Jump to content

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Citation bot (talk | contribs)
Add: date. Removed parameters. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Eastmain | #UCB_webform 539/811
m minor spelling, edits
Line 25: Line 25:
== Wildlife ==
== Wildlife ==


Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is located on the southern bank of the Bow River. It is primarily [[riverine forest]] surrounding a large central [[lagoon]], however the park also has of areas of grasslands, shrubs, and a small pond. <ref name="inglewood">{{cite book |last1=Elphinstone |first1=Dave |title=Inglewood Bird Sanctuary |date=1990 |publisher=Rocky Mountain Books |isbn=0-921102-10-0 |edition=1 |ref=inglewood}}</ref>. This variety of habitats makes Inglewood Bird Sanctuary a common location to find birds, mammals, and plant life despite its location inside the city.
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is located on the southern bank of the Bow River. It is primarily [[riverine forest]] surrounding a large central [[lagoon]], however, the park also has of areas of grasslands, shrubs, and a small pond. <ref name="inglewood">{{cite book |last1=Elphinstone |first1=Dave |title=Inglewood Bird Sanctuary |date=1990 |publisher=Rocky Mountain Books |isbn=0-921102-10-0 |edition=1 |ref=inglewood}}</ref>. This variety of habitats makes Inglewood Bird Sanctuary a common location to find birds, mammals, and plant life despite its location inside the city.


There have been 270 recorded bird species, 21 mammal species, and 347 plant species identified at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary over its entire history.<ref name="CoC"></ref>. Over the park's history, numerous species rarely seen in Alberta have been recorded here. This includes a [[scissor tailed flycatcher]] in 2000, a [[purple sandpiper]] in 2013, and a juvenile [[yellow-crowned night heron]] in 2021, among others.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alberta Rare Bird Records |url=https://library.ulethbridge.ca/birdrecords |publisher=University of Lethbridge |access-date=21 September 2023 |ref=uofl}}</ref> Several species of birds commonly use the area to nest in the spring and summer, including [[Wood duck|wood ducks]] and [[european starlings]]. In the winter the central lagoon typically freezes over, however the adjacent Bow River remains open. Because of this, several species of waterfowl can commonly be found here over winter, including [[mallards]] and [[canada geese]]. Mammals such as [[short-tailed weasel|short-tailed weasels]] and [[mule deer]], as well as [[coyotes]], can be found in the park year-round. <ref name="inglewood"></ref>
There have been 270 recorded bird species, 21 mammal species, and 347 plant species identified at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary over its entire history.<ref name="CoC"></ref>. Over the park's history, numerous species rarely seen in Alberta have been recorded here. This includes a [[scissor-tailed flycatcher]] in 2000, a [[purple sandpiper]] in 2013, and a juvenile [[yellow-crowned night heron]] in 2021, among others.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alberta Rare Bird Records |url=https://library.ulethbridge.ca/birdrecords |publisher=University of Lethbridge |access-date=21 September 2023 |ref=uofl}}</ref> Several species of birds commonly use the area to nest in the spring and summer, including [[Wood duck|wood ducks]] and [[european starlings]]. In the winter the central lagoon typically freezes over, however, the adjacent Bow River remains open. Because of this, several species of waterfowl can commonly be found here over winter, including [[mallards]] and [[Canada geese]]. Mammals such as [[short-tailed weasel|short-tailed weasels]] and [[mule deer]], as well as [[coyotes]], can be found in the park year-round. <ref name="inglewood"></ref>


[[File:Female wood duck and ducklings.jpg|A female wood duck and ducklings in the lagoon|thumb|centre|upright=2.0]]
[[File:Female wood duck and ducklings.jpg|A female wood duck and ducklings in the lagoon|thumb|centre|upright=2.0]]
Line 36: Line 36:
[[File:Colonel James Walker Estate S.jpg|The Colonel James Walker house|thumb]]
[[File:Colonel James Walker Estate S.jpg|The Colonel James Walker house|thumb]]


In 1882, the site was settled by [[Colonel James Walker]], who built a homestead and a saw mill on the property. In 1910, the original homestead was replaced by the current Colonel Walker house. The house is still in use today as a classroom and office for park staff.
In 1882, the site was settled by [[Colonel James Walker]], who built a homestead and a sawmill on the property. In 1910, the original homestead was replaced by the current Colonel Walker house. The house is still in use today as a classroom and office for park staff.


In 1929, the family's property was designated as a federal migratory bird sanctuary by the government of Canada, after an applicaiton by Shelby Walker, Colonel Walker's son. The property was acquired by Ed Jefferies in 1953, who leased the location to the Alberta Fish & Game Association<ref name="inglewood"></ref>. A pond bearing Jefferies name is located northeast of the lagoon. In 1970, Jeffries sold the sanctuary to the City of Calgary. <ref name="CoC"></ref>.
In 1929, the family's property was designated as a federal migratory bird sanctuary by the government of Canada, after an application by Shelby Walker, Colonel Walker's son. The property was acquired by Ed Jefferies in 1953, who leased the location to the Alberta Fish & Game Association<ref name="inglewood"></ref>. A pond bearing Jefferies name is located northeast of the lagoon. In 1970, Jeffries sold the sanctuary to the City of Calgary. <ref name="CoC"></ref>.


