAlberta COURTESY OF THE

Visitor at the Fishing Hole BY LAURIE L. LYWAK

This ice fi shing trip was about to become one of the most memorable ever. We, my husband and I, woke up early, eager to get the day underway.

The alarm clock by the bed black tarp and foamie from our appeared at the bottom of the hole! went off and we were quickly duffl e bag. I lay on the foam, It turned up into the hole and rose to out of bed. Lunch was made which insulates me from the cold the surface, paying no attention to my – hot chocolate, sandwiches and allows me to spend hours on fi shing tackle. I had no time to respond, and snacks - fi shing gear the ice looking down the hole. my only option was to stay quiet and gathered and warm clothes I quickly pulled the tarp over observe from only a few inches away. packed. Quickly, we loaded my head, which lets me see well As the creature reached the surface it our truck and began the drive under the ice, and started fi shing. stretched out its forepaws and clung to out of Edmonton, heading west the edge of the ice hole. I watched its Life under the tarp is interesting on highway 16 to Wabamun small body move up and down with and fi lled with surprises. Lying Lake. Wabamun Lake was a each breath. Its eyes shone, looking down, my face is close to the good early winter fi shing lake straight up into mine. Air bubbles hole, usually within 6 inches for Northern Pike and Lake trapped in its fur coat slowly bubbled of the water’s surface. Fish are Whitefi sh, at least before the oil out into the water. Its leathery tail curled easily visible as they swim about. spill. around the inside of the far side of the Smaller fi sh such as Yellow Perch ice hole. After several minutes it let go We arrived at the lake and often spend several minutes of the ice, turned its head down and parked in our usual spot. The pecking at bait, while large swam back down the hole with several mild temperature, just below whitefi sh simply swim in and strong kicks of its hind legs, quickly freezing, the wind blowing inhale the baited hook or lure. slipping past the bottom edge of the gently from the west and the Pike often appear as a slashing hole and disappearing from my sight. I early morning sun warming blur as they rush in from beyond continued fi shing at the same hole for our faces, were in our favour. the edge of my vision. Some fi sh another hour and a half and during this We loaded our gear onto a approach only to spend several time, it made several more visits, each toboggan and set out onto the minutes staring at the bait or lure about 20 minutes apart and lasting 2 to ice towards our favorite spot. before they swim on, apparently 3 minutes. This little creature, a Muskrat, Many fi shers were already suspicious something isn’t quite was using my fi shing hole as a breathing out drilling holes and setting right. hole! up their shelters. The ice was On this day, I was jigging a small about 8 inches thick, enough to I have spent many hours ice fi shing metal lure that ‘danced’ in the support a small army, but was over the past two decades, but this water with each pull on the line. shifting slightly, resulting in loud experience was unique. We were two After about an hour I had caught booming noises. It sounded creatures sharing a small hole in the ice: and released several pike and like a war was going on under one seeking the air above, one in search whitefi sh. Then, unexpectedly, a the ice. We set up our rods and of the fi sh below. shimmering, silvery-brown blob lures and I unrolled my big WINTER 2007 9

Advertising Power BY DENNIS BARESCO

In today’s society, advertising – whether written, on TV, radio or the Web – is probably the most powerful and persuasive method there is in sending a message to the public.

