Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary

Alberta · Canada

Habitat
Boreal/TaigaForest
Best Seasons
SpringSummerFall
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

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

3/5/2026Home1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

3/1/2026Edmonton—Blackmud Creek South2 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

2/27/2026Spruce Grove--Heritage Grove Park Trails2 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

2/26/2026Terwillegar Park2 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

2/20/2026647 178 St SW, Edmonton CA-AB 53.42930, -113.626861 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

13/1/2026

Black-billed Magpie

13/1/2026

Common Raven

23/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

353/1/2026

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.