In March 2022, the City of Calgary began a project to reconnect the lagoon to the Bow River<ref>{{cite web |title=Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Reconnection Project |url=https://engage.calgary.ca/ibs |publisher=City of Calgary |access-date=20 September 2023 |ref=reconnect}}</ref>. The goal of the project was to improve the water quality of the lagoon while minimizing the risk of damage from future floods. The project caused the closure of a portion of the northern end of the park. The entire park is scheduled to reopen in October 2023.
In March 2022, the City of Calgary began a project to reconnect the lagoon to the Bow River<ref>{{cite web |title=Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Reconnection Project |url=https://engage.calgary.ca/ibs |publisher=City of Calgary |access-date=20 September 2023 |ref=reconnect}}</ref>. The goal of the project was to improve the water quality of the lagoon while minimizing the risk of damage from future floods. The project caused the closure of a portion of the northern end of the park. The entire park is scheduled to reopen in October 2023.

Revision as of 15:12, 26 September 2023

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Colonel Walker house seen from Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is located in Calgary
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Location of Inglewood Bird Sanctuary in Calgary
TypeUrban park
LocationCalgary, Alberta, Canada
Coordinates51°01′48″N 114°00′35″W / 51.03000°N 114.00972°W / 51.03000; -114.00972
Area0.36 km2 (0.14 sq mi)
Operated byCity of Calgary
OpenAll year

The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is an urban park and nature reserve located along the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The park includes an interpretive nature centre, where educational programs and summer camps are offered.[1] The park is a popular location for birding and wildlife viewing in the city, and is part of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network [2]. The historic Colonel James Walker house is also located within the park. [3]

The park is situated within the larger Inglewood Migratory Bird Sanctuary area, which is managed by the Canadian Wildlife Service. This area consists of the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, the Inglewood Golf and Curling Club, and part of the Canadian Pacific Railway yards.[4]

Wildlife

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is located on the southern bank of the Bow River. It is primarily riverine forest surrounding a large central lagoon, however, the park also has of areas of grasslands, shrubs, and a small pond. [5]. This variety of habitats makes Inglewood Bird Sanctuary a common location to find birds, mammals, and plant life despite its location inside the city.

There have been 270 recorded bird species, 21 mammal species, and 347 plant species identified at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary over its entire history.[1]. Over the park's history, numerous species rarely seen in Alberta have been recorded here. This includes a scissor-tailed flycatcher in 2000, a purple sandpiper in 2013, and a juvenile yellow-crowned night heron in 2021, among others.[6] Several species of birds commonly use the area to nest in the spring and summer, including wood ducks and european starlings. In the winter the central lagoon typically freezes over, however, the adjacent Bow River remains open. Because of this, several species of waterfowl can commonly be found here over winter, including mallards and Canada geese. Mammals such as short-tailed weasels and mule deer, as well as coyotes, can be found in the park year-round. [5]

A female wood duck and ducklings in the lagoon

History

The area on which the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is located has been used by the plains First Nations for thousands of years. Archaeologists have uncovered hearths and bison bones within the park, indicating that this area may have been used as a campsite [7]

The Colonel James Walker house

In 1882, the site was settled by Colonel James Walker, who built a homestead and a sawmill on the property. In 1910, the original homestead was replaced by the current Colonel Walker house. The house is still in use today as a classroom and office for park staff.

In 1929, the family's property was designated as a federal migratory bird sanctuary by the government of Canada, after an application by Shelby Walker, Colonel Walker's son. The property was acquired by Ed Jefferies in 1953, who leased the location to the Alberta Fish & Game Association[5]. A pond bearing Jefferies name is located northeast of the lagoon. In 1970, Jeffries sold the sanctuary to the City of Calgary. [1].

In March 2022, the City of Calgary began a project to reconnect the lagoon to the Bow River[8]. The goal of the project was to improve the water quality of the lagoon while minimizing the risk of damage from future floods. The project caused the closure of a portion of the northern end of the park. The entire park is scheduled to reopen in October 2023.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Inglewood Bird Sanctuary". City of Calgary. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
  2. ^ "Canadian Migration Monitoring Network". Canadian Migration Monitoring Network. Birds Canada. 18 October 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
  3. ^ "HistoricPlaces.ca - HistoricPlaces.ca". www.historicplaces.ca. Retrieved 2022-10-30.
  4. ^ "Inglewood Migratory Bird Sanctuary". Inglewood Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Government of Canada. 11 February 2015. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Elphinstone, Dave (1990). Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (1 ed.). Rocky Mountain Books. ISBN 0-921102-10-0.
  6. ^ "Alberta Rare Bird Records". University of Lethbridge. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  7. ^ "Uncovering Human History: Archaeology and Calgary Parks" (PDF). Parks History. City of Calgary. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  8. ^ "Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Reconnection Project". City of Calgary. Retrieved 20 September 2023.