Quality ads not only give 2006-2007, pg 27), a for nature. Simply write the awareness and inform; they Toyota Tacoma is shown advertiser(s) and let them know also touch us emotionally towing another vehicle how you feel. Email, fax , and infl uence our thoughts in a creek. The message phone, and snail mail addresses subconsciously. Somewhat is: Don’t worry about are always written somewhere indirectly, that’s also why getting stuck as you rip in magazines. advertisers are so sensitive n’ roar through mountain Equally effective, if not more about offending or even giving creeks in your Toyota so, you can contact Advertising the perception of offending the truck. The subconscious Standards of Canada. They buying masses. message: creeks are for investigate after receiving rugged driving. For shame, For those of us with an even one complaint. Go to Canadian Geographic – and “agenda” (eg., the naturalist their website for info: www. Toyota! agenda is to assist people to adstandards.com. respect and protect nature), 2) In Audubon Magazine You don’t need to get Pulitzer an offensive or unethical ad (Sept-Oct 2006, pg 45), Prize fancy; simply identify the presents us with an opportunity there is an ad by Arizona ad, why you fi nd it offensive – and an easily accomplished showing a jet-ski zooming or unethical, what you hope one, at that! – to do something through a gap in reeds. In they’ll do about it, and who for nature that may well have the greatest irony, the ad is you are. an effect many times greater promoting bird watching. than the effort required. Think Yes, there’s nothing birders about it: even a single letter like more than a screaming to a magazine pointing out jet-ski! The overt message Remember: an unethical ad could result is: Adventure, speed, and your one message could in several hundred thousand great birding in AZ. The people NOT being negatively subconscious message: easily affect half-a- infl uenced in the future! adventure & speed are the priority use for lakes and million people. Talk I’ve seen two examples of reed beds. unethical ads recently: about good return on When you see such ads, 1) in Canadian Geographic you have an opportunity to your investment! Travel Special Issue (Winter do something very positive 10 NatureAlberta

Northern Native Grasslands BY MARGOT HERVIEUX At Risk Kleskun Hill Natural Area, located about 50 km east of Grande Prairie, protects 90 ha (220 acres) of upland native prairie in the Peace River Parkland natural sub-region of north-western Alberta.

These grasslands contain a Sparrow, Upland Sandpiper and (ACA) has compiled an inventory unique assemblage of plants Say’s Phoebe. There are also at of remaining native grassland in and animals, many of which are least eight species of grassland the Peace region. Historically, more typically associated with butterfl y, and a number of there were three major areas the southern prairie. Plants at species of moth, with disjunct of prairie covering as much as the northern end of their range populations in the Peace River a million ha around Grande include Prickly Pear Cactus, Parkland; fi ve of these butterfl ies Prairie, along the north side Tufted White Prairie Aster, are found in the Kleskun Hill of the Peace River and around and Low Goldenrod. Prairie Natural Area. Spirit River. According to the birds found in the hills include ACA study, less than half of Over the past fi ve years, the Western Meadowlark, Vesper one percent of the upland Alberta Conservation Association WINTER 2007 11

PRAIRIE CROCUS MARGOT HERVIEUX

grassland remains. Almost all This nationally signifi cant In response to this proposal, of the remnants are less than is now being the Peace Parkland Naturalists, 16 ha in size and Kleskun threatened by a sub-division in partnership with the Nature Hill Natural Area is one of proposal. The County of Grande Conservancy of Canada, the only two protected areas Prairie is currently considering Alberta Conservation Association containing native upland an application for rezoning and others, are attempting to grassland in the entire Peace 36 ha of native grassland on purchase two parcels of land River Parkland. the southern boundary of adjacent to the natural area in the natural area for country order to conserve some of this In addition to remnant native residential development. This critical habitat. prairie, Kleskun Hill Natural type of development would Area also protects eroded seriously threaten the ecological hills with exposed sand and integrity of the native prairie siltstone formations dating due to the lack of buffers, back over 80 million years. Anyone requiring more inappropriate and uncontrolled A variety of fossils have recreational activity, invasive information or wishing to assist been found in and around plants and pet predation on with this fund raising project the site including dinosaur grassland birds. Native prairie bone fragments. The most can contact Margot Hervieux and potential fossil locations signifi cant fi nds are micro- at [email protected] or would also be destroyed on the fossils belonging to an development site. (780) 539-6102. assemblage of small mammals and reptiles.

KLESKUN HILL NATURAL AREA MARGOT HERVIEUX 12 NatureAlberta

An Historical Perspective on Alberta’s Current Wolf War BY DICK DEKKER

Alberta’s on-again off-again war on wolves started soon after the arrival of the Europeans. They employed all available lethal means, including guns, traps and poison.

