Nature Notes from the Park

A collection of observations by all sorts of people about the Park, it’s wildlife and conditions. Please send any observations you have to board@bless-env.ca.

2023

October

A moose was struck and injured with a broken leg on Ray Gibbon Drive near the bridge on or about October 15. Unfortunately, the poor animal staggered into the lake where it died. The carcass above the ice has been scavenged by coyotes and magpies. Alberta Parks was informed on October 15 by a concerned citizen. BLESS has informed both the City of St. Albert and Alberta Parks about possibly removing it from the lake, perhaps just dragging it into the trees between RGD and the lake where the scavengers would be happy to dispose of it. BLESS has in the past proposed fencing RGD, to prevent these collisions, although there are some serious downsides to fencing (animals trapped on the road, litter collection).

August

Meghan discovered a Tiger Salamander under a rock while instructing a group of children about bugs.

July

4th - a single Pelican was spotted over the east bay, as well as a Great Blue Heron in the water.

June

30 - Red-winged blackbirds along the boardwalk are very aggressive, they remain on the railings until walkers are very close, often swooping at them once they pass by.

There are very few, if any Canada geese and American coots nesting in the marsh or lake. This is very unusual. One lady who lives in Starling neighbourhood said their little pond has plenty of geese with goslings. This may have been the result of the very low water levels at nesting time.

May and June

Water levels are very low due to the lack of rainfall in the spring. Much of the marsh under the boardwalk is bare mud.

The osprey family is back and nesting on the big cell phone/microwave tower near the lake.

There is a Swainson’s Hawk that is calling the park home this year and it can often be seen soaring over the Meadow while hunting.

There is evidence of at least one Moose calling the park home with tracks, scat, and flattened grassy bedding areas being spotted. They wander the park, the Gray Nuns Spruce Forest park (like this one, credit to Pat Collins) and follow the river into St. Albert. Unfortunately, they also get onto Ray Gibbon Drive and create a hazard for themselves and drivers (see the note in late October). Keep a lookout for the biggest members of the deer family.