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

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February 2020

Snowy Owl Prowl

February 22 @ 9:30 am
Deerfoot City Mall (parking lot) Alberta Canada + Google Map

Snowy Owl Prowl. It’s time once again to go east of Calgary in search of that popular winter visitor from the north, the Snowy Owl. Chances also for other birds such as Snow Bunting; Gyr and Prairie Falcon; Bald and Golden Eagle, Gray Partridge and Ring-necked Pheasant and others. Trip will go until about 4:00 P.M.. Bring lunch. Limit of 6 vehicles and 24 people. Register with leader Terry Korolyk at 403-254-1878, or, piidpiper*@*hotmail.ca. Meeting place is the west end…

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Bird ​Votier’s Flats in​ ​Fish​ ​Creek​

February 29 @ 9:00 am
Fish Creek Provincial Park – Votier’s Flats (End of Elbow Drive) Calgary, Alberta Canada + Google Map

Bird ​Votier's Flats in​ ​Fish​ ​Creek​ ​PP.​ ​ Take Elbow Drive to the very southern end and follow it to the parking lot. Recommended to bring icers/crampons. Please register with leader Melanie Seneviratne (melaniesene*@*gmail.com or 403- 815-1275 ) to ensure notification in the event of a weather related cancellation or rescheduling. Leader, Melanie Seneviratne 403-815-1275. Registration required.

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Bird North Glenmore Park Feb 2020

February 29 @ 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 or from 37 St.  Leader Penny Smith, 403 249-5997.

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March 2020

Monthly Elbow River Birding Survey March 2020

March 1 @ 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
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). In Gus Yaki’s absence please contact Ron Ostrander, rostrand@shaw.ca, or 403-244-8001 to ensure vehicle space for return. Registration required.

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Magpie Dispersal at Weaselhead Natural Area

March 7 @ 6:30 am - 9:00 am
North Glenmore Park (Weaselhead parking lot) Alberta Canada + Google Map

Magpie Dispersal at Weaselhead Natural Area. Watch hundreds of Magpies leave their roosts at sunrise (7:06am) to disperse across the city. We will watch this phenomenon from the top of the hill then walk down into the Natural Area to see other birds & mammals. Meet in the parking lot on the W side of 37 St at 66 Av SW. To get there, take Crowchild Trail S into Lakeview turning right onto 66 Ave SW & drive west to…

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Votier’s Flats in​ ​Fish​ ​Creek​ ​PP

March 7 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Fish Creek Provincial Park – Votier’s Flats (End of Elbow Drive) Calgary, Alberta Canada + Google Map

Votier's Flats in​ ​Fish​ ​Creek​ ​PP.​ ​ Take Elbow Drive to the very southern end and follow it to the parking lot. Dress according to the weather. Crampons/icers are recommended. Leader Anne Belton, 403-201-1570 or 587-233-7339.

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Bird Lafarge Meadows in Fish Creek PP

March 14 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Fish Creek Provincial Park – Boat Launch Parking Lot (Bow Bottom Trail) Alberta Canada + Google Map

Bird Lafarge Meadows in Fish Creek PP. Meet at boat launch parking lot, S end of Bow Bottom Tr SE. Dress according to the weather. Leader: Anne Belton, 403-201-1570 or 587-233-7339.

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Winter birds in Calgary

March 15 @ 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Carburn Park Alberta Canada + Google Map

Destination(s) to be determined. Meet at Carburn Park. We will look for winter birds within the City limits. We will accommodate return to Carburn by noon but may also carry longer for those that wish – weather and birds permitting. Meet in parking lot. Bring lunch if you intend to stay beyond noon and dress appropriately. Carburn Park is reached by turning south from Glenmore Trail onto 18 St SE, right onto Rivervalley Dr SE and then left onto Riverview…

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Early Spring migrants – Inglewood

March 21 @ 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, 2425 9 Ave SE
Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T4 Canada + Google Map

Birding Inglewood Bird Sanctuary to look for early Spring migrants. The sanctuary is located at 2425 9 Av SE. Meet in parking lot. From Deerfoot Trail, take Blackfoot Trail westbound exit to 19 St SE, then turn left onto 9 Ave & drive about 1km to park entrance. Leader, Janet Gill, 403 230-5671.

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April 2020

Monthly Elbow River Birding Survey April 2020

April 1 @ 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
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 or gyaki*@*calcna.ab.ca to ensure vehicle space for return. Registration required.

Find out more »
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Upcoming Events

Sat 22

Snowy Owl Prowl

February 22 @ 9:30 am
Sat 29

Bird ​Votier’s Flats in​ ​Fish​ ​Creek​

February 29 @ 9:00 am
Sat 29

Bird North Glenmore Park Feb 2020

February 29 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mar 01

Monthly Elbow River Birding Survey March 2020

March 1 @ 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mar 04

Bird Study Group – March 2020

March 4 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

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