Some seasons within Edmonton and the surrounding area seem to last longer than others. However, we love how our conservation lands change throughout the seasons. The photos we are able to capture with our wildlife cameras are spectacular! Here are some photos from 2019 which showcase many of the animals found on our conservation lands.
Spring
Blue Jay
Many of our birds in Canada are migratory and fly south during the fall only to return during the spring. Some birds migrate during the fall to sustain a longer migration period, and to use less energy. Upon returning, birds will mate, incubate, and raise their young. This allows them to make sure that their babies have an abundance of food and fewer predators.
Moose and calf
Summer
We get a lot of younger animals that appear on our wildlife cameras during the summer, as they tag-along to forage for food and even as they play!
Coyote
Fall and Winter
While many animals migrate south, to warmer climates, during the fall and winter - some stick around. Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) and Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) are two birds, out of many, that can be seen throughout Edmonton and surrounding areas during the fall and winter.
Winter is a perfect time to partake in wildlife tracking, as the snow can preserve perfect impressions of animals tracks and provide information about the different types of animals we can find on our lands - we frequently find tracks of moose, deer, coyotes, and even mice on our lands!
Special Highlights
Our wildlife cameras allow us to capture images of animals not frequently found on our conservation lands. In 2019, we found pictures of a couple very rare and exciting species!
Bear
In June, we captured a Black bear (Ursus americanus) on our wildlife cameras. Black bears are not frequently seen on our conservation lands. They are distinguishable by their long and shaggy, black-brown to honey coloured coat and their short, rounded ears. During the winter Black bears can den in caves or hollow trees. They are omnivores and eat both plant or animal materials.
Cougar
In September, we captured a Cougar (Puma concolor) in a night image from one of our wildlife cameras. This was the first time a Cougar has been captured on camera at one of our lands! Cougars are very elusive and often venture out in the dark.
Fisher
In March, we captured a Fisher (Martes pennanti) on one of our wildlife camera. While reclusive, Fishers are a top predator within the wetlands, and often hunt Common Porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum). While similar in appearance to foxes, Fishers have protruding ears, and are grey-black in colour with dark brown tails and legs.
Thank you…
Thank you to our volunteer team, you are the heart of EALT and all that we do. A special thank you to our volunteers who contributed to collecting camera data in the field and helped to identify wildlife in the photos captured.
Want to get involved? Sign up to volunteer, and join us to see some wildlife for yourself!