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

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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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/18/2026lakewood1 observed

Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta canadensis

4/17/2026Beaumont--243 wetlands1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

4/17/2026Blackmud Ravine1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

4/15/202613 Ironwood Pt, St. Albert CA-AB 53.64779, -113.617291 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/14/20266001 29 Avenue, Beaumont, Alberta, CA (53.339, -113.428)1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)

Buteo jamaicensis

4/13/2026Spruce Grove--Heritage Grove Park Trails1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

4/12/2026Heavy Metal Place1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

4/12/202626500–26540 Township Rd 540, Sturgeon County CA-AB 53.62894, -113.813771 observed

Varied Thrush

Ixoreus naevius

4/12/2026Spruce Grove--Heritage Grove Park Trails1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

4/11/2026Edmonton—Blackmud Creek South1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

4/9/2026St. Albert--Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

44/19/2026

Mallard

74/19/2026

Lesser Scaup

24/19/2026

Bufflehead

1004/19/2026

Common Goldeneye

1504/19/2026

American Coot

1504/19/2026

Franklin's Gull

44/19/2026

Red-necked Grebe

34/19/2026

Bald Eagle

14/19/2026

Black-billed Magpie

84/19/2026

American Crow

84/19/2026

Common Raven

54/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

74/19/2026

American Tree Sparrow

14/19/2026

Canada Goose

124/19/2026

American Wigeon

64/19/2026

Ring-necked Duck

104/19/2026

Ruddy Duck

14/19/2026

Killdeer

14/19/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/17/2026

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 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.