Winchell Lake

Alberta · Canada

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

About This Location

Winchell Lake is a productive birding destination in Alberta, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Rough-legged Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker, and Canada Jay 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

Rough-legged Hawk Pileated Woodpecker Canada Jay Blue Jay Common Raven

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bufflehead x Hooded Merganser (hybrid)

Bucephala albeola x Lophodytes cucullatus

4/21/2026Cochrane Lake1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/21/2026MacFarquhar Farm1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

4/21/2026Winchell Lake2 observed

Spruce Grouse

Canachites canadensis

4/21/2026Grand Valley Road (between Township Rd 282 & Township Rd 290)2 observed

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian x American)

Anas crecca

4/20/2026Cochrane Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/21/2026

Mallard

34/21/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/21/2026

Wilson's Snipe

24/21/2026

Blue Jay

14/21/2026

Common Raven

24/21/2026

Boreal Chickadee

64/21/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

54/21/2026

American Robin

64/21/2026

Song Sparrow

14/21/2026

Mountain Bluebird

24/18/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Alberta

Beaverhill Lake

Alberta's premier shorebird staging area and bird observatory on the western prairies.

Banff National Park - Vermilion Lakes

Boreal/Taiga birding hotspot in Alberta with 230 recorded species.

Beauvais Lake Provincial Park

Lake birding hotspot in Alberta with 210 recorded species.

Alberta Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Alberta →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Winchell Lake for birding?▼

The best months to visit Winchell Lake for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.

What birds can I see at Winchell Lake?▼

Notable species at Winchell Lake include Rough-legged Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker, Canada Jay, Blue Jay, Common Raven. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Winchell Lake?▼

Birding at Winchell Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Winchell Lake?▼

Winchell Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.