But what sealed the wolf’s doom to trappers and landowners. prey. In a well-balanced ecosystem, was the simultaneous destruction There were 800 fl uoro-acetate bait large predators were said to function of its food base: the hoofed stations in the fi nal year of the as agents of health, weeding out mammals. By the end of the 18th campaign. The offi cial tally of the the weak and infi rm among their century, human greed had robbed victims was 5,200 wolves, 171,000 prey species. Alberta’s wolves were most of this province of its edible Coyotes, and 55,000 foxes. Non- allowed to make a natural come- and fur-bearing wildlife. target predators and scavengers back. Family packs grew in number eating from the poison baits were and size, repopulating parts of their A change for the better began decimated as well, including former range and dispersing into in the early 1900s with the martens, Lynx, bears, eagles and adjacent farmlands. There, the setting enactment of game laws and the Ravens (Dekker 1997). of poison baits became a common establishment of our national routine for Fish and Wildlife offi cers. parks. Deer, Elk, and Moose A more respectful age for Hunters, however, had little reason to made a slow come-back, but the wildlife dawned in the 1960s. complain. Due to the previous scarcity return of the wolf was seen with Among the increasingly urban of predators, mild winters and good misgivings. During the 1940s, public, nature appreciation grew game regulations, hoofed mammals they were shot on sight in Banff and we embraced all of our were abundant on wilderness lands. and Jasper National Parks. warm-blooded fellow creatures, including the formerly despised The armistice in the war on In 1952-55, Alberta unleashed and persecuted carnivores. wolves barely lasted a decade. The the most intensive poisoning Celebrated in magazines, pendulum of tolerance was about campaign ever, anytime, books and fi lms, the big bad to swing the other way again. At anywhere. The stated reason wolf of lore went through a the whim of Mother Nature, large was that rabies had been metamorphosis and became as mammal abundance is subject to identifi ed in a northern fox. To popular and harmless as Bambi. cyclic highs and lows. In the early prevent the feared disease from Attitudes among professional 1970s, superimposed on the rising spreading south, the province wildlife managers changed as numbers of carnivores, the herbivores intended to exterminate all wild well. Their slogan --to borrow a were hit hard by a series of severe canids in a wide buffer zone famous phrase from the Beatles- winters. Food-stressed and harassed around human settlements. To - became “let it be.” The theory Moose and Elk abundance collapsed. that end, government agents was that human hunters had no After many detailed fi eld studies on distributed nearly one million reason to begrudge the wolf his predation, the theories of wildlife units of cyanide and strychnine WINTER 2007 13

An Historical Perspective on Alberta’s Current Wolf War…continued

managers came full circle. Too shooting wolves. However, in the In defense of a regional wolf many wolves were killing too spring of 1986, they were reined cull, a Yukon biologist stated many hoofed mammals in direct in by their political masters. The that the economic importance competition with human hunters stop order followed on the heels of caribou, in pounds of meat, and outfi tters. Calls for remedial of an announcement by “Friends was greater than the monetary action followed. On December of The Wolf” and their American value of wolf fur. Another, 29, 1982, The Edmonton Journal affi liates that they were planning more convincing argument ran a story headlined “Wolf a major tourism boycott at Expo was raised in British Columbia population explosion raises ‘86 to be held in Vancouver that where researchers claimed that howls for controls.” The war on summer. To calm the turmoil local populations of Woodland wolves resumed full blast during and debate wolf control, the Caribou were especially hit the eighties. It started in Alaska. University of British Columbia, hard by wolves. The reason British Columbia and Yukon in partnership with government was that mountain habitats, soon followed. The objectives and private conservation groups, formerly the exclusive domain were straightforward: to make organized a wolf management of caribou, were increasingly more venison and trophies symposium in May 1988. In a being invaded by Moose, which available for human hunters terse presentation, provincial in turn attracted more wolves. on wilderness lands. However, biologist Dr. John Elliott reported Part of the argument was that this time around, the biologists that he had personally shot 996 wolf predation pressure was shied away from using poison wolves from the air over two proportionally heavier on baits. Instead, they reverted winters. In 1988, three years after caribou than on Moose. The to a method considered more the carnage, he considered his only way to save the threatened humane and inspired by the efforts to have been a waste of Woodland Caribou herds from Vietnam war: search and destroy time. The wolves were back at extinction, the researchers with helicopter gunships. their former strength. The total warned, was to reduce the expenditures of the campaign, in number of predators. This view The imagery of government helicopter rental and manpower, was soon echoed by caribou personnel shotgunning a were in the order of $2,500- researchers in Alberta. spooked pack of wolves from $3,000 per dead wolf. Similar the air shocked the largely Information in the above article costs were reported by biologists non-hunting public and sparked was gleaned from WolfNews, a from Alaska. a tidal wave of protest in the quarterly newsletter published national and international In Alaska, support for the by the Canadian Wolf Defenders media. It led to a frenzy of controversial wolf kills had come and sponsored by World Wildlife demonstrations in California mainly from people who were Fund Canada from1982 to1992. and tourism boycotts in Alaska. concerned about the shrinking Editor Dick Dekker. Despite an ever escalating inventory of Moose, which was a Dekker, D. 1997. Wolves of the chorus of protest, led by subsistence staple in this northern Rocky Mountains, from Jasper environmental crusader Paul state. However, the Canadian to Yellowstone. Hancock House Watson, regional biologists in focus was mainly on the declines Publishers, Surrey, BC. British Columbia persisted in of Woodland Caribou. 14 NatureAlberta

