Boreal/Taiga birding habitat

Big Hill Springs Provincial Park

Alberta · Canada

Habitat
Boreal/TaigaForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

About This Location

Big Hill Springs Provincial Park is a productive birding destination in Alberta, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This boreal/taiga and forest habitat attracts Black-billed Magpie, Common Raven, and Black-capped Chickadee among many others. Boreal and temperate forests host breeding warblers, sparrows, and waterfowl during the productive summer months.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

8/23/2026Confederation Park1 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

8/23/2026Confederation Park1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

8/23/2026Calgary--Confederation Park3 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

8/22/2026Township Road 252, Calgary, Alberta, CA (51.125, -114.697)6 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

8/22/2026Calgary--Confederation Park1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

8/22/2026Calgary--Confederation Park1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

8/22/2026Calgary--Confederation Park1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

8/21/2026Calgary--Confederation Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Raven

18/22/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

188/21/2026

Boreal Chickadee

38/21/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

28/21/2026

Canada Goose

148/16/2026

American Coot

78/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

28/16/2026

Least Flycatcher

18/16/2026

American Goldfinch

38/16/2026

Mallard

88/15/2026

Common Merganser

28/15/2026

Black Tern

18/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

58/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

18/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

68/12/2026

Northern Shoveler

18/12/2026

Gadwall

38/12/2026

Ring-necked Duck

98/12/2026

Ruddy Duck

28/12/2026

Red-necked Grebe

28/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for boreal specialties like Boreal Chickadee and Spruce Grouse.

  2. 2

    Check spruce and fir stands for crossbills and other irruptive finches.

  3. 3

    Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Hill Springs Provincial Park for birding?
The best months to visit Big Hill Springs Provincial Park for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Big Hill Springs Provincial Park?
Notable species at Big Hill Springs Provincial Park include Black-billed Magpie, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch. The area supports boreal/taiga, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Hill Springs Provincial Park?
Birding at Big Hill Springs Provincial Park is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Hill Springs Provincial Park?
Big Hill Springs Provincial Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.