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Photo by HelenB
Glenmore Reservoir and the Elbow River, viewed from the main entrance into the Weaselhead Natural Area, Calgary, Sept. 2004

Canada, Alberta

[edit] Overview

The Weaselhead Natural Area is also known as Weaselhead Flats and is about 404 hectares in size. It is located in southwest Calgary, Alberta, adjacent to the Glenmore Reservoir, and with the North and South Glenmore Parks, provides an excellent birding site - about 200 species have been found there. The Elbow River, originating in the foothills of the Rockies, winds its way through the woods before flowing into the reservoir.

[edit] Birds

[edit] Notable Species

The following birds were seen on a September morning near the Elbow River in just a few hours:

Canada Goose 3 Common Goldeneye 1 Ruffed Grouse 2 Bald Eagle 1 Spotted Sandpiper 2 Downy Woodpecker 4 Northern Flicker 3 Blue Jay 1 Black-billed Magpie 3 American Crow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 30 Boreal Chickadee 2 American Robin 9 Gray Catbird 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 White-throated Sparrow 2 American Goldfinch

For a full list of birds and other wildlife, see the link in External Links, below.^[1]

[edit] Rarities

To do

Photo by HelenB
The Elbow River at Weaselhead Natural Area, Calgary, July 2004

Photo by HelenB
A silted up oxbow lake in the Weaselhead Natural Area, Calgary, Sept. 2004

[edit] Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

To do

[edit] Other Wildlife

Black Bear is a possibility here due to the proximity to the countryside. For a complete list of birds and other wildlife, see the link in External Links, below.^[1]

Photo by HelenB
A walk in the woods, Weaselhead Natural Area, Calgary, July 2004

[edit] Site Information

[edit] History and Use

Weaselhead Natural Area was created in the early 1980s. The park was most probably named after the Tsuu T'ina Chief Weaselhead who was in power when the first Europeans made contact in that area. Tsuu T'ina Nation lands are located to the north, south and west of Weaselhead.

Photo by gritstone
Large aspen felled by beavers, Weaselhead Natural Area, Sept. 2004

[edit] Areas of Interest

3 main areas:

• Weaselhead Natural Area - access from north entrance, with parking lot, which is at the corner of 37 St SW and 66 Ave SW.
• North Glenmore Park - access also from the north entrance.
• South Glenmore Park - access from the south entrance, with parking lot, located at the western terminus of 90 Ave SW. This is considered a “back doorâ€�.

[edit] Access And Facilities

• All parks are open from 5 am - 11 pm, unless otherwise posted at the gate
• Stay on the designated trails
• Animals must be leashed and there is a $250 fine if you do not clean up after your pet
• Please respect the wildlife, trees and plants (min. fine for illegal tree removal or pruning $500)

[edit] Contact Details

Jenna Cross (Park Manager)
Natural Areas Management Coordinator
Resource Management Division
City of Calgary

Email: Jenna.Cross@calgary.ca
Tel: (403) 537 7542

[edit] External Links

• Official Weaselhead Society website
• Location of Weaselhead info and map
• Google map of area
• Find a park in Calgary

1. List of wildlife (birds, mammals, amphibians, insects, reptiles, plants and fish) found in the parks

Content and images posted by bernerjc & HelenB

[edit] Reviews

bernerjc's review

Pros

• near town; great observation website; lots of friendly birders

Cons

• lots of bikers
• joggers and dog walkers