Field trip with the ACTWS
March 12, 2023
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It was a cold day, snow just beginning to drift in soft puffs. Inside, the lobby of the Conference Centre was warm, others already beginning to gather for the trip. While names were checked and instructions given, we chatted, exchanging names and brief introductions.
The Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society (ACTWS) held their annual meeting in Calgary this year, bringing together people from across Alberta who wanted to protect the province’s wildlife. Before the conference, there was first a brief introduction to Calgary.
The bus took us the short distance to the Bow Habitat Station, located in the Pearce Estate City Park of Calgary. The Bow Habitat Station describes itself as “a public environmental education facility dedicated to fostering an appreciation for Alberta’s air, land, water, and biodiversity”, and mostly, it delivers. The lower level is filled with fish in aquariums covering the walls. Large tanks house impressively large fish, including rainbow trout that have grown to many time their usual size. Other tanks host smaller, though still fascinating, specimen. Panels provided explanations for the different habitats along the river, and a model showed the parts of a fish.
Upstairs, the Discovery Center displayed models, describing various habitats across the province, from the mountains to vast forests and open fields. Numerous displays discussed the process and history of fishing, as well as the raising of fish for stocking purposes. Throughout the Center, booths were set up detailing the importance of forests, parks and wildlife, and the attendants of these booths were happy to share information about everything from forest fires to bats to the birds found in Calgary’s parks. One highlight of the trips was the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery, where visitors are invited to feed the fish. Watching the water roil from hundreds of dark fish surging for food certainly leaves a lasting impression.
After lunch, we headed back out into the cold, this time headed for the Inglewood Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Over 200 species have been recorded at the Bird Sanctuary over the years, although a majority of these use the area only during the spring and fall months. Still, there was evidence of life on our path. The ground was blanketed with layers of snow and ice, but the rivers remained unfrozen, an important habitat for ducks and geese. As more open water remains throughout the winter, many of the city’s waterfowl have chosen to stay year-round instead of migrating, and with them come predators. Bald eagles soared through the crisp winter air while tiny chickadees and nuthatches flitted between the trees. A Nature Calgary guide led the short walk, pointing out birds and plants along the path, describing the history of the Sanctuary.
On return to the Conference Center, we went our separate ways, taking a few minutes to ourselves before returning for the rest of the ACTWS Conference.
