Lake birding habitat

Cypress Hills Provincial Park - Elkwater Lake

Alberta · Canada

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

About This Location

Cypress Hills Provincial Park - Elkwater Lake is a productive birding destination in Alberta, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

6/19/2026Cypress Hills PP - Beaver Creek campground1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

6/16/2026Cypress Hills PP--Spruce Coulee Campground1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

6/13/2026Cypress Hills PP--West Benson Trail2 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/13/2026Cypress Hills PP--Battle Creek Campground1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

306/16/2026

Mallard

16/16/2026

Ring-necked Duck

26/16/2026

White-winged Scoter

46/16/2026

Black Tern

46/16/2026

Red-necked Grebe

66/16/2026

Northern Flicker

16/16/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

26/16/2026

Least Flycatcher

16/16/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/16/2026

Common Raven

16/16/2026

Bank Swallow

106/16/2026

Northern House Wren

26/16/2026

Townsend's Solitaire

16/16/2026

Veery

26/16/2026

American Robin

66/16/2026

Chipping Sparrow

16/16/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

26/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

106/16/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cypress Hills Provincial Park - Elkwater Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Cypress Hills Provincial Park - Elkwater Lake for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cypress Hills Provincial Park - Elkwater Lake?
Notable species at Cypress Hills Provincial Park - Elkwater Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cypress Hills Provincial Park - Elkwater Lake?
Birding at Cypress Hills Provincial Park - Elkwater Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cypress Hills Provincial Park - Elkwater Lake?
Cypress Hills Provincial Park - Elkwater Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.