Enjoy Our Wild Birds

Scotts Canada and TRC have entered into a program partnership and established a bird-feeding program at Riverwood. The Scotts Wild Bird TREK has attracted birds and birders since December 2007.  The walk begins at MacEwan Field Station, continues past a deep water-cut ravine, along raised boardwalks and down to the Credit River following established trails. The Scotts Wild Bird TREK map shows the route. A nice loop trail can be enjoyed by linking the Scotts Wild Bird TREK with the Culham Trail.

Three interpretive signs help visitors identify birds they are likely to see in the different habitats found along the walk.

The Education Naturally elementary school program makes regular use of the Scotts Wild Bird TREK. Our visiting students have helped compile an impressive list of birds encountered at our feeders including cardinal, tree sparrow, white-throated sparrow, two species of nuthatches, downy and hairy woodpeckers, juncos, American Goldfinches, Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks and a screech owl.  Mammals seen include Red Fox, White-tailed deer, Long-tailed Weasel, two species of squirrels and voles.

Volunteers place bird food supplied by Scotts Canada in bird-feeder stations from October to March.  The best times for birding along the Scotts Wild Bird TREK are late fall, winter and early spring. At other times of the year, birds are less reliant on the feeders but more species can be seen.  Spring and summer are alive with nesting migrant birds.

Birds Brochure 2011-2012