Inglewood Bird Sanctuary – April

In the heart of the city, surround yourself with nature at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. For more than 80 years, this 59-acre property in Calgary has been a safe place for migratory birds. The park is in the southeast community of Inglewood on the west bank of the Bow River. It is open year-round from dawn until dusk and takes about an hour to walk around. That is unless you are a bird enthusiast or a photographer – or both! A good day will have time melting away.

Fun Fact:  It is free to visit this park.

 

Fun Fact:  Built in 1910, the red brick house on the west side of the pond is called the Colonel Walker House.

 

We explore Inglewood Bird Sanctuary a couple of times a year and challenge ourselves to spot new varieties of birds and waterfowl. Plus, as mentioned, it’s an easy escape to be around trees, near the ponds or by the Bow River. Not to mention the birdsong that is boisterous at times. All help to recalibrate after a busy week in the city.

When preparing this post, we realized that we often visit in April. The most recent trip was overcast, so we have included some pictures from previous April visits.

Park Rule:  No bicycles or dogs permitted on site (except aid dogs).

 

 

 

When you enter the park, there is an information board on the pathway to the left when you reach the pond. This will provide information on what birds and waterfowl can be found the month you are visiting. Additionally, it will inform you of year-round residents.

Geese

On this visit the geese were mating. For anyone who has walked the Bow River pathway, you know that geese can be territorial and aggressive at times. However, our experience at the sanctuary has been a little different…

 

 

In two words…look up. Can you see them?

 

 

The geese at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary love the trees. You never know who might be watching you!

 

Can you spot the goose?

 

 

They have camouflage figured out.

 

 

As it is also nesting season, we did have to contend with a goose or two on the path. This one wanted to lead the way. So, we followed.

 

 

This one allowed us an easy pass.

 

 

 

Black-Capped Chickadees

As we walked the pathway on the far side of the park, parallel to the Bow River, we were followed in earnest by Black-capped Chickadees.

 

 

They acted as if we were ignoring them, flying inches away from us to get our attention. This is new and unfortunate behaviour since our last visit. Although vehemently discouraged, people have been feeding the Chickadees. We’ve seen it at other parks too. People bring birdseed to encourage birds to eat out of their hands. Unfortunately, judging by the behaviour of the Chickadees, it’s happening here too.

 

Park Rules:  Do Not Feed Wildlife

 

Waterfowl

We love the ducks. They are so colourful – well at least the males are. In most cases, they are in pairs so you can easily see the difference in their colouring.

Mallard Ducks and Common Goldeneye can be found at the sanctuary year-round.

 

 

 

Common Merganser are waterfowl that arrive in April.

 

We were delighted to see the Wood Duck who is also an April arrival. How dramatic is his colouring? Am I right?

 

 

Birds

During our walk, the Starlings were the most verbose. They can be spotted high in the trees.

 

Trip Tip:  This is a great place to put your binoculars to good use.

 

 

Northern Flickers – Woodpeckers. These two were having a serious discussion.

 

 

The birds were twitterpated today. Anyone who has seen the original Bambi movie will understand my meaning. We must return in the coming months to get pictures of all the babies!

 

 

White-Breasted Nuthatch

 

 

 

There’s a good chance you will hear this bird hammering his beak into a log or branch before you see him. The fun then is spotting him.

 

 

This distinctive bird is the first true sign of spring in Calgary.

 

 

Time to Fly

As with most of our treks, we like to get here early in the morning. After about 90 minutes, the wind picked up, the clouds choked out the sun and snow started to blow sideways. Although typical for Calgary in April, we made haste to leave.

In closing, if you haven’t been to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary recently, maybe it’s time. Walk quietly and stay alert. You never know what you might see.