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

Ruby-throated x Rufous Hummingbird (hybrid)

Archilochus colubris x Selasphorus rufus

6/18/2026Calgary--Griffith Woods Park1 observed

Dusky Flycatcher

Empidonax oberholseri

6/17/2026Winchell Lake1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

6/17/2026Winchell Lake2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

6/16/2026Water Valley1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

6/16/2026Grand Valley Road (between Bow Valley Trail & Township Rd 272)1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

6/16/2026Winchell Lake1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

6/16/2026Winchell Lake1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

6/16/2026Cochrane Ranche Brown Bridge2 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

6/13/2026Horse Creek Road Marshes1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

36/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

46/15/2026

Northern Shoveler

26/15/2026

Gadwall

46/15/2026

Mallard

26/15/2026

Green-winged Teal

26/15/2026

Killdeer

16/15/2026

Wilson's Snipe

16/15/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

26/15/2026

Franklin's Gull

46/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/15/2026

Black-billed Magpie

26/15/2026

Common Raven

26/15/2026

Tree Swallow

56/15/2026

Northern House Wren

16/15/2026

American Robin

26/15/2026

Cedar Waxwing

96/15/2026

Pine Siskin

26/15/2026

American Goldfinch

36/15/2026

Clay-colored Sparrow

26/15/2026

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.