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

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

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

8/19/2026Cypress Hills PP--Elkwater Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Scoter

68/22/2026

Ring-billed Gull

128/22/2026

Red-necked Grebe

38/22/2026

Eared Grebe

68/22/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

18/22/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/22/2026

Red-naped Sapsucker

18/22/2026

Least Flycatcher

18/22/2026

American Crow

28/22/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

28/22/2026

Gray Catbird

18/22/2026

Cedar Waxwing

48/22/2026

American Goldfinch

48/22/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

18/22/2026

Wilson's Warbler

18/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

18/21/2026

Bald Eagle

18/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

28/21/2026

Northern Flicker

18/21/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

38/21/2026

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.