It has been a while since my last blog, but what a wild ride it's been since then, with nearly a year of birdwatching and wildlife gazing, especially in our western provinces.
I have been fortunate to guide several trips to the Alberta Rockies in spring and it’s always one of the highlights of the year.
In Alberta, it’s wildlife galore, that's what makes it one of the most epic wildlife-viewing spots on the planet. Alberta in late May is like stepping into a wildlife safari you wouldn't believe if you didn't see it with your own eyes. You can barely go a kilometer without some critter crossing your path.
The Alberta Rockies are where it's at during this season. The wildlife concentrates in the lower valleys to munch down on the freshest greens around, lush grasses, colorful wildflowers, and dandelions. It's like an all-you-can-eat buffet for our furry friends. So, stick around, and I'll share some of the wildlife you can see in the Alberta Rockies. It's a wildlife lover's dream come true!
Bears are like lawn mowers and can be seen commonly feeding along the sides of the roads. They are quite hungry after their winter of hibernation. On previous trips we have seen over 40 bears.
Bighorn Sheep are herded up and quite often can be seeing strolling down the road or even blocking it. I’ve been in several Bighorn Sheep Jams.
Elk are abundant and can be found all through the Alberta Rockies, especially in Waterton Lakes, Banff and Jasper National Parks.
Mule Deer and White-tailed Deer are plentiful, and Mule Deer can often be seen hanging around the village of Waterton. I like to call them the Waterton lawn ornaments.
Columbian Ground Squirrel’s are plentiful and always a joy to watch.
You can’t ignore the small creatures such as adorable Columbian Ground Squirrel’s and the overseer of the mountains, the mighty Pika.
You never know what might be around the next corner, will it be a Moose, Black Bear, Grizzly Bear, Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Red Fox, Coyote, Lynx, these are all possible and more. I’m not kidding when I say this is some of the best wildlife viewing on the planet.
I haven’t even mentioned the scenery or the birds. That will be for another blog.
But if you are interested in visiting the Canadian Rockies this May for a wildlife safari, please contact Murray at torontonaturelovers@hotmail.com.
Please enjoy the video below of some of our adventures and please leave a comment.