BOOK REVIEW Best of Alberta Day Trips from Calgary, Revised Edition REVIEW BY LAURIE L. LYWAK

The 2006 revised edition of “Best of Alberta: Day Trips From Calgary”, by Calgarian Bill Corbett, is an essential reference for planning a daytrip to the outskirts of Calgary.

According to Corbett, choose on local geology, history and any direction, and within a natural history, as appropriate two-hour drive of Calgary the to each site or community, and reader can experience some gives us interesting insights by Bill Corbett; 5.5 x 8.5, 285 pages, of the most breathtaking that broaden our knowledge of paperback, $19.95 CDN, Whitecap Books, landscapes, museums, south-central Alberta. For those ISBN 1-55285-766-2 historical and heritage sites who like an on-the-road lunch in western Canada. All that’s Corbett also suggests a variety needed along with this guide is of venues that provide meals Range and Township Road Map a day off, a roadmap, a tank of and beverages along the way. to go along with the guide. The gas and you are on your way. As an Edmontonian who map is optional but I found it Corbett describes 70 different frequently visits the Calgary useful when I started exploring day trips within a two-hour area, I found this book on my own. I now put the book one-way drive of Calgary. From encouraged me to travel some in my glove-box, along with the the Royal Tyrell Museum to the new roads and see more of map, every time I head south near-ghost town of Dorothy, southern Alberta. I’m more from Edmonton. ancient aboriginal sundials and likely to explore when I have I recommend this book buffalo-jumps, the Torrington an idea of what I might see, to naturalists, tourists, gopher hole museum and and Corbett provides me with photographers, historians and Rumsey Ecological Reserve, the information needed to take students. With summer holidays Corbett covers a wide variety the next exit off highway 2 on the horizon and guests of possible destinations. and see more of our province. coming to southern Alberta, Regardless of one’s age Best of all, this book frequently I recommend this book as a or inclination there is a leads me away from the starting point for an interesting destination of interest to just mountain parks and onto the summer season. It will guide about everyone from amateur prairies, where the landscapes both novice and experienced historians, naturalists and those and expansive views are travelers to new and interesting simply interested in a scenic equally spectacular. I found it places. drive in the country. Each trip worthwhile buying, as Corbett discussion includes information suggests, the Southern Alberta CANADA GOOSE IN STICKNEST ERNIE KUYT WINTER 2007 15

Just what was going on here? BY ERNIE KUYT

For about 30 years, Elise and I have managed from four to seven beehives near Ellerslie Road in south Edmonton

