Chez Elderberry

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)

Posted by Dave Ingram – Vancouver Island, British Columbia. We’ve finally got around to putting our suet feeders up for the winter and are starting to enjoy the regulars once again. We’ve been a bit reluctant because of the cat problem on the street- our next door neighbours have an …

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Backyard Bird Count Goes Global

For the first time, anyone anywhere in the world with Internet access can participate in the 16th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) February 15-18, 2013. Participants simply watch birds at any location for at least 15 minutes, tally the numbers of each species they see, and report their tallies …

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What is the Species at Risk Act?

On December 12, 2002 the Canadian Federal government enacted into law the Species at Risk Act (SARA) which fulfills the country’s commitment under the International Convention on Biological Diversity. The main focus of the act is to protect endangered or threatened organisms and their habitats. It also considers species which …

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Marten Mountain: Bears and Life Birds

Posted by Bob Lefebvre – Calgary, Alberta Last summer I posted here about Lesser Slave Lake in northern Alberta as a birding destination. There are always lots of good birds there, and during our trip in July 2012 I got a few pictures around the campsite. Canada Warblers are fairly …

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Mammal Monday Mink

Posted by Pat Bumstead Calgary photographer Rob English has managed to get some truly stunning photos of an elusive little American Mink in Fish Creek Provincial Park, Calgary, AB. These little members of the weasel family are found throughout North America near densely vegetated waterways, marshes and wetlands. A bird …

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What should you put out to feed birds during the winter?

  Feeding and watching birds have become favorite pastimes in North America. It is estimated that 1/3 of the population feeds wild birds. This ranges from putting out scraps of food to serving seed, suet and nuts. During the winter time, especially in periods where the natural food source falls, …

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