Over the past two days, ‘they’ve’ been draining the water from one of the smaller wetlands that neighbours the pond at Frank’s Flats. I’ve been holding a bit of a grudge, given that, of course, multiple families of geese and waterfowl have already done their romancing and settled in. Changes will be even more dramatic when the 22X (Stoney Trail) expansion requires ‘them’ to interfere with the wetlands on the west side of Macleod Trail. I know. I know. This infringement upon wildlife and plant life is a constant struggle as human beings lay down more and more pavement, but that’s not to say that it doesn’t cause a person grief as they are witness to the process. Where are the advocates for wild life and who is listening? I sometimes wonder.
I met ‘a guy’ in one of those bright orange vests. Don’t ask me his position. It was a complicated title. I just nodded. He seemed interested that I pick litter and that I know anything at all about the wetlands. He participates in the annual river clean up. hmmm
He was out on that fine day, checking that everything was staked out and assured me that the remaining large trees would be coming down, but that on the first rip down, because of a specific time line and government regulations, as well as the distance from wetlands, they were required to leave the big ones for the sake of the ecosystem and the nesting birds. I explained that the magpies and crows….murders of them…were so distraught that for days they gathered in a single tree, yelling at the land. And yes…I did cry over the crows.
Due to the construction of a heavy duty drainage system last season, Enmax has not been able to properly maintain/facilitate the Osprey Platform on the Sikome Lake side. As a result Mother Goose has been there for almost five weeks. I’m thinking the goslings will either starve or fall off the platform. In the meantime two pair of Osprey have had to take up residence on top of sign platforms both directions on the loud and dangerous roadway. I don’t know how they will all manage.
Follow Up to This: The Fish Creek Conservation Officer returned my call, inquiring about this. I was assured of a couple of things. First, it is offence to mess with wildlife in any form, in its natural circumstance in a Provincial Park. Second, if a bird is nesting ANYWHERE, then this is natural to that bird. This gentleman had a very calm voice and was telling me the facts. At this point, I need to grow in acceptance of some of these circumstances where I make observations of birds/animals.
Nature will have to take it’s course.
I know that for the entire extent of the Stoney Trail’s development, wildlife, wetlands and trees/natural plants have been impacted. I know that I need to accept ‘progress’ here and in our beautiful park lands, including the Bow Valley Parkway. It’s just that I don’t think the general population receives all of the information as some of these projects go ahead at warp speed and gather a momentum that becomes destructive and insensitive to a wilderness/natural environment that we, as citizens of Alberta, generally, treasure.
Maybe this is a cliche, but our human population needs to slow down. Not good for economic climate? Tourism? Well…things to think about.
Today’s pelican…a senior, just like me. On its own, but it took flight, just after this photo was taken…something about Max, I think.
My friend, Julie, let me in on the very public location where Mrs. Great Horned Owl and her offspring are hanging out these days. These owlets will likely fledge within the next week. In the meantime, Max and I took pause, some distance away and watched. Of course, I cried. I was in awe that edging on a bike path, a mama could tend to her babes…so vulnerable, so strong, so absolutely magical. We need to realize that the species we share this planet with require our advocacy. We need to stop…and watch, learn and cherish. This is my plea as I write tonight.
Species that I have observed in the path of Stoney Trail development, presently. The mammals; coyotes and deer, have already vacated the paths I take.
- Canada Geese
- Mallards
- Osprey
- Black-capped Night-heron
- Goldeneye
- Redheads
- 5 nesting pair of Grebes
- Common Mergansers
- Common Raven
- Red Winged Blackbirds
- American Wigeons
- Buffleheads
- Frogs like no other year
This post should be condensed and sent to the Mayor of the city the head of the Govt department and the premier also the local MLA !! Well done Kath
So glad you saw the owls I saw on Wednesday. Hope to share your pictures with the walkers when we meet next week. They will love them.
I got a photograph of an aging pelican as well…I must add her/him right now. The little owls have the juvenile feathers coming in…they are just so darned beautiful!
Your post has definitely left my heart a little heavier and tears in my eyes. Yesterday our birdwatching group watched Mr. Osprey break off a branch and carry it back to the nest on the sign post. It was amazing to watch although a chore he should not had to have done. I think about the destruction these and all other wildlife will be facing and have started facing every day. You put my thoughts into into words. Thank You
Thank you so much, Terrie! The more of us that get the word out there, the more people will get that there is a huge community in Calgary that advocates for the birds. I don’t know what else to do, but show my passion and care where I can.
Pingback: Today’s Birds: May 10, 2017 | The Chapel