Field Trips

Join our volunteer naturalists on outings within and beyond the Calgary. Everyone is welcome – more eyes mean more sightings! Field trips are held throughout the year and visit parks, natural areas and wildlands within the city and in the prairies, foothills and mountains. Field trips are led by Nature Calgary volunteers with local knowledge. Nature Calgary also organizes special trips to explore natural areas beyond Calgary, including bus trips.

Upcoming field trips are listed below. For any questions about the field trips, please contact the field trip leader directly.

Nature Calgary updates the field trips throughout the year to accommodate trail conditions and weather. Become a member for the latest updates or check this page often for trip updates.

Field Trip FAQ

Before the trip

Who can join the field trips?
Everyone is welcome to join the field trips. Check the event description for the level of activity and length of the outing. If you have any questions before the trip, contact the event leader.
Who leads the trips?

The field trips are led by volunteers with a passion for nature and for sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with others. Our volunteers have walked the paths before and will try to encourage your interest in natural history. If you are interested in leading a trip, learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

What if the weather is questionable?
Calgary’s weather can change quick. To confirm the field trip will still happen, contact the trip leader and check this page for updates. If you’re uncertain, always contact the trip leader.

 

If the weather changes for the worse during the trip, the outing may be cut short. And sometimes, trips are extended if the weather is great and everyone is having a good experience.

How much do the field trips cost?
Most field trips are free for Nature Calgary members, with the exception of our special trips. If the trip has a fee, payment can be submitted through the website when registering for the trip. Non-members can join in most field trips and non-member pricing is available for our special trips.
Do I need to RSVP?
Most field trips do not require pre-registration. Some events, such as our bus trips, do require pre-registration. Please check the event details to confirm if pre-registration is required. If pre-registration is required, please contact the trip leader at least 24 hours in advance of the outing.
During the trip
Where is the meeting place?
The outings are located throughout and beyond the city. See the event descriptions for the meeting places and times – they are different for each field trip.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes – all participants must sign a waiver and release.

 

What should I bring?

Bring appropriate clothing, gear and food for the conditions and expected duration of the field trip. Here is a suggested list:

 

  • Appropriate footwear and clothing
  • Binoculars
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Water, snacks and a lunch if going for a full day
  • Camera
Can I bring my dog?
No – we ask that you leave your dog at home.
Are there any ethics or etiquette that I should be aware of?
Participants are requested to stay with the group, let the leader lead, share the sighting and move quietly. For more information about birding etiquette please see the American Birding Association Code of Birding Ethics.
 

Have more questions? Contact the trip leader directly or send us a message with any general inquiries.

 

Upcoming Field Trips

Upcoming Events › Field Trips

Events Search and Views Navigation

Events Views Navigation

September 2019

Bird North Glenmore Park – September 2019

September 21 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
North Glenmore Park (Parking Lot C) + Google Map

Bird North Glenmore Park. Meet in parking lot C just W of Rowing Club, accessed from S end of Crowchild Tr SW. (no 37st access). Leader Penny Smith, 403 249-5997.

Find out more »

Carburn Park – Fall warblers

September 28 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Carburn Park Alberta Canada + Google Map

Carburn Park. Let's try for fall warblers and other migrants. Meet in parking lot. Carburn Park is reached by turning south from Glenmore Trail onto 18 St SE, right onto Rivervalley Dr SE and then left onto Riverview Dr SE (2ndleft, ignoring cul du sac).  Leader Nimali Seneviratne, 403-265-8750.

Find out more »

October 2019

Monthly Elbow River Birding Survey – October 2019

October 1 @ 8:00 am
Stanley Park (42 Ave SW), 4011 1a St SW
Calgary, Alberta T2S 2P5 Canada + Google Map

Monthly Elbow River Birding Survey. Meet Stanley Park, 42 Av SW, just W of Macleod Tr. Walk to Glenmore Reservoir, ride back (3.5 hours). Call leader Gus Yaki, 403-243-2248, to ensure vehicle space for return. 

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Irrigation Canal, SE Calgary

October 4 @ 9:00 am
Irrigation Canal (26 St and Gosling Way SE) Alberta Canada + Google Map

Meet at the dirt parking lot on the NW corner of 26th Street SE and Gosling Way SE - we will possibly carpool down to a safer access point.  Directions: From Deerfoot: take 17th Avenue east, turn south on 26th Street SE, drive 1.7 km to Gosling Way, turn right and immediately right again into the dirt parking lot. This is the first week that the Irrigation Canal is drained creating a new habitat for migrating birds.  All welcome. Leader,…

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Bird parts of Calgary and east of Calgary

October 5 @ 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Fish Creek Provincial Park – Visitor’s Centre (Bow Bottom parking lot) Alberta Canada + Google Map

Bird parts of Calgary and east of Calgary for Fall migrants and others. Includes Songbirds, shorebirds, gulls, and raptors. Trip will go until about 4:00 pm. Bring lunch. Register with leader Terry Korolyk by phoning him at 403-254-1878, or by emailing him at piidpiper@hotmail.ca . Meet at the Fish Creek PP Visitor’s Centre Parking Lot off Bowbottom Trail at the entrance to the park. Registration required.

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East of Calgary Oct 10

October 10 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Elliston Park, 1827 68 St SE
Calgary, Alberta Canada + Google Map

East of Calgary (destinations TBD) Expected return mid to late afternoon. Meet at Elliston Park Dog Park car park. From 17th Avenue SE, go S at 68 St SE. Car park is about 400 m down on the right. Meet in parking lot and bring lunch. Email Leader: Andrew Hart, 403-980-1538 at andrewhart*@*shaw.ca to register. Registration required.

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Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (October 2019)

October 12 @ 9:00 am
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, 2425 9 Ave SE
Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T4 Canada + Google Map

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary.  We'll look for late migrants as well as the 'usual suspects'.  IBS is located at 2425 - 9 Ave SE. From Deerfoot Tr take Blackfoot Tr west, turn left onto 19 St SE then left again onto 9 Ave SE & drive 1 km east to Sanctuary entrance. Meet in the parking lot. Leader: Janet Gill 403-230-5671.

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Bird Elliston Park

October 17 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Elliston Park, 1827 68 St SE
Calgary, Alberta Canada + Google Map

Bird Elliston Park area. Finish around noon.  Meet at Elliston Park Dog Park car park. From 17th Avenue SE, go S at 68 St SE. Car park is about 400 m down on the right. Leader: Andrew Hart, 403-980-1538

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Pine Coulee

October 19 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Anderson LRT Station Alberta Canada + Google Map

Birding trip south of Calgary. This can be an excellent spot for fall waterfowl and raptors. Meet at Anderson LRT station, south of pedestrian bridge to carpool. Trip will go until approximately 4:00 pm. Bring lunch. Leader: Tony Timmons, 403-256-0754.

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Bird North Glenmore Park

October 26 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
North Glenmore Park (Parking Lot C) + Google Map

Bird North Glenmore Park. Meet in parking lot C just W of Rowing Club, accessed from S end of Crowchild Tr SW. (no 37st access). Leader Penny Smith, 403 249-5997.

Find out more »
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Latest News

Upcoming Events

Sat 21

Bird North Glenmore Park – September 2019

September 21 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sat 28

Carburn Park – Fall warblers

September 28 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Oct 01

Monthly Elbow River Birding Survey – October 2019

October 1 @ 8:00 am
Oct 02

Bird Study Group – October 2019

October 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Oct 04

Irrigation Canal, SE Calgary

October 4 @ 9:00 am

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