A small willow and poplar owl to show itself. To my It is not the fi rst time that I have woodlot near our present apiary is amazement, a Canada Goose seen a Canada Goose nesting in a the usual haunt of a nesting pair was now on the nest, and sticknest high up in a tree, and so of Great Horned Owls or Red- still there on 12 May, when have others (The Blue Jay, Vol. 64:2, tailed Hawks. Sometimes both I took the top photo. On p. 103), but for a goose to nest so species nest there in the same the same day I noted a Red- deep in ‘enemy’ country seems odd. year, but on opposite sides of the tailed Hawk occupying a large Unfortunately, being out of the woodlot. The nests usually are sticknest on the opposite side country until 18 June, I was unable located about 10 to 12 m up in a of the woodlot. That nest was to determine if the goose was mature aspen. successful, as on 26 May I could successful in hatching eggs or how see a large young hawk on the With Elsie removing insulation the goslings fared after tumbling out nest. from our over-wintered hives of the nest. on 11 April 2006, I explored the nearby woods and sighted a Great Horned Owl on a nest used in previous years by both owls and hawks. I returned the next day to photograph the owl. A small fuzzy-headed owlet could be seen peeking over the nest edge (bottom photo). Expecting some activity near the nest, I returned on 5 May, but did not at fi rst see any birds in the area. Thinking that perhaps the adult owls were away hunting, I whistled, expecting a young

GREAT HORNED OWL ERNIE KUYT 16 NatureAlberta

BOOK REVIEW Alberta Beneath Our Feet The Story of Our Rocks and Fossils REVIEW BY BRIAN R. PARKER

“Alberta Beneath Our Feet: The Story of Our Rocks and Fossils”, edited by Brian Hitchon, offers readers a comprehensive tour of 4 billion years of geological history from an Alberta perspective.

Beginning with the Big Bang Hitchon and his team of co- by Brian Hitchon editor and the creation of the earth, the authors hold our attention 9 x 11, 248 pages, 177 maps and diagrams, 330 authors work forward through fi rm by incorporating many photographs, 13 tables, $75 CDN plus $10 postage time and consider the major interesting facts and sidebars and handling and GST. geological events that led to throughout their text. We learn the formation of Alberta as we of trilobite hash, the Bruderheim Available direct from the publisher at: Geoscience know it today. We follow the meteorite event, volcanic ash in Publishing, P.O. Box 79088, Sherwood Park, Alberta migration of ancient continents the North Saskatchewan River T8A 5S3. across the globe (as they carry Valley, the use of man-made ISBN 0-9680844-2-7 (hardcover) Alberta with them), the opening caverns in deep salt deposits as and closing of inland seas, storage reservoirs, the Chicxulub periods of continental accretion, meteorite event that helped mountain building and erosion bring an end to the dinosaurs, as a coffee table centerpiece as an and the origin and evolution how local geology shaped introductory lesson in geology. of life as exposed by the fossil different patterns of urban Overall, “Alberta Beneath Our Feet” record. In the present, the development in Edmonton and is a well-written, very well illustrated authors describe the legacy of Calgary, and even how to pan text that, due to the use of non- that long and varied geological for gold. There is something technical language, is suited to a wide history: Alberta’s valuable rock, in this book of interest to just range of audiences, from amateur to mineral, fossil and groundwater about everyone. academic. Best of all, the authors show resources. Finally, in a nod Complementing and enhancing us that the study of geology really is to the many of us that live in the text are literally hundreds of interesting and includes much more urban areas, we are offered an high quality photographs, almost than deciphering the stratigraphy evaluation of the geology of our all in colour, of rocks, minerals, of local rock outcrops. This is a major urban areas, including geological formations and fossils great book: an essential reference a list of easily accessible sites as well as more than 170 colour for anyone with a general interest that offer good views of local maps and line drawings. This in Alberta or a specifi c interest in geology and/or geological book could equally well serve geology. processes. WINTER 2007 17 Celestial Happenings Winter/Spring - February to April BY JOHN MCFAUL

