The Binocular Site
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, Alberta
The Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary was established in 1975, and originally belonged to the Canadian Nature Federation, although now it is managed by Ducks Unlimited Canada.
The sanctuary protects nearly 350 acres including open meadow, aspen parkland and pine forest, along with marshland. These diverse habitats invite many different animals including over 100 bird species. Loons, grebes, bitterns, herons, swans, geese, and ducks are most abundant here. Eagles, harriers, hawks, and Merlins visit, along with pheasants, grouse, rails, coots, plovers, sandpipers, and snipes.
Seven species of owl have been spotted, including great horned, snowy, northern hawk, great grey, barred, and northern saw-whet owls , along with common nighthawks. The variety of woodpeckers is also notable, with yellow-bellied sapsuckers and northern flickers joining downy, hairy, and pileated woodpeckers. Sparrows are very abundant, and finches, blackbirds, warblers, and so many other species are found here.
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary has been recognized as one of the many “Watchable Wildlife” sites in Alberta, with its extensive trails and boardwalks.
Less than an hour from Edmonton, this rich refuge is quite accessible with its wheelchair ready boardwalks. Trails are well marked with signboards throughout to draw attention to flora and fauna, and trail maps are available. See the Clifford E.Lee website for more information.
The provincial bird of Alberta is the Great Horned Owl and you can find a birding checklist for Alberta here.
Photo above was taken at the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary and shows a view over the wetlands from one of the boardwalks.
If you've visited the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Alberta birding location below.
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