Looking for safe activities to do outdoors with physical distancing still in effect? Try birding! This is an awesome way to get to know your city and find some new parks in and around Calgary.
Credit: David Lofink/Flickr Check out these 15 amazing places to start learning how to spot local birds and other wildlife. Grab your binoculars, and be sure you know the rules and regulations before you set out.
- Alberta Birds on Facebook has an awesome outline of dos and don’ts for beginners and professionals alike.
- Check out the Beaver Hills Birds Sanctuary Website for free webinars for beginner bird watching.
- Or the Bird Academy from Cornell University for excellent online courses.
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Head to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary to see Hooded Merganser, Goldeneye, or Northern Flickers. This a stunning spot to visit and great for beginners.
2425 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Carburn Park
You might be lucky enough to see Harlequin Ducks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, or the American Pelican at Carburn Park in southeast Calgary. It’s a lovely spot along the Bow River.
67 Riverview Dr SE, Calgary
Fish Creek Provincial Park
This huge provincial park has a lot of sections, and there’s lots to see. Ring-necked Pheasants and Osprey are known to frequent the area.
Weaselhead Flats
Weaselhead flats, along the Elbow river west of the Glenmore reservoir, is sure to delight birders of any level. From American Robins to a Pine Grosbeak, you’re sure to see something new.
37 St SW & 66 Avenue SW, Calgary
Discovery Ridge Ponds
If you’re looking for some faithful bird types, check out discovery Ridge Ponds. They have Canada Geese right now, Downy Woodpeckers, and Ruddy Ducklings.
Discovery Ridge Link SW, Calgary
Confederation Park
Warblers are sure to cross your paths, as well as different types of hawks at Confederation Park in northeast Calgary.
905 30 Ave NW, Calgary
Directions
Nose Hill Park
Bring your binoculars next time you’re at Nose Hill Park and you might spot the Black Capped Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, or Northern Shrike.
5620 14 St NW, Calgary
Griffith Woods Park
Griffith Woods Park is home to many types of birds including Ruffed Grouse, and Ringed-neck Ducks. Keep an ear out for the Pileated Woodpecker.
160 Discovery Ridge Blvd SW, Calgary
Edworthy Park
If you make it to Edworthy Park, you might be lucky enough to see a Varied Thrush or a Red-breasted Nuthatch.
5050 Spruce Dr SW, Calgary
South Glenmore Park
Some birds that have been spotted here are the Eurasian Wigeon, Red-eyed Vireo, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
8415 24 St SW, Calgary
Bowness Park
8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary
Take a fresh look at Bowness Park through the eyes of a birder! You might see a Great Horned Owl, Mallard Ducks, and for sure lots of chickadees and nuthatches.
Beaver Dam Flats
3A6, Bow River Pathway, Calgary
Beaver Dam Flats will show you all sorts of common birds, but they may be new to beginners. Head there to see Mallards, Goldeneyes, Bald Eagles, and Grackles.
Douglas Fir Trail
Re-opened in 2017, this awesome birding spot in the southeast quadrant will show you Downy Woodpeckers and Gray-crowned Rosy Finches if you’re patient enough to keep an eye out!
Near Cedar Crescent SW, Calgary
Directions
Lafarge Meadows
Great Blue Herons and European Starlings have been spotted there this month! Visit Lafarge Meadows (Fish Creek Provincial Park) for your next outdoor adventure.
Bebo Grove
Northern Pygmy Owls, Pileated Woodpeckers, and loads of chickadees are sure to greet you in Bebo Grove. Get some sun and enjoy the nature Calgary has to offer!
13610 24 St SW, Calgary
Directions