Looking for birds at home on our farm, and anywhere I travel

Birding the prairies, one sighting at a time

I started this blog in late 2010 to record the birds I see on our farm and wherever I travel. Living in Alberta means big skies, open water, and prairie that stretches for miles — perfect habitat for an incredible variety of species.

Over the years I've kept detailed annual Alberta bird lists, tracking everything from my first 131 species in 2011 to a peak of 175 in 2015. My life list reached 385 species as of April 2018, and I also maintain mammal year lists alongside the bird records.

Beyond listing, I share birding news, book reviews, identification tips, and coverage of local events like the Tofield Snow Goose Chase and the Great Canadian Birdathon. There's a whole section of resources for young birders, too.

Birding on the Alberta prairies offers a quiet kind of magic that unfolds across wide-open skies and endless horizons. The landscape may appear sparse at first glance, but those who pause and look closely discover a remarkable diversity of species moving through the grasslands, wetlands, and shelterbelts. From the first spring migrants arriving on warming winds to the hardy winter residents that endure the cold months, every season brings its own cast of feathered characters to the farm and the fields beyond.

Keeping a personal species list transforms casual observation into a rewarding long-term practice. Each entry marks a moment of connection — a flash of colour in the hedgerow, an unfamiliar call drifting across the yard, or a rare visitor stopping over during migration. Over time, these records reveal patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed: the shifting arrival dates of certain warblers, the gradual appearance of range expansions, and the subtle ways the land itself changes from one year to the next.

Backyard birding proves that meaningful wildlife encounters do not require distant travel. A well-placed feeder, a native plant garden, and a simple water source can attract an astonishing variety of birds throughout the year. Watching the daily routines of chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers from the kitchen window fosters a deep familiarity with individual behaviours and seasonal rhythms, turning even the most ordinary morning into something worth noting.

Migration season transforms the prairie landscape into a corridor of movement and sound. Waves of shorebirds pass through shallow wetlands, while songbirds navigate wooded draws and river valleys on their journeys north and south. The brief window of spring migration brings a particular urgency, as birders rise early to catch the dawn chorus and scan every thicket for warblers, flycatchers, and thrushes that may linger only a day before continuing onward.

Young birders represent the future of conservation and citizen science across Canada. Encouraging curiosity about the natural world early on — through field guides, binoculars, and patient mentorship — nurtures a lifelong appreciation for birds and the habitats they depend upon. Simple activities like building nest boxes, participating in Christmas bird counts, or sketching backyard visitors can spark an enthusiasm that grows into meaningful advocacy for prairie ecosystems.

Photography adds another dimension to the birding experience, capturing fleeting moments that the naked eye might miss. The challenge of framing a fast-moving warbler in good light or documenting the intricate feather patterns of a perched hawk sharpens observation skills and deepens patience. Digital tools make it easier than ever to share these images with a wider community, connecting prairie birders with fellow enthusiasts across the continent and beyond.

Conservation work on the prairies relies heavily on the dedication of volunteers, observatory staff, and everyday birders who contribute sightings data and support habitat protection efforts. Organizations across Alberta monitor population trends, band migrating birds, and restore critical wetland and grassland habitats. Every checklist submitted, every hour spent monitoring a nest box, and every conversation shared about the value of native prairie helps ensure that future generations will still hear the meadowlark's song ringing across the fields.