Coastal birding habitat

Elk Island National Park - Astotin Lake - Sandy Beach & Campground

Alberta · Canada

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

May-October

About This Location

Elk Island National Park - Astotin Lake - Sandy Beach & Campground is a productive birding destination in Alberta, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, and American Crow 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

Redhead

16/16/2026

Lesser Scaup

46/16/2026

Red-necked Grebe

16/16/2026

Canada Goose

6/13/2026

Gadwall

6/13/2026

Mallard

6/13/2026

Sora

6/13/2026

Franklin's Gull

6/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

6/13/2026

Common Tern

16/13/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

6/13/2026

Common Loon

16/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/13/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

6/13/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

6/13/2026

Alder Flycatcher

6/13/2026

Eastern Phoebe

6/13/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/13/2026

Blue-headed Vireo

6/13/2026

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 - Astotin Lake - Sandy Beach & Campground for birding?
The best months to visit Elk Island National Park - Astotin Lake - Sandy Beach & Campground for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Elk Island National Park - Astotin Lake - Sandy Beach & Campground?
Notable species at Elk Island National Park - Astotin Lake - Sandy Beach & Campground include Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Bohemian Waxwing. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elk Island National Park - Astotin Lake - Sandy Beach & Campground?
Birding at Elk Island National Park - Astotin Lake - Sandy Beach & Campground 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 - Astotin Lake - Sandy Beach & Campground?
Elk Island National Park - Astotin Lake - Sandy Beach & Campground offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.