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

Bufflehead x Hooded Merganser (hybrid)

Bucephala albeola x Lophodytes cucullatus

4/21/2026Cochrane Lake1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

4/21/2026End of Ravensmoor Way SE, Airdrie1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

4/21/2026Winchell Lake2 observed

Spruce Grouse

Canachites canadensis

4/21/2026Grand Valley Road (between Township Rd 282 & Township Rd 290)2 observed

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian x American)

Anas crecca

4/20/2026Cochrane Lake1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/20/2026PFW-c56108-T3Z1A21 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

4/20/2026PFW-c56108-T3Z1A21 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

4/14/2026Calgary--Griffith Woods Park4 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/12/2026TWP 2442 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/18/2026

Mallard

84/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

44/18/2026

Bufflehead

44/18/2026

Common Goldeneye

14/18/2026

Hooded Merganser

84/18/2026

American Coot

24/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/18/2026

Northern Shrike

14/18/2026

Common Raven

14/18/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/18/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

24/18/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

14/18/2026

American Robin

104/18/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

44/18/2026

Ring-necked Duck

34/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/17/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/17/2026

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.