Enjoy Our Wild Birds

Scotts Canada and MGC have entered into a program partnership and established a bird-feeding program at Riverwood. The Scott’s Bird Feeding TREK has attracted birds and birders since December 2007.  The walk begins at the MacEwan Field Station, continues past a deep glacial-cut ravine, along raised boardwalks and down to the Credit River following established trails. The Scotts Bird Feeding TREK map shows the route. A nice loop trail can be enjoyed by linking the Bird Feeding 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 school program makes regular use of the TREK and 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 walk 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.

An interpretive Birding Guide will soon be available.Volunteer feeders are always welcome and should contact our Volunteer coordinator if interested.Our phenology database is always interested in your sightings. Please visit that page and send us your observations.