Boreal/Taiga birding habitat

Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary

Alberta · Canada

Habitat
Boreal/TaigaForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

About This Location

Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Alberta, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This boreal/taiga and forest habitat attracts Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Pileated Woodpecker among many others. Boreal and temperate forests host breeding warblers, sparrows, and waterfowl during the productive summer months.

Location

Loading map...

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

Violet-green Swallow

Tachycineta thalassina

8/23/2026St. Albert--Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park1 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

8/22/2026Dovercourt Neighbourhood1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

8/22/2026St. Albert--Grey Nuns Spruce Woodlot1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

8/21/2026Home1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

8/16/2026St. Albert--Grey Nuns Spruce Woodlot1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

8/14/2026St. Albert--Grey Nuns Spruce Woodlot1 observed

Redpoll

Acanthis flammea

8/12/2026Chickakoo Lake1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

8/11/2026St. Albert--Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

38/20/2026

Gadwall

18/20/2026

Mallard

28/20/2026

Redhead

98/20/2026

Lesser Scaup

48/20/2026

Bufflehead

28/20/2026

Common Goldeneye

38/20/2026

Ruddy Duck

158/20/2026

American Coot

218/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

28/20/2026

Northern Harrier

18/20/2026

Swainson's Hawk

18/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

58/20/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

18/20/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

18/20/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

138/20/2026

Blue Jay

48/20/2026

American Crow

68/20/2026

Common Raven

58/20/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

168/20/2026

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 Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary?
Notable species at Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary include Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Black-billed Magpie. The area supports boreal/taiga, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary?
Birding at Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary?
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.