Lake birding habitat

Winchell Lake

Alberta · Canada

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
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

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

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

6/19/2026Oxyoke Nature Preserve (NCC)1 observed

Dusky Flycatcher

Empidonax oberholseri

6/17/2026Winchell Lake1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

6/17/2026Winchell Lake2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

6/16/2026Water Valley1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

6/16/2026Grand Valley Road (between Bow Valley Trail & Township Rd 272)1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

6/16/2026Winchell Lake1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

6/13/2026Horse Creek Road Marshes1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

26/19/2026

Bufflehead

16/19/2026

Common Loon

16/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/19/2026

Northern Flicker

16/19/2026

Alder Flycatcher

16/19/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/19/2026

Least Flycatcher

16/19/2026

Gray Catbird

16/19/2026

American Robin

26/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

16/19/2026

Clay-colored Sparrow

16/19/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

16/19/2026

White-throated Sparrow

36/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

36/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/19/2026

Tennessee Warbler

16/19/2026

Ring-necked Duck

16/19/2026

Mourning Dove

16/19/2026

Killdeer

16/19/2026

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 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.