FEATURED CONSTELLATION – ORION The bright stars of the winter known as a red supergiant, possibly fading away to become a constellations are beautiful to whose diameter is estimated to black hole. behold. Chief among these are be 650 times that of our Sun. The three belt stars are thought to the sparkling stellar beacons of Rigel is about 70 times the Sun’s have been used as the inspiration for the mighty hunter Orion. Orion diameter. It is easy to see the the alignment of the great pyramids of is one of the most majestic of different colours of these two Egypt. They point downward to the the 88 constellations that grace stars. Betelgeuse has a relatively brightest star in our night sky. This our earthly sky. The constellation cool surface temperature of 3600 is Sirius, in the constellation Canis consists of four bright stars that K and thus glows red. Our Sun Major. Sirius was important to the depict the shoulders and the legs has a surface temperature of ancient Egyptians as a predictor of the of the hunter plus the famous belt 5800 K and shines with a warm fl ooding of the Nile. of three stars from which dangles yellow light. Rigel sparkles with his bejeweled sword. In February a blue-white light as a result of a From the belt stars hangs the sword Orion resides in the southern surface temperature estimated to of Orion. With binoculars one can sky and gradually is to be found be 11000 K. These two stars are see that the fuzzy “middle star” of the further to the west each evening younger than the Sun and due to sword is actually a dust and gas cloud. until he leaves the celestial stage in their rapid use of their fuel they This is the Great Orion Nebula. It is mid-March. will extinguish themselves sooner. located about 1500 light-years from Theory predicts that both stars Earth. A light year is approximately In Greek mythology the giant will end their lives as supernovas. 9.5 trillion kilometers. This enormous Orion was the son of Poseidon. Perhaps Betelgeuse will briefl y be cloud is thought to be producing many He was renowned for his hunting as bright as the half Moon before new stars. prowess. Apollo was upset about the ardor that Orion was showing to Apollo’s twin sister Artemis CELESTIAL HAPPENINGS (goddess of the hunt and the Moon). Thus he sent Scorpius, Sun: Rise - Feb 1 (8:17 MST), March 1 (7:25 MST), April 1 (7:16 MDT) the scorpion, to kill Orion. One Set - Feb 1 (17:31 MST), March 1 (18:21 MST), April 1 (20:13 MDT) story tells that Orion escaped by Note: Day Light Savings Time will start on March 11th. jumping into the sea. While there Moon: Full - Feb 2, March 3, April 2 Apollo tricked Artemis to shoot New - Feb 17, March 19, April 17 him with an arrow. Artemis then *On March 3rd there will be a total eclipse of the Moon. However the eclipse placed Orion in the sky as far from will be just fi nishing as the Moon rises over the Alberta plains.* the scorpion as possible. Planets: Saturn is in Leo near the star Regulus. It can be seen in the south–east climbing higher in the night sky as the hours and months progress. The principal luminaries of Orion Venus is to be found low in the western sky shortly after sunset. Next to the are Betelgeuse in his left shoulder Moon and the Sun it is the brightest celestial object. and Rigel in his right foot. Both Jupiter and Mars rise in the early hours of the morning sky. stars are giants. Betelgeuse is Meteor Shower: Lyrids , April 21, 15/hour in a dark sky 18 NatureAlberta

FAN CLUB PAGE Beaverhill Bird Observatory BY LISA PRIESTLEY 1984 to 2006 The Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) is a non-profi t charitable organization that was established in 1984. We became incorporated in 1988, and are the second oldest bird-banding station in Canada.

Our mandate is: to promote the Ramsar Convention and an and Survivorship (MAPS). The program community interest in birds and Important Bird Area of Global was created by The Institute for Bird the natural world, to promote the Importance. In 1987, the BBO Populations in 1989 to assess and monitor preservation and conservation was designated the steward the vital rates and population dynamics of Canada’s natural heritage, to of the Beaverhill Lake Natural of over 120 species of North American conduct studies of migrant and Area, a protected area on the landbirds in order to provide critical resident birds, to assist the work southeast end of the lake. A bird- conservation and management information of amateurs and professional banding laboratory was built in on their populations. The program utilizes biologists and students who 1986. Over the past 20 years the mist netting and banding at a continent- are carrying out compatible laboratory has been staffed by wide network of monitoring stations observations and research work, summer students who, along with staffed by both professional biologists and to engage in educational activities volunteers, have been banding highly trained volunteers (www.birdpop. that promote an appreciation and counting birds in and around org/maps.htm). for Beaverhill Lake and the the natural area. A pilot Northern Saw-whet Owl migration natural history of Alberta, and to monitoring program was started in 1997, cooperate with organizations with MAIN PROGRAMS to determine if saw-whets migrate through similar objectives. Our songbird migration the Natural Area. From 2002 through 2006, Our main research station is monitoring project was initiated a full time study has been conducted. The located on the southeast shore of in 1984 and became a fully objectives of this project are to determine Beaverhill Lake in the Beaverhill standardized program in 1990. how many saw-whets migrate through Lake Natural Area east of Tofi eld, We use a combination of the Beaverhill Lake region, the timing of Alberta. During migration, the standardized banding and daily their migration and the age and sex of the lake is extremely important for bird counts developed by the migrating birds. Over 850 saw-whet owls waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, Canadian Migration Monitoring have been captured and banded. We have and raptors such as the Peregrine Network and that are now used been documenting the fall migration of Falcon. The lake provides habitat at a network of stations across other birds of prey through surveys and for a variety of species, including southern Canada and the northern passive trapping techniques since 1997. the endangered Piping Plover, U.S. The data collected provides We monitor two sets of songbird during the summer. Due to these us with much needed baseline nestboxes: 1) a Tree Swallow Nestbox attributes, the lake has been data on population trends of Grid at Beaverhill Lake and 2) Elson’s designated a National Nature northern breeding birds. Bluebird Trail along roadsides by Viewpoint by the Canadian We are involved with a summer Beaverhill Lake, , Nature Federation, a Wetland of monitoring program called and Fort Saskatchewan. We also have International Importance under Monitoring Avian Productivity 100 saw-whet owl nest boxes in forested GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET LISA PRIESTLY WINTER 2007 19

