Calgary residents, particularly bird enthusiasts and photographers, have been converging on the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary in recent weeks, all hoping for a rare sighting and a photographic opportunity of the endangered red-headed woodpecker.
A Coveted Encounter
Local photographer Rika Raes shared her excitement, noting this is her first encounter with the species despite frequent visits to the sanctuary for other bird photography. “It’s just very rare, it’s very exciting,” Raes stated, recalling a productive photography session last week where she captured numerous images of the bird. “I took about 2,000 pictures in about three hours, so it takes me a long time to go through it.”
The influx of visitors was evident on Monday afternoon, with photographers and bird watchers traversing the sanctuary’s pathways. Carla Stringari Pudler, another photographer present, echoed the sentiment of rarity. “They say if you see a bird and you’re able to capture a good image… you win the lottery,” she remarked. “That is the bird that everybody’s coming here to see if they have a chance to capture or even just see.”
Official Sightings and Visitor Experiences
City officials confirmed that the rare woodpecker was initially observed at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary approximately two weeks ago. However, they have received feedback from sanctuary visitors indicating difficulty in locating the bird on Monday.
Understanding the Allure
Jody Allair from Birds Canada explained the significant interest surrounding the red-headed woodpecker. He described it as a “jaw-dropping gorgeous bird” typically found in eastern Canada, including Ontario, southern Quebec, and Manitoba, as well as parts of the northern United States. Sightings in Alberta are exceptionally uncommon, with only one or two recorded annually.
“This is probably a bird that probably has originated from the U.S., the Midwest U.S., and it’s just pushing north to see if you can find new suitable habitat,” Allair commented on the bird’s migratory pattern.
Population Trends and Conservation
Current estimates from Birds Canada suggest a national population of around 6,000 red-headed woodpeckers. While the species is listed as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), Allair noted a positive trend of population recovery in Western Canada over the past decade, following a significant decline in the 1970s.
“It’s more an indication of this expanding population that we’re seeing in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and down further into the Midwest U.S.,” Allair observed. “There’s still theories about why that population is doing well at the moment and the hope is that it’s not a blip and that, you know, it’ll continue to grow like this.”
He further suggested that habitat recovery in traditional Midwest U.S. ranges might be contributing to these outlier sightings. “I think that’s probably leading to what we’re seeing now with these sort of individuals looking for, going beyond their normal range and acting as outliers,” he said.
Recommendations for Visitors
While the presence of a lone woodpecker is unlikely to result in nesting at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Allair acknowledged that the sanctuary’s environment offers elements consistent with its traditional habitat needs found in southern Manitoba.
City officials emphasized that while a visit from an unusual bird species can be a noteworthy event, they advise all sanctuary visitors to minimize stress on wildlife. Recommendations include maintaining a respectful distance from the bird, gathering in small groups, and speaking in low tones when in close proximity.
