Alberta is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. There is a huge assortment of birds, mammals, plants and, despite the climate, even some reptiles and amphibians found in the province.

A wide variety of birds nest in Alberta, and still more pass through on migration routes between arctic nesting habitats and southern wintering grounds. Some birds are as small as a hummingbird which weigh only a few grams to the majestic Bald Eagle and the American White Pelican, weighing a few kilograms each, birds vary greatly in shape and size. There are over 350 species of birds that can be found in the province. Many of which are here only to breed in the summer; some are here year round; some are found only during the winter.

There is also a large number of mammals to be found as well. There are no migratory mammals found in Alberta and as such they must deal with seasonal changes in different ways. Some mammals hibernate while others grow thick winter fur.

There are still many areas in Alberta where wildlife thrives in a variety of ecosystems: mountians, foothills, grasslands, forests, wetands. Sadly human encroachment is destroying a lot of wild habitat. Some animals are perishing, some are thriving. Wildlife of all forms is a wonder to look at. Getting to know and apprieciate the all the other species that share our planet can only enlighten our lives.

Theses pages are meant of provide information about many of the species that call Alberta home for at least part of the year. Many of the pictures of the animals on the following pages were taken at wildlife rehabilitation centres and at the Calgary Zoo. Photographing animals in the wild is a whole different game and wild animal shots are included where possible. All photographs on these pages are copyright © Scott Jubinville and may not be copied or published in any form without written permission from the photographer.

BIRDS
Grebes:   Horned Grebe    Eared Grebe    Red-Necked Grebe    Western Grebe
Pelicans:   American White Pelican
Swans, Geese, Ducks and allies:   Canada Goose    American Wigeon    Mallard    Common Goldeneye    Common Merganser    Ruddy Duck
Herons and Cranes:    Great Blue Heron    Sandhill Crane    Whooping Crane
Smaller Wading Birds:    American Avocet

Hawks, Eagles and allies:    Bald Eagle    Swainson's Hawk    Red-tailed Hawk
Falcons:    Peregrine Falcon    Merlin
Typical Owls:    Snowy Owl    Great Gray Owl    Great Horned Owl    Barred Owl    Short-eared Owl    Long-eared Owl    Northern Saw-whet Owl
Woodpeckers:   Northern Flicker
Blackbirds:   Red-winged Blackbird
Flycatchers:   Eastern Kingbird
MAMMALS
Bears:    Black Bear
Canids:    Grey Wolf
Cats:

Rodents
Squirrels:   Red Squirrel



Most recent pictures added to collection on June 29, 2003

Special thanks to Mo Keshavjee without who's help this page would not have been possible.

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