Beaverhill Bird Observatory, 1984 to 2006 …continued

areas on private and provincial and the Songbird land around the Ministik and Festival (Lesser Beaverhill regions. Slave Lake Bird Observatory). North America-wide program, Our public education includes and last, determining habitat a variety of activities. We are on Two major volunteer programs associations of nocturnal owls. site at the Beaverhill Lake Natural are also run through the bird The Beaverhill Bird Observatory Area throughout the spring, observatory: also took the lead in developing summer, and fall for people to come and see the banding 1) A raptor nest card program guidelines for a national owl operations, and learn how we was initiated by the Alberta survey program government in 1988, for raptor study the birds. We have two We have been involved with major events for the public: The banders and researchers to supporting Endangered Species BIG Birding Breakfast and Steaks collect information on nest work, particularly with the and Saw-whets. We also visit a locations of birds of prey. Burrowing Owl. This work includes: variety of schools throughout Results will lead to a better Conservation of Burrowing Owls Alberta, giving presentations on understanding of habitat use, including surveys, studies of over- birds, banding, raptors, owls, productivity, and phenology winter survival, diet and foraging endangered species, and ecology. (timing of nesting), which will ecology of Burrowing Owls in The Royal Alberta Museum and help with status assessment central Mexico, funded by National John Janzen Nature Center also and management. Fish and Wildlife Foundation invite us to come and speak to 2000-2004; participating in the school groups and families as 2) The Alberta Nocturnal Owl North American Burrowing Owl part of their summer programs. Survey (ANOS) has been Conservation Action Plan, drafted Finally, we are invited to and running since 1998, with the under contract to Commission for participate in annual events goals of: obtaining information Environmental Cooperation 2004; including: on distribution and relative providing funding for proceedings SAVANNAH SPARROW LISA PRIESTLY Beaverhill abundance of nocturnal and international attendees at the Lake Snow owls in Alberta, collecting Second International Burrowing Goose information that will allow Owl Symposium, Ogden, Utah Festival, and published in Journal of Raptor estimation of population Tofi eld Research 35:(4)269-418; and Spring Nature trends of nocturnal owls at conducting surveys and banding Festival, Ellis regional and provincial scales, of songbirds in eastern Guatemala Bird Farm as well as contributing to a with USGS and FUNDAECO in 1993 Bluebird and 1994. Festival, Forest ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Explorers Our work would not be possible without funding and in-kind support (Peace River), from the following agencies: Alberta Community Development, Alberta Migratory Conservation Association, Alberta Ecotrust, Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks, and Wildlife Foundation, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Canadian Bird Day Wildlife Service (Environment Canada), Federation of Alberta Naturalists, (Inglewood Manning Diversifi ed, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Nature Canada, Student Bird Career Placement Program, Shell Environment Fund, TD Friends of the Sanctuary), Environment Foundation. 20 NatureAlberta

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