Stunning Kindness : Birding Ellis Farm, Lacombe AB

Today we were given a rare and truly amazing gift by Colin our host from Burman University in Lacombe Alberta.  He picked us up around 8:30 this morning, and very kindly drove us to the Ellis Bird Farm, which is located about 16 south east of Lacombe.  This property is managed by a non-profit organization to carry on the legacy of two pioneer conservationists - Charlie and Winnie Ellis.  The brother and sister dedicated their lives to helping native birds, and when they retired and sold their farm a part of it was set aside to carrying on their conservation work. 

When their farm was sold, a portion of the land was zoned for industrial development, and is currently occupied by a very large MEGlobal glycol plant.  The remaining 62 hectares have been used to operate an extensive Mountain Bluebird, Tree Swallow, and Purple Martin conversation program.  The property is also used for scientific research and education, and it is renowned for supporting the highest density of nesting Mountain Bluebirds ever recorded. 

When we arrived we visited the large Visitor's Centre, which was filled with educational displays describing the birds, butterflies, bats, and other wildlife that can be found on the property.  We also had a chance to watch a short documentary on Charlie Ellis, who was very humble and shy, wishing to help the birds without attracting attention.  There was also a small gift shop, and we had a chance to speak some of the many staff and volunteers. 

Outside the Visitor's Centre is an absolutely gorgeous flower garden designed to attract and support pollinators and butterflies.  A group of Purple Martin houses towered over the garden, and the sky was full of the clicks and chirps of foraging Purple Martins, Tree Swallows, and Barn Swallows. 

 

 

 

Several wonderful and picturesque wooden barns and outbuildings bordered the garden, and they were decorated with hundreds of bird houses of all sizes, shapes, and designs. This property is definitely home to one of the largest collections of bird houses around. 

Beside the wonderfully landscaped garden was a small barn, which was home to a family of goats.  Two babies followed their mother around, bleating repeatedly and looking very sweet.  Visitor's could pet them through the the fence, and they lined up to be scratched between the horns. 

A number of paths led away from the central garden, past a small pond, through a lovely stand of trees, and up to the original farmhouse, which now serves as a tea house. Colin knew there was a pair of Great Horned Owls somewhere about, and we were lucky enough to spot them high up in a trembling aspen.  As we stood quietly below them they looked down at us with a whole range of expressions that continually changed from curious, to disbelieving, to grumpy.  Seeing these adorable fluffy owls was a huge highlight for us!  

We wove through the woods, spotting a large rabbit along the way. Eventually we came back to the pond, which had a gazebo and dock, well equipped with nets and buckets for exploring the aquatic invertebrates that lived in the still waters.  A lone Common Goldeneye floated out in the middle of the water, its head tucked firmly under its wing.  

 

After completing one of the shorter trails, we set off on a longer (8 km) loop, that took us around the perimeter of the farm.  The centre was still being used as an active farm, with a herd of cows in one field, an open hay field in the middle, and small stands of trees around the edges. 

As we headed to the back of the property on a grassy track we spotted a pair of young Barn Swallows perched on a utility wire.  We also saw many Savannah Sparrows posing on top of fence posts and in the grasses, and we heard the buzzy call of Clay-coloured Sparrows out in the fields. A Turkey Vulture circled lazily in the clear blue sky above us. 

At the back of the property we came across a very vocal House Wren, and a little farther along we spotted a whole family of tiny fledgling House Wrens who scattered like popcorn at our approach, cheeping loudly. American Robins, Yellow Warblers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Least Flycatchers, a Gray Catbird, and a Northern Flicker were all highlights in this section.  

On the return journey we spotted a Red-breasted Nuthatch clinging to the tip of a spruce, while a busy and noisy group of Black-capped Chickadees foraged for insects nearby, and a Chipping Sparrow hung out in the midst of them all.  Just before we arrived back at the Visitor's Centre a Swainson's Hawk flew past overhead with a tasty snack grasped in its talons. 

It was an absolutely fantastic morning of birding in an incredibly beautiful and special place, and we greatly appreciated the opportunity to experience it.  It also provided yet another example of the difference one individual's actions can have in protecting nature and inspiring others to do the same.  The centre provides educational programming for classrooms, and during our visit there were many visitors of all ages exploring and enjoying the property.  If you are ever in this area, I would highly recommend stopping by the Ellis Bird Farm!

See you on the trail!

Remember to follow our entire adventure here : www.comewalkwithus.online