Bird Sanctuary
The following is an article I wrote for the journalism project I am involved in, which becomes more and more innocuous with each passing day. I never want anyone I know to ever see the piece of shit magazine we are producing here, however I am moderately proud of this story and I just kinda wanted to share. And so...
If you follow 9th Avenue east past the Blackfoot Truck Stop you’re likely to find yourself at a fascinating dead end. Situated where the road suddenly ceases at 9th and Sanctuary Road, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is an unexpectedly wonderful way to waste a winter afternoon. Ample parking surrounds a modest gray building - the Nature Center, often closed early in the winter months and displaying a sign, pointing visitors to the open chain link gate.
“Officially it is a Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary” explains Sid Andrews, Education Coordinator for City of Calgary Parks and Recreation. “It was opened in 1929 by Colonel James Walker and his son Selby.”
Though busiest during fall migration, Andrews insists there are still plenty of good reasons to visit the grounds during the winter season. “We can have at least two dozen species of birds in the park well into January.”
Past the entrance lies a stretch of flat land leading to the tree line with slivers of long yellow grass stabbing up out of a blanket of snow. The footpaths are for the most part well maintained and clear, with only a few side trails made inaccessible by snowfall. Turn your eyes to the west and take in the cityscape, hardly more than twenty blocks away. To the south lies an industrial area, which hums and wails muted mechanical noise out over the soft air, adding an eerie ambience to an otherwise wholly natural, protected place.
As the pathway enters the tree line the bird-sounds become audible over the ghostly wind, and the paved street bends to meet the Bow River. This breathtaking harborage features a low wooden bridge across the water, where hundreds of waterfowl swim lazily, quacking in flatulent contentment. Smaller birds flit through the treetops, occasionally fluttering downward to a low branch or leafless brush to investigate human intruders. The animals seem unafraid, almost curious about the presence of people, often following from bush to bush as you walk along the pathway.
More than 250 species of birds, 300 species of plants and several mammals are known to inhabit the area. Open year round during daylight hours, the Sanctuary offers more than two kilometers of walking trails, but politely asks you leave your pets, bicycles, roller blades, and bird food at home. The Sanctuary abides by strict guidelines, which aim to keep the park clean and safe for the wildlife that flourish there.
The red bare brush by the waterside, the golden sky and the tall, slow leaning trees paint a utopian portrait one would never expect to find hidden in a pocket so close to our city’s core. This winter get your hat and scarf and perhaps a small book from the library on birds indigenous to southern Alberta and see how many you can find.
“We have quite a slate of programs for schools, adults, youth or church groups, summer day camps and even bridal showers!” Andrews explains pleasantly.
Located at 2425 9th Ave SE, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Nature Center offers an exhibit hall, meeting room, hire-a-Naturalist service and even birthday parties for the kids. Call the City of Calgary for more information (3-1-1) or fax the Nature Center at 403-221-3775.
If you follow 9th Avenue east past the Blackfoot Truck Stop you’re likely to find yourself at a fascinating dead end. Situated where the road suddenly ceases at 9th and Sanctuary Road, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is an unexpectedly wonderful way to waste a winter afternoon. Ample parking surrounds a modest gray building - the Nature Center, often closed early in the winter months and displaying a sign, pointing visitors to the open chain link gate.
“Officially it is a Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary” explains Sid Andrews, Education Coordinator for City of Calgary Parks and Recreation. “It was opened in 1929 by Colonel James Walker and his son Selby.”
Though busiest during fall migration, Andrews insists there are still plenty of good reasons to visit the grounds during the winter season. “We can have at least two dozen species of birds in the park well into January.”
Past the entrance lies a stretch of flat land leading to the tree line with slivers of long yellow grass stabbing up out of a blanket of snow. The footpaths are for the most part well maintained and clear, with only a few side trails made inaccessible by snowfall. Turn your eyes to the west and take in the cityscape, hardly more than twenty blocks away. To the south lies an industrial area, which hums and wails muted mechanical noise out over the soft air, adding an eerie ambience to an otherwise wholly natural, protected place.
As the pathway enters the tree line the bird-sounds become audible over the ghostly wind, and the paved street bends to meet the Bow River. This breathtaking harborage features a low wooden bridge across the water, where hundreds of waterfowl swim lazily, quacking in flatulent contentment. Smaller birds flit through the treetops, occasionally fluttering downward to a low branch or leafless brush to investigate human intruders. The animals seem unafraid, almost curious about the presence of people, often following from bush to bush as you walk along the pathway.
More than 250 species of birds, 300 species of plants and several mammals are known to inhabit the area. Open year round during daylight hours, the Sanctuary offers more than two kilometers of walking trails, but politely asks you leave your pets, bicycles, roller blades, and bird food at home. The Sanctuary abides by strict guidelines, which aim to keep the park clean and safe for the wildlife that flourish there.
The red bare brush by the waterside, the golden sky and the tall, slow leaning trees paint a utopian portrait one would never expect to find hidden in a pocket so close to our city’s core. This winter get your hat and scarf and perhaps a small book from the library on birds indigenous to southern Alberta and see how many you can find.
“We have quite a slate of programs for schools, adults, youth or church groups, summer day camps and even bridal showers!” Andrews explains pleasantly.
Located at 2425 9th Ave SE, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Nature Center offers an exhibit hall, meeting room, hire-a-Naturalist service and even birthday parties for the kids. Call the City of Calgary for more information (3-1-1) or fax the Nature Center at 403-221-3775.