Coastal birding habitat

Elk Island National Park

Alberta · Canada

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

May-October

About This Location

Elk Island National Park is a productive birding destination in Alberta, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Barred Owl, 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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

6/18/2026Cooking Lake--Blackfoot PRA--Waskahegan Staging Area4 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/14/2026Islet Lake Staging Area Trails (Blackfoot Park)1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

6/14/2026North Beaverhill1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

6/13/2026Elk Island Parkway, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, CA (53.715, -112.804)3 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

6/13/2026Cooking Lake--Blackfoot PRA--Waskahegan Staging Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

36/18/2026

Trumpeter Swan

16/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

86/18/2026

Gadwall

126/18/2026

American Wigeon

26/18/2026

Mallard

156/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

36/18/2026

Canvasback

16/18/2026

Redhead

16/18/2026

Lesser Scaup

226/18/2026

Bufflehead

76/18/2026

Common Goldeneye

16/18/2026

Sora

66/18/2026

American Coot

46/18/2026

Wilson's Snipe

26/18/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/18/2026

Franklin's Gull

136/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

46/18/2026

Black Tern

16/18/2026

Forster's Tern

26/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Elk Island National Park for birding?
The best months to visit Elk Island National Park for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Elk Island National Park?
Notable species at Elk Island National Park include Barred Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elk Island National Park?
Birding at Elk Island National Park is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Elk Island National Park?
Elk Island National Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.