American Dipper

 

June 22nd

          This morning we left Brooks and headed southwest.  Our first stop was the Kitsim Reservoir to look for more waterfowl.  There were loads of ducks on this reservoir including Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye and several Barrow’s Goldeneye which is a bird that generally breeds in the far north and is an unusual duck for us.  We also saw several Red-necked Grebes which is a new bird for the year.  As we were leaving the area, we saw a huge raptor perched on a fence post.  As we drove closer, it took off and we could tell right away that it was a Golden Eagle.

          From here, we had a three-hour drive to Waterton Lakes National Park.  We arrived about 12:30pm and unfortunately had a very leisurely lunch (very slow service) at a café.  After lunch, we were very lucky to find a MacGillivray’s Warbler right in the Waterton village.  Next, we went to see Cameron Falls which was a spectacular waterfall.  While we were looking at the falls, Mike yells, “There’s a dipper!”  That would be an American Dipper that was flying around close to the raging torrent of water.  We both saw it but soon lost track of the bird.  Mike really wanted a dipper photo, so we spent some time trying to relocate it which we eventually did.  An American Dipper is a special bird that we love to see.

          Linnet Lake is a small lake next to the Prince of Wales Hotel.  We walked around the lake on a flat paved trail and saw a Swainson’s Thrush and several Common Mergansers.  As we walked back to the parking area, we noticed some Bighorn Sheep on the slope across the road.

          After leaving Linnet Lake, we made a quick stop at the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel for a photo op and a quick look at the lobby.  The hotel was built in 1927 and was named for the prince who later became King Edward VIII.  It is a national historic site and is famous for its afternoon tea.  After seeing it, we made a reservation to have dinner there tomorrow night.  We are staying at the Northland Lodge which is also a historic site.  It was once the residence of Great Northern Railway tycoon Louis W. Hill.  Our room has a nice balcony with a view, but the room is definitely historic.  Another great day of birding in a beautiful setting.  

(5 FOY birds, total in Alberta 23)

Golden Eagle

Red-necked Grebe

Barrow’s Goldeneye

MacGillivray’s Warbler

American Dipper

                                           American Dipper

                                           Red-necked Grebe

                                           Golden Eagle

                                           Columbian Ground Squirrel

                                           Mule Deer
                                           Common Mergansers (female)

                                           Bighorn Sheep

                                           Prince of Wales Hotel







Comments

  1. SharonJune 23, 2022 at 8:27 PM

    Wow loving every bit of your adventure. Is the hotel full of art deco art?

    ReplyDelete

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